Aputure has added the Sidus Four to their lineup of lighting control accessories that connect complex lighting setups within professional environments. Sidus Four supports up to eight DMX universes: four wireless (CRMX) and four wired (DMX). It can connect via CRMX, DMX, Art-Net, and sACN over EtherCon and WiFi. Let’s look at the details.Aputure has brought us a variety of innovative lighting, such as the Aputure INFINIBAR 4-Light Kits and the Aputure INFINIMAT RGB Light Mats. Aputure also introduced the Sidus One, a wireless DMX networking node with a built-in wireless router capable of connecting DMX, CRMX, sACN, Art-Net, and Bluetooth Mesh in a rechargeable box. The Sidus One could be linked with up to three additional transceivers to create four more universes. Now, with the introduction of the Sidus Four, users can link as many units together as they need via Ethernet.Key features4 wireless universes, 4 wired universes – control over up to 8 CRMX/DMX lighting universes (and more when linked together)Large TFT display80-minute built-in backup battery, plus V-mount battery plate, for reliable power continuityIP65 weather rating to withstand the elementsThe following video from Aputure provides an extensive walkthrough for the Sidus Four: Technical aspectsFour Universe CMRX transmitterBuilt-in 4 port Ethernet nodeSimple/Informative DisplayBuilt-in Ethernet Switch5.8GHz Wi-Fi Router3/8″ anti-twist screw mountBuilt-in V-mount Battery Plate80-minute Internal Backup BatteryIP65 Dust and Water ResistanceFront-facing USB-C portRemote management with Sidus Link ProEasy-to-read display. Source: AputureA clear, easy-to-read displayThe Sidus Four’s 5-inch, color-coded TFT display is quite large and can be read very clearly. It provides users with information and a simple way to gauge the diagnostics (color coding: green is good, red is bad) on the status of their entire lighting network. In addition, the TFT panel avoids the panel burn-in issue sometimes found in OLED and LCD displays. The Sidus Four is designed to work via the Sidus Link app.Long-range signal reachSidus Four features five dual-band antennas that provide coverage for both WiFi and CRMX signals, with a wireless range extending up to 800 meters (2,625 feet). By operating on separate frequencies—2.4GHz for CRMX and 5.8GHz for WiFi—Sidus Four effectively minimizes the potential for network interference due to frequency overlap. This result should provide a much more reliable lighting network. Multiple Sidus Four transmitters can be linked. Source: AputurePower optionsSidus Four features a V-mount battery plate and an 80-minute internal battery for backup power, which should ensure uninterrupted operation in case of power loss. There is also a 3/8″ anti-twist screw mount so the unit can be positioned to where it is easy to read.Price and availabilityThe Sidus Four transmitter comes with four male-to-male DMX adapters, five antennas for CRMX and WiFi, a 1-3/8″ baby pin receiver with an anti-twist screw, and a universal power adapter – all in a rugged case. The Aputure Sidus Four is priced at $2,490. For more information, please see their website.What do you think of the new Sidus Four? Is this something you would like to take advantage of on set? Let us know in the comments below!
