Black Dog LED PhytoMAX-4 12S LED Grow Light
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The Black Dog LED PhytoMAX-4 12S is a high output 750W LED grow light engineered to deliver intense, broad spectrum lighting from a remarkably compact 15" x 15" fixture. Producing 1,594 µmol/s of total PBAR output, it is designed as a direct lighting replacement for traditional 1000W HPS fixtures while drawing substantially less power.
At the center of the PhytoMAX-4 12S is Black Dog LED's Phyto Genesis Spectrum, which uses eight LED colors spanning ultraviolet, visible PAR wavelengths, and infrared. Rather than optimizing the fixture around PAR output alone, Black Dog designed the spectrum to influence both photosynthesis and photomorphogenic plant responses throughout the growing cycle.
The 12S combines this specialized spectrum with 15% to 100% dimming, active LED cooling, 336 LEDs, multiple voltage configurations, and a rated mean time before failure exceeding 70,000 hours.
Black Dog LED's Phyto Genesis Spectrum combines eight LED colors to provide plants with wavelengths extending beyond the conventional 400 to 700 nm PAR range.
Total PBAR output from 280 to 800 nm is rated at 1,594 µmol/s, consisting of:
This approach provides ultraviolet and far red wavelengths directly from the primary fixture rather than relying on separate supplemental lighting.
Approximately 3% of the Phyto Genesis Spectrum is ultraviolet light below 400 nm. Black Dog incorporates UV throughout the fixture so it is distributed across the illuminated growing area rather than being concentrated in separate UV bars.
UV wavelengths can trigger photomorphogenic responses in plants and are included by Black Dog to encourage compact growth, pigmentation, and natural plant defense responses.
Because UV falls outside the conventional 400 to 700 nm PAR range, Black Dog reports it separately within the fixture's broader 280 to 800 nm PBAR measurement.
The Phyto Genesis Spectrum incorporates two violet wavelengths within the 400 to 450 nm range. Violet light can penetrate dense plant canopies and provide useful light deeper within the plant structure.
Blue wavelengths from approximately 450 to 480 nm contribute strongly to chlorophyll driven photosynthesis while also influencing plant morphology. Black Dog balances these wavelengths to encourage tighter plant structure and improved canopy penetration.
Broad spectrum white LEDs provide wavelengths throughout the green and yellow portion of the spectrum from approximately 480 to 600 nm.
These wavelengths contribute to photosynthesis while also providing more natural visual illumination, making it easier to inspect plant color and overall condition under the fixture.
Black Dog intentionally balances this portion of the spectrum against its blue and red output rather than relying primarily on broad spectrum white LEDs.
Red wavelengths from approximately 600 to 700 nm provide a major contribution to photosynthesis. The Phyto Genesis Spectrum incorporates two distinct red peaks, balanced against blue light to help control excessive stem elongation.
Far red wavelengths between approximately 700 and 750 nm extend the spectrum beyond conventional PAR. These wavelengths can contribute to photosynthetic efficiency through interactions commonly associated with the Emerson Effect.
The result is a spectrum that extends from ultraviolet through visible wavelengths and into far red rather than ending at the traditional PAR boundaries.
The PhytoMAX-4 12S produces 1,594 µmol/s of PBAR output while consuming 750 watts.
Black Dog positions the 12S as a drop in lighting replacement for traditional 1000W HPS fixtures, providing high photon output while reducing fixture power consumption by approximately 250 watts compared with a 1000W HPS lamp.
The fixture is designed for a vegetative footprint of approximately 4.25' x 4.25' and a flowering footprint of approximately 3.5' x 3.5'.
The PhytoMAX-4 12S supports industry standard 0 to 10V dimming and can be adjusted from approximately 15% through 100% output.
This gives growers the ability to reduce intensity for younger plants, acclimation periods, or lower light requirements, then increase output as the canopy develops.
A compatible 0 to 10V dimming controller is required for external dimming control.
PhytoMAX-4 uses active cooling to manage LED operating temperatures. Keeping LEDs cooler can improve operating efficiency and help preserve output over the fixture's service life, particularly for specialized ultraviolet and violet LEDs.
The cooling system incorporates multiple redundant fans so cooling is not dependent on a single fan.
Black Dog rates both the fans and the fixture's mean time before failure at more than 70,000 hours.
Despite its 750W power draw and 1,594 µmol/s PBAR output, the PhytoMAX-4 12S measures only 15" x 15" x 4.5".
The fixture weighs 28 lb, making proper overhead mounting important. A pair of V hooks and ratcheting rope hangers are included for installation.
The compact fixture format can also simplify replacing existing HID fixtures where available overhead space is limited.
The PhytoMAX-4 12S is available in SP and SC configurations. Light output, spectrum, power consumption, dimensions, and core lighting performance remain the same. The difference is the power connection and supported input voltage.
PhytoMAX-4 12SP — The SP model uses a standard IEC power connection and operates from 100 to 250V at 50/60 Hz. It is intended for standard indoor installations and is not recommended by Black Dog LED for greenhouse environments.
