Godox AD400Pro - All-in-One Outdoor Flash Manual

Foreword

Before using this product
Please read this user manual carefully in order to ensure your safety and the proper operation of this product. Keep for future reference.

Thank you for purchasing a GODOX product.
WITSTRO All-in-One Outdoor Flash AD400Pro has strong power, all-in-one lithium battery pack and great portability. When using Godox 2.4G wireless X system off camera, AD400Pro can be triggered by XPro and Xl series flash trigger in TTL/M/Multi mode, etc. With master & slave functions, AD400Pro can also use in combination with Godox TTL camera flashes, TTL outdoor flashes, TTL studio flashes, etc. With this AD400Pro flash, your shooting will become simpler. You can easily achieve a correct flash exposure even in complex light-changing environments.
WITSTRO AD400Pro offers studio quality light for outdoor and live shooting with strong power and large capacity lithium battery pack. The powerful and portable AD400Pro meets the demands of freelance commercial photographers, photojournalists, wedding and beach portraiture shooters, event and backpack photographers, photograph enthusiasts, etc. The AD400Pro offers:

• Quick recycle time: 0.01-1s.
• Stable color temperature mode: color temperature changes within ±75K over the entire power range.
• LED modeling lamp: 30W LED modeling lamp whose light brightness can be freely adjusted.
• Precise power output: power adjusts from full power 1/256 to 1/1 in 25 steps.
• Advanced functions: 1/8000s high-speed sync flash, multi flash, high-speed sync triggering, etc.
• Compatible wireless TTL system: with built-in Godox 2.4G wireless X system, AD400Pro is compatible with Canon, Nikon, Sony, FUJIFILM, Olympus and Panasonic TTL autoflash system.
• Wireless control: with built-in Godox 2.4G wireless X system to achieve TTL control. It can also be used to wirelessly adjust flash power level and trigger the flash through the wireless control port.
  AD400Pro has 3.5mm sync cord jack to achieve various sync triggering mode.
• Dot-matrix LCD panel: with clear and convenient operation.
• Studio quality light: up to 400Ws, GN 72 (m ISO 100, with high-efficiency standard reflector).
• With New Godox-mount and the included Bowens-mount adapter ring, AD400Pro can install different accessories by replacing its adapter ring(separately sold), such as accessories of Broncolor, Prophoto, Elinchrom, etc.

Always keep this product dry. Do not use in rain or in damp conditions.

Do not disassemble. Should repairs become necessary, this product must be sent to an authorized maintenance center.

Keep out of reach of children.

Stop using this product if it breaks open due to extrusion, falling or strong hit. Otherwise, electric shock may occur if you touch the electronic parts inside it.

Do not fire the flash directly into the eyes (especially those of babies) within short distances. Otherwise visual impairment may occur.

Do not use the flash unit in the presence of flammable gases, chemicals and other similar materials. In certain circumstance, these materials may be sensitive to the strong light emitting from this flash unit and fire or electromagnetic interference may result.

Do not leave or store the flash unit if the ambient temperature reads over 50° C. Otherwise the electronic parts may be damaged.

Turn off the flash unit immediately in the event of malfunction.

Name of Parts

Body

<MODE> Mode Selection Button

<> Wireless Selection Button

<GR/CH> Group/Channel Button

<MENU> Menu Button

<SET>Set Button

<>Test Button / Flash Ready Indicator

<>Power Switch

<>Modeling Lamp Button

< H>High Speed Sync Button

LCD Panel

TTL Autoflash

M Manual Flash

Multi Flash

Radio Transmission Shooting

Optical transmission wireless shooting

Included Accessories

1. Flash tube
2. Lithium battery pack
3. Battery charger
4. Power cord
5. Standard Reflector
6. Bowens-mount adapter ring
7. Wrench
8. Portable Bag
9. Instruction manual

Separately Sold Accessories

The product can be used in combination with the following accessories sold separately, so as to achieve best photography effects: Xpro & Xl Wireless Flash Trigger, Softbox, Beauty Dish, Fold up Umbrella, Snoots, Light Stand, etc.

