New Creamsource Vortex2 Series | Compact Vortex Lighting from Starlite

New Creamsource Vortex2 Series | Compact Vortex Lighting from Starlite

Jun 16, 2026 | Equipment, Event Technology, Lighting, Production, Visual

Creamsource Vortex2 Series compact LED lighting fixture

Creamsource Vortex2 Series: A Compact Addition to the Vortex Family

Creamsource has expanded its trusted Vortex lineup with the new Vortex2 Series. This compact 160W platform brings the familiar power, color consistency, and rugged build quality of the Vortex family into a smaller, more flexible form.

As an official Creamsource dealer, Starlite is excited to see the Vortex ecosystem continue to grow. The Vortex2 Series gives production teams a compact tool for fast-moving setups, tight spaces, and changing conditions.

The series includes two models. The Vortex2 offers a tighter, more directional beam. The Vortex2 Soft provides a wider native spread for broader coverage. Together, they give crews more flexibility while keeping the same Creamsource workflow across the lineup.

How the Creamsource Vortex2 Series Moves with the Production

Compact fixtures often become some of the most useful tools on set. They move easily, rig quickly, and fit into spaces where larger fixtures may not be practical.

That is where the Vortex2 Series stands out. Its compact 160W design makes it easy to place in tight spots. Crews can also add it to multi-light arrays or rig it into more complex setups. As a result, it works well as a flexible source that stays close to the action.

The series also carries over the same core Vortex DNA. That includes CreamOS, IP65 weather resistance, RRGBBW color technology, and familiar control workflows. Because of that, crews can keep a dependable Vortex workflow across many production environments.

Two Output Options in the Creamsource Vortex2 Series

The Vortex2 Series gives users two output options. Each model supports a different type of setup.

The Vortex2 is the more directional model. It features a native 20° beam angle for tighter, more focused output. As a result, it works well when punch, shape, and control matter.

The Vortex2 Soft offers a native 110° spread. This makes it the better choice when crews need broader, softer coverage from a compact fixture.

Both models share the same compact platform. Therefore, crews can choose the output they need while keeping a consistent workflow, control experience, and color response across the Vortex family.

Designed for real-world rigging and control

Creamsource built the Vortex2 Series for practical production use. The fixtures include features that help crews work faster and cleaner on set.

Built-in LumenRadio, etherCON, pass-through DMX, and pass-through power support efficient multi-fixture setups. They also make daisy-chaining more practical. That means crews can simplify cabling when working with several units, longer linear arrays, or tight environments.

In addition, Creamsource added rigging features specifically for this series. These include multiple LNX sockets, 3/8” rigging points, a center mount socket, and support for a center mount gooseneck. Plus, the front-load accessory mounting system carries over. This gives crews a practical way to work with modifiers and accessories.

A 3-pin XLR DC input also supports portable battery operation with existing battery systems. As a result, the fixtures offer even more flexibility for location work and mobile production setups.

Starlite Creamsource V2 and V2S
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Key Features Include:

  • 160W compact form factor
  • Two model options: directional and soft
  • 20° beam angle on Vortex2
  • 110° native spread on Vortex2 Soft
  • IP65-rated weather resistance
  • RRGBBW LED engine with red, deep red, green, blue, royal blue, and white emitters
  • CreamOS workflow
  • Built-in LumenRadio
  • etherCON connectivity
  • Pass-through DMX and power
  • Multiple LNX sockets and 3/8” rigging points
  • 3-pin XLR DC input for portable battery operation
  • Compatibility with the growing Vortex accessory ecosystem

Consistent Color Across the Creamsource Vortex Lineup

For crews already familiar with Creamsource, the Vortex2 Series offers a major advantage. It fits directly into the larger Vortex ecosystem.

The series uses Creamsource’s CCMS — Creamsource Colour Management System. This system helps maintain accurate and consistent color across the Vortex range. Therefore, crews can integrate Vortex2 Series fixtures alongside other Vortex units with confidence.

They also get a familiar operating environment, consistent color response, and a workflow they already understand. For film, broadcast, live events, studio work, and installations, that kind of consistency matters.

A Flexible Lighting Tool for Modern Productions

The Vortex2 Series supports a wide range of professional applications, including:

  • Film and television production
  • Broadcast and studio environments
  • Corporate events and branded experiences
  • Live events and performance spaces
  • Streaming and content production
  • Education, theater, and installed systems
  • Location work where compact, durable fixtures are essential

Crews can use the Vortex2 Series as a focused source, a soft compact wash, or part of a larger array. They can also move it from setup to setup as production needs change. Overall, it gives teams another practical option within the Creamsource lineup.

