The Aputure Storm 400X is a high-output LED light made for filmmakers, videographers, and photographers who need strong, adjustable lighting on set. It’s part of Aputure’s Storm series and it sits between the smaller 300x and the larger 600x or XT52. It gives you more brightness than the 300x but is still easier to carry and set up than the bigger models. The Storm 400X also offers accurate color with the BLAIR light engine which is a unique quality that makes it stand out. The BLAIR engine uses five LED colors (Blue, Lime, Amber, Indigo, and Red). If you’re working on commercials, short films, music videos, or other creative projects, the Aputure Storm 400X helps you get clean, consistent results without needing bulky gear or a large budget.
Storm 400X Performance Highlights
Here is a quick look at the main features and performance specifications-
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Output Power | 400W COB LED |
| CCT Range | 2,500K – 10,000K |
| CRI / TLCI | 95+ |
| SSI (D56) | 86 |
| Control Methods | DMX, CRMX, Bluetooth, Sidus Link |
| IP Rating | IP65 (dust and water-resistant) |
| Mount Type | Bowens Mount with ProLock |
| Cooling | Advanced fan with multiple modes |
| Dimming Range | 0.1% to 100% |
| Power Options | AC or battery with dual plates |
Let’s see more details on each feature of this unique light below.
1. BLAIR Light Engine of the Storm 400X
Every manufacturer now seem to embrace the BLAIR light Engine and that is interesting. Aputure’s Storm 400X stands out thanks to its BLAIR light engine, which uses five LED colors: Blue, Lime, Amber, Indigo, and Red. Indigo adds near-UV, enhancing fluorescent surfaces and improving color richness. This system also provides full ASC green/magenta adjustment over the entire CCT range. The result is a fuller, more natural light spectrum, especially evident in skin tones and mixed lighting setups. Instead of basic RGBW chips, BLAIR delivers subtle and precise color control that matches daylight and tungsten sources more accurately.
2. Power Output and Brightness
The Storm 400X uses about 500 watts of power from a standard outlet and gives off a strong 400-watt LED light. This makes it a powerful tool for professional lighting setups, especially on film sets or in studios. When tested with a 35-degree reflector, it produced around 27,100 lux of brightness at a 1-meter distance. If you use the reflector correctly, the output can increase to about 64,600 lux at the same distance. That means the light is strong enough to brighten up large scenes or focus on a subject with high intensity.
3. Storm 400X Color Temperature Range
One of the most useful features of the Storm 400X is its wide range of color temperatures. It can be adjusted from 2,500K (warm light) to 10,000K (cool light), making it suitable for many different lighting situations. This means you can match the lighting to any time of day, indoor or outdoor scene, or even mix it with other lights on set. The Storm 400X also allows for green and magenta tint correction, so you can get the color just right without needing to fix it later during editing.
4. Build Quality, Design & Weather Resistance
The Storm 400X is built tough with both the lamp head and control box carrying an IP rating of IP65, with sealed connectors that help keep out water and dust. The metal-and-plastic body resists spray and debris, working reliably in rainy or dusty conditions.
Its ProLock Bowens mount is a major upgrade, locking modifiers firmly in place for heavy accessories like Fresnel lenses. This prevents wobble or sag during shoots. The control box separates cleanly from the head via a rugged cable, allowing flexible positioning. Compact size, portability, and all-weather readiness make it a practical tool for diverse shooting setups.
5. Storm 400X Color Accuracy and Quality
The Storm 400X offers professional-level color accuracy. Its CRI (Color Rendering Index) and TLCI (Television Lighting Consistency Index) are both over 95, which means it can show skin tones and colors naturally and correctly on camera. It also scores about 85 in SSI (Spectral Similarity Index), which compares it to standard natural light sources. Another measurement, the TM-30 Rf, is around 95, which shows it gives very high-quality, balanced light. These high scores mean the Storm 400X can be trusted for jobs where true color is very important.
6. DMX/CRMX Control Options of the Storm 400X
The Storm 400X gives you flexible control choices. You can adjust it using DMX if you’re on a professional set. It also supports CRMX, which lets you control it wirelessly over long distances. If you’re using a smartphone or tablet, the Bluetooth Sidus Link app works well and lets you make changes easily. The controller that comes with the Storm 400X also allows full manual control right on the unit. This range of control methods makes it a great choice for both studio use and location shoots.
7. Storm 400X Dimming and Lighting Effects
The Storm 400X offers smooth and detailed control of brightness. You can dim the light from as low as 0.1% up to 100%, so it’s easy to make small or big changes in light intensity without any flicker or sudden jumps. There are four dimming curves to choose from, depending on how you want the light to behave as it brightens or dims. On top of that, it comes with nine built-in lighting effects like flash, TV, fire, and paparazzi. These are useful when you want to create special effects on set without extra gear.
8. Power Options, Battery Use
The Storm 400X can run on either AC power or batteries. The control unit includes dual battery plates, so you can use two V-mount or Gold mount batteries. This helps spread the power load and lets you run the light away from plugs. However, you’ll need high-output batteries. Low-power or travel-safe batteries won’t handle the 400W draw. For full brightness, stick with 14.8V or higher pro batteries.
Included Components in the Aputure Storm 400X Kit
When you buy the Aputure Storm 400X, the standard kit includes:
- Storm 400X light head – The main LED unit that delivers high brightness and color accuracy
- Control box – A separate unit to adjust settings and manage power safely away from the light head
- 7.5-meter head cable – Connects the light head to the control box, giving you flexibility in positioning
- COB protective cap – Shields the LED light source during storage and transport
- Heavy-duty yoke mount – Allows secure mounting on light stands or rigs
- AC power cables and accessories – For plugging into standard outlets or compatible power setups
- Rolling padded case – Designed to hold all components securely and make transport easier
Price, Availability, and Value for Money
The Storm 400X is currently priced at around $1,059 USD for either V-Mount or Gold Mount versions, including head, control box, clamp, reflector, cables, and soft case. Stock is expected in August 2025. For this price, it offers powerful output, durability, excellent color, and future-proof features, undercutting bigger lights while outperforming smaller ones.
CREDIT – https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1907241-REG/aputure_ap00339a20_storm_400x_bi_color_led.html
https://www.newsshooter.com/2025/07/21/aputure-storm-400x-cf7-fresnel/
