ARRI True Blue series

ARRI True Blue Series – Professional Tungsten Lighting for Studio and Location

The ARRI True Blue Series represents a groundbreaking evolution in professional tungsten Fresnel lighting, combining decades of proven reliability with innovative engineering. These fixtures deliver the warm, natural 3200K tungsten light quality that cinematographers and lighting designers trust, wrapped in a redesigned housing that reduces weight without compromising durability. Whether You are lighting a broadcast studio, a theatre stage, or a demanding location shoot, the True Blue Series offers the precision, build quality, and thermal management that professional applications demand.

What Is the ARRI True Blue Series?

The ARRI True Blue Series is a family of professional tungsten Fresnel spotlights engineered for studio and location lighting. Available in three power ratings — the T1 (1000W), T2 (2000W), and T5 (5000W) — these fixtures feature a spherical specular high-purity aluminium reflector and a low-expansion borosilicate Fresnel lens that delivers smooth, controllable beam angles from 10° to 54°.

Unlike open-face tungsten fixtures or PAR cans, Fresnel spotlights like the True Blue Series offer precise beam shaping and soft shadow edges, making them ideal for key lighting, fill lighting, and accent work. The G22 lamp base (T1) and G38 lamp base (T2, T5) accept industry-standard tungsten lamps, and all models can be dimmed from 0 to 100% via external dimming systems without colour shift — a critical advantage over some LED alternatives when colour consistency is paramount.

The True Blue Series distinguishes itself from earlier ARRI tungsten fixtures and competing brands through its patent-pending Cross-Cooling System, which channels cooling air through strategically placed ventilation ducts. This innovation reduces housing temperature by approximately 25% and lamp temperature by around 17%, extending lamp life and improving on-set comfort. The pressure die-cast and extruded aluminium construction delivers exceptional strength-to-weight ratios while offering superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional steel housings.

All True Blue fixtures carry an IP23 protection rating, certifying them for safe indoor and outdoor use, and meet CE, UKCA, CB, and cNRTLus safety standards — essential credentials for professional event technicians and rental houses operating under strict insurance and compliance requirements.

Applications – Where the ARRI True Blue Series Excels

The ARRI True Blue Series thrives in environments where colour accuracy, controllability, and reliability are non-negotiable. Broadcast studios rely on the T2 and T5 models for interview setups and news desks, where the warm tungsten spectrum flatters skin tones and integrates seamlessly with legacy lighting plots. Theatre productions value the precise beam control and four-leaf barndoors for shaping light on stage without spill onto set pieces or audience areas.

Location lighting crews appreciate the robust build quality and IP23 rating when working outdoors or in challenging environments — from corporate events in temporary venues to documentary shoots in uncontrolled spaces. The T1's compact size and lighter weight (approximately 4.5 kg in manual configuration) make it a versatile choice for run-and-gun work, while the T5's 5000W output provides the punch needed for large-scale illumination or long-throw applications.

Event technicians working with truss-mounted lighting rigs will find the True Blue Series integrates smoothly with professional rigging hardware. The 28 mm (1 1/8") spigot mount is compatible with standard clamps and yokes, and the sliding stirrup on the T2 and T5 models allows precise centre-of-gravity adjustment when accessories are added — critical when fixtures are suspended from aluminium truss systems. The stainless steel tilt lock ensures rigid positioning even under vibration or movement, a feature that rental companies and touring productions depend on.

Film and video productions benefit from the True Blue Series' compatibility with traditional grip equipment: scrims, diffusion frames, and flags attach securely to the adjustable accessory brackets, which accommodate both 2-scrim and 4-scrim positions without gaps. This level of control allows lighting designers to achieve beeindruckende Ergebnisse — impressive results — whether creating dramatic high-contrast scenes or soft, even illumination for interviews.

Quality, Build Standards, and Professional Specifications

ARRI's reputation for engineering excellence is evident in every detail of the True Blue Series. The housings are constructed from pressure die-cast and extruded aluminium, a manufacturing process that delivers superior dimensional accuracy and material consistency compared to fabricated steel housings. This approach reduces overall weight — the T1 weighs just 4.5 kg, the T2 approximately 7 kg, and the T5 around 12 kg — without sacrificing structural integrity or thermal performance.

The four-leaf barndoors supplied with each fixture are made from a special alloy with a high strength-to-weight ratio and feature an effective tightening mechanism that holds position under heat and vibration. The lens is protected by a stainless steel wireframe guard that prevents accidental damage while maintaining maximum light transmission. Stainless steel components throughout — from the tilt lock friction disc to mounting hardware — ensure long-term corrosion resistance, a critical consideration for fixtures that may be stored in road cases or used in humid environments.

Manufacturers such as ARRI, Dedo Weigert, and ETC dominate the professional tungsten Fresnel market, but the True Blue Series stands out for its combination of thermal management, weight reduction, and accessory compatibility. The adjustable accessory brackets accept scrims with diameters of 330 mm (T5), 175 mm (T2), and 150 mm (T1), and the brackets can be repositioned to eliminate gaps when using fewer scrims — a thoughtful design detail that prevents light leaks and maintains clean beam edges.

