Aputure is building on the success of its Sidus One DMX/CRMX transceiver with the launch of the new Aputure Sidus Four. Sidus Four is a four-universe CRMX wireless transmitter that supports up to four additional wired DMX universes.
What are DMX and CRMX?
DMX stands for Digital Multiplex. It’s a protocol that you can use to control compatible lights. The signal travels in one direction, from the controller to the first light and on to the last. DMX also consists of 512 individual channels which are called a “universe.” You can assign different control parameters to each channel such as intensity and color. CRMX stands for Cognitive Radio MultipleXer. It’s a smart wireless system designed to reliably carry DMX control signal to your lights.
Compact design
The new Sidus Four transmitter can control up to four wireless universes and four wired universes. It’s a compact 7.4 inch by 7.3 inch by 2.7 inch (18.7 x 18.6 x 6.9 cm) device with a large five-inch color TFT display on the front. There are also five antennas attached to the back. Sidus Four is rated IP65 for dust and water resistance so it will stand up to life on set. Aputure says the transmission ranges for CRMX and wi-fi are over 2,600 feet (800 meters) while Sidus Bluetooth is just under 1,000 feet (300 meters).
Eight universes of control
Sidus Four supports up to four universes of 2.4 GHz wireless CRMX transmission. Aputure says that this delivers rock-solid interference-free control. Sidus Four also features a four-port DMX ethernet node for an additional four wired DMX universes. The wired connections mean you can still use Sidus Four with any legacy lights that don’t support wireless control. In addition, Sidus Four has dual ethernet ports so you can connect multiple units together. Aputure says as a result you can “expand to a near-infinite number of universes.”
Other features
Sidus Four has DC input on the side and an internal backup battery that will last for up to 80 minutes. There’s also a V-mount battery plate on top of the case which Aputure says can give you up to a full day of power. Underneath, there’s a standard 3/8-inch anti-twist screw mount so you can attach the Sidus Four to a light stand. In addition, the device has a 5 GHz Wi-Fi router. Sidus Four can listen to both Art-Net and sACN which are common forms of networked DMX as well.
What we think
Along with Arri, Aputure has been at the forefront of CRMX development. With the launch of Sidus Four, Aputure has made it even easier to control your complex lighting setups. It’s also good to have a single device that you can use with both your wireless lights and your older wired lights. In addition, being able to increase the number of universes by linking Sidus Four devices means you can expand your system as much as you need. Aputure says that the Sidus Four “may be the last transmitter you will ever need.” For many users, they just might be right.
Pricing and availability
Sidus Four is available now and retails for $2,490. It comes with an AC power adaptor in a Peli-style rugged hard case.
