What is the difference between RGBW, RGBA, CMY, and other color mixing systems?

These are different approaches to mixing color in lighting fixtures. RGB uses red, green, and blue LEDs to create a full color palette through additive color mixing. RGBW adds a dedicated white LED for cleaner whites and more accurate pastels. RGBA adds an amber LED to improve warm tones and skin-friendly color temperatures.

CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) is a subtractive color mixing system used primarily in moving lights and higher-end fixtures. It places cyan, magenta, and yellow color flags in the path of a white light source, subtracting wavelengths to create color. CMY typically produces smoother color transitions and more accurate color matching than basic RGB mixing, which is why it's the standard in professional moving lights.

CTO (Color Temperature Orange) and CTB (Color Temperature Blue) are correction filters that shift the color temperature warmer or cooler. Many fixtures include variable CTO alongside their color mixing system for fine-tuning white balance, which is critical for broadcast and film applications where lights need to match camera white balance settings.