Replacing Adapter Rings and Accessories

1. Remove the reflector or other accessories from the flash head.
   
2. Loosen the two Mount Fixing Screws.
   
3. Match the Accessory Locking Ring of Bowens-mount or other mount adapter ring to the Accessory Locking Ring of the flash and push it in.
   
4. Tighten the two screws and use another two screws provided to fix.
   
5. Install the Bowens-mount accessories or other corresponding accessories.
   
6. If needed to use new Godox-mount accessories after installing the adapter ring of other brand, please split the reflector and insert it into the new Godox mount to install the required accessories(How to detach the standard reflector: hold the two ends and detach it.). Or install the new Godox-mount softbox directly (except for Profoto-mount adapter ring).
   

Attaching Flash Tube

1. Remove the reflector or other accessories from the flash head.
   
2. Match the flash tube in the Tube Socket. Push the flash tube in until it is securely seated into the socket.
   

• Note: To avoid damage, please detach the flash tube during the transportation.

Adjusting Handle

1. When the Direction Adjusting Handle is not pulled out, screw clockwise while unscrew anti clockwise.
   
2. The Direction Adjusting Handle's rotation angle should be restrained from 0 to 180 degrees below the flash body. Please pull out the Direction Adjusting Handle, adjust the appropriate angle, and manipulate the step 1 before colliding with the flash body.
   

Detaching the Mounting Bracket

1. Insert a coin or corresponding wrench(not included) into the Bracket Fixing Screw and loosen it anticlockwise to detach.
   

Detaching the Handle

1. Insert the included wrench into the Handle Fixing Screw and loosen it anticlockwise to detach.
   

Battery

Features

1. This flash unit uses Li-ion polymer battery which has long runtime. The available charge-and-discharge times are over 300.
2. It is reliably safe. The inner circuit is against overcharge, overdischarge, overcurrent, and short circuit.
3. Take only 2 hours to fully charge the battery by using the standard battery charger.

Do not short circuit.

Do not expose to rain or immerse into water. This battery is not water proof.

Keep out of reach of children.

No over 24 hours' continuous charging.

Store in dry, cool, ventilated places.

Do not put aside or into fire.

Dead batteries should be disposed according to local regulations.

Please charge the battery to approx. 60% before being placed for long time.

If the battery had ceased using for over 3 months, please make a full recharge.

Loading and Unloading the Battery Pack

Loading:

1. Match the buckles of the battery and the main body.
   
2. Push down the battery pack until it is locked.
   

Unloading:

1. Push the Battery Locking Ring backwardly.
   
2. Push the battery pack upward to unload it.
   

Battery Level Indication

Attach the battery pack to the flash correctly. Be aware of the battery level by check the battery level indication on the LCD panel when using.

Battery Level Indication on the LCD Panel (Indicating battery level and management of the whole flash system)	LED Battery Level Indication on the Battery (Indicating battery level and management of non-loaded battery)	Meaning/Percentage of Battery Level
3 grids	1 red grid +3 green grids	75%~100%
2 grids	1 red grid +2 green grids	50%~75%
1 grid	1 red grid +1 green grid	25%~50%
Blank grid	1 red grid	3%~25%
Low battery and charging reminder	2%: red light blinks 1%: the indicator is off.	<2% The battery level is going to be used out immediately. And the flash will alarm for the 1 minute and auto power off in 3 minutes. Note: Please recharge the battery as soon as possible (within 10 days). Then, the battery can be used or be placed for long period.

Note: The indications are almost the same except of grids shift.

Power Management

Long press the Power Switch for 1 seconds to control the on/off of the flash unit. Turn off the power pack if the flash unit will not be used for an extended period. This product has auto power off function. The flash will auto power off in 30 to 120 min. which is set on C.Fn-STANDBY.

Wireless Flash Mode

AD400Pro can only be set as slave unit (receiver end). Press Wireless Selection Button to switch.

