Overview
The Astera Helios Tube is the half-length version of the Astera Titan Tube, designed for compact, portable, RGB LED tube lighting. Despite being half the size, it maintains almost all the same features: RGB pixels, battery power, wireless DMX, excellent colour accuracy, and full app control.
The Helios Tube is a favourite on narrative sets, music videos, commercials, and car rigs because it fits where Titan Tubes cannot. Its small form factor allows lighting in tight corners, practical replacements, hidden accents, and compact travel kits.
Key Specs
- Type: RGB LED tube
- Length: ~22″ (half Titan Tube length)
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours depending on mode
- CCT: 1750K–20,000K
- Pixel Count: 8 pixels (half Titan’s 16)
- CRI/TLCI: 96+
- IP Rating: IP65
- Control: App, CRMX, IR, onboard
Pros
- Compact and easy to hide
- RGB pixel control
- Battery-powered and wireless
- Extremely flexible rigging options
- Excellent colour and consistency with Titan Tubes
Cons
- Lower output than Titan Tubes
- Shorter throw distance
- Fragile — tubes can crack if mishandled
- Requires learning the Astera control ecosystem
Variants & Related Fixtures
- Astera Titan Tube
- Astera Hyperion Tube
- Nanlite PavoTube 15C / 30C
- Quasar Science Q-LED and RR tubes
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
- Expecting the same output as Titan Tubes
- Forgetting to lock DMX addresses, causing mode resets
- Running effects too bright relative to ambient levels
- Using tubes as keys from too far away
What It Replaces / Alternatives
Replaces:
- Small LED panels for practicals
- Tungsten practical tubes
- Accent/rim lights in small spaces
Alternatives:
- Astera Titan Tube
- Nanlite PavoTube 15C
- Quasar Q-LED Crossfade
Recommended Accessories
- Wingplates
- Tube clips
- Magnetic mounts
- Grid cloth wraps
- Astera PowerBox for wired setups
- Dooplo