Whether atmospheric lighting scenarios at festivals, effective accents at trade fairs or uniform light for film and TV productions: The Crystal from Airstar is one of the most versatile and elegant lighting solutions for professional applications. Developed by Airstar, a French company that has been pioneering lighting with light balloons for decades, the Crystal offers a combination of technical efficiency, stylish design and ease of use.
Crystal: The event balloon with 360° lighting effect
The Airstar Crystal is a luminaire specially developed for the event industry that is designed for an all-round lighting effect. The balloon consists of a translucent fabric and is available in several sizes (e.g. 60, 90, 130, 160 cm diameter). Depending on the version, it can be fitted with halogen, metal halide or LED lamps. The modern LED version, which combines high energy efficiency with a wide range of control options, is particularly popular.
At Prolight + Sound, we presented the 5th generation of the Crystal. This is our RGBW LED version.
Maximilien Allibert, Sales Area Manager Film & Events at Airstar
The new generation of Crystals can light up in different colours or colour changes – controllable via DMX.
Features at a glance:
- All-round illumination (360°)
- Light quality similar to daylight
- Glare-free light – ideal for the audience and cameras
- Quick set-up, mobile use
- A choice of LED, HMI or halogen lamps
- Customised branding options
- Versatile use: from trade fair highlight to outdoor stage
Technical details:
- Lit area: 1,700 m² / 18,300 ft²
- Colour temperature: Full white + colours: 4,300 K
- CRI: 90
- Flicker: 3.1 kHz
- Luminous flux: 42,000 lm
- Power consumption: 430 W
- Power supply: 100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz
- Battery input – 52V / emergency power supply: PowerSwitch (optional)
- Diameter of the enclosure: 90 cm (3 ft), 130 cm (4 ft), 160 cm (5 ft), 200 cm (6.5 ft)
- Wind resistance: Up to 80 km/h (49 mph)
- Certifications: CE, IP 54
- Light source: Airstar LED matrix: 12 macro pixels
- Light control: via the control panel on the product, remotely via the Airstar Light app, DMX
- DMX profiles available for the most important control surfaces
- 5-pin DMX connections & CRMX
- Macro mode: 4 to 10 channels
- Pixel mode: 12 white pixels for 14 channels
The Airstar Crystal is a popular tool for lighting designers, stand builders and event technicians, especially in the event sector. Its visual impact as a floating luminaire immediately attracts attention – whether above streams of visitors at a trade fair or as a stylish eye-catcher at an outdoor gala dinner. At the same time, it fulfils the highest demands on lighting technology: uniform illumination, soft light without shadows and flexible installation options – suspended, upright or floating.
The Crystal is also regularly used in film and TV productions. Its diffuse light emission is particularly impressive for night shots or in interiors without natural light sources. The result: natural-looking scenes without harsh shadows that are ideal for camera shots.
We received an Oscar Award in 2003 for introducing the light balloon to the film industry.Fast assembly and dismantling – even for temporary useOur light balloons are already standard in the film industry. They were used in James Cameron’s “Titanic” and in “Fight Club”, for example.
A major advantage of the Crystal is its mobility and ease of use. It only takes a few minutes to set up. The light balloons are self-supporting thanks to air pressure or are filled with helium, depending on the model. They can be used on tripods, trusses or simply suspended from the ceiling. This makes the Crystal ideal for temporary installations or touring productions with frequently changing locations.
Another highlight: the Crystal can be customised. The balloon can be printed with logos, CI colours or individual designs. This makes it a brand ambassador in the air – ideal for product presentations, trade fair stands or open-air events.
In recent years, Airstar has invested heavily in the development of energy-efficient lighting systems. The LED-based Crystal models consume significantly less power than conventional luminaires while delivering a high light output. The homogeneous light distribution means that additional light sources can be dispensed with in many cases, which not only saves electricity but also reduces the complexity of lighting design.
The Crystal also produces minimal heat – a clear advantage over traditional spotlights when people or temperature-sensitive materials are in the light area.
Airstar: the inventor of the light balloon
The company Airstar was founded in France in 1994 and quickly made a name for itself as the inventor and market leader in the field of balloon-based lighting solutions. The idea was as simple as it was ingenious: to integrate light sources into inflatable balloons to create a glare-free, soft and at the same time wide-area light. Today, Airstar products are sold in more than 60 countries and can be found at events, construction sites, film sets and in architectural lighting.
With the Crystal, Airstar offers an aesthetic and technically sophisticated lighting solution that goes far beyond pure functionality. The light balloon combines design, efficiency and impact to create a package that impresses lighting planners and event professionals alike. Whether a concert, exhibition, reception or film set – the Crystal creates atmosphere, increases visibility and sets the scene for light.
