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Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express
- Price: $470.25
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # BLUSEXPRESS
- Mfr# BDLKULSDEXPRESS
Product Highlights
- Thunderbolt Powered I/O Device
- SD/HD SDI Input and Output
- HDMI Input and Output
- 2 Breakout Cables (RCA vs. BNCs / XLRs)
- Component / Composite / S-Video
- Sync / Genlock / RS422
- Captures in DPX and QuickTime
- Real-Time Up / Down / Cross Conversion
- HDMI Monitoring
Remember the Essentials
A Thunderbolt cable is required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase a Thunderbolt Cable.
The Blackmagic-Design UltraStudio Express is a capture and playback device that connects to a camera on one end and to a computer on the other. It captures saved footage or a live feed from the camera and passes it to the computer in formats ready to be edited. It can also up/down/cross convert the resolution of the footage as the footage is being passed to the computer. The third function of the Express is HDMI monitoring -- you can connect a top-quality HDMI monitor and monitor the footage you captured in the best resolution possible so to perform color correction in minute precision.
UltraStudio Express features built-in SD/HD SDI, HDMI and Thunderbolt connections. It comes with two breakout cables via which it expands to composite, component, S-Video, RCA audio, AES/EBU audio on XLRs, sync input, genlock for bi and tri-level sync, and RS422 connections. Connection to a camera would be by SDI or HDMI where possible and to a computer by Thunderbolt.
The formats the unit captures in are open standard DPX and QuickTime, which are compatible with all of the most common and popular software. UltraStudio Express can seamlessly be used with Final Cut Pro X, Final Cut Pro 7, Media Composer 6, Premiere Pro CS6, After Effects, Nuke, Photoshop, and DaVinci Resolve.
-
- HD SDI, HDMI, Thunderbolt and 2 breakout cables
- Real-time, hardware-based up / down / cross conversion
- Connect to a quality HDMI monitor for precise color correction
- Captures in edit-friendly open standard DPX and QuickTime formats
- Breakout cables feature: composite, component, S-Video, RCA audio, AES/EBU on XLRs, sync input, genlock and RS422
| Inputs |
Video: SDI x1 10-bit SD/HD switchable HDMI type A x1 Via breakout cable: Component YUV x1 on 3 BNC or RCA connectors, supports HD and SD, switchable to S-video or composite Audio: Via breakout cable: Analog -- 2 channels via balanced XLR connectors or unbalanced RCA connectors AES/EBU -- 2 channels unbalanced with sample rate converter on BNC connector SDI -- 16 channels embedded HD / 8 channels embedded SD HDMI -- 2 channels embedded in SD and HD |
| Outputs |
Video: SDI x1 10-bit SD/HD switchable HDMI type A x1 Via breakout cable: Component YUV x1 on 3 BNC or RCA connectors, supports HD and SD, switchable to S-video or composite Audio: Via breakout cable: Analog -- 2 channels via balanced XLR connectors or unbalanced RCA connectors AES/EBU -- 2 channels unbalanced with sample rate converter on BNC connector SDI -- 16 channels embedded HD / 8 channels embedded SD HDMI -- 2 channels embedded in SD and HD |
| Sync Input | Blackburst in SD, 720p50, 720p59.94, 1080i50 and 1080i59.94 formats or Tri-Sync in any HD format |
| Device Control |
Sony compatible RS-422 deck control port Serial ports TxRx direction-reversible under software control |
| Computer Interface | Thunderbolt x1 |
| Format Support |
SD: 625/25, 625p PAL and 525/29.97, 525p NTSC, 480p HD: 720p50, 720p59.94, 720p60, 1080i50, 1080i59.94, 1080i60, 1080PsF23.98, 1080p23.98, 1080PsF24, 1080p24, 1080PsF25, 1080p25, 1080PsF29.97, 1080p29.97, 1080PsF30, 1080p30, 1080p50, 1080p59.94 and 1080p60 |
| SDI Compliance | SMPTE 259M, SMPTE 292M and SMPTE 296M |
| SDI Metadata Support | VITC read for 3:2 pulldown removal. VANC capture and playback using up to 3 lines of video in file. HD RP188. Closed captioning. |
| Sampling |
Video: 4:2:2 Audio: Television standard sample rate of 48 kHz and 24-bit |
| Color Precision | 10-bit |
| Color Space | REC 601, REC 709 |
| HDMI Configuration | HDMI automatically configures to connected display |
| HDMI Resolution | Pixel for pixel HD resolution input to connected device |
| HDMI Color Precision | 10-bit |
| Multi-Rate Support | SDI and HDMI video connections are switchable between standard definition and high definition. SDI switches between 270 Mb/s standard definition SDI, 1.5 Gb/s HD-SDI and 3 Gb/s HD |
| Copy Protection | HDMI input is unable to capture from copy protected HDMI sources / always confirm copyright ownership before capture or distribution of content |
| Colorspace Conversion | Hardware based real time |
| HD Down Conversion | Software based down conversion during video playback |
| HD Up Conversion | Real time standard definition to 1080HD and 720HD during video capture |
| HD Cross Conversion | Real time 720HD to 1080HD during video capture |
| Real Time Effects | Apple Final Cut Pro internal effects, Adobe Premiere Pro Mercury Playback Engine effects, Avid Media Composer 6 internal effects |
