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Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4K Mini Thunderbolt 3 Capture & Playback Unit

BH #BLULSDMINI4K • MFR #BDLKULSDMINI4K
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Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4K Mini Thunderbolt 3 Capture & Playback Unit
Key Features
  • 12G-SDI & HDMI 2.0 Input/Output
  • 1 x 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt 3 Interface
  • 3" LCD Status/Preview Screen
  • DCI 4K60 4:2:2 Single-Link 12G-SDI I/O
The UltraStudio 4K Mini Thunderbolt 3 from Blackmagic Design links your Thunderbolt 3 computer to any of a variety of video components for capture, playback, or streaming. This portable unit captures up to DCI 4K60 4:2:2 via single-link 12G-SDI or up to DCI 4K30 4:2:2 video via HDMI. Record 12-bit High Dynamic Range (HDR) footage at rates up to DCI 4K30 and 8-/10-bit video at rates up to DCI 4K60. A built-in LCD screen enables you to monitor your signal, and an SD card reader provides instant access to your SD media. The compact UltraStudio 4K Mini's Thunderbolt 3 interface offers lightning-fast connections and will trickle-charge a connected computer. Audio features include 16-channel SDI and 8-channel HDMI embedded input and output, a 3-pin XLR audio input, and a headphone output.
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Blackmagic Design 4K Mini Overview

The UltraStudio 4K Mini Thunderbolt 3 from Blackmagic Design links your Thunderbolt 3 computer to any of a variety of video components for capture, playback, or streaming. This portable unit captures up to DCI 4K60 4:2:2 via single-link 12G-SDI or up to DCI 4K30 4:2:2 video via HDMI. Record 12-bit High Dynamic Range (HDR) footage at rates up to DCI 4K30 and 8-/10-bit video at rates up to DCI 4K60. A built-in LCD screen enables you to monitor your signal, and an SD card reader provides instant access to your SD media. The compact UltraStudio 4K Mini's Thunderbolt 3 interface offers lightning-fast connections and will trickle-charge a connected computer. Audio features include 16-channel SDI and 8-channel HDMI embedded input and output, a 3-pin XLR audio input, and a headphone output.
Versatile Compatibility
The UltraStudio Mini 4K Thunderbolt 3 supports both compressed and uncompressed video, is Windows, macOS, and Linux compatible, and supports the most popular codecs. The UltraStudio 4K Mini also supports 3D capture and playback via HDMI, plus 3D SDI playback at rates up to DCI 4K30. The free version of DaVinci Resolve and the additional software are included via a QR code download. Power the UltraStudio Mini 4K Thunderbolt 3 via its internal 100-240 VAC adapter.
Thunderbolt 3 Connectivity
Lightning-fast Thunderbolt 3 connection with 45W power out for charging a connected laptop.
Compact Design
Portable design with front-panel control buttons, LCD with video, audio, and status information, XLR mic input, and an SD card slot.
Supports up to DCI 4K60 Video
8/10/12-bit HDR capture and playback with multi-rate support from SD to DCI 4K60.
Supported Software
Including but not limited to:

  • DaVinci Resolve
  • Fusion
  • Final Cut Pro X
  • Adobe Premiere Pro CC
  • Avid Media Composer
  • Adobe After Effects CC
  • Avid Pro Tools
  • Steinberg Cubase
  • Steinberg Nuendo
  • Adobe Photoshop CC
Included Software
MacOS and Windows
  • DaVinci Resolve, Media Express
  • Disk Speed Test, LiveKey
  • Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility
  • Blackmagic driver
Linux
  • Media Express
  • Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility
  • Blackmagic driver
EAN: 9338716006087

Blackmagic Design 4K Mini Specs

Key Specs
Video I/O
1x BNC (12G-SDI) Input
1x HDMI 2.0b Input
1x 3BNC (Component) Input
2x BNC Output
1x BNC Loop Output
1x HDMI 2.0b Loop Output
Video Format
Input Only
via BNC
• 4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps

via HDMI
• 4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
Interfaces
System Connection
USB-C (Thunderbolt 3)
Video I/O
1x BNC (12G-SDI) Input
1x HDMI 2.0b Input
1x 3BNC (Component) Input
2x BNC Output
1x BNC Loop Output
1x HDMI 2.0b Loop Output
Audio I/O
1x XLR 3-Pin Input
2x 1/4" Balanced TS Analog Input
2x 1/4" Balanced TS Analog Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS Headphone/Microphone Analog Output
Other I/O
1x USB-C 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 Input/Output
1x DE-9 (Remote) Input/Output
Power I/O
1x USB-C Output
1x IEC C13/C14 Input
Format Support
Video Format
Input Only
via BNC
• 4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
• 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
• 2048 x 1080 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
• 2048 x 1080PsF at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30 fps
• 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
• 1920 x 1080PsF at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30 fps
• 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94/60 fps
• 1280 x 720 at 50/59.94/60 fps
• 720 x 576i at 50 fps
• 720 x 480i at 59.94 fps

