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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

Blackmagic Design 4K Mini Specs

Inputs/Outputs
System Connection
USB-C (Thunderbolt 3)
Video I/O
Input
1x BNC (12G-SDI)
1x HDMI 2.0b
1x 3BNC (Component/Composite)
1x BNC

Output
2x BNC (Program)
1x BNC (Loop Output)
1x HDMI 2.0b
Audio I/O
Input
1x XLR 3-Pin
2x 1/4" Balanced TS Analog

Output
2x 1/4" Balanced TS Analog
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS Headphone/Microphone
Other I/O
Input/Output
1x USB-C 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1
1x DE-9/DB-9 (Remote)
Format Support
Video Resolution
BNC Input
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

HDMI Input
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 Input/Output
Embedded Audio
SDI: 16-Channel
HDMI: 8-Channel
Standards
HDR Support
Yes: HDR10/Hybrid Log Gamma
Broadcast System Compatibility
NTSC, PAL
Hardware
Media/Memory Card Slot
Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
OS Compatibility
macOS 11.1 to 12.0 or Later
Windows 10 to 11 (64-Bit Only)
Linux
Power
Power I/O
1x USB-C Output
1x IEC C13 Input
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 " / 17.8 x  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

Works, but with serious issues

By Laser Reindeer
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2026-01-25

Does this enable you to get a 4K signal into your computer? Yes. We purchased this because the Magwell 4K Capture devices, although good, were often getting "forgotten" by other software, Like Resolume, in our permanent installations. This was causing issues weekly. After researching other devices this one came highly recommended. However, there are some serious drawbacks that had we known them we probably would have not bought it for a permanent installation. The first is that if you have it connected to your computer, like a Mac M3 Studio, and restart the computer, the computer will not boot to the screen properly. There is a handshake between the device and computer and something to do with the Thunderbolt bus. If you remotely log into the computer you can see it is actually running but the main monitor will show a "no signal". The only fix is to unplug and reconnect the Thunderbolt cable. Not even power cycling does it. We tried new Thunderbolt cables, new monitor, literally everything. The issue is the Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4K Mini. We called support at Blackmagic and they were not very helpful., The first person blamed our HDMI cable (which we already told them we had tried other version of) and the 2nd person said they had never heard of it but would help us via email. Only received 1 reply, haven't heard back in 3 months after following up multiple times. We tried all the firmware and can confirm this device is causing the issue. It's not the computer, the monitor, etc. This obviously should not happen and is a huge drawback. The good part is the Resolume is now always connected but the tradeoff is that every time the computer restarts a cable has to be manually unplugged and replugged which is honestly just as bad as the initial issue. Next, the audio out does not work. The volume knob is either way too fine grained or just does not work sometimes. You also have to have special drivers to install. The program you get has very few features. Unlike Magewell. The HDMI loop out does not always work. Oh, and the very handy reference monitor on the front will not display if the computer software is using it which makes it useless. Given the price, issues with being connected during restart, and lack of support, this gets 2 stars. Worth noting is that every single issue here is fixable with software. Given there are maybe only 3 items on the market (Magewell, AJA, and this one) hopefully Blackmagic will eventually fix it via firmware.

Waste of Lots of Money

By Bill
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2025-01-01

Could not get my Mac Studio with M1 chips to even find this thing. There is no customer service department at Blackmagicdesign. No number to call. Not even chat.

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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