| Software Upgrade | Software driver loads upgrades at system start or via updater software |
| System Compatibility | Mac OS X 10.6.8 Snow Leopard or later, and Mac OS X 10.7 Lion or later |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 15 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
83%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (13)
- Compact (12)
- Professional quality (11)
- Lightweight (9)
- Highly compatible (8)
Cons
Best Uses
- In the studio (9)
- Complex projects (6)
- Independent films (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Business owner (8), Professional artist (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (15)
Most Liked Positive Review
Nice little box!
We have a Mac Pro with a Decklink card that we use for video playback (via ProPresenter), but we needed a separate source that we could route directly to a projector for a special...Read complete review
We have a Mac Pro with a Decklink card that we use for video playback (via ProPresenter), but we needed a separate source that we could route directly to a projector for a special event. Since we only had MacBooks available to use as playback machines, we got the UltraStudio Express. It worked like a dream -- once I got online, downloaded the Blackmagic editing software package, and installed it so that the necessary drivers would show up (and once we learned that ProPresenter will only output HD from a MacBook if it has a Retina display, but that problem is with ProPresenter's programming). We got perfectly smooth playback, and we ran a video loop for hours without a single problem.
This turned out to be the perfect way to integrate a MacBook into our SDI-based system. I'm thinking about getting a second one, because these open up some interesting possibilities for mobile capture and playback.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Garbage for the Red or FCP-X user
This is my first 1 star review.I first saw the UltraStudio in Blackmagic's booth at NAB, last year. I told their booth worker that I wanted to:A. Record the SDI output of my...Read complete review
This is my first 1 star review.I first saw the UltraStudio in Blackmagic's booth at NAB, last year. I told their booth worker that I wanted to:A. Record the SDI output of my Red camera for long shoots like interviews.B. Connecting a broadcast monitor for Final Cut Pro (FCP).C. Use it to line up Visual Effects (VFX) shots with a quicktime movie stored on my mac.I was told that it would be excellent for all of these tasks and was given a glossy brochure that confirmed all of the technical details, including that it records Time Code embedded in the SDI signal and that Blackmagic and Apple are like brothers. I was also told that it comes with a 'Live Key' application that would be GREAT for my VFX needs. I always test my equipment before going on a shoot. Before my interview project I plugged the Red Scarlet into the SDI input of the UltraStudio. After the usual amount of time futzing with drivers and re-downloading from the internet I was impressed with the Image Quality but was totally perplexed why I wasn't getting TimeCode. Of course I shoot double system and rely on TC to to sync my footage. I don't want to be slapping a slate in the face of my interviewee. Technical support was quick to respond but slow to get back to me that this device only reads Longitudinal Time Code (LTC) and not the more common Vertical Interval Time Code (VITC), which is the only TC that the RED camera supplies. So I had to scramble and find another device for that project. I ended up buying more Redmags so that I could record in full 4K quality.When it came time to edit that project I was thrilled that FCP-X added direct support for native Red R3D files and decided to upgrade. Unfortunately the BlackMagic UltraStudio doesn't support the current version of FCP either. Another couple of hours of futzing down the drain. Somebody please give me the link to the this fact or show me in the glossy brochure where it states that this device only supports FCP7. I promise this wasn't part of the discussion in the NAB booth. Lastly, on my VFX project I launched their LiveKey program and was immediately told that this devices isn't compatible with LiveKey, even though it is part of the download of drivers for this device. Tech support told me that they were working on it but that was 8 months ago. Latest drivers haven't helped.Other complaints:Only one Thunderbolt port makes this device incompatible with other single port devices on my computer. If you unplug this device at the end of the chain it interrupts the connection to your daisy chained hard drive. Only a matter of time before you hose that drive as a result. If this device had done a decent job of any of the three purposes I'd bought it for I would have been satisfied. As it is I think Blackmagic is the most ironically named company in our industry. I'll forward this review to their tech support and relay any follow up. Bottom line is that I would stay away until they sort out their drivers and make this device perform at least one of the functions that you might buy it for. I hope I win the $1000 B&H gift card for writing this review because I think I deserve it.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 15 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-15
