Godox has announced the KNOWLED AD88, an 8′ x 8′ electronic adjustable diffuser. Godox previously had the AD21 / AD32 / AD33 Adjustable Diffusion Panels. Essentially, the KNOWLED AD88 is a larger-sized version. It allows you to quickly and easily adjust your diffusion level using motorized control.
The concept behind adjustable diffusion panels is that you only need to carry around one solution, instead of multiple different diffusion fabrics. Rather than changing the diffusion fabric, you can instantly adjust your diffusion level without needing to take something down and then put it back up.
Key features
- Large 8′ × 8′ diffusion area for broad, even softness.
- Smooth diffusion adjustment from hard to soft light in seconds.
- Electric control for fast on-set changes.
- Remote operation via CRMX or the KNOWLED App.
- Foldable frame and roll-up diffuser for easier transport and storage.
- V-mount battery support for flexible location use.
The way it works is very similar to how electronic variable ND works. By changing the voltage, you are changing the properties of the diffusion.
The previous Godox Adjustable Diffusion Panels were available in three different sizes depending on your requirements. The sizes were a little odd, and I would have thought it would make more sense to have an industry-standard 4′ x 4′ or 8′ x 8′ version. Well, it seems Godox was listening.
Hold on, hasn’t this been done before?
Adjustable, electronically controlled diffusion isn’t a new concept, and we first saw Chimera show a solution way back in 2011. At NAB 2017, Zylight and Chimera partnered up to create what they were calling Active Diffusion.
In 2023, LumenArc introduced its Active Diffusion. Lumen Arc Active Diffusion is an electronically adjustable light-modifying system that was designed to simplify grip and lighting inventory. This solution is a mid-sized diffusion frame that allows you to adjust the amount of diffusion electronically.
Rotolight also had the AEOS 2 SmartSoft Box, which allowed users to electronically adjust diffusion, focus, and spread without the need for gels or additional modifiers. It is best to liken it to having a LEE 216 on an adjustable dial. It provided 1.5 stops of electronically variable diffusion by utilizing Rotolight’s patented technology.
According to Godox, their solution features patented frequency adjustment technology, supporting five frequency levels to ensure flicker-free operation tailored to different frame rates. The system is said to be compatible with frame rates up to 300fps.
Not available in the US
The Godox Adjustable Diffusion Panels are only available in Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and South America. This is presumably to do with the fact that there is a US patent for electronic diffusion (lighting).
Collapsible Frame
Godox’s solution is quite different when it comes to form factor from other solutions on the market. The Godox Adjustable Diffusion Panels feature a fully collapsible frame, which makes them much easier to travel with and store. You then attach a removable, Velcro diffusion panel. It is not only user-replaceable, but it also features IP54-rated protection.
Control
Users can quickly adjust essential settings through the onboard controls, operate wirelessly via the KNOWLED App, or integrate the fixture into professional lighting networks through DMX, CRMX, Art-Net, or sACN.
Power
You can power the A88 via a V-mount battery.
Adjustable Speed
You can choose from four speed settings to control how quickly the diffusion level changes, from smooth, gradual transitions to fast on-set adjustments.
Pricing & Availability
The Godox KNOWLED AD88 is available in two versions:
- AD88: $1,299 USD
- AD88 K1: $1,999 USD
