Exploring ROBE Lighting Essentials with Nico Labbé
Nicolas “Nico” Labbé is a Senior Technical Specialist, Business Development, at Solotech, known for his deep expertise and hands-on approach to stage lighting. Since joining Solotech in 2021, Nico has leveraged his extensive experience to support productions with technical insight and creative precision.
In this article, we sit down with Nico to explore four standout products from ROBE Lighting. Renowned for their innovation, durability, and optical quality, these fixtures are staples in diverse live production environments. Nico shares his expert perspective, offering insights on each product’s features, ideal applications, and ease of use—helping us understand what makes these products essential tools in the industry.
ESPRITE
Features: The ESPRITE features a high-quality 650W LED engine with an exceptional colour range and advanced optics. It offers a lightweight design for easier transportation and installation, along with features like smooth dimming, interchangeable gobos, and consistent light output.
Visit the ROBE website for the technical specifications.
Nico’s Lens: “What stands out with the ESPRITE is how the light feels. The way it wraps around a subject, almost like an embrace. That richness in colour makes a difference in a performance. And when you’re touring, the light weight and compact size is a big plus. It’s easy to move and set up, which is invaluable when you need to quickly set up your equipment.”
Uses: Ideal for theater, corporate events, concerts, and expositions, ESPRITE’s precision and color depth make it versatile across different lighting scenarios.
Ease of Operation: It doesn’t require heavy training, but understanding its features can maximize its creative potential.
ISpiiderX
Features: A high-performance LED wash beam with robust colour mixing, dynamic effects, and IP65 impermeability. It includes Polar+ technology, which maintains internal heat to prevent condensation in cold environments.
Visit the ROBE website for the technical specifications.
Nico’s Lens: “When I think of the iSpiiderX, I think of reliability and durability. I’ve seen it perform in harsh Montreal winters with ice hanging off its sides, and it just keeps going. That kind of durability is a lifesaver when you’re out in -30°C.”
Uses: Essential for outdoor winter events, concerts, and installations in harsh weather conditions.
Ease of Operation: Despite its technical capabilities, it’s straightforward to use and requires minimal maintenance, even in tough environments.
IFORTE LTX WB
Features: The iFORTE LTX WB is a high-output, long-throw LED moving head, ideal for large venues. Designed with IP65 impermeability and Polar+, it withstands challenging conditions like dust, smoke, snow, and rain. It boasts an ultra-wide zoom range and an efficient cooling system, making it perfect for outdoor and stadium productions.
Visit the ROBE website for the technical specifications.
Nico’s Impressions: “The LTX is all about power and distance. When you’re in a stadium or at an outdoor festival, you need something that can adapt to that length, and this fixture does that effortlessly. It’s one of those lights that clients ask for by name, and that’s saying something. Plus, its IP65 rating means I don’t have to worry about bad weather. It’s reliable, and when you’re touring, reliability is everything.”
Uses: Ideal for large-scale concerts, outdoor festivals, and stadium productions where long-distance lighting is critical.
Ease of Operation: Despite its power, it’s designed for straightforward integration into complex setups. Its reliability and ease of maintenance, particularly regarding spare parts, make it a favourite for tours.
RoboSpot
Features: RoboSpot is a remote-controlled follow-spot system designed for flexibility and safety. Operators can control it from a distance, even backstage, with real-time camera feedback. It allows operators to control as many as 12 fixtures, allowing for perfect synchronicity during a performance.
Visit the ROBE website for the technical specifications.
Nico’s Impressions: “It opens up so many creative options for the operator. You can be hidden anywhere in the building and still have perfect control. It’s really versatile for when you need that extra layer of discretion and flexibility. It requires some training, but the payoff is huge in terms of creativity.”
Uses: Perfect for TV and film sets, large-scale tours, arenas, and other venues where flexibility in follow-spot operation is essential. Especially useful when the operator needs to be discreet or at a distance.
Ease of Operation: It requires initial training, but once understood, it simplifies complex lighting needs and enhances creative possibilities.
Final Thoughts from Nico
“All these ROBE products share the same DNA: commitment to innovation, reliability, and creative flexibility. They’re designed to withstand the toughest conditions while delivering the best artistic results. The addition of Polar+ is a game-changer for cold climates.
My advice for lighting technicians and designers? For me, it always comes back to one simple question: what are we lighting up?
The answer guides everything, from the fixtures we choose to how we set them up and use them to create impactful moments. It’s about matching the technical needs with the artistic vision and ensuring that, no matter the environment, the experience is unforgettable.
Ultimately, it’s about finding the right tools to bring that vision to life, tools that not only meet the demands of the moment but also offer the reliability and flexibility to adapt as needed. That makes the difference between a good show and a great one.”