PhytoMAX-4 12SC — The SC model uses a locking, water tight power connection and supports a wider 100 to 277V at 50/60 Hz input range. This configuration is suited to installations where the more secure power connection or 277V compatibility is required.
A 347V SX configuration is also identified by Black Dog LED as a special order option.
The PhytoMAX-4 12S draws 750 watts at full output and has a power factor of 0.99.
Current draw varies according to supply voltage: 100V at 7.5A, 120V at 6.25A, 208V at 3.61A, 230V at 3.26A, 240V at 3.12A, and 277V at 2.71A on the SC model only.
Available power cord configurations include NEMA 5-15, NEMA 6-15, NEMA 7-15 for the SC model, and pigtail configurations. The included power cord is 8 feet long.
Black Dog LED designs and assembles the PhytoMAX-4 series in Colorado.
The 12S uses 336 LEDs and is designed around long term operation, active thermal management, and a compact enclosure.
Certifications listed for the fixture include UL 1598, UL 8800, ETL, CE, FCC, and RoHS.
Choose between a 120V NEMA 5-15 cord or a 240V NEMA 6-15 cord to match your electrical setup. If you are unsure which cord your installation requires, the 120V option is the standard choice for most indoor grow rooms and tents. Additional configurations, including NEMA 7-15 on the SC model and pigtail options, may be available directly through Black Dog LED for specialized installations.
| Brand | Black Dog LED |
| Model | PhytoMAX-4 12S |
| Fixture Variants | 12SP, 12SC |
| Veg Footprint | 4.25' x 4.25' |
| Flower Footprint | 3.5' x 3.5' |
| Power Draw | 750W |
| PBAR Output, 280 to 800 nm | 1,594 µmol/s |
| UV Output, 280 to 400 nm | 47 µmol/s |
| PAR Output, 400 to 700 nm | 1,428 µmol/s |
| IR Output, 700 to 800 nm | 119 µmol/s |
| Spectrum | Phyto Genesis Full Spectrum |
| LED Colors | 8 |
| Number of LEDs | 336 |
| Dimming | 0 to 10V, 15% to 100% |
| Dimensions | 15" x 15" x 4.5" |
| Weight | 28 lb |
| SP Voltage Range | 100 to 250V, 50/60 Hz |
| SC Voltage Range | 100 to 277V, 50/60 Hz |
| 100V Current Draw | 7.5A |
| 120V Current Draw | 6.25A |
| 208V Current Draw | 3.61A |
| 230V Current Draw | 3.26A |
| 240V Current Draw | 3.12A |
| 277V Current Draw | 2.71A, SC Model Only |
| Power Factor | 0.99 |
| Included Power Cord Length | 8 ft |
| Power Cord Options | NEMA 5-15, NEMA 6-15, NEMA 7-15 on SC Model, Pigtails |
| Operating Temperature | -4°F to 104°F |
| Heat Output | 2,558 BTU |
| Mean Time Before Failure | More Than 70,000 Hours |
| Expected Fan Life | More Than 70,000 Hours |
| Certifications | UL 1598, UL 8800, ETL, CE, FCC, RoHS |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
| Brand | Black Dog LED |
| Model | PhytoMAX-4 12S |
| Fixture Variants | 12SP, 12SC |
| Veg Footprint | 4.25' x 4.25' |
| Flower Footprint | 3.5' x 3.5' |
| Power Draw | 750W |
| PBAR Output, 280 to 800 nm | 1,594 µmol/s |
| UV Output, 280 to 400 nm | 47 µmol/s |
| PAR Output, 400 to 700 nm | 1,428 µmol/s |
| IR Output, 700 to 800 nm | 119 µmol/s |
| Spectrum | Phyto Genesis Full Spectrum |
| LED Colors | 8 |
| Number of LEDs | 336 |
| Dimming | 0 to 10V, 15% to 100% |
| Dimensions | 15" x 15" x 4.5" |
| Weight | 28 lb |
| SP Voltage Range | 100 to 250V, 50/60 Hz |
| SC Voltage Range | 100 to 277V, 50/60 Hz |
| 100V Current Draw | 7.5A |
| 120V Current Draw | 6.25A |
| 208V Current Draw | 3.61A |
| 230V Current Draw | 3.26A |
| 240V Current Draw | 3.12A |
| 277V Current Draw | 2.71A, SC Model Only |
| Power Factor | 0.99 |
| Included Power Cord Length | 8 ft |
| Power Cord Options | NEMA 5-15, NEMA 6-15, NEMA 7-15 on SC Model, Pigtails |
| Operating Temperature | -4°F to 104°F |
| Heat Output | 2,558 BTU |
| Mean Time Before Failure | More Than 70,000 Hours |
| Expected Fan Life | More Than 70,000 Hours |
| Certifications | UL 1598, UL 8800, ETL, CE, FCC, RoHS |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
Some reviews were originally collected through Rightbud, now Cultiva Supply, under the same ownership.
