The short answer
- For linear light in shot, set accents and flowing colour effects: the Pheon Lux Phantom M pixel tube.
- For broad, soft light on a set, a top light or long reflections on glossy surfaces: the Pheon Lux Air Lux M18C inflatable light.
- Using both on one set: both support DMX and LumenRadio CRMX, so they can be run from the same lighting console.
What is a pixel tube and what is it for?
A pixel tube is a battery-powered LED tube divided along its length into sections (pixels) that can be controlled individually. Because each pixel takes its own colour and brightness, the tube can run rainbow flows, starlight, music-driven patterns and one- or two-way chases. Pheon Lux’s Phantom M series is listed on the manufacturer’s site as Tube Lux M.
According to the manufacturer, the tube surface gives soft light and the tube can be hidden inside designs such as mirror lines; Pheon Lux describes it as suited to large productions such as film, advertising and concerts. On TV and music show sets, music videos and events it serves as a background effect or an in-shot practical. The built-in battery makes setup easier where running cable is difficult.
Phantom M lengths and specifications
The Phantom M series comes in three lengths. All of them are RGBWW, with a 2,700–10,000 K colour temperature range, ±100 green/magenta adjustment and CRI and TLCI of 95 or higher. Dimming is stepless from 0 to 100%, and HUE + SAT mode offers 36,000 colours.
According to the manufacturer, the built-in battery lasts up to 20 hours in normal use and 2.5 hours at full power. The tubes charge through a USB Type-C port with PD and QC fast-charging support and can also run from a power bank.
| Specification | T16M | T32M | T64M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 16 W | 32 W | 64 W |
| Pixels | 8 | 16 | 32 |
| Size (diameter × length) | 38.5 × 550 mm | 38.5 × 1,200 mm | 38.5 × 2,400 mm |
| Weight | 0.43 kg | 0.9 kg | 1.55 kg |
| Charging time | 3 hours | 4 hours | 5 hours |
What is an inflatable light and what is it for?
Air Lux is a lightweight LED light whose multi-layer body is inflated with a pump. Because the light leaves a broad surface, it is soft straight away; according to the manufacturer, the M series keeps the soft-light design of the H series and, with its soft-light accessories, provides soft light for film and television shoots. The body folds down small for transport when not in use.
That makes it a tool for a broad top light over a set or a presenter’s desk, for lighting a large area with soft light, and for seamless reflection lines on glossy surfaces such as car bodywork. The Air Lux M series is also pixel-controlled: according to the manual, the series has 23 built-in effects and the app holds more than 600 electronic gels.
Air Lux M18C specifications
The Air Lux M18C is one of the cylindrical linear models in the Air Lux II (M) series. The series has 11 models: cylinders from 1.22 m to 8.21 m long alongside flat panel-shaped models.
| Specification | Air Lux M18C |
|---|---|
| Power | 200 W |
| Body | Inflatable cylinder; 2,230 mm long, 250 mm diameter |
| Light | RGBWW, pixel-controlled |
| Colour temperature | 2,700–10,000 K |
| Green/magenta | ±100 |
| CRI / TLCI | 95 or higher |
| Power input | AC 100–240 V; DC 14.8–26 V (through the V-mount plate on the controller) |
| Control | Controller, Pheon Link app (Wi-Fi), DMX512, 2.4G, wired and wireless CRMX |
| Inflation | AC and DC air pumps included |
| In the box (per the manual) | Controller, frame, grid and skirt, connecting cables, air pumps, flight case; contents may vary by model |
Control: console, CRMX, app and software
Phantom M tubes have a built-in LumenRadio module. According to the manufacturer, they can be run over wired and wireless DMX, with software such as Luminair and MADRIX, and from a remote, the app, a lighting console or a computer; several tubes work together in a master-slave link. According to the manual, the wired DMX signal enters through the USB Type-C port via a converter.
The Air Lux M18C is run from the controller connected to its body. The controller has DMX in/out and wireless modules; DMX512, CRMX, 2.4G and the Pheon Link app (Wi-Fi) are available as connection modes.
Pixel effects can run from the light’s own menu without a console. When you want to drive each pixel separately from the console, each light uses more DMX channels and the address plan has to allow for that. See our DMX lighting control guide for details.
Which one for which job?
| Use | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| TV and music show sets | Phantom M | Linear in-shot light and pixel effects |
| Concerts, events and stage | Phantom M | Built-in battery, wireless control; tubes run effects as a group |
| Top light over a presenter’s desk or a set | Air Lux M18C | Soft light from a broad body; can be rigged on its frame |
| Car and product commercials | Air Lux M18C | Long, seamless reflections on glossy surfaces |
| Quick setup in tight spaces, handheld use | Phantom M | 0.43–1.55 kg by length, runs wirelessly |
| Locations without mains power | Either | Phantom M has a battery; the Air Lux controller runs on V-mount batteries |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a pixel tube and an ordinary LED tube?
On a pixel tube, sections along the tube are controlled individually; an ordinary tube lights in one colour and brightness along its whole length. The Phantom M series has 8, 16 or 32 pixels depending on length, which is what lets it run flowing colours and moving effects.
How is an inflatable light inflated?
With the AC or DC air pump in the box. The pump nozzle goes into the air valve on the body; when the body is fully inflated, the pump is stopped and the valve cap is closed. The same pump deflates it.
How long do Phantom M tubes run on battery?
According to the manufacturer, up to 20 hours in normal use and 2.5 hours at full power. Charging takes 3 to 5 hours depending on length, through the USB Type-C port.
Can Pheon Lux lights be used with a DMX console?
Yes. Phantom M tubes have a built-in LumenRadio CRMX receiver and wired DMX support, and the Air Lux M18C controller has DMX512 and CRMX. Both can be run together from the same console.
Who is the Pheon Lux distributor in Türkiye (Turkey)?
True Medya (True Yapım ve Medya A.Ş.) is the Pheon Lux distributor in Türkiye (Turkey). Pheon Lux’s official partner page lists True Yapım ve Medya as its agent for Turkey.
