Chauvet Professional COLORdash PAR H18X: High-Output RGBWA-UV Indoor Wash for Stages, Sets, and DJs
Bright, flexible, and built for indoor rigs. The COLORdash PAR H18X drives a calibrated 18-LED HEX engine (150 W) that delivers a smooth wash at 5,736 lumens through a 23.6° beam / 38.6° field. Four dimming curves and 16-bit fades handle nuanced theatrical transitions, while the 0–20 Hz electronic strobe supplies energetic accents for concerts and mobile DJ shows.
Camera-friendly and color-smart. Selectable PWM up to 25 kHz keeps video clean, and CCT presets (2,800–10,000 K) make matching white points fast. An OLED touchscreen with password protection and RDM streamline setup, with DMX channel modes: 6/8/9/13/14 to suit everything from quick busking to deep programming.
Tour-ready convenience in an IP20 form factor. Weighing just 10.4 lb, the fixture ships with a dual yoke that doubles as a floor stand, an omega bracket for fast hangs, and a 9.25" (235 mm) accessory frame holder. Locking Seetronic power in/out supports tidy power-link runs (9@120 V, 15@208 V, 17@230 V) with 3- and 5-pin XLR data for flexible patching.
- Real-World Applications and Lighting Roles
- Indoor stage wash for theater and worship
- Corporate scenic/truss warming and uplighting
- Mobile DJ rigs needing punchy color and clean fades
- Studio/IMAG where flicker control matters
Where This Fixture Excels
- High-Impact Output: 5,736 lm with even 23.6°/38.6° coverage for medium throws.
- HEX Versatility: RGBWA-UV engine blends saturated primaries, warm ambers, pastels, and true UV accents.
- Video-Safe Operation: PWM choices from 600 Hz to 25 kHz minimize banding on camera.
- Refined Fades: 16-bit dimming and four curve profiles for theatre-grade transitions.
- Smart Whites: CCT presets (2,800–10,000 K) speed up white-point matching on mixed rigs.
- Fast Setup: OLED menu with lock, RDM addressing, and included omega bracket.
- Clean Power Runs: Seetronic locking mains with power linking 9/15/17 by voltage.
- Floor or Rig: Dual yoke serves as a stable uplight stand or clamp-ready hanger.
Control Modes for the COLORdash PAR H18X
DMX Control
- Channel Modes: 6, 8, 9, 13, or 14 channels—choose between rapid color control and deeper parameter access.
- Core Parameters: Master dimmer (16-bit), RGBAW+UV color mixing, shutter/strobe (0–20 Hz), access to presets and internal looks.
- Data I/O: 3-pin and 5-pin XLR for flexible patching within IP20 indoor systems.
RDM & On-Fixture Interface
- Remote Management: Addressing, mode selection, and status queries via RDM-capable consoles.
- OLED Menu: Touch interface with password lock to secure show settings.
Dimming, PWM & Standalone
- Dimming Behavior: Four selectable curves with 16-bit resolution for precise low-end control.
- PWM Frequency: Set 600 Hz, 1.2 kHz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz, 6 kHz, or 25 kHz to suit IMAG and broadcast needs.
- Standalone Tools: Onboard color mixing, CCT presets, and built-in automated programs for quick looks without a console.
Power & Linking (for Control Planning)
- Mains Topology: Seetronic locking in/out with power linking up to 9@120 V, 15@208 V, 17@230 V for tidy runs.
LED Color Engine & Optical System of the COLORdash PAR H18X
A calibrated 18-LED RGBWA-UV array (150 W total) drives the H18X, producing a cohesive wash with excellent hue integrity and soft field edges. The optic package yields a 23.6° beam and 38.6° field, balancing punch with blendability for stages, sets, and scenic truss. Whites are fast to match using CCT presets from 2,800–10,000 K (approx. 9,507 K at full), while the UV die enables authentic blacklight accents without auxiliary fixtures.
