Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express Recorder 3G

Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express Recorder 3G

Video capture device with 3G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 inputs over a 40Gbps USB Type-C connection

The Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express Recorder 3G is a compact video capture solution designed to stream and record video signals directly into host computers across live streaming, broadcasting, and mobile production environments. Connecting professional SDI cameras and HDMI equipment over a 40Gbps USB Type-C interface, the device bridges hardware video feeds with software switchers without requiring internal PCI Express capture cards or complex external conversion setups.

Weighing just 157.9 grams and measuring 9.2 cm by 4.5 cm by 2.5 cm, this portable unit operates entirely on bus power provided by the host computer’s USB Type-C port.

With extensive video standard support spanning

SD, HD up to 1080p60, and 2K DCI formats, it allows broadcast technicians and content creators to capture uncompressed and compressed footage directly into industry-standard software suites.

10-bit SDI input for broadcast signal capture

The device features a 10-bit SD/HD switchable SDI input that operates across 270Mb, 1.5G, and 3G SDI data rates. This input maintains strict adherence to broadcast standards including SMPTE 259M, SMPTE 274M, SMPTE 296M, SMPTE 424M, and SMPTE 425M level A and B. During signal capture, this compliance ensures reliable connection and timing stability with professional studio cameras and decks.

The 3G-SDI port extends capture capabilities into digital cinema workflows by supporting 2K DCI formats up to 60 frames per second. It simultaneously ingests 16 channels of embedded 24-bit, 48 kHz SDI audio along with the video signal. This allows operators to route multi-channel audio feeds directly into live production software without needing external audio demuxers.

HDMI 2.0 input for flexible camera ingest

The HDMI 2.0 Type A connector enables flexible camera ingest from a wide range of SD and HD video sources. This input captures 8 channels of embedded HDMI audio at a 48 kHz, 24-bit sample rate alongside the incoming video feed. Ingesting multi-channel audio directly through the HDMI stream simplifies live production setups by routing both video and multi-track sound over a single cable.

Color preservation is enhanced through Deep Color support, which processes 12-bit YUV 4:2:2 video to maintain original source aesthetics. For compliance, the HDMI input is unable to capture video from copy-protected HDMI sources. Production workflows require non-encrypted camera signals, meaning operators must always confirm copyright ownership prior to the capture or distribution of content.

UltraStudio Express Recorder 3G interface for rapid ingest

The hardware connects directly to host computers using a single USB Type-C port that supports 40Gbps signaling rates. This high-speed interface provides the bandwidth needed to transfer high-resolution video streams in real time. Because the unit is powered entirely over the Type-C connection, setups remain streamlined without needing an external power supply in mobile or studio environments.

Native driver integration across macOS, Windows, and Linux allows software applications such as OBS and vMix to instantly recognize the hardware as a capture source. Operators can ingest feeds using uncompressed 10-bit 4:4:4 video or select compressed codecs including Apple ProRes 4444, DNxHR, and HEVC. This flexible codec support enables production workflows to maintain high image quality while optimizing storage during live streaming and recording tasks.

Hardware colorspace conversion for reduced host CPU load

Hardware-based real-time colorspace conversion processes video signals on the device before transferring data to the computer. By executing color transformations between Rec 601, Rec 709, and Rec 2020 directly in hardware, the unit reduces the host CPU load. Offloading these mathematical conversions helps maintain overall system responsiveness during demanding streaming or ingest operations.

The device incorporates hardware frame buffers supporting formats such as 8-bit YUV 2vuy, 10-bit YUV v210, 8-bit RGB ARGB and BGRA, 10-bit RGB r210, alongside 12-bit RGB R12B and R12L. Working with 12-bit RGB precision, these integrated buffers manage signal structures accurately across standard color spaces. This dedicated processing pipeline ensures reliable frame handling without burdening software applications like Media Express, Wirecast, or vMix.

Bus-powered compact enclosure for simplified mobile deployment

The UltraStudio Express Recorder 3G operates entirely on power delivered directly through its USB Type-C cable connection. By drawing power from a host computer equipped with a USB 40Gbps port, the device eliminates the requirement for dedicated external power supplies or bulky AC adapters. This bus-powered setup significantly simplifies mobile deployments, reducing cable clutter during live field production.

With physical dimensions of 9.2 cm x 4.5 cm x 2.5 cm and a net weight of 157.9 g, the lightweight enclosure integrates seamlessly into portable rigs and space-constrained setups. For safe transport between locations, it tolerates storage temperatures from -20° to 45° C (-4° to 113° F) along with relative humidity from 0% to 90% non-condensing. These compact physical specifications make it easy to pack alongside laptops and cameras for remote video capture workflows.