amaran 100x S

Last Updated 14 hours ago

Overview

This is the S-generation model, distinct from the original 100x and the fixed-daylight 100d S. The upgraded white-light engine does not provide RGB hue control. The published maximum consumption is 113 W, separate from the nominal 100 W lamp-power class.

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Key specifications

Specification	Details
Fixture class	Bowens-mount white-light COB spotlight, S-generation
Nominal lamp-power class	100 W
Published maximum consumption	113 W
White range	2700–6500 K
Manufacturer colour metrics	CRI 95+, TLCI 97+, TM-30 Rf 96 / Rg 102; SSI(D32) 89+, SSI(D56) 87+
Published luminous flux	8,788 lm
Head supply	48 V / 2.5 A
AC power system	100–240 V through the designated adapter
Head dimensions with bracket	207 × 119 × 200 mm in manual
Listed head weight	1.42 kg
Beam angles	110.4° bare; 17.9° with Hyper Reflector Mini
Dimming	0–100%; local intensity and app control
Control	Onboard and Sidus Link Bluetooth; no native DMX/CRMX listed
Cooling / operating ambient	Active cooling; −10 to 40°C

The product page lists TLCI 97+, SSI D32 89+ and D56 87+. The combined support table lists 99, 91 and 88 respectively. These manufacturer references differ.

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• 2700–6500 K tuning helps with warm interiors and mixed white sources.
• The S-generation dual-blue chipset improves spectral similarity over the original series.
• Bowens modifiers and integrated controls make a straightforward interview or studio package.

Limitations

• White-light tuning does not provide RGB colour or dedicated green/magenta control.
• A high spectral score does not establish a perfect match on every camera or material.
• Cooling, adapter support and the complete modifier load still need planning; native DMX and CRMX are absent.

Practical uses

The 100x S works well as a small interview key through a compatible softbox, as a bounce source or as an accent that needs to change between warm and daylight scenes. The Bowens mount gives modifier choice, while the head’s local controls and external adapter keep the working package straightforward.

Choose the source for the image: a softbox creates a broader reflection and softer nearby shadows, an umbrella provides a different spill pattern, and a reflector retains a harder direction. Inspect a glossy product through the camera while moving the source, because the modifier’s shape becomes part of its highlight.

The native Bowens mount accepts compatible accessories, but front-heavy modifiers increase leverage at the tilt lock and stand. Use the manufacturer compatibility guidance for optical attachments and support arrangements. A physically fitting mount does not establish that every large accessory can be carried without additional support.

Setup	Working approach
Soft interview key	Use a compatible softbox close to the subject, with the diffusion and grid selected before setting exposure.
Bounce or diffusion	Fill the useful area evenly; a narrow reflector’s centre reading does not describe an evenly filled frame.
Background or edge	Choose a supported modifier and working distance for the intended field and shadow quality.
Creator studio	Use onboard or Sidus Link control and support the external power adapter independently of the head connector.

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Output and colour

The table uses the matching manufacturer manual, with lux retained at the stated distance and CCT. Bare-head and Hyper Reflector measurements are separate configurations. These are manufacturer averaged figures, not a new site test or readings through an added softbox.

The reflector concentrates output into a much narrower field than the bare head. Its higher centre value is not evidence that a wider area receives the same illumination. Evaluate beam coverage, edge falloff and the final diffuser at the subject.

The manual’s colour-temperature control uses 100 K increments and includes quick-access white presets. Equal intensity percentages at different white settings do not establish identical lux, so the table keeps 3200 K and 5600 K rows separate.

CCT / setup	1 m, lux	3 m, lux	5 m, lux
3200 K, bare	3,410	405	157
3200 K, Hyper Reflector	28,180	2,970	1,066
5600 K, bare	3,640	433	166
5600 K, Hyper Reflector	30,500	3,240	1,156

The S-series dual-blue chipset is intended to improve spectral continuity compared with the preceding generation. CRI, TLCI, TM-30 and SSI measure different things; an SSI reference score should not be treated as a CRI percentage or a universal camera-match guarantee.

Record the white setting where adjustable, intensity, reflector and diffusion for a repeatable setup. Check skin, fabrics and product colours through the production camera when matching daylight, practicals or other LED brands. A shared Kelvin setting alone does not prove identical spectral rendering.

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Power and batteries

The head takes the specified 48 V DC supply from its external adapter; it does not plug straight into mains at the DC connector. Support the adapter independently and use the retained head cable and strain relief so aiming the fixture does not pull on its socket.

The manufacturer describes battery use through the compatible Aputure two-bay Battery Power Station, sold separately. That is a complete approved 48 V power arrangement, not a direct connection from one ordinary camera battery. Confirm the station, battery type, discharge capability and remaining energy for the selected output.

Budget from the published maximum consumption and actual supply label rather than assuming the model’s number is the whole-system load. Battery watt-hours estimate stored energy; continuous current capability determines whether the pack can sustain the required power.

Control, cooling and camera operation

The head provides a local display and adjustment controls plus Sidus Link Bluetooth operation and app-based firmware updates. The checked specifications do not list native five-pin DMX or a built-in CRMX receiver. App control is therefore a different workflow from a console-addressed production wireless-DMX rig.

Set up pairing and the intended effects before placing the fixture in an awkward position. The manual describes eight app effects for the daylight models and nine for the 100x S, with availability tied to the installed firmware. Test low fades, reconnection and the intended camera shutter/frame rate before cue-dependent work.

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Modifiers, rigging and the working package

These heads use active cooling. Test the actual fan sound at the microphone position and maintain clear airflow rather than covering the housing to reduce noise. Observe the −10 to 40°C operating range and the matching manual’s environmental instructions.

Inspect the COB window, reflector lock, stand adapter, tilt handle, bracket, DC lead and power supply. Remove the protection cap before operation and let the light cool before packing. Check low dimming, colour stability, local controls and app connection on a used unit.

The listed weight is the head reference, not a complete stand-mounted package. Include modifiers, adapter and cable loads in the support plan and provide appropriate secondary retention for elevated placement.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

Choose the 100x S when changing white balance is more useful than the daylight model’s particular output advantage. The 200x S increases the power class, while an amaran 150c adds a full-colour engine with different power and photometric behaviour.

Fixture	Choose it for
amaran 100d S	The same size family with a different white-light range.
amaran 150c / 300c	RGBWW colour and tint adjustment when saturated effects are part of the job.
Aputure LS 300x	A larger Light Storm bi-colour working package with different power and control hardware.

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What people are saying

Adil Shah: a compact studio key with a 90 cm softbox

Adil Shah’s 100x S review uses the light with an Apkina SL-90 softbox for a creator studio. He describes the combination as useful for tutorials and product reviews and includes setup and lighting comparisons.

Mark Arnett: comparing the original 100x and 100x S

Mark Arnett’s comparison tests the 100x S against the original 100x. It is a generation comparison, rather than a comparison between the 100x S and higher-power 200x S.

Videos

Mark Arnett: 100x versus 100x S

A direct comparison of the original and revised chipset versions.

Adil Shah: 100x S and softbox setup

A creator-studio example with a 90 cm softbox.

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Rental and used-fixture checks

Confirm the S designation on the fixture and identify the correct power adapter. Inspect the Bowens latch, bracket, stand connection, fan vents and locking DC socket. Run a low-level fade and the required white setting, test app pairing, and check the entire head/modifier arrangement for play before raising it.

Documentation and specifications

official product specifications, manufacturer operating manual and the model page’s accessory-compatibility download.

Product photograph: amaran.

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