The Aputure 5W RGBWW MC Pro is a big upgrade to the original Aputure MC. While similar to the form factor of the original MC, it keeps its compact size but is a bit bigger and more refined.
The Aputure MC Pro is four times brighter and has an all-new upgraded optical design and LED chipset. The Aputure MC Pro can output 1,780 lux at 0.5m at 5,600K. This is achieved by narrowing the beam angle to 45° for increased intensity and a further throw, which can then be controlled or diffused using the included magnetic accessories, such as a 30° Light Control Grid or diffusers.
What’s Included
| Name | Qty |
| Aputure MC Pro | 1 |
| MC Pro Flat Diffuser | 1 |
| MC Pro Dome Diffuser | 1 |
| MC Pro 30o Light Control Grid | 1 |
| Cold Shoe Ball Head | 1 |
| 1⁄4-20″ Screw to Magnetic Plate Adapter | 1 |
| USB Type-C Charger Cable | 1 |
| Adhesive Magnetic Plate | 4 |
| Carrying Case | 1 |
Modes
The MC Pro offers a variety of lighting modes, including CCT, HSI, xy, RGB, Source, FX, and Custom FX. A power tip is that users can utilize the MC Pro as a portable swatch book using the expansive gel library in Gel mode.
Expanded Color
Compared to the 3,200K-6,500K CCT range of the original MC, the MC Pro has been upgraded to match the same RGBWW chipset found in other full-color fixtures, capable of a color temperature range from 2,000K-10,000K. The MC Pro also maintains Aputure’s benchmark for high-quality color reproduction with CRI/TLCI scores of 96+, an SSI (D56) of 72, and an SSI (Tungsten) of 82.
The MC Pro also has access to a large array of advanced color modes, including HSI with white point CCT control, over 300 gel presets, 15-built in System FX, and the professional standard CIE1931 xy control. These features can be easily adjusted natively using the upgraded interface featuring a TFT screen and tactile red control knob, or wirelessly via Sidus Link app control or LumenRadio CRMX controls.
LumenRadio CRMX and SidusLink Control
The MC Pro comes standard with LumenRadio CRMX control. This does make it a more flexible and professional fixture. The latest LumenRadio TimoTwo CRMX chipset enables the MC Pro to work alongside any other CRMX fixtures in your toolkit seamlessly. Being part of the Aputure ecosystem, the MC Pro also features direct Sidus Link App control. This fixture can be adapted for industry standard options to accept DMX controls using the separate Aputure Active USB-C to 5-Pin DMX In & Out DMX Adapter.
Aputure MC Pro Key features
- 5W Output RGBWW Lensed Mini LED Panel
- Four times Brightness of Original MC: New Optical Design with Tighter 45-degree Beam Angle
- Magnetic Accessory Mount: Flat Diffuser, Dome Diffuser, & 30-degree Light Control Grid
- Lightweight & Pocketable Size (108 x 70 x 25mm / 247g)
- IP65 Dust & Water-Resistant (Weatherproof)
- Multiple Control Methods: Sidus Link Bluetooth App Control, DMX/RDM1, LumenRadio CRMX
- 1,585 lux @ 0.5m (5,600K)
- 2,000K to 10,000K CCT with Green-Magenta Adjustment
- Built-In Lithium-polymer Battery (120 min. @ Max Power)
- Fast Recharging (approx. 90 min.) via USB-C & Contact Pins
- >90% of Colors Within Rec.2020 Color Space
- Advanced HSI with White Point CCT Control
- Industry-standard xy (CIE 1931), RGB, 300+ Gel Presets
- 0-100% Stepless Brightness Control
- Supports SidusPro® FX, Including Manual FX, System FX,
- Picker FX, Magic Program, and Music FX
- Save Up to 10 Custom FX and 10 Music FX for Quick Access
- 15 Built-In System FX : Fireworks, Fire, Paparazzi, Faulty Bulb, TV, Pulsing, Cop Car, Lightning, Party Lights, Welding, Color Chase, Candle, Strobe, Explosion, Club Lights
- Mounting: 1⁄4-20in Screw Mount & Rear-Mounted Neodymium Magnets
- Mounting Accessories: 1⁄4-20in Cold Shoe Ball Head with
- Magnetic Attachment, Adhesive Magnetic Plates
- Included Carrying Case
Size Difference From MC
As you can see, the MC Pro is larger, thicker, taller, and heavier than the MC.
