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Blackmagic Design Ultra Studio Express

$49.00

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Description

The Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express is a compact and portable video capture and playback device that uses high-speed Thunderbolt technology for connectivity. Designed for broadcast, post-production, and live event workflows, this device offers broadcast-quality 10-bit 4:2:2 YUV video capture and playback in standard and high-definition formats up to 1080p60. The unit itself features built-in 3 Gb/s SDI and HDMI connections. It expands its connectivity options through two detachable breakout cables, one for professional connections (BNC/XLR) and another for consumer connections (RCA), allowing connection to a wide range of legacy and modern equipment such as cameras, decks, monitors, and switchers. The aluminum chassis is rugged and designed for portability, making it an excellent companion for on-location work, such as real-time color grading or live event recording. Read more

Features

  • Thunderbolt-powered interface for high-speed connectivity and portability.
  • 3 Gb/s SDI and HDMI connections for broad compatibility.
  • Analog video/audio via breakout cables (component, S-video, composite).
  • Supports professional formats like Apple ProRes and 10-bit uncompressed video.
  • Real-time hardware conversion (up/down/cross) for flexible workflows.
  • Compatible with popular software on Mac and Windows platforms.
  • Durable, machined aluminum design suitable for mobile production.

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The Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express is a compact and portable video capture and playback device that uses high-speed Thunderbolt technology for connectivity. Designed for broadcast, post-production, and live event workflows, this device offers broadcast-quality 10-bit 4:2:2 YUV video capture and playback in standard and high-definition formats up to 1080p60. The unit itself features built-in 3 Gb/s SDI and HDMI connections. It expands its connectivity options through two detachable breakout cables, one for professional connections (BNC/XLR) and another for consumer connections (RCA), allowing connection to a wide range of legacy and modern equipment such as cameras, decks, monitors, and switchers. The aluminum chassis is rugged and designed for portability, making it an excellent companion for on-location work, such as real-time color grading or live event recording. Read more

Features

  • Thunderbolt-powered interface for high-speed connectivity and portability.
  • 3 Gb/s SDI and HDMI connections for broad compatibility.
  • Analog video/audio via breakout cables (component, S-video, composite).
  • Supports professional formats like Apple ProRes and 10-bit uncompressed video.
  • Real-time hardware conversion (up/down/cross) for flexible workflows.
  • Compatible with popular software on Mac and Windows platforms.
  • Durable, machined aluminum design suitable for mobile production.

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About the Blackmagic Design Ultra Studio Express

The Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express is a compact, portable capture and playback device that connects via Thunderbolt to a Mac or Windows computer, transforming it into a professional broadcast video workstation. It serves as a critical interface for ingesting high-quality video and audio from professional sources like cameras and tape decks, or for outputting signals to monitors, recorders, and live production systems. This device is essential for content creators, editors, and broadcast engineers who need reliable, high-fidelity I/O for tasks such as capturing archival footage, monitoring color-accurate video during editing, or playing out finished programs.

The unit supports a range of standard broadcast connections, typically including SDI and HDMI inputs and outputs, allowing it to handle both legacy and modern video signals. It can capture and play back video in high-definition formats and, depending on the model, may support 4K. Integrated professional audio I/O ensures synchronized, high-quality sound. The UltraStudio Express is powered entirely through the Thunderbolt connection, making it a truly portable, bus-powered solution that requires no external power supply, ideal for mobile editing suites or on-location work.

Designed for ease of use and seamless integration with Blackmagic's DaVinci Resolve and other professional editing software, the UltraStudio Express provides a stable, low-latency connection. Its rugged, metal enclosure is built for durability in field and studio use. By offering broadcast-grade video and audio I/O in a simple, portable form factor, this device bridges the gap between computer-based post-production and the broader ecosystem of professional video equipment, enabling high-quality workflows anywhere.

