When it comes to stage lighting , the right moving head lamp can make all the difference between a performance that impresses and one that falls flat. Professional lighting designers , event producers , and rental facilities all seek fixtures that deliver an ideal balance of brightness , versatility , and value . In the Uplus Lighting line, the BSW390 and B390 stand out since they share the same exterior design but were designed with different end users in mind. The BSW390 is a full-featured powerhouse for high-end productions , while the B390 provides a more compact and budget-friendly option for small venues or budget-conscious buyers . This comparison delves deeper into their design , light source , optics , effects , and applications to help decision-makers choose the most suitable model for their application .
Design and Build Quality of BSW390 and B390
Whereas performance dictates a fixture’s ultimate impact, build quality and outer durability are just as important to enduring value. Both the B390 and BSW390 reflect Uplus Lighting’s dedication to sound design principles, so they’re both suitable for professional use in demanding environments.
Shared Housing Design
The most notable observation regarding the two models is that they share the same housings. At a glance, it’s virtually impossible to tell them apart, a big advantage for theaters and rental houses that handle large inventory. With matching housing, technicians can keep storage, setup, and maintenance simpler without worrying about mismatched components. It also makes rigging in live events easier and their appearance consistent in stage setups. By commoditizing the exterior, Uplus Lighting can allocate more resources to maximizing the interior components that truly define the personality of each model.
Durable Exterior Construction
The exterior of both fixtures is made from heavy-duty metal housing that can resist frequent transportation, setup, and breakdown. The lights do get dragged around from gig to event to venue pretty frequently, so durability forms an integral part of their value. The construction also includes effective heat dissipation channels, so even after extended use at long shows, overheating is never an issue. This ability to maintain stable high-output performance not only protects the fixture but also provides confidence for lighting technicians who rely on consistent performance at critical times.
Control Interface and Ease of Use
Both the BSW390 and B390 use the identical easy-to-use control system with LCD display and logical button layout. This means that technicians operating on one console are familiar with the other, eliminating the need for further training. On more complex productions involving multiple lighting operators or those requiring quick changes mid-show, an easy and stable interface to use is an invaluable asset. This also simplifies troubleshooting, as familiar controls allow for quicker response times when time is critical, reducing the potential for disruptions to live events.
Light Source System: The Core Difference
In moving head fixtures, the heart of the device lies in its lamp system. Brightness, crispness, and color rendition overall all stem from the quality of the light source. It is in this regard that the BSW390 and B390, although utilizing the same lamp, vary in application and adaptability.
The BSW390 and Osram Lamp Power
The BSW390 uses the Osram SIRIUS HRI 382W lamp, a brand name that is reliable in professional stage lights. With its track record for stable brilliance and longevity, this lamp offers natural color rendering and crisp beams that cut through any venue. Its stability is especially valued in high-stakes environments such as television broadcasts, large concerts, or massive festivals where everything must be flawless. Besides visual performance, the extended lamp life also reduces operating costs since replacements are less frequently required—a benefit that is appealing to professional rental businesses who wish to achieve an optimum return on investment.
Balanced Output for B390
The B390 is also equipped with the identical Osram SIRIUS HRI 382W lamp, meaning that while it is the compact solution, it still delivers a good and stable beam output. Its consistent light also makes it a stable choice for smaller theatres, clubs, or mid-sized event spaces where intricate functions may not be required. By combining stable lamp technology with a reduced feature set, the B390 finds favor with customers who enjoy stable lighting without needing to stretch budgets to cover advanced customization features.
Optical System and Zoom Capabilities
Optical flexibility generally determines how easily a lighting fixture will adapt to different venue setups and artistic concepts. This is one area in which the BSW390 clearly differs from the B390, offering greater artistic freedom for lighting designers.
Wide Zoom Range of BSW390
The BSW390 has a very wide zoom range of 2.5°–50°. Such a wide range of adjustability makes it one of the most flexible devices in a designer’s arsenal. At its narrowest beam angle, it produces penetrating, concentrated beams ideal for high-energy effects. At its widest beam angle, it can flood large areas of a stage, providing even coverage that’s excellent for dramatic scene changes or large ensemble numbers. This versatility enables the BSW390 to fill a number of varying roles over the course of a single show, eradicating the need for additional fixtures.
Focused Beams of B390
In contrast, the B390 features a fixed 2° beam angle. While it does not offer the versatility of a zoom function, this narrow beam is perfect for applications where accuracy and punch are more important than coverage. Clubs, DJ setups, and smaller concert venues often benefit from concentrated beams that cut through fog- or haze-filled environments. For buyers who place a premium on simplicity of operation but dynamic visual effects, this no-frills approach ensures reliability and performance.
Color Systems in Depth
Color management is a key element in setting up the mood and atmosphere of a production. The BSW390 and B390 differ significantly here, after their target applications and creative freedom.
CMY Color Mixing in BSW390
The BSW390 features a full CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) color mixing system with CTO (Color Temperature Orange) correction for creating nearly infinite color possibilities. Designers are also able to change the warmth and color of the light to match other fixtures or create specific moods. In professional environments like broadcast studios or high-end concerts, this versatility is critical. The dual color wheels also keep adding to the creative options, enabling layered effects, crossing transitions, and custom color mixing that can completely transform the visual impact of a stage. This degree of accuracy ensures that every scene looks exactly as conceived under varying conditions.