New from Creamsource, available through Starlite

The new Creamsource Vortex2 Series brings the trusted Vortex platform into a smaller, highly adaptable package. It offers professional control, rugged construction, consistent color, and flexible rigging options. Together, these features support the pace and demands of modern production.

As an official Creamsource dealer, Starlite can help clients explore the Vortex2 Series. Our team can also help determine how these new fixtures may fit into your production, system, or equipment needs.

Interested in purchasing or learning more about the Creamsource Vortex2 Series? Contact the Starlite team today.

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Related Reading: Starlite Becomes an Official Creamsource Dealer

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Product Spotlight: ETC Lonestar Prime Moving Head Fixture

Product Spotlight: ETC Lonestar Prime Moving Head Fixture

May 21, 2026 | Equipment, Event Technology, Lighting, Production, Rental, Visual

A Fixture That Keeps Up With Real Production Demands

In live production, flexibility matters. Whether you’re working on a concert tour, corporate event, broadcast setup, or outdoor festival, you need lighting equipment that can adapt quickly and perform reliably.

The ETC High End Systems Lonestar Prime, now available for rental and purchasing through Starlite, was designed with that in mind.

This compact automated lighting fixture combines strong output, creative tools, and weather-ready construction for teams that need one fixture capable of handling multiple roles without overcomplicating the rig.

Why We Added ETC Lonestar Prime Rental Fixtures to Our Inventory

At Starlite, we don’t add equipment to our rental inventory lightly. Every fixture we carry needs to perform in real-world production environments. The Lonestar Prime checked all the boxes.✔️

It brings together output, flexibility, and durability in a way that makes sense for today’s productions. Whether it’s a concert, corporate event, broadcast, or outdoor setup, this is a fixture that can handle multiple roles without compromise.

Ultimately, that made it a must-have for our inventory.

 

ETC Lonestar Prime Rental for Concerts, Broadcast & Live Events

The Lonestar Prime delivers over 17,000 lumens, giving it the power needed for large stages, LED-heavy environments, and outdoor event lighting. At the same time, it maintains a smaller footprint than many comparable moving head profile fixtures.

Additionally, with its IP54 rating, it’s built for both indoor and outdoor use, offering protection against dust and light weather. That makes it a reliable option for unpredictable environments.

Because versatility matters in modern production environments, the Lonestar Prime became a strong addition to our rental inventory.

With a zoom range of 3.8° to 55°, it can shift from tight beam looks to wide coverage quickly. That flexibility allows designers and production teams to get more out of fewer fixtures.

For our clients, that means:

  1. More efficient lighting rigs
  2. Faster setup and programming
  3. Greater flexibility across different types of shows
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Creative Control Without Overcomplication

The Lonestar Prime offers a full set of tools that support both subtle design work and more dynamic looks.

Color and Output

▪  CMY color mixing with CTO for smooth, accurate color control

▪  Strong color rendering for both saturated and natural looks

Beam Shaping

▪  Framing shutters for precise control

▪ Iris for tightening beams and aerial effects

Effects and Texture

▪  Rotating and fixed gobos for pattern projection

▪  Animation wheel for added movement

▪  Dual prisms for layered effects

▪  Frost filters for softening output when needed

Key Features Include:

  • IP54 rating for indoor and outdoor use

  • 17,000+ lumens in a compact automated lighting fixture

  • Wide zoom range for beam, spot, and wash applications

  • Full creative toolkit with gobos, prisms, and animation effects

  • Dual rotating and indexable prisms

  • Dual rotating gobo wheels with seven high-precision glass gobos

  • Focusable animation wheel with continuous rotation in both directions

  • Electronic dimming for smooth light adjustment

Built for Real Production Environments

 

  • HIGH OUTPUT IN A COMPACT FORm 

  • A FULL RANGE OF CREATIVE TOOLS IN ONE FIXTURE

  • WEATHER RESISTANT FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE

  • THE FLEXIBILITY TO HANDLE MULTIPLE ROLES IN A LIGHTING DESIGN

A Flexible Moving Fixture For Modern Productions

  • concert lighting & touring productions

  • corporate events & general sessions

  • broadcast & live streaming

  • theatrical & venue installations

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“The ETC Lonestar Prime checks a lot of the boxes we were looking for in this fixture class. The size/weight and feature set will make this a very useful tool for a lot of different applications, and the fact that it’s outdoor-rated is a huge bonus. We’re really excited to be adding these into our inventory.”
Jason Danowitz

Vice President of Show Technology, Starlite

NOW AVAILABLE— RESERVE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT

The ETC Lonestar Prime moving head profile fixture is now available through Starlite.

