PRESS RELEASE
The M8 is the latest and smallest lighting fixture in ARRI’s highly successful M-Series of HMI lampheads. Like the rest of the MSeries, the M8 is equipped with MAX Technology, a unique, patented and award winning reflector design that unifies the advantages of a Fresnel and a PAR fixture. With the M8 at one end and the ARRIMAX 18/12 at the other, the MSeries is a comprehensive daylight toolset of the highest quality, comprising five state-of-the-art lampheads that between them offer a range of nine evenly-staggered wattage options from 800 W up to 18,000 W.
More light, less work
The combination of an open face design and the unrivalled efficiency of the MAX reflector makes the M8 exceptionally bright; in fact, the light output produced by its 800 W lamp comes close to the output from a 1,200 W Fresnel or PAR (with lens). The unit can be focused between 15° and 62° just by turning the focus knob, producing a remarkably even light field and a crisp, clear shadow. By eliminating the need for bulky, easily breakable spread lenses, the M8 will speed up workflows on set.
Portable and verstaile
Lightweight and compact, the M8 is highly portable and ideal for a wide range of different uses. From cramped, inaccessible locations to feature film sound stages, the M8 will be equally at home and equally useful whether the production is a run-and-gun interview, a fast-moving documentary, a television series or a major movie.
Accessory options
A compact new frosted glass for the M8 slips easily into the fixture’s accessory brackets, softening the light output in a smooth, pleasing and perfectly even way. By taking the edge off shadows, the frosted glass expands creative options on set. The M8 has the same 245/230 mm accessory diameter as the current ARRI True Blue D12 fixture, so existing barndoors, scrims and Chimeras can also be used, held securely in place by the M8’s powerful tilt lock. In addition, the M8 can be used with existing 575 W, 1,200 W or 1,800 W cables.
Cool and weather-proof
Like many other ARRI lampheads, the M8 incorporates Cross Cooling, which allows safe operation even at extreme tilt angles of up to 90°. The electronics housing is spaced apart from the actual lamp housing to keep temperatures down and prolong the lifetime of electronic components. If parts do need replacing, the M8 is easy to open and therefore simple to maintain. For outdoor use the M8’s IP23 protection class rating allows the lamphead to withstand rough weather conditions, even driving rain.
Lightweight EB 575/800 ballast
Specially designed for the M8 is ARRI’s new small and lightweight EB 575/800 ballast, which can also be used with 575 W lampheads. In common with other new-generation ballasts from ARRI, it features CCL (Compensation for Cable Loss) technology and the power-saving ALF (Active Line Filter). The DMXcompatible EB 575/800 offers continuous dimming from 50 to 100% and a choice of four frequency modes for either low noise (50/60 Hz) or flicker-free (75/1,000 Hz) operating – all in a robust, easy-to-use package.