The Differences Between an ETC ColorSource Spot & Source Four LED Series 2 Lustr

By Drew Quinones
Apr 17, 2019, updated Apr 23, 2019
 The Differences Between an ETC ColorSource Spot & Source Four LED Series 2 Lustr

One question we get asked often in the rentals and sales world is,  "What's the difference between a ColorSource Spot and a Source Four Series 2 Lustr?"  So we went directly to the SOURCE (see what we did there) to get ETC's perspective on these common questions. Below is what ETC had to say. We feel this has some great information for new and seasoned veterans in the industry. If you're looking to upgrade your out-of-date conventional lighting system to LED, these answers will be a tremendous help for you. Enjoy!

What was the thought process of developing the ColorSource Spot since the Lustr and Lustr 2 had been so well received?
ETC is known for quality products, and while we want our fixtures to be accessible to everyone, we understand they are often priced out of reach for many venues. The ColorSource Spot is a high-quality fixture that falls to a lower price point.

ETC ColorSource Family

(ETC ColorSource Family)

ColorSource Spot is part of a suite of ColorSource products designed for venues looking for a budget-conscious system of ETC products while still maintaining build quality, support, and dimming quality. We've placed an emphasis on ease of use with all ColorSource products and want the fixtures to be ready out of the box with minimal setup and programming.

Tell us about the differences in color mixing between the two?
 

Series 2 Lustr has a seven-color mix while ColorSource Spot has a four-color mix. We've removed the amber and cyan LEDs in the ColorSource fixture and give you the choice of blue or indigo. For ColorSource Spot you can choose the array that fits your venue. If you're looking for more of the deep saturated colors, you'll purchase the Deep Blue option.

While ColorSource Spot is the best four-color mix on the market, Lustr is the best overall mix on the market with a much fuller spectrum and the highest quality of light output.  

How does the brightness compare between the two in various color mixing modes and white light modes?
When it comes to total lumens, the two fixtures are very similar. Both use a total of 60 LEDs, but Lustr uses seven colors to create a more-complete spectral color mix. While saturated colors are brighter with ColorSource Spot, some colors are unreachable because of the four color mix.

View a full photometric comparison in the MyETC: Photometrics app.

What functionality & feature differences are there between the two?
ColorSource is designed to be simplistic and offers basic systems as a default. It's easy to use out of the box. With Lustr, you can change everything from the LED refresh rate to dimming curves. Lustr was designed for advanced users looking for a high level of customization as well as more simple applications.  

ColorSource Spot retains the features that are key for a theatrical entertainment fixture including a high-quality dimming curve. All ETC LED fixtures use Color Integrity - technology that includes droop compensation, fixture calibration, array selection, mode selection, and array balance options.

How does the white light differ between the two?
The Lustr fixture excels in quality when it comes to white light. Because of the seven color system and high level of customization, white light is significantly better.  

What applications would you recommend for each?
Because of the full-color spectrum, we recommend Lustr fixtures are used for front light or anywhere there is light on skin tones.
ColorSource Spot fixtures perform well as fill light - back light, side light or anywhere where you need a splash of color.

What is the difference in:
Heat output:
minimal difference BTUs = watts x3.41

Sound output:
Lustr: 22.5 DBA   |   ColorSource Spot:  21.2 DBA

Power draw: 
Lustr: 171W   |   ColorSource Spot: 147W

Channels:
Lustr: 6, 7, 10, or 15   |   ColorSource Spot: 1,3,5,or 6

LED Lifetime:
54,000 hrs L70 for both

Weight: (with barrel) 
Lustr: 18.3 lb   |   ColorSource Spot: 17 lb

Size:
Depends on options purchased. Reference datasheet
https://www.etcconnect.com/Product-Portfolio.aspx

CRI: (at 3200K)
Lustr: CRI of 94   |   ColorSource Spot: CRI of  77 

Both the Lustr and ColorSource Spot light engines accept CYC and Fresnel adapters and all Source Four lens tubes and barrels.

We have both available to purchase used or new here.

Additional resources:

MyETC: Photometrics and other lighting apps

https://www.etcconnect.com/Support/Apps/Lighting-Fixtures.aspx 
L70 testing information

https://www.etcconnect.com/About/News/ETC-Fixture-Ratings-and-Warranties-Extended.aspx

Product portfolio - all technical documentation in one easy-to-access location

https://www.etcconnect.com/Product-Portfolio.aspx

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