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
I use the express to capture HDSDI into a late 2012 macmini.. just remember to use the same settings across the board (which you should anyways) and you should have no problem with this box.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
An excellent card and also a very good price I'm very satisfied with it
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- el cable thunderbolt
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- In The Studio
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
We use this for streaming and it is also great for grabbing videos from our cameras. It is a quick and easy setup. It works with Wirecast and Adobe's streaming software. There are no power cables needed because it runs off of thunderbolt. Great equipment.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Independent Films
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
Using this product to capture SDI from my Sony NX5 camera. Works perfectly through all the programs I use right out of the box. Resolume 4, Wirecast, BoinxTV. Exactly what I was looking for. Also a great way to capture and send Hdmi. Would recomend this to anyone and everyone.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Thunberbolt Cable
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Had To Go Find Drivers
Best Uses
- In The Studio
- Live Event Video Playback
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
We have a Mac Pro with a Decklink card that we use for video playback (via ProPresenter), but we needed a separate source that we could route directly to a projector for a special event. Since we only had MacBooks available to use as playback machines, we got the UltraStudio Express. It worked like a dream -- once I got online, downloaded the Blackmagic editing software package, and installed it so that the necessary drivers would show up (and once we learned that ProPresenter will only output HD from a MacBook if it has a Retina display, but that problem is with ProPresenter's programming). We got perfectly smooth playback, and we ran a video loop for hours without a single problem.
This turned out to be the perfect way to integrate a MacBook into our SDI-based system. I'm thinking about getting a second one, because these open up some interesting possibilities for mobile capture and playback.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- In The Studio
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
It worked as advertized!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Lacks Functionality
- Limited Compatibility
- Poor Design
- Poor Performance
- Pricey / Poor Value
Best Uses
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
This is my first 1 star review.I first saw the UltraStudio in Blackmagic's booth at NAB, last year. I told their booth worker that I wanted to:A. Record the SDI output of my Red camera for long shoots like interviews.B. Connecting a broadcast monitor for Final Cut Pro (FCP).C. Use it to line up Visual Effects (VFX) shots with a quicktime movie stored on my mac.I was told that it would be excellent for all of these tasks and was given a glossy brochure that confirmed all of the technical details, including that it records Time Code embedded in the SDI signal and that Blackmagic and Apple are like brothers. I was also told that it comes with a 'Live Key' application that would be GREAT for my VFX needs. I always test my equipment before going on a shoot. Before my interview project I plugged the Red Scarlet into the SDI input of the UltraStudio. After the usual amount of time futzing with drivers and re-downloading from the internet I was impressed with the Image Quality but was totally perplexed why I wasn't getting TimeCode. Of course I shoot double system and rely on TC to to sync my footage. I don't want to be slapping a slate in the face of my interviewee. Technical support was quick to respond but slow to get back to me that this device only reads Longitudinal Time Code (LTC) and not the more common Vertical Interval Time Code (VITC), which is the only TC that the RED camera supplies. So I had to scramble and find another device for that project. I ended up buying more Redmags so that I could record in full 4K quality.When it came time to edit that project I was thrilled that FCP-X added direct support for native Red R3D files and decided to upgrade. Unfortunately the BlackMagic UltraStudio doesn't support the current version of FCP either. Another couple of hours of futzing down the drain. Somebody please give me the link to the this fact or show me in the glossy brochure where it states that this device only supports FCP7. I promise this wasn't part