Flash Mode - TTL Autoflash

This flash has three flash modes: TTL, Manual (M), and Multi (Stroboscopic). In TTL mode, the camera and the flash will work together to calculate the correct exposure for the subject and the background.
* Press <MODE> Mode Selection Button and three flash modes will display on the LCD panel one by one with each pressing.

TTL Mode

Press <MODE > Mode Selection Button to enter TTL mode. The LCD panel will display <TTL>.

FEC: Flash Exposure Compensation
With FEC function, this flash can adjust from -3 to +3 in 1/3rd stops. It is useful in situations where minor adjusting of the TTL system is needed based on the environment.
Setting FEC:

1. Press <SET> Button and flash exposure compensation amount will be highlighted on the LCD panel.
   
2. Set the flash exposure compensation amount.
   • Turn the Select Dial to set the amount.
   • "0.3"means 1/3 step, "0.7"means 2/3 step.
   • To cancel the flash exposure compensation, set the amount to "+0".
     
3. Press < SET > button again to confirm the setting.
   

High-Speed Sync
High Speed Sync (FP flash) enables the flash to synchronize with all camera shutter speeds. This is convenient when you want to use aperture priority for fill-flash portraits.

1. Press High Speed Sync Button so that <> is displayed.
   
2. Please use XPro or X1 series transmitter.
   

• If you set a shutter speed that is the same as or slower than the camera's maximum flash sync speed, <> will not be displayed in the viewfinder.
• With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the shorter the effective flash range.
• To return to normal flash, press <> button again. Then <> will disappear.
• Multi flash mode cannot be set in high-speed sync mode.
• Over-temperature protection may be activated after 50 consecutive high-speed sync flashes.

Flash Mode - M: Manual Flash

The flash output is adjustable from 1/1 full power to 11256th power in 0.1 stop increments. To obtain a correct flash exposure, use a hand-held flash meter to determine the required flash output.

1. Press < MODE > button so that < M > is displayed.
   
2. Turn the Select Dial to choose a desired flash output amount.
   
3. Press < SET > button again to confirm the setting.
   

Optical Sl Secondary Unit Setting
In M manual flash mode, press <MENU> button to enter C.Fn-SLAVE to choose Sl function, so that this flash can function as an optical Sl secondary flash with optic sensor. With this function, the flash will fire synchronously when the main flash fires, the same effect as that by the use of radio triggers. This helps create multiple lighting effects.

Optical S2 Secondary Unit Setting
Press < MENU > button to enter C.Fn-SLAVE to choose S2 function, so that this flash can also function as an optical S2 secondary flash with optical sensor in M manual flash mode. This is useful when cameras have pre-flash function. With this function, the flash will ignore a single "preflash" from the main flash and will only fire in response to the second, actual flash from the main unit.

• Sl and S2 optical triggering is only available in M manual flash mode.

Display Flash Duration

Flash duration refers to the length of time that from flash's firing to reach the half peak at maximum. The half peak at maximum is usually expressed as t=0.5. In order to provide the photographer with more concrete data, this product adopts t=0.1. The difference between t=0.5 and t=0.1 is shown in the following picture.

• The flash duration will only be displayed on the LCD panel in M mode.

Stable Color Temperature Function

When use this function, the color temperature changes within ±75K over the entire power range: enter MENU C.Fn-COLOR and set it as ON, which means the color temperature function is turned on. When adjusting the power output from high to low in M mode, Flash Ready Indicator will blink (the beeper will alarm for 1 minute). Now press the Test Button to discharge, and the flash can be used as normal.

• This function can only be supported in M non-high-speed mode.

Flash Mode — Multi: Stroboscopic Flash

With stroboscopic flash, a rapid series of flashes is fired. It can be used to capture a multiple images of a moving subject in a single photograph. You can set the firing frequency (number of flashes per sec. expressed as Hz), the number of flashes, and the flash output.

1. Press <MODE> button so that <MULTI> is displayed.
2. Turn the Select Dial to choose a desired flash output.
3. Set the flash frequency and flash times.
   • Press <SET> Button to select the flash times. Turn the Select Dial to set the number.
   • Press <SET> Button to select the flash frequency. Turn the Select Dial to set the number.
   • After you finish the setting, press <SET> button and all the settings will be displayed.

