Aputure Electro Storm CS15

Overview

It suits a large coloured key, a controllable exterior source or a stage package using the F14 Fresnel. The controller, cart, cable and modifier are substantial parts of the order.

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Key specifications

Specification	Details
Light type	Full-colour dual-blue point source
CCT	2,000–10,000K
Maximum electrical input / LED output	2,200W / 1,585W
AC input	100–240V, 50/60Hz
DC interfaces	Dual 48V DC inputs; supply capability and operating limits depend on configuration
Colour references	CRI 98 / TLCI 98
SSI tungsten / D56	90 / 86
Native / Aputure reflector options	62° native; 20°, 35° and 50° reflectors
Accessory interfaces	Bowens plus electronic Aputure Mount
Bare head / manual yoke / controller	18kg / 3.2kg / 19kg
Weather protection	IP65
Controls	Onboard, Sidus Link, DMX/RDM, internal CRMX, Art-Net/sACN

Technical reference: Aputure product information and downloads.

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• High-output full-colour operation can produce warm, cool and saturated cues without changing gels.
• Dual accessory interfaces support approved Bowens modifiers and electronic Aputure Mount optics.
• Remote-control options extend to the optional motorized Fresnel and yoke.

Limitations

• The controller and optics make this a cart-and-distribution package rather than a lightweight interview light.
• Full-power AC demand exceeds the capacity of an ordinary 120V/15A branch circuit.
• Large fans and cooling modes need checking with the sound department.

Practical uses

Setup	Working approach
Large coloured window source	Set the actual colour and tint before checking exposure through the chosen reflector or Fresnel. Saturated-colour output differs from a white-light centre reading.
Night exterior accent	Use a narrow optic for a motivated distant source, then control spill on neighbouring walls and the camera path.
Large soft key	Fill the chosen diffusion or bounce surface, accounting for the spread and fall-off instead of selecting only the highest centre reading.
Console-controlled stage source	Combine colour cues with the appropriate motorized accessory profile; retain a clear route for the heavy head cable.

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Output and colour

The supplied 35° reflector is one optical configuration. The 20° optic concentrates more light into a smaller beam, while the 50° reflector spreads it more widely. Compare the same optic, distance, CCT and fan/output mode when ordering alternatives.

Published HMI or tungsten equivalence is a manufacturer comparison, not a guarantee that every beam spread and modifier will match. For the shot, establish useful coverage and exposure through the final optical package.

CCT	Distance	Bare (lux)	50° (lux)	35° (lux)	20° (lux)
3,200K	3m	5,040	15,210	28,880	85,400
3,200K	5m	1,827	5,760	10,610	30,100
5,600K	3m	5,540	16,740	32,600	94,500
5,600K	5m	2,143	6,420	11,650	33,100

Published photometrics: measurement configurations and full output tables.

Tests and demonstrations

The Aputure Electro Storm walkthrough demonstrates the CS15, XT26 and F14 as a system. It is useful for seeing their physical scale and remote accessories; its output comparisons are manufacturer claims.

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Power and batteries

Maximum AC consumption is 2,200W, not the 1,585W LED output figure. The supply voltage, cable connector and selected power limit must support the actual controller setting. Have the electrical department plan the circuit and distribution before the lamp is positioned.

The controller offers AC and dedicated DC power paths. Its dual 48V inputs are not equivalent to placing ordinary camera batteries directly on the fixture. Use an approved supply with sufficient continuous current and the correct cables for the chosen operating level.

Reduced-power household operation should be specified as a separate setup from full-output operation. Meter that configuration at the location instead of using the full-power photometric table to promise exposure.

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Control, cooling and camera operation

Local controls, Sidus Link, DMX/RDM, internal CRMX and Ethernet Art-Net/sACN support stand, console and network workflows. Confirm the DMX chart for the fixture and any motorized accessory, then patch the entire system before rigging it out of reach.

The Electro Storm family uses liquid cooling with active airflow. Cooling-system condition and unobstructed ventilation matter; the presence of liquid cooling does not make the package acoustically silent.

Aputure lists mode-dependent fan noise, including approximately 30dB in Silent for these models. That label should not be interpreted as fan-off operation. Warm the unit in its intended mode and check the result at the microphone position.

High-speed and low-level cue performance depend on operating settings. Test the production shutter and frame rate while running the entire fade or effect, especially when mixing DMX resolution or different fixture generations.

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Modifiers, rigging and the working package

Component / accessory	Package considerations
Manual head and yoke	18kg bare head plus 3.2kg yoke, before a reflector, Fresnel or cable load.
Controller and handcart	19kg controller; include its cart and the route for the 15m standard head cable.
Aputure Mount reflectors	20°, 35° and 50°; order the required beam coverage and matching barn-door arrangement.
Motorized F14 Fresnel	Electronic Aputure Mount for powered focus control; include the lens and barn doors in the support plan.
Optional motorized yoke	Published accessory weight 20kg; this substantially changes the rig compared with the 3.2kg manual yoke.
Bowens accessories	Use the manufacturer’s compatibility list for the exact softbox or projection accessory and power level.

Keep the controller supported separately from its cable. Fit the actual optic before checking yoke clearance, head balance and stand selection. Electronic-mount contacts and cable connectors need clean, dry mating surfaces and inspection during prep.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

Fixture	When to compare it
STORM 1000c	A smaller full-colour package when its output meets the requirement.
STORM 1200x	A smaller tunable-white head with ProLock Bowens accessories.
STORM XT52	A larger tunable-white system for jobs that justify its power and handling requirements.
Nanlux Evoke 1200B	A tunable-white comparison; choose by useful beam, full package and rental support.

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What people are saying

Aputure’s system demonstration. The launch walkthrough shows the two Electro Storm heads and electronic accessories together, making the transport and remote-control requirements easier to assess. Watch the CS15 / XT26 demonstration.

Manufacturer engineering overview. The Electro Storm family page explains the liquid-cooled construction and motorized accessory system. Treat its output-equivalence language as a manufacturer comparison.

Videos

Aputure: Electro Storm CS15 and XT26. Manufacturer walkthrough of the fixtures and F14 motorized Fresnel.

Aputure: Electro Storm system announcement. An earlier introduction to the heads, F14 and motorized accessories; consult current specifications for the shipping package.

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Rental and used-fixture checks

• Verify the correct head, matching controller, head cable and AC connector as a complete set.
• Inspect mount contacts, mechanical locks, head-cable connectors and the manual or motorized yoke.
• Run to operating temperature and check cooling behaviour without obstructing airflow.
• Prep the F14 and any motorized-yoke control with the intended console.
• Confirm the selected power cap, supply capacity and usable output at the working colour.
• Allow sufficient people, carts and transport space for the head, controller, optics and cases.

Documentation and specifications

• Aputure product specifications, kit options and firmware downloads
• Product manual (PDF)
• DMX profiles (PDF)
• Manufacturer data sheet (PDF)
• Electro Storm system and cooling overview

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