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A guide to LED controllers: RGB/RGBW/tuneable

Time to read 4 min

Advice Centre > Accessories > Controllers > A guide to LED controllers: RGB/RGBW/tuneable

As a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative for lighting, LED technology is more popular than ever before. Whether you're looking for a single colour soft mood lighting or the full spectrum of colour with an RGBW strip, there's an LED lighting solution out there that's designed to fit your needs and transform any home, office or commercial space.

As LED experts, we understand the incredible of potential LED lighting. That’s why we also offer a range of LED controllers so that you can really make the most of this innovative technology. In this guide, we’re going to discuss RGB, RGBW and tuneable controllers that give you complete control over your colour-changing LED lights.

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What are RGB/RGBW/tuneable LED controllers and how do they work?

Whether you have an RGB, RGBW or tuneable LED fixture set up in your home or workspace, an appropriate controller is the best way to access the multiple dynamic effects your lights are capable of. Many of these devices are supplied with remote controls for ease of use, whereas others, such as our RGB Smart Wi-Fi Controller, can be operated from your phone.

An RGB LED controller will give you complete control of your RGB strip light or module. Similarly, an RGBW controller will offer the same functionality, with additional control over the extra white chip in RGBW LED lighting. These work by controlling the brightness of each channel (red, green and blue, plus white for RGBW) to create the desired colour mix. So, with an RGB LED strip light and controller, you can increase the brightness of the red and blue channels while turning the green down completely to create the colour purple.

Tuneable controllers, on the other hand, are designed for changing the temperature of white LEDs. Tuneable lighting technology works in the same way as RGB/RGBW, just with varying temperatures of white instead of multiple colours. Our Tuneable 60 LED Strip, for example, can be changed from pure white 6500k to 2800k with a simple press of a button.

Which RGB/RGBW/tuneable controller do I need?

One of the most important considerations to bear in mind is the size of your project. For small-scale LED installations that require colour changing of an entire LED strip, a device that you can use straight away like the RGB M6 Mini Controller with Remote 9A or the Wall RGB Controller will be perfect. For larger projects which require control of multiple channels, a controller with several outputs such as the 720 Linear Driver RGB/Dali/DMX will allow you to work the lights directly from the controller interface or individually via DMX or DALI systems. DMX control is common for lighting in theatres and stage productions, whereas DALI is often used for managing lighting in whole buildings from a single controller.

Compatibility is another important factor in choosing an LED controller for your colour changing or tuneable LEDs. Tuneable controllers are designed for white lighting only, which simplifies your LED options significantly. Make sure that the controller you are considering is suitable for the input voltage of your LEDs and that the range (distance between the controller and the LEDs) is sufficient for your particular installation.

RGB/RGBW/tuneable LED controllers from WeLoveLEDs

RGB M6 Mini Controller with Remote 9A

RGB M6 Mini Controller with Remote 9A

The RGB controller and M6 remote control is designed for ease of use and functionality in small spaces with relatively simple setups. You still get a spectrum of colour, but none of the bulk you'd expect in whole-home controller options. It works with any of our 12v/24v RGB modules and strips.

C350 RGB Controller with Remote 18A

C350 RGB Controller with Remote 18A

The more advanced C350 is compatible with all of our 12v/24v RGB strips and modules. It is a high-performance option with 37 pre-programmed modes and three rotary knobs to allow you to create your own colour settings.

RGB Controller with 'Touch' Remote 12A

RGB Controller with 'Touch' Remote 12A

This tactile three-channel device is ideal for household LEDs and works with all of our 12v and 24v RGB modules and strips. An easy-to-operate wheel-style touch remote control allows you to scroll through the colour wheel and find the ideal hue.

RGB 3600 Controller with Remote 18A

RGB 3600 Controller with Remote 18A

The advanced RGB 3600 is powerful and practical, with a 18A maximum current load for controlling heavy-duty displays and signs. The buttons on the remote match those on the controller itself, providing ease of use. Functions include memory, speed, brightness and 16 pre-programmed effects.

RGBW BC-354F Controller with Remote 20A

RGBW BC-354F Controller with Remote 20A

The BC-354F unit offers universal high-performance and a maximum current load of 20A. There are 37 pre-programmed modes and four rotary knobs on the controller, or you can change the speed and brightness of your lights from the remote. Use with our 12v/24v RGBW modules and strips.

M5 Tuneable Mini Controller with Remote 9A

M5 Tuneable Mini Controller with Remote 9A

The M5 is simple yet effective, supplied with a touchpad remote to change your LEDs from warm white to pure white in a matter of seconds. Buttons give you options for brightness, speeds and programs. Use with our Tuneable 60 LED Strip in 12v.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of using tuneable LEDs?

Tuneable white LEDs enable you to conveniently control the colour temperature of the lighting around your home, office or commercial premises. Different colour temperatures can be used to support the body’s natural circadian rhythm (our ‘body clock’) and help us sleep better at night by manipulating the intensity, timing and duration of these lights at different points during the day. Crisper cool white has been shown to increase productivity, whereas warm white is more relaxing.

Tuneable LEDs are therefore beneficial in spaces which need to manage a mixture of moods and atmospheres, such as retail units, showrooms, warehouses, hospitals, gyms and healthcare facilities.