Creamsource Vortex4 and CreamOS 2.0 Update for Vortex Series RGBW Lights Explained

April 26^th, 20223

by Olaf von VossApril 26^th, 2022

The new Creamsource CreamOS 2.0 includes RDM support, custom white points, DMX user presets for quick access to different DMX setups, Save/Restore settings and user presets to USB Drive, and HTP merging of up to 4 incoming sACN sources. The update is available for both the Vortex4 and the Vortex8 fixtures and is free of charge.

We met up with Creamsource here at the NAB 2022 in Las Vegas and talked with Spencer Newbury about the Creamsource Vortex4 and the new firmware update. If you want to know more, check the video interview made in cooperation with Creamsource.

creamsource-vortex4-waterproof — Creamsource Vortex4. Image credit: CineD

If you’re a user of Creamsource’s Vortex4 or Vortex8 RGBW fixtures (read our coverage here), you’re in for a treat: The company has just announced a completely new version of the underlying operating system: Meet CreamOS 2.0.

This update is mainly aimed at professional users, as the Vortex fixtures themselves are also primarily used by pro filmmakers. CreamOS 2.0 brings several updates in the DMX sector as well as RDM (Remote Device Management) improvements.

Vortex4 and Vortex8 — Vortex8 (left) and Vortex4. Image credit: Creamsource

Vortex4 is a 1×1 RGBW LED panel, while Vortex8 sports a bigger 2×1 panel.

Creamsource CreamOS 2.0

As these lights are not exactly aimed at one-man-band indie filmmakers, the CreamOS 2.0 update sports lots of improvements also targeted at gaffers and board operators, not only the cinematographer.

With the latest CreamOS 2.0 architecture, Vortex8 and Vortex4 are equipped for creative expression with pre-programmed effects, color gels, multi-zone control, and the quite unique FrameSync technology for enhanced effects and creative applications.

The new features of CreamOS 2.0 include (from the press release):

RDM support over Wired DMX and CRMX: Remote Device Management (RDM) allows lighting artists to configure the Vortex directly from the lighting console. With RDM it is no longer necessary to physically access the fixture to change DMX Mode, DMX Address, or any other setting.
Custom White Point to ‘CCT Crossfade HSI’ and ‘CCT Crossfade RGBW’ color modes enables users to define what the “White” point is when using RGBW or HSI crossfade modes. The CCT (between 2200K – 15000K) and Green/Magenta tint can be set, allowing matching to other sources or white balancing of video content played via an external media server. This gives additional creative freedom for gaffers and cinematographers.
DMX User Presets allow users to save and recall up to 4 different DMX configurations. DMX Mode, Address, Smoothing Mode, Dimming Curve and sACN Universe are all saved, and the user can recall the preset with only a few button presses. The presets can also be given a custom name (e.g. “Studio 1 Setup” or “Location 2”). This is especially helpful for fixtures that are used on multiple sets and it gives users the confidence to easily jump between locations and their corresponding setups.

CreamOS 2.0 Vortex 8 — image credit: Creamsource

Save/Restore Settings to USB Drive allows users to save all settings to a USB drive, allowing easy cloning of configurations between fixtures. All settings are saved, including High-Speed Mode, Dimming Curves, Fan Mode, DMX User Presets, and all other user settings. Settings are saved as a text file for easy editing on a Mac or PC.
Save/Restore User Presets to USB Drive allows users to save user presets to a USB drive, allowing easy copying of colors and effects between fixtures. User presets may also be renamed to give them descriptive names (e.g. “Favorite Moonlight” or “Scene 1 Fire Effect”). Either a single user preset, or all presets can be saved to the USB drive. Presets are saved as a text file for easy editing on a Mac or PC.

HTP merging of up to 4 incoming sACN sources is especially beneficial for large productions where there is likely to be a complicated setup: media servers, lighting consoles, etc., interacting with each other. This feature allows for multiple sources to be merged using HTP (Highest Takes Precedence). For example, RGB data can come from the media server but retain the custom white point and dimmer control from the lighting console.

The complete list of CreamOS 2.0 features can be found here.