Aputure Announces 'Baby BLAIR' STORM 400x

Aputure has unveiled its smallest BLAIR light engine fixture yet in the shape of the Aputure STORM 400x point source fixture. There's also an accompanying CF7 Fresnel with Barn Doors Kit.

As the newest member of the Aputure STORM x series, the STORM 400x features Aputure’s BLAIR light engine, which delivers impressive tunable white light quality with a wide 2500K-10,000K CCT range and full ASC MITC coverage +/- Green adjustment. Aputure says that BLAIR engine enables the STORM 400x to output saturated colors across more than 70% of the Rec.2020 color space (87% Rec. 709), controllable in Limited HSIC+ and x,y modes.

The STORM 400x is also surprisingly bright, with output matching or exceeding many 500W and 600W-level COB lights, according to the company.  "The Baby BLAIR," is how it puts it. Output is 27,100 lux @1m (5600K) when using the included 35º reflector. This output is paired with impressive color metrics: CRI and TLCI ≥95, CQS ≥96, SSI (Tungsten) 87, SSI (D56) 85, and average TM-30 scores of Rf 95 and Rg 100. 

It shares features with the rest of the family, including extreme low-end dimming, IP65 rating, professional connectivity, and the ProLock Locking Bowens Mount for securely attaching modifiers with perfect optical alignment. Control capabilities include Sidus Link and Sidus Link Pro app compatibility, LumenRadio CRMX, and 16-bit DMX512 in/out.

"The STORM lights offer some of the most advanced innovations Aputure has ever created,” explains Aaron Tsai, Chief Marketing Officer for Aputure. “From the STORM 1200x up to the mighty STORM XT52 and now the STORM 400x, they share the same BLAIR light engine technology, controls, low size and weight, and other features throughout the line. Add the matching compact fresnels like the new CF7 and you have tools that complement shoots of any scale. People have been asking when Aputure was going to make a smaller, more portable version of the STORM 1200x and that’s just what we’ve done in the STORM 400x. It’s truly the Baby BLAIR.”

As far as size and weight go, lamp head with yoke is 23.9 x 25.3 x 42.4 cm / 9.4 x 10.0 x 16.7 in. Weight of the same is 3.95 kg / 7.99 lbs.

CF7 Fresnel and Barn Doors Kit 

Optimized for the 400x, the CF7 Fresnel and Barn Doors Kit is a 7-inch Bowens Mount fresnel with included 8-leaf barn doors. Its beam range adjusts from 15º to 40º while maintaining a compact profile. The dual-expanding focusing system with multiple lens elements results in reduced size and weight without compromising optical performance.

Pricing and Availability

The STORM 400x is on sale now in the US for $1059, and the CF7 Fresnel and Barn Doors Kit is on sale for $199.