via HDMI
• 4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
• 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
• 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
• 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94/60 fps
• 1280 x 720 at 50/59.94/60 fps
• 720 x 576i at 50 fps
• 720 x 480i at 59.94 fps
Audio Format
Analog, Unspecified Digital Signal
Embedded Audio
BNC: 16-Channel
HDMI: 8-Channel
Standards
Broadcast System Compatibility
NTSC, PAL
Memory Support
Media/Memory Card Slot
Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
System Requirements
OS Compatibility
macOS 11.1 to 12.0
Windows 10 to 11 (64-Bit Only)
Linux
Power
Power Consumption
Power Supply: 100 to 240 VAC (75.3 W)
General
Operating Conditions
41 to 104°F / 5 to 40°C up to 90% Humidity
Storage Conditions
-4 to 113°F / -20 to 45°C up to 90% Humidity
Certifications
FCC, ICES
Dimensions
7 x 1.8" / 17.8 x 4.6 cm
Weight
2.65 lb / 1.2 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.275 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
11.2 x 8.6 x 3.5"

Blackmagic Design 4K Mini Reviews

Good addition to the video setup

By Maty
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-10-26

Happy to have the UltraStudio 4K Mini in my video setup. The capture and playback options are a big part of the appeal for me.

Bugs & Power button drop stars

By Loren
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2025-04-04

First, it didn't recognize the latest BMD software, requiring me to install a dozen old versions until I found one that DID recognize it. Second, it constantly outputs 2160p vs true UHD. I'm just happy it's actually working. Thirdly, it needs to be rebooted whenever it falls out of sync or errors out. There is no power switch, I have to go unplug the cable. Be sure to close Davinci first before doing this. Fourth, the interface is useless. The screen is helpful for showing signal flow but the buttons will never be used. Fifth, it sometimes allows me to output HDMI & SDI (same signal) while inputing SDI into my metering program, other times it doesn't. (omniscope)

See any errors on this page?

We currently use a 2017 mac mini for our ...

We currently use a 2017 mac mini for our streaming computer. It has standard USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 2 connections. Would this device be compatible?
Asked by: Jeremy
The 4K Mini only supports a true Thunderbolt 3 connection for all functionality.
Answered by: BMD Product Specialist
Date published: 2019-11-07

Can you rack mount this?

Can you rack mount this?
Asked by: steven
Yes, you can rack mount this using a Teranex Mini Rack Shelf.
Answered by: BMD Product Specialist
Date published: 2020-06-18

Will this fit alongside a teranex converter on a ...

Will this fit alongside a teranex converter on a single teranex mini rack shelf?
Asked by: Steve
It will fit on a Teranex Mini Rack Shelf with one 1/3 size Teranex Mini. The UltraStudio takes half the rack shelf width.
Answered by: BMD Product Specialist
Date published: 2019-10-18

Can this unit be daisy chained to another to make ...

Can this unit be daisy chained to another to make a 2 camera set up?
Asked by: Ryan
You cannot daisy chain two Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4Ks together to make a 2 camera set up.
Answered by: Nick Y
Date published: 2021-07-15

Does this unit downscale 4k to HD on the SDI ...

Does this unit downscale 4k to HD on the SDI output?
Asked by: Carlos
No, it doesn't downscale 4K to HD on the SDI output.
Answered by: BMD Product Specialist
Date published: 2024-10-19

Does this unit perform any upscaling? SD to HD or ...

Does this unit perform any upscaling? SD to HD or HD to 4K?
Asked by: Ben
There are no conversions within the UltraStudio 4K. These can be done file based using the Resolve software.
Answered by: BMD Product Specialist
Date published: 2019-09-23

My Mac Studio has Thunderbolt 4. I know this ...

My Mac Studio has Thunderbolt 4. I know this Thunderbolt 3 unit will work, but should I wait until Blackmagic updates this unit to use Thunderbolt 4?
Asked by: Arthur
No. thunderbolt 3 is backwards compatible. Nor has BM mentioned any updates in hardware.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2023-09-14

Whats the purpose of the 1 & 2 buttons on the ...

Whats the purpose of the 1 & 2 buttons on the front of the unit?
Asked by: Gosford
I don't think much. I spoke with someone from BM and I think they said that it's for a future release or function.
Answered by: Erik
Date published: 2020-09-20
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