Calculating the Shutter Speed

During stroboscopic flash, the shutter remains open until the firing stops. Use the formula below to calculate the shutter speed and set it with the camera.

Number of Flashes I Flash Frequency = Shutter Speed
For example, if the number of flashes is 10 and the firing frequency is 5 Hz, the shutter speed should be at least 2 seconds.

To avoid overheating and deteriorating the flash head, do not use stroboscopic flash more than 10 times in succession. After 10 times, allow the camera flash to rest for at least 15 minutes. If you try to use the stroboscopic flash more than 10 times in succession, the firing might stop automatically to protect the flash head. If this happens, allow at least 15 minutes' rest for the flash.

• Stroboscopic flash is most effective with a highly reflective subject against a dark background.
• Using a tripod and a remote control is recommended.
• A flash output of 1/1 and 1/2 cannot be set for stroboscopic flash.
• Stroboscopic flash can be used with"buLb".
• If the number of flashes is displayed as "--", the firing will continue until the shutter closes or the battery is exhausted. The number of flashes will be limited as shown by the following table.

Maximum Stroboscopic Flashes:

Wireless Flash Shooting: Radio (2.4G) Transmission

AD400Pro adopts Godox 2.4G wireless X system, which has good compatibility with other products of our company.
As a slave unit, AD400Pro is automatically compatible with Canon E-TTL Il, Nikon i-TTL, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic and FUJIFILM system according to the master unit.

*As a slave unit, AD400Pro can be controlled by the following master units: XPro series, X IT series, AD36011 series, V86011 series, V350 series, TT685 series, TT600 series, TT350 series, etc.

1. Wireless Settings
   Press <> Wireless Setting Button again until <> is displayed on the panel.
   
2. Setting the Communication Channel
   If there are other wireless flash systems nearby, you can change the channel IDs to prevent signal interference. The channel IDs of the master unit and the slave unit(s) must be set to the same.
   1. Long press the <GR/CH> Button for 2 seconds so that channels ID is displayed on the LCD panel.
      
   2. Turn the Select Dial to choose a channel ID from 1 to 32.
      
   3. Press the <SET> button to confirm.
      
   4. Wireless ID setting: press the MENU button to enter C.Fn-ID and choose from 01 to 99 (Note: this can only be achieved when the master unit also has this function).
      
3. Setting the Communication Group
   Short press the < GRICH > Button to choose group ID from A to E.
   
4. Wireless Flash Shooting
   Positioning and Operation Range (Example of wireless flash shooting)
   • Autoflash Shooting with One Slave Unit
     

• Use master unit with wireless transmitting function as the transmitter end.
• Before shooting, perform a test flash and test shooting.
• The transmission distance might be shorter depending on the conditions such as positioning of slave units, the surrounding environment and whether conditions.

Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting

You can divide the slave units into two or three groups and perform TTL autoflash while changing the flash ratio (factor). In addition, you can set and shoot with a different flash mode for each firing group.

• Auto Shooting with Two Slave Groups
  
• Auto Shooting with Three Slave Groups
  

The Reason & Solution of Not Triggering in Godox 2.4G Wireless

1. Disturbed by the 2.4G signal in outer environment (e.g. wireless base station, 2.4G wifi router, Bluetooth, etc.)
   → To adjust the channel CH setting on the flash trigger (add 10+ channels) and use the channel which is not disturbed. Or turn off the other 2.4G equipment in working.
2. Please make sure that whether the flash has finished its recycle or caught up with the continuous shooting speed or not(the flash ready indicator is lighten) and the flash is not under the state of over-heat protection or other abnormal situation.
   →Please downgrade the flash power output. If the flash is in TTL mode, please try to change it to M mode(a preflash is needed in TTL mode).
3. Whether the distance between the flash trigger and the flash is too close or not
   →Please turn on the "close distance wireless mode" on the flash trigger ( X1 series: press the test button and hold on, then turning it on until the flash ready indicator blinks for 2 times.
   XPro series: Set the C.Fn-DIST to 0-30m.
4. Whether the flash trigger and the receiver end equipment are in the low battery states or not
   →Please replace the battery(the flash trigger is recommended to use 1.5V disposable alkaline battery).

