X-Rite Adds eXact 2 Basic Spectrophotometer for Press-Side Colour Checks
19 August 2026: X-Rite Pantone announced the eXact 2 Basic handheld spectrophotometer and plans to present it at LOUPE Americas in Rosemont, Illinois, on 15-17 September and PRINTING United Expo in Las Vegas on 23-25 September. The device targets commercial printers seeking objective press-side colour checks in a standalone unit.
What does the eXact 2 Basic spectrophotometer measure ?
The eXact 2 Basic combines density and L*a*b* colour measurement, according to X-Rite. That pairing gives press operators numerical colour data instead of relying only on eyesight or density readings. The company positions the device for routine commercial print production, where staff need quick checks without adding a separate software step to every measurement.
In practical terms: density readings help operators monitor ink film during printing, while L*a*b* values describe colour in a device-independent colour space. Putting both in one handheld instrument should make it easier to compare a printed sample with a target and decide whether a press adjustment is needed.
X-Rite’s official eXact 2 Basic product page currently labels the unit as new but also calls the page a pre-release page for support materials. For that reason, the launch announcement confirms the product and its intended use, but the public page does not yet provide a full specification sheet or clear purchasing details.
Two September demonstrations are planned
X-Rite says the instrument will appear with its wider colour workflow portfolio at two US trade shows. Both events were still scheduled for September when the announcement was issued.
| Event | Date and venue | X-Rite location | Planned products |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOUPE Americas 2026 | 15–17 September, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois | With Esko, booth 720 | eXact 2 family, Autura Ink, MeasureColor, ColorCert Suite and PantoneLIVE |
| PRINTING United Expo 2026 | 23–25 September, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas | Booth C2450 | eXact 2 family, MeasureColor Production and Reports, and i1Pro 3 |
The booth numbers and demonstration line-ups come from X-Rite’s announcement. PRINTING United’s organiser confirms the Las Vegas dates and venue. LOUPE Americas, formerly Labelexpo Americas, lists the event at the Chicago-area convention centre in Rosemont.
Where does the device fit in a print colour workflow ?
A spectrophotometer only measures the sample in front of it. Consistent output also depends on agreed colour standards, controlled ink formulation, press settings, quality tolerances and usable production records. X-Rite plans to demonstrate the Basic model beside software and data services that cover those other steps.
Nick Meyer, X-Rite Pantone’s business unit director for print and packaging, said reliable colour begins with accurate measurement but also requires connected production data. That is a company position rather than an independently measured result; actual waste reduction or productivity gains will depend on how each printer sets up and uses the workflow.
The announcement follows other X-Rite work around connected colour data. Screen Print India has reported on the company’s colour-management tools for manufacturing and its cloud colour-matching project with Siegwerk.
FAQs ….
Is eXact 2 Basic a density meter or a spectrophotometer ?
It is a handheld spectrophotometer that X-Rite says can report both density and L*a*b* colour values. The public product page has not yet posted the complete technical specification, so buyers should confirm measurement conditions, standards support and connectivity before ordering.
Where can printers see eXact 2 Basic in 2026 ?
X-Rite plans to present it at LOUPE Americas in booth 720 and at PRINTING United Expo in booth C2450. These are pre-event plans; visitors should check the exhibitor directories before travelling because booth programmes can change.