- Output Profile: 5,736 lumens total and 1,207 lux @ 5 m support medium throws and camera keys.
- Color Consistency: HEX engine blends saturated primaries, warm ambers, delicate pastels, and UV in one fixture.
- Service Life: LEDs rated to 50,000 hours for dependable duty cycles in rentals and installed systems.
DMX Channel Architecture & Personality Mapping
Pick a personality that matches your programming style—quick looks, cue-stacked theatre, or deep color control. The H18X offers five selectable DMX footprints to fit your show file.
- Available Modes: 6, 8, 9, 13, 14 channels.
- Programming Intent: 6/8 ch for rapid color work and uplighting; 9 ch adds control granularity; 13/14 ch expose extended parameters for precise cueing.
- Typical Controls: master intensity, individual RGBWA-UV channels, strobe access, and direct entry to internal looks/presets.
- Data Path: 3- and 5-pin XLR in/out for flexible patching in IP20 indoor rigs.
Dimming Curves, 16-Bit Resolution & PWM for Camera
The control stack prioritizes smoothness and video cleanliness. 16-bit dimming preserves low-end detail for slow crossfades and precise end stops, while selectable dimming curves (4) let you tune the fixture’s response to suit theatre, corporate, or busking needs.
- PWM Options: Choose 600, 1.2k, 2k, 4k, 6k, or 25k Hz to eliminate rolling bands on IMAG and broadcast cameras.
- Strobe Engine: Electronic shutter with a 0–20 Hz range for tight rhythmic hits and accents.
- Practical Guidance: Use 6 kHz for most live video; 25 kHz for demanding shoots or high-frame-rate capture.
RDM Workflow & OLED Touch Interface
Commission faster and protect your show settings. RDM enables remote addressing, mode selection, and status queries from compatible consoles. On-fixture configuration is streamlined by an OLED touchscreen with a password lock to prevent unapproved changes during turnovers.
- Remote Setup: Adjust start address and personality from the desk; verify health and hours without lifting a ladder.
- Local Control: Access color mixing, CCT presets, dimming behavior, and test looks directly from the front panel.
- Standalone Capability: When no console is present, use built-in automated programs and on-board color tools for rapid scenes.
Electrical Topology, Power Linking & Mechanical Design
Designed for tidy indoor runs, the H18X uses locking mains and compact mechanics for quick rig-to-floor transitions. Despite its output, it keeps a small footprint for dense plots and tight truss lines.
- Mains & Linking: Seetronic Powerkon IP65 in/out with power linking up to 9 @ 120 V, 15 @ 208 V, 17 @ 230 V.
- Line Requirements: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz; power draw ~155 W @ 120 V, 153 W @ 208 V, 152 W @ 230 V.
- Form Factor: 12.45 × 4.38 × 8.68 in (316.4 × 111.5 × 220.7 mm); 10.4 lb (4.7 kg).
- Rigging & Accessories: Dual yoke (stable floor stand), omega bracket, and 9.25" (235 mm) gel/accessory frame holder.
- Environment: IP20 dry-location rating; ambient operating range -4 °F to 113 °F (-20 °C to 45 °C).
How to Deploy the COLORdash PAR H18X
1) Prep & Addressing
- Choose a footprint first: Select 6/8/9/13/14-channel mode to match your show file (fast color work vs. granular control).
- Set the start address: Use the OLED touch menu or configure remotely via RDM; enable the menu lock after setup.
- White-point planning: Preload a CCT preset (2,800–10,000 K) that complements key lighting in the space.
2) Mounting & Aiming
- Rigging: Fit the included omega bracket and secure with professional clamps (e.g., CTC-50HC/CTC-50HCN) per venue practice.
- Floor use: The dual yoke forms a stable base for uplighting, truss warming, and cyc washes.
- Beam coverage: The 23.6° beam / 38.6° field is designed for smooth color; tilt and pan for soft field overlaps across scenery.