The MC comes in at 4.4 oz / 125 g, and the MC Pro is 1.09 lbs / 493 g. That is almost four times heavier than the original MC.
Brightness
Aputure states the MC Pro is four times brighter than the MC. I tested the brightness with the light set to 5600K and got 1,780 lux from 0.5m.
I tested the original MC at 5600K at the same distance and got a reading of 472 lux. Adding it up, it is close to four times brighter but fell short by 108 lux.
MC Pro 
MC
As you can see, the LED type is completely different, with the lenses on the MC Pro and the front cover having tiny pyramid patterns also to aid it in the output and shape. The MC Pro has a tighter beam as well. I’m okay with this as it can throw farther with less spill. When using several together it will be easier to control.
SSI
3200K 
5600K
The SSI scores are better at 3200K than 5600K. Anything 80 and above is a very good score. The CCT accuracy is better with 3200K. Splitting hairs is a bit rough here, as these are not considered a key light. I do feel they will play well with other lights and will most likely be used in HSL modes.
Included Ball Head with Cold Shoe & Magnet Adapter
The kit includes a nice ball head with a magnetic adapter that screws into the cold shoes 1/4 20″ tap. The actual tap is 3/8 but has a reducer installed that is removable.
When I first saw the magnetic base, I thought it was a brilliant idea for mounting the light on a steel surface; however, the weight of the MC Pro is more than the magnet can handle and will not hold it vertically. That limits its use to only being used horizontally with the ball head and magnet adapter. Of course, you can use other mounts with the 1/4-20″ tap on the bottom.
On the back of the MC Pro are two magnets. These do hold the light vertically on a steel surface. Also included are a set of steel plates with double-stick tape on the back in case you want to mount them on a nonmagnetic surface.
8-Light Kit Configuration
The original MC came in a 4-Light and 12-Light kit option; the MC Pro is available in an 8- Light Kit. The case protects the lights and is a way to charge them all at once.
The MC Pro 8-Light Charging Case is not waterproof because it has exposed charging input ports and ventilation cut-outs.
Included in the MC Pro 8-Light Kit
The hard case offers an organized way of storing all accessories that are included.
Includes eight of each
- MC Pro
- Flat Diffuser
- Dome Diffuser
- 30-degree Light Control Grid
- (32) Adhesive Magnetic Plates
Includes four of each
- Cold Shoe Ball Head
- Screw to Magnetic Plate Adapter 1/4-20″
- Screw to Baby Pin Adapter 1/4-20″
- Articulating Arm to Clamp Adapter 1/4-20″
Includes two of each
- 2x USB Type-C Charging Cable
Includes one of each
- Locking IEC C13 AC Power Cable
- D-Tap to D-Tap Power Cable
- MC Pro 8-Light Charging Case
It uses contact pins on the Aputure MC Pro for a seamless charging workflow. Unlike the MC, it can’t be charged on a mobile phone magnetic charger. On the side is a USB-C port for charging and connecting to a DMX dongle. The MC Pro 8-Light Charging Case can be powered via D-Tap, making it possible to charge lights in the case using V or Gold Mount batteries. A D-Tap to D-Tap Charging Cable is included in the 8-Light Kit.
It takes approximately 90 minutes to charge via the charging case or USB-C fully.
Pricing and Availability
The MC Pro ($199 USD) will be available for shipping worldwide beginning April 4th, 2023. The MC Pro 8- Light Kit ($1,899 USD) will be available for pre-order worldwide beginning April 4th, 2023.
