UltraStudio Mini 12G is the new portable line from Blackmagic Design for capturing and playing back video over Thunderbolt™ 4, with HDMI and 12G-SDI connections depending on the model. The versions fitted with outputs can play back the alpha channel and the main image independently in 10-bit.
The three devices are aimed at professionals working in broadcast, live production, streaming, editing, on-air graphics and instant replay.
The new Blackmagic Design family is made up of UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G, UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G and UltraStudio Mini Replay 12G. Each model answers a different workflow, from signal capture through to playback, monitoring, graphics generation with an alpha channel and live replay using DaVinci Resolve. All of them work in SD, HD and Ultra HD standards up to a maximum resolution of 2160p60.
The new UltraStudio Mini 12G models
The UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G has an HDMI connection and plays back to 12G-SDI. The UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G captures from 12G-SDI and HDMI, while the UltraStudio Mini Replay 12G both captures and plays back 12G-SDI, with independent 12G-SDI fill and key outputs plus a dedicated 12G-SDI monitoring output. The Replay 12G model also supports live action replay from DaVinci Resolve. Every version works in SD, HD and Ultra HD up to 2160p60.
The input-only Recorder 12G suits live streaming with software such as Open Broadcaster, archiving material captured on older broadcast decks, or even recording from game consoles. The output-only Monitor 12G is the natural choice for monitoring playback from editing software, with two 12G-SDI outputs for fill and key that automatically convert the alpha channel into a key signal for graphics with transparency. The Replay 12G, whose connections capture and play back at the same time, fits real-time AI processing or live action replay from DaVinci Resolve.
Here is how the three models compare:
| Model | Main function | Connections and applications |
|---|---|---|
| UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G | Capture | 12G-SDI and HDMI inputs for streaming, archiving and recording |
| UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G | Playback and monitoring | 12G-SDI and HDMI outputs, graphics with fill and key signals |
| UltraStudio Mini Replay 12G | Simultaneous capture and playback | 12G-SDI, replay, live graphics, monitoring and processing |
UltraStudio Mini 12G availability and price
The new devices are available now from $395 (excluding local duties and taxes) through all Blackmagic Design resellers.
Features of the new portable range
- 3 models for capture, playback and capture/playback.
- High-speed Thunderbolt™ 4 connection.
- Dual 12G-SDI outputs for fill and key on the models that have outputs.
- The Replay 12G model captures and plays back signals simultaneously.
- Broadcast quality uncompressed 10-bit capture and playback.
- Support for all SD, HD and Ultra HD standards up to 2160p60, including 525i59.94, 625i50, 720p, 1080i and 1080p60.
- Free developer tools included for Windows, Mac and Linux.
Every model in the range features a Thunderbolt™ 4 interface that handles capture and playback and can also power the unit over a single cable. The technology provides the bandwidth needed to work with higher resolutions, deeper bit depths and advanced frame buffer formats such as 4:2:2:4 and 4:4:4:4, including real-time conversion of the alpha channel out to 12G-SDI for 10-bit fill and key playback.
Compatibility with professional video software
The UltraStudio Mini 12G models use the same application programming interface (API) as DeckLink cards, which guarantees compatibility with editing software such as DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Media Composer and Premiere Pro, as well as visual effects tools including Fusion, After Effects and Photoshop.
The Thunderbolt link is bidirectional, so the Replay 12G can capture, process and output signals at the same time, even using computers as AI processors or to output real-time graphics. Thanks to their two 12G-SDI outputs, the Replay 12G and Monitor 12G models can be connected to live production switchers to overlay graphics with transparency, with hardware frame buffers able to handle RGBA and YUVA graphics in full 10-bit precision.
For developers and manufacturers, Blackmagic Design offers an advanced developer SDK free of charge for Mac, Windows and Linux, with engineering support to build custom solutions, along with bulk purchase discounts.
Portable UltraStudio Mini 12G: compact design with Thunderbolt 4
Beyond the specifications, the new UltraStudio Mini 12G line stands out for an extremely compact, portable design intended to move between mobile units, studios and streaming setups without giving up image quality or professional connectivity.
“Customers have been asking for UltraStudio Mini with support for higher resolutions and more demanding workflows, so we’re really excited to introduce these new models. With Thunderbolt 4 and 12G-SDI, customers get high quality 10-bit capture and playback up to 2160p60, including support for alpha channels, all in an incredibly compact design. They’re perfect for monitoring, graphics or even replay with DaVinci Resolve and we’re excited to see the new workflows our customers build with these models,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO.
Other UltraStudio devices from Blackmagic Design
The new UltraStudio Mini 12G line joins other recent Blackmagic Design releases in portable capture and monitoring. The company also introduced the portable USB4 capture and monitoring units and the compact 4K model of the same range, aimed at professional video workflows.
That commitment to portable production equipment also reaches live work, where the manufacturer has already proven its performance in large-scale deployments such as a rugby sevens tournament covering more than 750 matches with ATEM switchers and Blackmagic Replay.
UltraStudio Mini 12G expands portable capture and playback at Blackmagic Design
UltraStudio Mini 12G widens Blackmagic Design’s professional capture and playback offering with three portable models matched to different operations. Recorder 12G focuses on capture, Monitor 12G on playback and monitoring, and Replay 12G adds simultaneous capture and playback for graphics and live replay.
The combination of Thunderbolt 4, 12G-SDI connections, 10-bit video, support up to 2160p60 and operation with professional applications makes the new line straightforward to fit into broadcast, streaming, post-production, events and sports production.
Frequently asked questions about UltraStudio Mini 12G
What is UltraStudio Mini 12G?
UltraStudio Mini 12G is a new Blackmagic Design line made up of three compact devices for capture, playback, monitoring, broadcast graphics and live replay using computers with Thunderbolt 4.
Which models make up the new UltraStudio Mini 12G line?
The family includes UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G, UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G and UltraStudio Mini Replay 12G.
What is UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G for?
UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G captures 12G-SDI and HDMI signals for streaming, recording, archiving and video editing.
What is UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G for?
UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G plays back and monitors 12G-SDI and HDMI signals, and has independent outputs for graphics with fill and key.
What can UltraStudio Mini Replay 12G do?
UltraStudio Mini Replay 12G captures and plays back signals simultaneously, prepares live replays, outputs graphics with an alpha channel and lets the computer work as an image processor.