Planning a tour, event, or installation? Our teams can help you determine how this fixture fits into your lighting design.

Contact us today to check availability and reserve units for your next production.

RENT THE LONESTAR PRIME

AV and Sound for Community Races and Running Events

AV and Sound for Community Races and Running Events

May 13, 2026 | Audio, Equipment, Event Technology, Lighting, Visual

Planning AV and lighting for community races and running events takes more than setting up a few speakers near the start line. From outdoor sound coverage to power access and race-day communication, the right AV setup helps your event feel organized, professional, and engaging for participants and spectators alike.

You have spent months organizing the route, recruiting volunteers, lining up sponsors, and getting registrations in. The last thing you want on race day is a PA system that cuts out at the start line, a DJ setup that sounds great in one spot and dead in another, or no way to communicate with participants spread across a course. Good AV and sound makes a community race feel like a real event. Bad AV makes it feel like an afterthought.

Whether you are organizing your first 5K for a local nonprofit or managing an annual run that draws thousands, here is what you need to think about. Race organizers can also explore planning resources from the Road Runners Club of America when preparing community running events.

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1. Outdoor Sound Is a Different Animal

Indoor venues have walls to contain and reflect sound. Outdoors, sound just disappears into open air. A system that would fill a gymnasium will barely cover a start line festival area. Outdoor races need properly sized line arrays or column speakers pointed directly at the audience, and if your event has multiple zones, a start area, a finish line, and an awards stage, each zone needs its own dedicated sound setup. One system trying to cover everything never works as well as it should.

2. The Start and Finish Areas at Running Events

Most race directors think of AV as one thing, but a well-run race really has two distinct production moments. The start line needs energy, an MC hyping the crowd, music building to the starting gun, and a PA system that projects clearly across a wide-open space full of nervous runners. The finish line needs clarity, a name announcer calling finishers, a results feed if you have one, and enough coverage that people waiting for their friends and family can actually hear what is happening. Plan these as two separate audio needs, not one.

Note: Many community races start at 7 or 8 AM. If your venue is in a residential area, check local noise ordinances before booking your sound system. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection provides guidance on statewide noise control requirements and local ordinance standards.

3. Wind Is Your Biggest Enemy

Wind does two things to outdoor sound: it pushes audio off-axis so it does not reach the audience, and it causes microphones to produce a low rumbling noise that drowns out the speaker. All microphones used outdoors need windscreens, and your AV team should know how to position and aim speakers to compensate for prevailing wind direction. This is not something to figure out the morning of the race.

4. Power Access Has to Be Figured Out in Advance

Parks, parking lots, and open streets, which are where most community races happen, rarely have convenient power access. Your AV company needs to either tap into nearby power with appropriate cabling or bring generators. Either way, this has to be scoped before the day of the event. Running out of power mid-race is not a recoverable situation.

5. Don't Overlook The Awards Ceremony

A lot of race organizers put all their energy into the start and finish and then scramble for the awards ceremony. This is actually a key moment, it is when sponsors get recognized, winners are celebrated, and the community feeling of the event peaks. Have a dedicated setup for the awards stage with a microphone, a speaker system sized for the crowd that will gather, and ideally some music playback capability. It does not need to be elaborate, but it needs to be planned.

Quick Planning Checklist 📋

  1. Book your AV company as early as you confirm your venue and route
  2. Plan start line, finish line, and awards stage as three separate audio zones
  3. Confirm power access or generator needs at each location
  4. Make sure all microphones have outdoor windscreens
  5. Check local noise ordinances, especially for early morning start times
  6. Confirm a dedicated AV technician will be on-site for the full event
  7. Do a site walkthrough with your AV team before race day

Serving Community Events Across New Jersey & Philadelphia Area

​Starlite has provided AV and sound production for community races, festivals, and outdoor events across New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area for over 40 years. We know outdoor events, and we know what race day actually looks like on the ground. From a small neighborhood 5K to a large charity run, we handle the audio and production so you can focus on your participants.