C.Fn: Setting Custom Functions

1. Press < MENU > Button to enter C.Fn menu. The "Ver x.x" in the top-right corner refers to the software version.
2. Select the Custom Function Signs.
   • Turn the Select Dial to select the Custom Function Signs.
3. Change the Setting.
   • Press <SET> button and the setting signs are highlighted.
   • Turn the Select Dial to set the desired number. Press <SET> button will confirm the settings.
4. Exit C.Fn Menu.
   • Press <MENU> Button to exit.

Modeling Lamp

AD400Pro is equipped with a 30W LED modeling lamp which has two continuous lighting modes.

• There are three modes: OFF, Percentage and PROP. Short press the Modeling Lamp Button, and the three mode will be displayed on the LCD panel in sequence:
  1. OFF: the modeling lamp is off.
  2. Percentage: 10%~100%(to prevent overheat, <30% the fan rotates in low speed while >30% in high speed).
  3. PROP: The modeling lamp's power changes with the flash's power. The bigger power the flash has, the brighter the modeling lamp is(to prevent overheat, <1/64 the fan rotates in low speed while >1/64 in high speed).
• Long press the modeling lamp for 2 seconds to adjust the percentage of modeling lamp from 10% to 100%.
  

Other Applications

Sync Triggering

The Sync Cord Jack is a 03.5mm plug. Insert a trigger plug here and the flash will be fired synchronously with the camera shutter.

Protection Function

1. Over-Temperature Protection
   • To avoid overheating and deteriorating the flash head, do not fire more than 75 continuous flashes in fast succession at 1/1 full power. After 75 continuous flashes, allow a rest time of at least 5 minutes.
   • If you fire more than 75 continuous flashes and then fire more flashes in short intervals, the inner overtemperature protection function may be activated and make the recycling time over 10 seconds. If this occurs, allow a rest time of about 5 minutes, and the flash unit will then return to normal.
   • When the over-temperature protection is started, is shown on the LCD display. Number of flashes that will activate over-temperature protection:
     Number of flashes that will activate over-temperature protection in high-speed sync triggering mode:

Number of flashes that will activate over-temperature protection in high-speed sync triggering mode:

2. Other Protections
   • The system provides real-time protection to secure the device and your safety. The following lists prompts for your reference:

Technical Data

Troubleshooting

If there is a problem, refer to this Troubleshooting Guide. The flash exposure is underexposed or overexposed.

• You used high-speed sync.
  With high-speed sync, the effective flash range will be shorter. Make sure the subject is within the effective flash range displayed.
• You used Manual Flash mode.
  Set the flash mode to TTL or modify the flash output.

Firmware Upgrade

This flash supports firmware upgrade through the USB port. Update information will be released on our official website.

• USB connection line is not included in this product. As the USB port is a Type-C USB socket, please use the Type-C USB line.
• As the firmware upgrade needs the support of Godox G3 software, please download and install the "Godox G3 firmware upgrade software" before upgrading. Then, choose the related firmware file.
• As the products needs to do firmware upgrade, please refer to instruction manual of the newest electric version as final.

Maintenance

• Shut down the device immediately should abnormal operation be detected.
• Avoid sudden impacts and the product should be dedusted regularly.
• It is normal for the flash tube to be warm when in use. Avoid continuous flashes if unnecessary.
• Maintenance of the flash must be performed by our authorized maintenance department which can provide original accessories.
• This product, except consumables e.g. flash tube, is supported with a one-year warranty.
• Unauthorized service will void the warranty.
• If the product had failures or was wetted, do not use it until it is repaired by professionals.
• Changes made to the specifications or designs may not be reflected in this manual.