- Accessories: The holder accepts 9.25" (235 mm) frames when diffusion or masking is required.
3) Power & Data Topology
- Mains linking: Use Seetronic Powerkon IP65 in/out and respect totals of 9 @ 120 V, 15 @ 208 V, 17 @ 230 V.
- Load math: Typical draw is 155 W @ 120 V, 153 W @ 208 V, 152 W @ 230 V; plan circuits accordingly.
- Control cabling: Patch with 3-pin or 5-pin XLR; keep long power and data runs physically separated where practical.
4) Console Behavior & Looks
- Dimming feel: Pick one of the four curves and use 16-bit intensity for accurate low-end fades.
- Camera work: Select a PWM rate—600, 1.2k, 2k, 4k, 6k, or 25k Hz—that eliminates banding for your capture devices.
- Effects: The shutter supports a 0–20 Hz strobe for tempo hits; layer UV with RGBWA channels for distinctive accents.
- No desk on site? Use onboard color mixing, CCT presets, and built-in programs for quick scenes.
5) Environment & Safety
- Location rating: IP20—dry, indoor spaces only. Avoid moisture and direct water exposure.
- Thermal range: Operate within -4 °F to 113 °F (-20 °C to 45 °C); allow airflow around the housing when units are clustered.
6) Strike & Turnaround
- Power down before disconnecting: De-energize chains prior to removing mains or data.
- Cable care: Coil the 5 ft (1.5 m) mains lead without stressing connectors; protect XLR ends in transit.
- Status review: Use RDM to check hours and flags during prep to keep maintenance proactive.
Chauvet COLORdash PAR H-Series — H18X Featured
| Model |
LED Engine |
Lumens |
Lux @ 5 m |
Beam / Field |
CCT Range |
CCT @ Full |
Selectable PWM |
Dim Modes |
Built-In Programs |
Control |
DMX Channels |
Personalities |
IP Rating |
Weight |
Dimensions (in / mm) |
Power Linking @ 120 V |
Power & Current @ 120 V |
Input Voltage |
Operating Temp |
Included Items |
| COLORdash PAR H18X |
18 LEDs (HEX-color RGBWAUV) 150 W, 550 mA, 50,000 hrs |
5,736 |
1,207 |
23.6° / 38.6° |
2,800–10,000 K |
9,507 K |
600, 1.2k, 2k, 4k, 6k, 25k Hz |
4 |
Yes |
DMX, RDM |
6 / 8 / 9 / 13 / 14 |
3 |
IP20 |
10.4 lb (4.7 kg) |
12.45 × 4.38 × 8.68 in (316.4 × 111.5 × 220.7 mm) |
9 units |
155 W, 1.305 A |
100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
-4 °F to 113 °F (-20 °C to 45 °C) |
COLORdash PAR H18X; Seetronic Powerkon IP65 power cord; Gel frame holder; Omega bracket; Quick Reference Guide or User Manual |
| COLORdash PAR H12X IP |
12 LEDs (hex-color RGBAW+UV) 120 W, 512 mA, 50,000 hrs |
4,532 |
1,052 |
22.2° / 36.9° |
2,800–10,000 K |
11,008 K |
600, 1.2k, 2k, 4k, 6k, 25k Hz |
4 |
Yes |
DMX, RDM |
6 / 8 / 9 / 13 / 14 |
5 |
IP65 |
11.8 lb (5.4 kg) |
9.1 × 12 × 9.8 in (232 × 305.4 × 247.9 mm) |
11 units |
126 W, 1.041 A |
100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
-4 °F to 113 °F (-20 °C to 45 °C) |
Colordash Par H12XIP; Seetronic powercon IP65 power cord; Gel frame holder (8.75 in / 222 mm); Omega bracket |
| COLORdash PAR H7X |
7 LEDs (hex-color RGBAW+UV) 84 W, 505 mA, 50,000 hrs |
2,738 |
522 |
22.7° / 37.6° |
2,800–10,000 K |
14,329 K |
600 Hz, 1.2k Hz, 2k Hz, 4k Hz, 6k Hz, 25k Hz |
4 |
Yes |
DMX, RDM |
6 / 8 / 9 / 13 / 14 |