From AV and lighting for community races to full sound production for running events, Starlite helps race directors create organized, energetic experiences for participants and spectators alike.

You run the race. We will handle the sound.

RENT EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR EVENT

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Church AV Integration at Fellowship Bible Church

Church AV Integration at Fellowship Bible Church

May 11, 2026 | Audio, Equipment, Event Technology, Integration, Production, Rigging & Safety, Systems

 

At Fellowship Bible Church, their gymnasium had become a multi-use environment that needed more attention to properly support the events they host for their community. From weekly gatherings to larger events, the room was being used often, but the audio experience was not keeping up. The challenge was clear: the space needed to sound as good as it functioned. This is where Starlite, a leader in Church AV Integration specializing in audio, video, and lighting systems for churches and multi-use spaces, stepped in.

 

The Challenge: A “Cafegymatorium” in a Church Setting

Large, open gymnasium spaces are known for poor acoustics. Hard surfaces, exposed structure, and high ceilings create reflections that make speech hard to understand and music difficult to control. In these environments, reverberation is not your friend. These types of multi-purpose rooms are often labeled as “cafetoriums” or “cafegymatoriums” because they are expected to serve many functions without fully supporting any of them well.

At Fellowship Bible Church, the room faced the same challenges. As a result, excessive echo. Inconsistent coverage. Structural elements like metal beams contributed to unwanted reflections and feedback. The existing system needed more than a simple upgrade. It needed a thoughtful AV integration and acoustic solution.

Before

After

STARLITE’S CHUCRH AV INTEGRATION APPROACH

 Starlite’s Integration Team partnered closely with Fellowship Bible Church to deliver a professional AV integration tailored for a house of worship environment and multi-purpose church spaces. The team focused on improving the gymnasium acoustics while installing the necessary equipment for clear, reliable audio across a wide range of events.

Working within the established system designs, Starlite executed the technology installation with precision, ensuring each system was installed correctly, programmed effectively, and fully operational upon handoff. To support long-term success, Starlite’s Field Engineer, Nick Minieri, also provided hands-on training, giving the church team the confidence to operate and manage their new system day to day.

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Acoustic Treatment That Changed the Room

Before any system can perform well, the room itself has to cooperate. Starlite installed 22 acoustic panels throughout the space to reduce reflections and control reverberation, a common challenge in gymnasium acoustics and other large multi-purpose rooms. These panels were strategically placed to address the most problematic surfaces and will be painted later to match the church’s aesthetic.

In addition, acoustic hardware was used to mitigate reflections caused by exposed metal beams. This step played a key role in reducing feedback and improving overall audio clarity across the room.

Once treatment was complete, the room was tuned to balance speech intelligibility and musicality. The difference was immediate. What was once a loud and unfocused environment became controlled and consistent.

System Installation

With the room under control, Starlite installed a professional-grade sound system designed for both power and clarity.

Main System Components:

  • 5 Martin T1230-W Passive Constant Curvature Enclosures
  • 1 Martin SX218-W Dual 18″ Subwoofer
  • 2 Martin IK42-DANTE Amplifiers with onboard DSP
  • Martin 15″ CDD Speaker
  • Acoustic Paneling
  • Rigging and hardware to support safe and precise deployment

Amplification and DSP were configured within a Dante-enabled audio network to ensure reliable performance and system flexibility. Additionally, the constant curvature design allows for even coverage across the listening area, which is critical in a wide, open gym. The subwoofer provides low-end support for music-driven events without overpowering speech applications.

The system was tuned to perform consistently across different use cases, from spoken word to full-band playback.

ELECTRICAL AND SYSTEM REFINEMENT

Beyond audio and acoustics, the project included updates to the electrical components supporting the system. These improvements provided a cleaner, more reliable foundation for daily operation.

Before completion, every system was tested, tuned, and verified before handoff. The result is a system the church staff can rely on without needing constant adjustment.

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THE RESULT

Fellowship Bible Church now has a gymnasium that functions as a true multi-purpose space. Speech is clear. Music translates well. Events can shift throughout the week without technical limitations getting in the way.

Ultimately, this project was not about over-designing the room. It was about solving the right problems with the right tools and executing the installation with care. As an experienced AV and lighting company, Starlite delivered a solution built for how the space is used every day.

