High-output 4000W HMI fixture delivering hard daylight for exterior shoots and large interior spaces.
Technical Details
The Compact 4000 operates with a 4000-watt HMI lamp (single-ended) and requires an electronic ballast rated at 32 amps at 125/250 volts. The housing typically measures 45 x 30 x 25 cm with a weight of approximately 18 kg without the ballast. The Fresnel lens has a diameter of 200mm and allows for beam angle adjustment between 12° (spot) and 60° (flood). The lamp life averages 750 hours, with modern MSR lamps reaching up to 1000 hours.
History & Development
ARRI introduced the first Compact 4000 (Arrisun 40) in 1987 in response to the growing demand for mobile, high-output daylight fixtures. Mole-Richardson followed in 1989 with the Molefay 4K Compact. This generation revolutionized exterior shooting, as 4K power became available in portable units for the first time. In the 1990s, manufacturers like Desisti and K5600 integrated ballast-free versions with built-in ballasts. Since 2010, LED panels have increasingly displaced HMI compact lights.
Practical Use in Film
On "Heat" (1995), cinematographer Dante Spinotti used Compact 4000s for sunlight simulation through the windows of the bank branch. Their compact dimensions allowed placement on standard tripod heads without additional support. For exterior shots, they serve as fill light or to brighten shadow areas in available light situations. Their high efficiency of 80 lumens/watt makes them more efficient than tungsten alternatives. Disadvantages include a 3-5 minute warm-up time, potential flicker issues during high-speed shooting, and the need for UV-filtering protective glass.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike the classic 4K Open Face, the Compact 4000 offers more precise light shaping with less weight due to its Fresnel optics. PAR versions (Compact 4000 PAR) produce sharper shadows but are less versatile. Modern LED alternatives like the ARRI SkyPanel S120-C achieve similar light output with lower power consumption and immediate readiness, but cost three to four times as much. For budget productions and in regions with unreliable power supply, Compact 4000s remain the first choice due to their robustness and availability.