Power consumption is straightforward: the T1 draws 1000W, the T2 draws 2000W, and the T5 draws 5000W, all at rated voltage (230V or 120V depending on model). When planning power distribution for multi-light setups, event technicians should calculate total load carefully — a typical 16A circuit at 230V can support approximately three T2 fixtures or one T5 plus two T1 units, assuming no other loads on the same circuit. For larger installations, dedicated dimmer racks or distribution systems are essential.

Price positioning reflects the professional grade of these fixtures: the T1 typically retails around $578, the T2 near $716, and the T5 approximately $1,140 — investments that rental houses and production companies justify through durability, serviceability, and resale value. All True Blue fixtures share common components where possible, simplifying spare-parts inventory and reducing maintenance downtime.

Innovative Cooling Technology – The Cross-Cooling System

The patent-pending Cross-Cooling System is the defining technical innovation of the ARRI True Blue Series. Traditional tungsten Fresnel fixtures rely on passive convection and single-path airflow, which can result in hot spots on the housing and accelerated lamp aging. ARRI's engineers developed a network of ventilation ducts that create multiple cooling streams, channeling air around the lamp envelope and through the housing in a cross-flow pattern.

This design achieves a 25% reduction in housing temperature and a 17% reduction in lamp temperature compared to conventional cooling methods. The practical benefits are significant: cooler housings mean safer handling during setup and teardown, reduced risk of burns, and less radiant heat affecting nearby equipment or performers. Lower lamp temperatures extend filament life, reducing the frequency of lamp replacements and lowering operating costs over the fixture's lifespan.

The cooling system operates passively — no fans or moving parts — ensuring silent operation, a critical requirement for broadcast, film, and theatre work where microphone proximity is a concern. The ventilation ducts are integrated into the die-cast housing, so there are no external vents to clog or fragile grilles to damage during transport.

For event technicians working in enclosed spaces or temporary structures, the improved thermal management of the True Blue Series reduces ambient heat buildup, a consideration when multiple fixtures are in use. This can lower HVAC demands and improve comfort for crew and talent, particularly during long setup periods or extended recording sessions.

Rigging, Mounting, and Integration with Professional Truss Systems

Professional lighting installations demand secure, repeatable mounting solutions, and the ARRI True Blue Series delivers with industry-standard 28 mm (1 1/8") spigot mounts on the T2 and T5 models. The T1 offers a combination mount for 16 mm (5/8") or 28 mm (1 1/8") spigots, providing flexibility for smaller rigs or handheld applications. These spigots integrate seamlessly with professional clamps, yokes, and truss-mounting hardware from manufacturers like Riggatec, Doughty, and Manfrotto.

When mounting True Blue fixtures to aluminium truss systems — whether Naxpro-Truss, Prolyte, or Global Truss — technicians should use appropriately rated half-couplers or quick-trigger clamps. The T5, at approximately 12 kg, requires clamps with a safe working load (SWL) of at least 50 kg to maintain adequate safety margins. Always verify that the truss itself is rated for the cumulative load of all fixtures, cables, and accessories, and consult load charts when spanning distances exceed manufacturer recommendations.

The sliding stirrup on the T2 and T5 models is a practical feature when adding accessories such as barndoors, scrims, or diffusion frames. By sliding the stirrup along the housing, You can reposition the fixture's centre of gravity to maintain balance and prevent unwanted tilt. This adjustment is particularly valuable when fixtures are rigged at steep angles or when heavy accessories shift the weight distribution.

The stainless steel tilt lock provides rigid lock-off, preventing drift or creep once the fixture is positioned. This friction-disc mechanism is robust enough to hold position even under vibration from nearby audio systems or stage movement, yet smooth enough to allow fine adjustments during focus. For touring productions and rental applications, this reliability reduces the need for constant readjustment and minimises the risk of fixtures slipping out of position mid-show.

Cable management is straightforward: the T1 and T2 include 3-metre power cables with bare ends (allowing for custom connector installation), while pole-operated versions feature 1.5-metre cables. The T5 includes a 3-metre cable. When integrating True Blue fixtures into DMX-controlled dimming systems, ensure that dimmer packs or racks are rated for resistive tungsten loads — inductive or capacitive loads can cause nuisance tripping or reduced dimmer lifespan.

LTT – Your Specialist for Professional Lighting and Event Technology

At LTT, we understand that professional lighting is the foundation of every successful production, event, and installation. As Your specialist for event technology, we offer the ARRI True Blue Series alongside a comprehensive range of professional lighting solutions, rigging hardware, and accessories — all backed by expert advice and reliable service.

Every True Blue fixture we supply is shipped from our warehouse in Bocholt, Germany, ensuring fast delivery across the UK, Ireland, and international markets. We offer free shipping on orders over €69 and express shipping options when You need equipment on a tight deadline. Our team of experienced technicians is available to answer questions about fixture selection, power requirements, rigging compatibility, and accessory options — whether You are outfitting a new studio, expanding a rental inventory, or planning a one-off event.

LTT is not just a retailer; we are also a manufacturer with our own production facilities in Germany, specialising in Naxpro-Truss aluminium truss systems and Riggatec rigging accessories. This dual role gives us unique insight into the demands of professional event technology and allows us to offer integrated solutions that combine lighting, rigging, and support structures. With over 25 years of experience and more than 100,000 positive customer reviews, LTT has earned the trust of event technicians, production companies, and rental houses worldwide.

Explore our full range of professional lighting, truss systems, and event technology solutions — and experience the LTT difference.

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