At IBC 2024, I looked at the new Aputure Storm 1200x. The fixture has an all-new BLAIR Light Engine, which consists of Blue, Lime, Amber, Indigo, and Red LEDs.
For a deeper look into the new BLAIR Light Engine, see our coverage of the 1200X’s release.
The Storm 1200x is technically a full-color fixture. However, they view the STORM 1200x as an advanced Bi-color fixture, hence the x in the name. This is the first light in the new x series and there will be quite a few more fixtures coming. Interestingly, they decided to start the new line with the big boy and work their way down.
The light draws 1440W, the same as the LS 1200d Pro; however, Aputure states it is significantly brighter and will have a very similar output across its CCT range.
Key features
- CCT Range from 2500-10,000K
- Extended Range +/- Green Control
- ProLock Locking Bowens Mount
- Extreme Color-Accurate Dimming
- IP65 Weather Protection
- CRMX, DMX, and Bluetooth Connectivity
- 360-Degree Tilt: The extended size of the STORM 1200x yoke allows the light to fully rotate 360 degrees. This allows the lamp to be quickly pointed straight up, a task that requires competing products to re-patch cables to achieve.
The BLAIR Light Engine resulted from Aputure acquiring Prolycht. With both Aputure and Prolycht engineers now working together for the same company, they have created something quite unique. Aputure claims that the new light engine is capable of producing the highest-quality white light, an ultra-wide CCT range, full +/—Green control, and extreme color-accurate dimming.
The BLAIR Light Engine utilizes blue, lime, amber, indigo, and red LED emitters. This is quite different from RGBWW or RGBACL. Lights that utilize RGBACL don’t use any white LEDs, instead, they mix all of those different color LEDs to produce white light, and that’s essentially what BLAIR is doing too. Instead of having a green emitter, they are utilizing indigo.
A nice new feature is the locking Bowens Mount. It’s like a giant PL mount and is so much better than the sliding button for releasing the modifier, especially when using a softbox. You insert the modifier into the Boens mount and turn the large knob to lock it in place.
Output
The fixture utilizes advanced diode color mixing to maximize each diode’s light output. Aputure claims that the STORM 1200x can output 2,500 Lux @3m / 9.9′ when set at 5600K and used with its 45° reflector.
Pricing and Avaialability
The Aputure STORM 1200x retails for $2,999 USD and the expected delivery date is mid-October. This makes it very well-priced compared to its direct competition, and it is also around $400 USD cheaper than the existing Aputure LS 1200d Pro.
