Trends In RGBAL Light Engines

Red-green-blue-amber-lime (RGBAL) light engines are evolving toward higher spectral quality, more channels, and smarter control, with a strong push from pro‑stage, film, and architectural applications.

From RGBAL to multi-spectral

Manufacturers are extending beyond RGBAL into 6–8 color engines (e.g., adding royal blue, deep red, indigo) to widen gamut and fix “gappy” spectra from older RGBW and RGBAL. These multi‑spectral engines aim for better intermediate hues, more saturated reds/blues, and smoother mixing for camera work.

High CRI, deep turndown, and CCT flexibility

New RGBAL(-plus) engines target CRI 95+ and cinema‑grade color rendition, especially for skin tones utilizing extended deep‑red channels. Ultra‑wide CCT ranges (down to ~1000–1800K up to 20000K) with green/magenta correction, and maintained output across the curve are becoming standard in premium engines for film.

Advanced color science and calibration

Vendors are differentiating on firmware algorithms that manage multi‑channel engines (AccuTune‑style features, custom color mixing algorithms, “beyond the gamut” marketing) to improve accuracy and repeatability. On‑rig calibration and cloud/field color‑matching tools are emerging to keep fleets spectrally consistent over time.

Integration into compact, rugged fixtures

RGBAL/multi‑spectral engines are moving into smaller, quieter form factors (e.g., low‑noise theatrical profiles, compact exterior floods, linear bars) with higher lumen density. There is strong growth in outdoor‑rated, IP‑protected engine packages for festivals and architectural facades, often beam/wash hybrids with tunable white plus RGBAL color.

Controls, ecosystems, and “smart” features

Engines are designed from the start for fine pixel mapping, high‑channel DMX universes, and hybrid protocols (DMX, DALI, wireless DMX, plus early “Matter”/BMS hooks in architectural gear). AI‑assisted show control (audio‑reactive, predictive cueing) is becoming a selling point around these engines, even though the core RGBAL hardware is similar.

Sustainability and serviceability

Some manufacturers are designing fixtures where the light engine is field‑replaceable, letting users upgrade to newer RGBAL/multi‑spectral engines without scrapping housings and PSUs. Efficiency improvements (lumens per watt, better optics) are being marketed alongside spectrum quality for outdoor and touring use where power budgets are tight.

A recent example of an outdoor RGBAL floodlight is Acclaim’s Unity S1, here.

Image above: Acclaim’s Unity S1 outdoor RGBAL floodlight. Courtesy AcclaimLighting.com.

David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and President of Lighting Solution Development, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has co-chaired ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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