It’s no secret that here at The DJs Guru we are big fans of Ape Labs. Their unique lighting products have become trusted by hundreds of DJs around the globe. While there’s nothing wrong with a tried and true design, we always get excited about new updates to amazing products. Today, we are going to give you a first look at the new Ape Labs Maxi 2.0 IP. This amazing updated light fixture is better than ever before, and we can’t wait to take a deep dive into everything it offers. In this article, we’ll dive into the specific updates seen in the Ape Labs Maxi 2.0 IP. We’ll also highlight what makes these new offerings more refined and why you should be excited about each one.
Want to pick up some Ape Labs Maxi 2.0 IP for yourself? Click here
Ape Labs Maxi 2.0 IP – Looks
Ape Labs products have always been known for their eye-catching looking. The new 2.0 versions of the Maxi no longer feature the usual chrome outer body. Instead, they come in a new matte black and beautiful cream finish. The cream finish is perfect for those upscale, refined events where aesthetics are everything.
Some things about the light are unchanged, however. You’ll still find the same simple operation and battery input as before. They also have the same square, compact, lightweight construction that makes them easy to transport. The size and weight are almost identical between the 1.0 and 2.0 versions. Of note, the actual LED diode lenses are a touch bigger, taking up more area on the faceplate. In our opinion, these new finish options are gorgeous and really up the visual impact of the light itself.
In the original Maxi 1.0, the top faceplate had a unique visual design that stood out immediately to the eye. The Ape Labs Maxi 2.0 IP now features a much more subdued pattern that doesn’t distract as much from any surrounding decorations. However, true to form, there is still a subtle design worked into the faceplate, giving the light that classic Ape Labs character that DJs love.
What about the insides?
Of course, what’s a discussion of light without talking about the diodes? Like version 1.0, version 2.0 features 3 x 15 W LEDs inside. However, despite similar specs, the Ape Labs Maxi 2.0 IP boasts at least 2x the brightness of the previous generation Maxi through higher efficiency LED technology.
Additionally, the 2.0 version now includes RGBaW (amber white). Through working with DJs and their DMX programming preferences, Ape Labs was able to incorporate this new LED diode color into the light. The addition of “amber white” opens up an even broader color palate with richer, deeper hues. For example, when we compared one of the built-in “candlelight” color macros against an actual candle, the color was almost identical. Color us impressed! The claims of increased brightness and improved color certainly seemed to hold true.
Ape Labs Maxi 2.0 IP – now IP rated!
Another major improvement to the 2.0 version is an official IP rating. More and more outdoor events are asking for architectural and mood lighting. If your lights are caught in a storm or wayward sprinkler and not IP rated, they could be toast.
To make the Ape Labs Maxi 2.0 IP rated, there was one specific update that needed to be made to the original version. Where the aluminum components connected were openings that may have allowed dust, water, and other particles into the light. In order to be IP rated, Ape Labs needed to create a complete seal against the elements.
In the 2.0 version, the aluminum body has been powder coated for increased durability and scratch resistance. It has also been further sealed, granting it that valuable IP rating. Rubber bumpers around the edge of the face provide impact protection and further seal the inside of the light from the elements.
Functionality improvements
Another area of improvement in the Ape Labs Maxi 2.0 IP is the yoke. Many users were not too ecstatic about the original yoke design. It was basic, simple, and lacked the functionality seen in other designs. More often than not, we saw DJs simply ignore this bracket completely.
In the new version, Ape Labs added a subtle design tweak by adjusting the angle of the bracket to include a small flat portion. In this way, the bracket can serve as a more stead “tripod” stand for angling the light on the ground. It still features the same mounting hole for those that choose to run this light on a tripod or truss.
Another update in version 2.0 – almost double the built-in color macros. The original Maxi featured 20 pre-programmed colors to choose from. Version 2.0? Almost 40! Lastly, we’re happy to see some functionality improvements when it comes to selecting these color macros. Where the previous Maxi required the remote to change any settings, the 2.0 version allows users to change color macros using the single power button on the light itself. Oh, and we almost forgot to mention – the 2.0 and 1.0 versions are completely cross-compatible. Old remotes work with new lights, new remotes work with old lights, and all versions talk to each other in any combo you can think of.
Final thoughts
Ape Labs knocked it out of the park with the Maxi 2.0 IP. An improved case design, increased brightness, IP rating, and richer colors are exactly the features DJs want to see. And to top it all off, a well-designed bracket and remote make running these lights a breeze.
Want to pick up some Ape Labs Maxi 2.0 IP for yourself? Click here!