Simplified Color System in B390
The B390 consolidates with a single color wheel offering 13 fixed colors, in addition to white and a bi-directional rainbow effect. It also includes a frost filter for edge softening when creating washes. While this system cannot match the infinite possibilities of the CMY configuration, it provides more than enough flexibility for the needs of most smaller-scale productions, such as club dates, theatre, or corporate presentations. The simplicity also saves on set-up time and training needs, which is particularly attractive to those users who require useful performance without additional complexity or cost.
Pattern and Effect Systems
Dynamic patterns and prism effects establish stage depth and visual story. Both fixtures offer creative potential, though the BSW390 is clearly intended for upper-level visual experimentation.
Advanced Gobo and Prism Options in BSW390
The BSW390 features 13 fixed gobos, 7 rotating gobos, and a range of prism options, including 8-facet and 6-facet prisms. Combined, they allow designers to layer patterns, create moving textures, and frame beam for dynamic effects. For high-end concerts or theatre productions, the several layers of prisms and rotating gobos offer next-level visual storytelling possibilities. Designers can layer effects, rotate patterns, and achieve complex visuals that command audience attention and add production value.
Functional Gobos and Prisms in B390
The B390 offers the simpler solution with a single fixed gobo wheel of 17 patterns and prism effects, including a 16-facet prism and a honeycomb prism. While it lacks rotating gobos, it still delivers dynamic images through the use of gobo shake and prism combination effects. For smaller to medium-sized events, this offers the capacity for active stage settings without the need for higher-level technical control. It is still a viable choice where dramatic effects are wanted without needing too much complexity.
Control and Dimming Features
Gradual brightness control and transition smoothes out the lighting to enhance rather than detract from the performance.
Shared Dimming Capabilities
Both units provide 0–100% linear dimming, allowing for smooth fades without flicker. This sort of feature is crucial in theatre or live performance when imperceptible transitions between the lighting cues are required for mood creation and storytelling. The smooth dimming also allows for more complicated programming for sophisticated performances, giving lighting designers the ability to tune each scene with precision.
Strobe and Frost Effects
Both units have every fixture with strobe capability. The B390 can strobe up to 25Hz and features random strobe modes for an extra dynamic effect. Both units also include frost filters, which soften the edges when projecting washes or blended effects. These shared features allow even the stripped-down B390 to do more than project basic beams, with a little extra versatility for various event scenarios.
Application Scenarios and Recommendations
The decision between the B390 and BSW390 boils down largely to production size, the amount of creative flexibility needed, and the budget for lighting solutions.
When to Choose the BSW390
The BSW390 is ideal for large-scale concerts, television broadcasts, or professional theatrical productions where maximum versatility and precise control are required. Its wide zoom range, CMY color mixing, and extensive gobo system allow lighting designers to explore complex visual narratives. For rental companies, investing in the BSW390 ensures long-term utility, making it a flagship fixture capable of meeting diverse client demands.
When to Choose the B390
The B390 is best utilized in clubs, small theaters, or medium-sized events where simplicity and budget are major considerations. It projects strong, defined beams and practical effects without the additional complexity, making it a good workhorse for smaller shows or as part of an inventory of fixtures for larger shows. For event designers working on a budget, it provides a good balance of quality, simplicity, and cost.
Cost-Performance Analysis
Production teams must carefully balance performance and investment, weighing the upfront cost of lighting fixtures against their long-term value, versatility, and durability. High-end models offer advanced features and creative flexibility, while budget-friendly options provide reliable performance. Strategic choices ensure both optimal visual impact and cost-effective production management.
High-End Investment in BSW390
BSW390’s high price is justified through its high-quality optics, CMY mixing, and Osram lamp. In high-end productions, the ability to create wide and accurate lighting effects justifies the initial investment by maximizing audience engagement and production value. It is a strategic investment for companies that prioritize flexibility, durability, and high-visibility graphics.
Practical Value of B390
The B390 delivers solid performance at a more affordable price with decent beams, acceptable gobos, and standard effects. It is professional-quality lighting that does not bust budget limitations, so it is a solid and reliable workhorse for mid-sized events or facilities. For most users, this balance of price vs. performance makes the B390 a decent choice that covers essential lighting requirements.
Conclusion
The Uplus Lighting BSW390 and B390 show how two moving head lamps can share the same housing and address entirely different production needs. The BSW390 dazzles with a wide zoom range, CMY color mixing, advanced gobo systems, and extensive effects, making it a premium option for demanding productions. In contrast, the B390 simplifies features to reduce costs while still delivering powerful, well-defined beams and practical effects suitable for smaller events. For lighting designers and rental companies, the choice between these two fixtures depends on creative requirements, event scale, and budget considerations. Both models reflect Uplus Lighting’s expertise in producing reliable, versatile stage lights that enhance performances. Whether investing in the advanced BSW390 or the cost-conscious B390, professionals can trust that these fixtures will elevate the visual impact of any production, making every show memorable and visually engaging. You can visit our official website Stage lighting manufacturer – Uplus Lighting or directly contact our sales team Contact – Uplus Lighting .
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