Key Features

  • Thunderbolt-powered interface for high-speed connectivity and portability.
  • 3 Gb/s SDI and HDMI connections for broad compatibility.
  • Analog video/audio via breakout cables (component, S-video, composite).
  • Supports professional formats like Apple ProRes and 10-bit uncompressed video.
  • Real-time hardware conversion (up/down/cross) for flexible workflows.
  • Compatible with popular software on Mac and Windows platforms.
  • Durable, machined aluminum design suitable for mobile production.

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Blackmagic Design Ultra Studio Express Specs

Core Function
Device Type
Thunderbolt Video Capture/Playback
Connection
Thunderbolt (Bus-powered)
Primary Use
Professional Video I/O for Computers
Video I/O
Inputs
SDI, HDMI (model dependent)
Outputs
SDI, HDMI (model dependent)
Supported Resolutions
Up to HD or 4K (model dependent)
Audio I/O
Audio Channels
Embedded SDI audio, analog I/O options
Sample Rate
Up to 24-bit, 48 kHz or higher
Compatibility & Software
Host Connection
Thunderbolt to Mac or PC
Compatible Software
DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere, etc.
Drivers
Blackmagic Desktop Video software
Physical Design
Enclosure
Metal
Form Factor
Compact, portable
Power
Bus-powered via Thunderbolt

Key Features

  • Thunderbolt-powered interface for high-speed connectivity and portability.
  • 3 Gb/s SDI and HDMI connections for broad compatibility.
  • Analog video/audio via breakout cables (component, S-video, composite).
  • Supports professional formats like Apple ProRes and 10-bit uncompressed video.
  • Real-time hardware conversion (up/down/cross) for flexible workflows.
  • Compatible with popular software on Mac and Windows platforms.
  • Durable, machined aluminum design suitable for mobile production.

Already own this item and want to sell it?

Click here to sell your item

FAQs about Blackmagic Design Ultra Studio Express

What is the primary function of the Blackmagic UltraStudio Express?

The UltraStudio Express is a portable broadcast-grade capture and playback device designed to connect SDI, HDMI, and analog video equipment to a computer via Thunderbolt. It delivers 10-bit uncompressed video ingestion and reference monitoring directly inside post-production, editing, and streaming software.

What computer connection does the device require?

It connects to a Mac or Windows workstation via a standard 10 Gb/s Thunderbolt 1 or Thunderbolt 2 port. It draws all necessary operational power straight through the Thunderbolt cable, eliminating the need for an external AC power brick when working on location or in mobile edit suites.

What video inputs and outputs are built into the main chassis?

The main chassis features dedicated 3G/HD/SD-SDI input and output BNC connectors, alongside full-sized HDMI Type-A input and output ports. It supports seamless switching between standard definition and high-definition video formats up to 1080p30, 1080i60, and 720p60.

How does the device handle analog video and audio connections?

It connects to analog legacy equipment through an included multi-pin DB-25 connector port on the chassis. Blackmagic bundles two interchangeable breakout cables: a professional breakout cable with balanced XLR audio, genlock, and RS-422 deck control connections, and a consumer breakout cable featuring RCA composite, S-Video, component video, and unbalanced RCA audio jacks.

How is audio handled during capture and playback?

The unit handles 8 channels of embedded SDI audio, 8 channels of embedded HDMI audio, and 2 channels of analog balanced (XLR) or unbalanced (RCA) line audio. It also supports AES/EBU digital audio input/output via the professional breakout cable.

Does the UltraStudio Express support RS-422 deck control and broadcast genlock?

Yes, when using the professional breakout cable, it provides a dedicated 9-pin RS-422 remote control port for frame-accurate tape deck machine control, as well as a reference BNC input supporting Blackburst and Tri-Sync genlock signals.

Does the UltraStudio Express support 4K or Ultra HD video?

No, this device is engineered strictly for SD and HD video workflows and maxes out at 1080p30 / 1080i60. It cannot capture or monitor native 4K or Ultra HD resolutions.

Which software platforms and non-linear editors are compatible?

Operating on Blackmagic Desktop Video drivers, it functions natively with DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, Adobe After Effects, and popular streaming packages like OBS Studio and Wirecast.

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