NEED A QUOTE?

Starlite installed two display systems in our church, and I must tell you they were very professional and had years of experience in this field. From the first communication to the last, what a great team of very experienced staff installed it. I really enjoyed working with them; it was extremely easy to explain ideas to them, and they will supply you with more than just ideas plus actual work. I would strongly recommend Starlite locally and nationwide. Excellent job!!

Alex S.

Starlite is the best !!! Our church has been with them for over 20yrs and they have never failed us.

David M.

How to Plan AV and Lighting for Your School Graduation Ceremony

How to Plan AV and Lighting for Your School Graduation Ceremony

May 7, 2026 | Audio, Equipment, Event Technology, Lighting, Rental, Sales, Visual

Planning graduation ceremony AV and lighting takes more than setting up a microphone and a few speakers. Graduation day is one of the most meaningful events your school hosts all year. The last thing you want is a microphone cutting out mid-speech, an echo bouncing off gymnasium walls, or a livestream dropping the moment a student’s name is called. The good news: with the right AV and lighting partner, none of that has to be your problem.

Here is what you actually need to think about as you plan, without the technical overwhelm.

1. Book Your AV and Lighting Team Early 🤝

This is the most important thing on this list. AV and lighting companies in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area fill up fast during graduation season. If your ceremony is in May or June, reach out no later than February or March. Book your AV and lighting team at the same time you confirm your venue, these two decisions are directly connected.

2. Sound Is the Foundation, and it Needs a Pro 🔊

Every seat needs to hear every name clearly. Gymnasiums echo, while outdoor venues lose sound to wind. Additionally, a  professional AV company will walk through your venue before recommending a system, not just quote you equipment from a spreadsheet. Make sure they include a dedicated technician at the board on the day of, not just a setup and leave situation. Most importantly, always have a backup wired microphone at the podium. Always.

3. Lighting Is Its Own Thing, Plan It Separately 💡

Quick note worth knowing: in the events industry, lighting is typically treated as a separate discipline from AV. “AV” usually means audio and video. Lighting, even though it is visual, is its own category. So, when you are hiring vendors, make sure whoever you work with handles all three, audio, video, and lighting, as a package. Stage lighting that makes the ceremony look great in photos and on your livestream is not automatically included with every AV quote. Ask specifically.

4. Plan for the Livestream 📹

Families expect to be able to watch live. A quality livestream needs more than a camera on a tripod, it needs a dedicated operator, a clean audio feed from the board, and a reliable hardwired internet connection. And always record locally at the same time, so if the stream drops, you still have a clean file to share with families afterward.

5. Do a Rehearsal 🎙️

A technical rehearsal the morning of or day before the ceremony is not optional. This is when you find out that the podium is too far from the mic stand, or that the slideshow does not match the screen size. Fix problems in rehearsal, not in front of 500 families.

Large graduation ceremonies involve more than just staging and sound. Schools should also coordinate guest flow, communication plans, and overall event logistics well ahead of the ceremony date.

Schools can also review additional graduation safety and event planning guidance from the School Security resource center.

To keep your graduation ceremony running smoothly, confirm these AV and lighting details ahead of time:

Quick Planning Checklist 📋

  • Confirm venue & request technical spec sheet

  • Book your AV & lighting company 8 to 12 weeks out

  • Schedule a venue walkthrough with you AV and lighting team

  • Confirm sound, lighting, and video screens are all covered

  • Set up livestream & local recording

  • Send slideshow & video files to your AV team one week before

  • Schedule a technical rehearsal

Serving Schools Across New Jersey, Philadelphia Area, & More

Starlite has handled AV and lighting for graduation ceremonies, school productions, and assemblies across New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area for over 40 years. We handle audio, video, and lighting together as one coordinated plan, so nothing falls through the cracks.

You focus on your graduates. We will handle the rest.

Need a Quote?
Starlite AV Graduation

Starlite is phenomenal to work with! We are so grateful for their knowledgeable team, their willingness to work with our budget & the ability to expand our existing system for special events.

 

 

Lisa J.

Starlite was great! I rented lights from them for the first time for an event and I loved it! They were very easy to work with and provided exactly what I needed. The customer service was exceptional and I am looking forward to working with them again in the future. The lights themselves were great and I got positive feedback from my team and attendees at my event. Definitely worth the recommendation!
Gregory B.