RED Komodo Color Grading: Professional LUTs for IPP2 Workflow

Understanding IPP2: RED's Image Processing Pipeline

IPP2 (Image Processing Pipeline 2) is RED's latest color science framework, and it represents a massive improvement over the original IPP. It offers better highlight handling, more accurate skin tones, and a more film-like response curve. When working with LUTs in an IPP2 workflow, it is essential to understand that your LUT needs to work within this pipeline rather than against it.

The IPP2 workflow processes REDCODE RAW through several stages: decode, color space transform, and creative grading. LUTs are typically applied at the creative stage, after the technical conversion has been completed.

REDCODE RAW and LUT Compatibility

REDCODE RAW is one of the most robust raw formats in the industry, offering up to 16+ stops of dynamic range. When choosing LUTs for RED footage, you need LUTs that can handle this extreme dynamic range without clipping or compressing important tonal information.

Key Technical Considerations

• Always set your RED IPP2 color space before applying creative LUTs
• Use the LUT as a creative starting point, not a final grade
• Monitor in your target delivery color space (Rec.709 for web, DCI-P3 for cinema)
• Pay attention to shadow detail — RED's dynamic range means there is often recoverable detail

Our RED-specific LUT collection has been developed in collaboration with professional colorists who grade RED footage daily. Each LUT has been tested on Komodo, DSMC2, and V-Raptor footage across narrative, commercial, and documentary projects. Explore our RED LUT collection at thiagovibesp.com.