Amaran COB 60x (Bi-Colour) with Battery

The Ultra-Compact Bi-Color COB Solution

The Aputure Amaran COB 60x is a 65W bi-color point-source LED light designed to bridge the gap between portable speedlights and full-sized studio fixtures. Within the manufacturer’s ecosystem, it sits as the most compact bi-color entry in the Amaran COB series, utilizing a Chip-on-Board (COB) architecture to produce a high-intensity beam from a light engine roughly the size of a standard 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. Unlike the daylight-only 60d, the 60x features a variable color temperature range from 2700K to 6500K, allowing it to match both warm tungsten interior lighting and cool daylight environments. It is engineered specifically for solo operators, mobile content creators, and indie filmmakers who require a high-output light that can be powered by batteries and mounted in tight spaces where traditional 150W or 300W fixtures would be physically impractical.

Spectral Accuracy and Light Output

The light quality of the Aputure Amaran COB 60x is defined by its high color fidelity metrics, ensuring that skin tones and product colors are rendered accurately without the green or magenta shifts common in budget LED panels. It achieves a CRI (Color Rendering Index) of 96 or higher and a TLCI (Television Lighting Consistency Index) of 96 or higher. More importantly for modern digital sensors, it maintains an SSI (Tungsten) of 85 and an SSI (D56) of 74, providing spectral continuity that minimizes post-production color correction. In terms of raw output, when equipped with the included Hyper Reflector (Mini), the unit produces up to 37,775 lux at 1 meter when set to 5600K. At the warmer 2700K end of the spectrum, the output remains significant, allowing for consistent exposure even when shifting color temperatures. The dimming curve is linear from 0% to 100%, with no flickering at high frame rates, making it suitable for slow-motion videography.

Build, Mounting, and Thermal Management

The chassis of the Aputure Amaran COB 60x is constructed from a lightweight, high-strength polycarbonate, keeping the lamp head weight to just 675g. This extreme portability is matched by a versatile mounting system. The unit features a native Amaran Mini Bowens Mount, which is compatible with a specific line of compact modifiers like the Light Dome 150 and the Light Box 45x45. However, it also includes a full-sized Bowens Mount Adapter with an integrated umbrella holder, allowing the use of standard professional modifiers such as the Light Dome II, Lantern, or Fresnel 2X. The bottom of the unit features a 1/4-20in mounting point, which attaches to the included tilting stand adapter. For thermal management, the 60x employs an active cooling system with a high-efficiency fan. In its default "Smart" mode, the fan adjusts speed based on the internal temperature of the COB chip, while the "Silent" mode restricts the fan noise for critical audio environments, though this may limit maximum output during prolonged use in high-ambient-temperature settings.

Control Systems and Integrated Effects

Operation of the Aputure Amaran COB 60x is handled through a single control knob on the rear of the fixture or via the Sidus Link mobile application. The rear interface utilizes a "click-to-cycle" logic, allowing users to jump between CCT presets (2700K, 3200K, 4300K, 5600K, 6500K) and intensity increments (20% steps) quickly. The unit integrates Sidus Mesh technology, enabling it to be part of a complex lighting network controlled from a smartphone or tablet. Through the app, users can access 9 built-in lighting effects: Paparazzi, Fireworks, Lightning, Faulty Bulb, TV, Pulsing, Strobe, Explosion, and Fire. The Sidus Link integration also allows for "Source Match" and "Color Picker" functions, which use the phone’s camera to match the 60x’s output to existing ambient light sources on set. The light does not feature DMX control, reflecting its design as a tool for independent creators rather than large-scale theatrical stages.

On the Shoot: Real-World Indian Scenarios

In a Bengaluru wedding reception held in a dimly lit banquet hall, the 60x serves as an ideal "rim" or "hair" light for the couple's stage. Because space behind the stage is often restricted by floral arrangements or LED backdrops, the 11x11x11cm footprint of the 60x allows it to be tucked into corners where a larger LS 300d would not fit. The bi-color capability is essential here, as it allows the cinematographer to dial the light to 3200K to match the warm decorative "fairy lights" or 4500K to provide a neutral separation from the background.

During a Goa travel shoot or a documentary project on the coast, the 60x’s power versatility becomes its primary advantage. When shooting a sunset interview on the beach where AC power is unavailable, the included Dual NP-F Battery Plate allows the light to run at full power using two NP-F970 batteries. The light can also be powered via a D-Tap to 5.5mm DC barrel cable from a V-Mount battery, providing hours of runtime for "run-and-gun" setups where the crew needs to move quickly between locations without dragging heavy power cables through the sand.

In a Mumbai studio product session focusing on jewelry or tabletop food photography, the 60x acts as a precise key light. The point-source nature of the COB chip creates hard, defined shadows that can be shaped with the included reflector or softened with the Bowens Mount adapter and a small softbox. Because the light is so light, it can be safely mounted on a lightweight boom arm or a C-stand with a long extension, positioned directly over the product without the safety risks associated with heavier 200W+ fixtures. The 2700K setting is particularly useful for food photography, adding a warm, appetizing glow to the scene that mimics candlelight or domestic interior lighting.

Compatibility and Power Ecosystem

The Aputure Amaran COB 60x is designed to be highly adaptable within a professional kit. It features a 19V DC 5.5mm power input. The included AC power supply is a multi-voltage unit (100V-240V), making it safe for use across different power grids. For battery operation, the kit includes a Dual NP-F Battery Plate that slides onto the side of the light. It is important to note that for 100% output, high-capacity NP-F970 batteries with high discharge rates are recommended. The light is also compatible with the Aputure 2-Bay Battery Power Station for extended V-Mount use. In terms of light modification, while the Mini Bowens mount is native, the included Bowens Mount Adapter is the most critical accessory, opening up the light to the entire ecosystem of Aputure and third-party modifiers. The unit also features a standard 5/8-inch (Baby Pin) receiver through its tilting stand adapter, ensuring it fits on any standard Indian light stand or C-stand.

Limitations and Alternative Choices

While the Aputure Amaran COB 60x is a versatile tool, it has clear limitations based on its 65W power draw. It is not powerful enough to compete with direct sunlight; if you are shooting an exterior scene in the middle of the day and need to fill shadows on a subject's face, a more powerful fixture like the Amaran 200x or the LS 600d Pro would be required. The build quality, while durable for its class, is primarily plastic; for high-impact rental environments or heavy outdoor use in monsoon conditions, the weather-sealed, all-metal LS series (such as the LS 60d) offers better physical protection. Additionally, the bi-color nature of the 60x means that its peak brightness is slightly lower than the daylight-only 60d variant, as the power is split between warm and cool LEDs. If you strictly shoot in daylight-balanced environments and need every possible lux of output, the 60d is the more efficient choice. Finally, the fan, while quiet, may be audible if the light is placed within 12 inches of a sensitive lavalier microphone in a very small, reflective room.