of the discussion in the NAB booth. Lastly, on my VFX project I launched their LiveKey program and was immediately told that this devices isn't compatible with LiveKey, even though it is part of the download of drivers for this device. Tech support told me that they were working on it but that was 8 months ago. Latest drivers haven't helped.Other complaints:Only one Thunderbolt port makes this device incompatible with other single port devices on my computer. If you unplug this device at the end of the chain it interrupts the connection to your daisy chained hard drive. Only a matter of time before you hose that drive as a result. If this device had done a decent job of any of the three purposes I'd bought it for I would have been satisfied. As it is I think Blackmagic is the most ironically named company in our industry. I'll forward this review to their tech support and relay any follow up. Bottom line is that I would stay away until they sort out their drivers and make this device perform at least one of the functions that you might buy it for. I hope I win the $1000 B&H gift card for writing this review because I think I deserve it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Home Movies
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
I had to capture a production recently and used this as a back up to our production equipment. It took HD-SDI @ 720P with no issues. I love being able to use the Thunderbolt port.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Does Run Pretty Warm
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- In The Studio
- Livestream
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
We use this box in a few different ways. It serves as a great playback/capture/editing device for our iMac based edit suite. We also use it as part of our single or multicamera live broadcasting rigs. It takes the HDMI our from our cameras, or the SDI out from our ATEM 1 M/E and is a great ProRes recording, or Livestream broadcasting interface for our Mac mini i5. One issue that we've had is that not all of our HDMI cables seem to work with it. This may be cause by the Ultrastudio not putting out enough power over HDMI to drive the longer cables (and the amplified cables get their power from the input.) Beside that, it's been a great little tool. We look forward to getting one of the new Ultrastudio mini recorders for the Livestream setup and keeping the Express in the edit bay full time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Daniel G Shugert
Single camera Livestream rig
Images shared by Daniel G Shugert
multicamera Livestream rig
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
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Pros
- Compact Design
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor Performance
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- In The Studio
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
This is a pretty cool product, especially for being bus-powered, but it has a tolerance issue with SDI signals. I have confirmed with Black Magic that certain signals, despite being properly generated, drop out of range of this device's ability to input. The end result is intermittent video or complete signal loss on your capture. They supposedly are going to fix this with firmware, but until then I cannot recommend this product for professional use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
I use this to provide a full time HD feed to a client monitor on my FCPX system. I am currently using the HDMI signal, looks great, great color rendition.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
Very practical anc convenient. Easy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- In The Studio
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
We use this box to feed thunderbolt from a mac mini using pro-presenter software with the SDI option in the software we then feed the hd-sdi signal into a panasonic HS-410 switcher and it works perfect.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- In The Studio
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
Using in conjunction with Wirecast webstreaming software on mac mini i7. Wirecast picked up the device right away but was a little fuzzy on the picture. Wirecast came out with an update shortly after we got it and fixed up that problem so it works great.
Great that it also has SD and HD inputs. We purchased this unit because in the future we will be using HD so we will not have to purchase another item when we do.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Independent Films
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express:
I use this product with Davinci it was easy to install and is simple to use my only complaint is that it doesn't work with multiple program at a time soil you run FCP and davinci at the same time the first program will use the ultra studio and the second program will not be able to see it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-15
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