5 |
IP20 |
6 lb (2.7 kg) |
10.16 × 9.45 × 4.57 in (258 × 240 × 116 mm) |
20 units |
70 W, 0.592 A |
100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
-4 °F to 113 °F (-20 °C to 45 °C) |
Colordash Par H7X; Seetronic powerkon IP65 power cord; Gel frame holder; Gel frame |
| COLORdash PAR H7X IP |
7 LEDs (hex-color RGBAW+UV) 84 W, 513 mA, 50,000 hrs |
2,664 |
583 |
23.0° / 37.9° |
2,800–10,000 K |
11,477 K |
600, 1.2k, 2k, 4k, 6k, 25k Hz |
4 |
Yes |
DMX, RDM |
6 / 8 / 9 / 13 / 14 |
5 |
IP65 |
7.4 lb (3.4 kg) |
6.7 × 9.6 × 9.8 in (170 × 243.4 × 248.1 mm) |
19 units |
71 W, 0.604 A |
100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
-4 °F to 113 °F (-20 °C to 45 °C) |
Colordash Par H7XIP; Seetronic powercon IP65 power cord; Gel frame holder (6.5 in / 165 mm); Gel frame |
Why Choose the COLORdash PAR H18X from AVMaxx?
We translate specs into show results. For the COLORdash PAR H18X, our guidance focuses on real indoor deployments—clean fades, camera-safe output, and fast patching—using only the current figures you provided. No assumptions, no recycled data.
- Verified numbers only: Output, optics, PWM options, and power-link counts reflect the latest manufacturer values you supplied.
- Programming clarity: We map 6/8/9/13/14-channel personalities to busking, cue stacks, and installs so your file is clean from day one.
- Camera-first advice: Practical PWM picks (600–25k Hz) to avoid banding on IMAG, studio, and content capture.
- Rig-to-floor workflow: Dual-yoke floor use, omega bracket hangs, and 9.25" accessory frame support for quick scene changes.
- Power planning: Seetronic locking mains with power linking (9@120 V / 15@208 V / 17@230 V) to keep runs tidy and predictable.
- Decision support: We’ll help align CCT presets (2,800–10,000 K) with key lights and ambient sources for consistent whites.
Frequently Asked Questions — COLORdash PAR H18X
Is the H18X rated for outdoor use?
No. It’s IP20 for dry, indoor locations only. Avoid moisture and direct water exposure.
How many fixtures can I power link on one circuit?
Up to 9 @ 120 V, 15 @ 208 V, or 17 @ 230 V. Always verify circuit capacity and local electrical practice.
Which DMX mode should I choose?
6/8 ch: quick color looks/uplights. 9 ch: added control. 13/14 ch: deeper programming with granular access.
What PWM setting is best for cameras and IMAG?
Use higher rates to reduce banding: 6 kHz suits most live video; 25 kHz is safest for broadcast or high-frame-rate capture.
Can I run scenes without a console (DJ use)?
Yes. The OLED menu provides standalone color mixing, CCT presets (2,800–10,000 K), and built-in automated programs.
What clamps and accessories fit?
Use professional clamps such as CTC-50HC/CTC-50HCN. The holder accepts 9.25" (235 mm) gel/accessory frames; an optional barndoor is available.
What’s included in the box?
COLORdash PAR H18X, Seetronic Powerkon IP65 mains cable, gel frame holder, omega bracket, and a Quick Reference Guide or User Manual.
Send your plot, trim, and camera notes—We’ll recommend DMX mode, PWM, and power-link strategy for a clean, camera-safe indoor rig.