By Troy Smith
After I first began my profession, I used to be working nights, and I might typically take heed to Coast to Coast AM with Artwork Bell. The radio present was about paranormal occasions, however for me, it was in regards to the ardour the company. Jason Rosenfeld, the founding father of MediaLight, overflows with ardour when he begins speaking about lighting. Actually, in the event you instructed me his license plate stated “D65,” I might imagine you. Darkish edit and colour bays are much better due to passionate individuals like Jason.
Whether or not you’re grading for cinema, broadcast or internet, your reference surroundings is simply as important because the calibrated monitor in entrance of you. Bias lighting isn’t only a house theater perk; it’s a foundational instrument for correct notion and evaluating colour with precision. MediaLight Mk2, a bias lighting resolution that guarantees D65 accuracy, excessive CRI (colour rendering index – a measure of how precisely a lightweight matches a pure mild supply) and — fortunately — not a touch of RGB disco.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Opening the MediaLight Mk2 equipment, I felt like a Boy Scout. I had every thing I wanted: the LED strip, dimmer, adapters and adhesives. The brand new embedded adhesive has been upgraded from Very Excessive Bond to Extremely Excessive Bond (UHB). The brand new model is obvious on each the tape and backing, so there is no such thing as a likelihood of colour reflection. Don’t need so use the UHB embedded within the mild strip? No worries. The included nano tape affords clear, residue-free removing in the event you ever have to reposition or uninstall your lights. There are additionally small 3M clips for holding energy cables in place.
Precision and Shade Accuracy
Ask any colorist what their favourite quantity is, and also you’ll most likely hear “6500.” The MediaLight Mk2 delivers a measured 6500K (D65) white level, which isn’t solely a should for vital visible work however can be precisely what the {industry} customary prescribes. With a CRI of 99, this strip doesn’t simply speak the speak, it walks the stroll, revealing refined colour nuances with out including a touch of magenta or inexperienced shift.
In the event you’re anxious about “colour drift” over time, don’t be. The Mk2 saved its temperature stable by way of lengthy classes.
Set up and Integration
Set up is a breeze. The strip’s flexibility means it wraps simply round screens of all sizes, and the clear directions are as easy as a accurately labeled timeline. The strip can be formed in order that it means that you can simply navigate these 90-degree angles behind your monitor.
Is your strip is just too lengthy, no downside; simply reduce it. It’s designed to be reduce if wanted. I do know what you might be pondering: “What a waste of fine lighting strip.” Don’t fear, in the event you do have loads of strip left, you should purchase an adapter and nonetheless use it!
The USB energy choice is especially suited to fashionable grading environments, particularly in case you have an influence port behind your show. The included dimmer is crucial for matching mild ranges to your monitor’s luminance — no extra “too shiny” or “not shiny sufficient” conditions to fret about. There may be an non-compulsory distant out there for many who have screens additional away from their workstations.
Efficiency within the Suite
Viewing circumstances form notion, and the MediaLight Mk2 creates an surroundings the place your eyes can adapt naturally, decreasing fatigue and making these lengthy colour classes much less taxing. The impartial, clean wash of sunshine eliminates the black gap behind your monitor, permitting you to give attention to what’s on the display screen, not what’s behind it.The even, flicker-free illumination means no distractions, no sizzling spots. In truth, with this setup, you may lastly persuade purchasers to cease twiddling with the home lights.
Comparability to Business Alternate options
Most shopper bias mild kits are as helpful in a colour suite as a clown wig at a funeral — enjoyable, however not what you’re after. The MediaLight Mk2, nevertheless, stands out because the premium, studio-grade resolution. In contrast to RGB strips, which may introduce colour air pollution and compromise vital work, the Mk2 is purpose-built for professionals.
Execs and Cons
- Execs:
- D65 6500K true white, verified with devices.
- CRI of 99 — no hue surprises.
- Even illumination — clean gradients, no sizzling spots.
- Straightforward set up and versatile sizing.
- Dimmer for matching mild degree to reference requirements.
- Cons:
- Tariffs intrude with the availability of lights.
Conclusion
Are you able to go on Amazon and purchase “backlights” or another random strip of sunshine? Sure, however what are you truly getting? Is your white degree actually white? Are you able to dim these lights? Are they going to flicker? In relation to colour grading, I’m very biased about backlights. It is senseless shopping for colourful lights designed to glow in an adolescent’s bed room. Why waste the time taking a look at different lights when the answer is already out there from MediaLight?
The MediaLight Mk2 earns a rightful spot in any colorist’s toolkit, delivering industry-standard efficiency. Whether or not you’re grading that subsequent indie darling or a blockbuster business, your eyes — and your purchasers — will thanks. And if you wish to get the session proper, be sure to have D65 mild.
Remaining observe… my therapist says I have to work on my biases. I instructed her, “You’re proper, I can purchase extra MediaLights for the opposite screens!”
Troy Smith has over 25 years of expertise as a colorist and on-line editor. He’s additionally a founding board member of the Colorist Society Hollywood, an area chapter of the Colorist Society Worldwide.
