Aimed squarely at professional event techs and lighting designers, the Ape Labs Marvel TB 4 Spot set is sure to make their lives easier: This road-ready set includes the bespoke Ape Labs transport case, which doubles up as a charging station for all four of the spots themselves. The Ape Labs Marvel Spots are powerful little things, fitted with high-grade li-ion batteries and IP65 certified for indoor and outdoor use. As always with Ape Labs, the design and functionality are thoroughly up to date. And when it comes to light quality, the Spots are really next level, because they function entirely without pulse-width modulation, thanks to Dual Drive technology: The result is seamless, flicker-free LED control, and that with a colour rendering index of CRI 90 and a beam angle of 15°. The integrated chip has a full RGB-WW spectrum, with cool white and lime, for a huge range of individual colours and immensely nuanced colour mixtures.
Like the brand's other lights, the Ape Labs Marvel Spot can be controlled simply using the remote it ships with. But for wireless DMX control, and the many functions available in the iOS and Android apps, it's best used in combination with Ape Labs' wireless Connect interface, which is sold separately – this way, each Spot integrates seamlessly into existing setups. An automatic repeater is built into each Spot, enabling wireless connectivity from lamp to lamp with a range of well over a kilometre. Positioning and installation are handled via the 360° rotatable bracket, with stable footing provided by fold-out, lockable feet, plus the options of securing the Spot either with the bracket itself or the M6 eyelet included. The Marvel Box is equally well-designed and practical, with charging circuitry that automatically recharges each lamp's battery. Measuring 65×44×37cm, the box weighs in at 23kg – with all four lamps inside, of course.
The Ape Labs Marvel Spot is aimed at professional users who need a lighting setup that can handle a wide range of scenarios. It might be deployed by lighting designers and event technicians as an uplight for illuminating façades and other specific elements of a building or venue: The Marvel Spot is perfectly suited to bespoke event and stage lighting. But all users will benefit from its relatively simple operation and multiple control options, as well as cable-free positioning thanks to its long-lasting battery. With its fanless design, the spot can be used night after night in noise-sensitive settings such as theatres, jazz clubs, or hotels and restaurants. Optional accessories like eyelets or loop cables further expand its applications. And potential thieves will have a hard time of it: The unit includes an anti-theft system with both a motion sensor and an audible alarm. The case helps keep the lamps safe, too.
Ape Labs is based in Eisingen, Germany, and designs and develops battery-operated LED spotlights. The company was founded in 2007 by managing director Julius Shrenk, who has spent his whole career working with stage technologies, so he knows the requirements of his customers precisely. Ape Labs are specialists in professional spotlights with a creative edge and design, and the company's focus is always on high-quality and affordable lighting products. The young team's portfolio offers a wide range of professional standard LED spotlights, among other solutions, but also caters for the consumer market. Ape Labs lighting products, first presented at Prolight & Sound in 2009, were unanimously hailed by the press as being "among the most innovative of recent times". Since 2015, all Ape Labs products have also been manufactured in Germany.
When operating the Ape Labs Marvel Spot cable-free, one key point shouldn't be overlooked: Battery life is around 14 hours for typical, full-featured use, which is impressive in itself. With flexible runtime management, this can be extended significantly: Regardless, busy light techs will soon come to love the way the lights' batteries can be charged directly in the Ape Labs Marvel Box. On its robust exterior, there are connectors for lockable Power-Twist cables and rubberised protective caps to guard against moisture and dust, as well as an on/off switch. And to make transport as effortless as possible, the box is equipped with sturdy carrying handles, a retractable trolley handle, and integrated castors. Inside, there’s a compartment to keep additional accessories safe and secure. The Ape Labs Marvel TB 4 Spot set is perfectly prepared for any mobile application.