Aputure launched their third COB LED gentle that includes the BLAIR gentle engine: the STORM 400x. This compact unit incorporates a CCT vary of two,500K to 10,000K, together with full plus/minus green-magenta tint management. The sunshine head and ballast are IP65-rated to endure essentially the most difficult capturing circumstances, and it options Aputure’s ProLock Bowens mount to connect lighting modifiers, such because the newly launched CF7 Fresnel. So, let’s take a better have a look at it!
In September 2024, Aputure launched the STORM 1200x, their first COB LED gentle with the brand new BLAIR Mild Engine. Then, throughout NAB 2025, the corporate launched the STORM XT52, an especially brilliant COB LED gentle able to rivaling HMI fixtures when it comes to output.
You probably have by no means heard of the BLAIR Mild Engine, it stands for Blue/Lime/Amber/Indigo/Pink to provide white gentle. In comparison with conventional bicolor, RGB, and RGBW LED lights, the 5 gentle emitters in BLAIR lights are able to reproducing a extra color-accurate and high-quality gentle.
Whereas the STORM 1200x and XT52 are excellent LED lights, they’ve a few drawbacks. Certainly, each fixtures are fairly massive, regardless of packing a considerable quantity of output, and so they include a comparatively excessive price ticket. In a nutshell, neither fixture is designed for one-man-band filmmakers. To broaden their lineup, Aputure launched the STORM 400x, a extra compact and “reasonably priced” fixture for owner-operators.
Aputure STORM 400x – options
The STORM 400x is a 400W COB LED gentle powered by Aputure’s BLAIR gentle engine. The lamp head measures 23.9 x 25.3 x 42.4cm/9.4 x 10.0 x 16.7in and weighs 3.95kg/7.99lbs. The unit options an exterior ballast with dimensions of 13.6 x 14.1 x 24.3cm/5.4 x 5.6 x 9.6in for a weight of three.00kg/6.07lbs. Designed to face up to essentially the most demanding capturing circumstances, each the lamp head and ballast are IP65-rated and made out of aluminum.
Backside and again of the STORM 400x lamp head. Picture credit score: Aputure
Behind the lamp head, you’ll discover a 5-pin energy connector that attaches to the ballast. The lamp head additionally incorporates a built-in fan with 4 fan settings: Silent (0 dB), Medium (29 dB), Excessive (33 dB), and Good (36 dB).
The STORM 400x options Aputure’s Professional Lock locking Bowens Mount. Picture credit score: Aputure
On the entrance of the fixture, you’ll discover Aputure’s Professional Lock locking Bowens Mount. This “PL-Mount” type mount is a locking, anti-rotation Bowens mount that may maintain heavy lighting modifiers such because the DoPchoice 5′ Octa in heavy wind circumstances with none play within the mount.
The STORM 400x’s ballast. Picture credit score: Aputure
The entire lighting controls are situated on the ballast, however it’s also possible to management the STORM 400x by way of the SidusLinkApp, Sidus Hyperlink Professional App, 5-pin DMX/RDM out and in ports, CRMX, and etherCON. In keeping with Aputure, the Sidus Hyperlink and CRMX (TimoTwo) wi-fi management vary is 100m/262.5ft. Final however not least, the ballast incorporates a built-in V-Mount/Gold Mount battery plate to energy the sunshine, which may be very useful.
Picture credit score: Aputure
Mild output
Let’s now enter the STORM 400x’s foremost promoting factors: the sunshine high quality and light-weight output. To begin with, in CCT mode, you’ll be able to regulate the colour temperature from 2,500K to 10,000K with full plus/minus inexperienced and magenta adjustment. Aputure claims to realize unbelievable gentle high quality outcomes, with a CRI and TLCI of over 95, an SSI (Tungsten) of 87, an SSI (D56) of 85, a TM-30 RF (Common) of 95, and a TM-30 RG (Common) of 100.
The STORM 400x photometrics. Picture credit score: Aputure
When it comes to photometrics, the outcomes above are additionally comparatively excessive, each with and with out a lighting modifier: 27,100 lux at 1 meter (5600K) when utilizing the included 35º reflector is lots brilliant. This could offer you ample output for many capturing situations, together with interviews, music movies, and company shoots. Moreover, you’ll be able to dim the STORM 400x from 0.1 to 100% in stepless increments.
In coloration mode, Aputure claims that the BLAIR gentle engine may also output saturated colours throughout greater than 70% of the Rec. 2020 coloration house utilizing Restricted HSIC+ and x,y management modes.
The Aputure CF7 fresnel lens with barn doorways. Picture credit score: Aputure
Aputure CF7 – options
Alongside the STORM 400x, Aputure additionally launched the CF7 fresnel lens. This 7-inch Bowens Mount fresnel attachment comes with 8-leaf barn doorways and presents a beam vary of 15º to 40º. Contained in the Fresnel are a number of lens parts, and the dual-expanding focusing system helps keep a fairly small and compact type issue: 22.4cm diameter x 10.5cm/8.81 x 4.13in, weighing 1.35kg/2.98lbs with out the barn doorways. As all the time with Aputure, the CF7 Fresnel is available in a pleasant transport and carrying case.
The Aputure STORM 400x. Picture credit score: Aputure
Worth and availability
The Aputure STORM 400x is obtainable now for $1,059 in both V-Mount or Gold Mount variations. The Aputure CF7 Fresnel and barn door equipment can also be obtainable now for $230.
For extra info, please go to Aputure’s web site right here.
What do you consider this new 400W Aputure fixture? Would it not be a pleasant addition to your lighting equipment? Have you ever ever used a BLAIR-powered LED gentle? Don’t hesitate to tell us within the feedback under!
