Features

The Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G is a compact professional Thunderbolt 4 capture interface that allows you to record SDI and HDMI video sources directly to a Mac, Windows, or Linux computer. Thanks to support for SD, HD, and Ultra HD up to 2160p60 , this recorder is suitable for livestreaming, video recording, archiving, and professional post-production.

The UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G is designed for maximum portability. The device connects to the computer via a single Thunderbolt 4 cable, while professional 12G-SDI and HDMI inputs ensure compatibility with modern cameras, video mixers, media players, and older broadcast equipment. Thanks to the high Thunderbolt bandwidth, both uncompressed and compressed video streams can be processed with low latency.

Key features

• Professional Thunderbolt 4 capture interface

• 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 video inputs

• Supports SD, HD, and Ultra HD up to 2160p60

• Suitable for 10-bit YUV and 12-bit RGB workflows

• Low latency for live capture

• Compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux

• Works with Blackmagic Desktop Video Drivers

• Support for popular video and streaming software

• Compact and portable design

• Powered via Thunderbolt 4, no external power supply required.

Operation

The UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G functions as an external capture card that communicates directly with the computer via Thunderbolt 4.

An HDMI or 12G-SDI video signal is digitized in real time and made available to professional software. This allows video images to be recorded, streamed, or processed immediately without noticeable delay. Thanks to the high data rate of Thunderbolt 4, the recorder supports high resolutions, professional color depths, and high frame rates without the need for an internal PCIe capture card.

The recorder is suitable for a variety of workflows. For instance, it can be used to record live camera footage in DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro, as well as for livestreaming with software such as OBS Studio. Additionally, the device is suitable for digitizing existing video sources, such as professional broadcast recorders and older SDI equipment. The included free Media Express software can also be used for this purpose.

Because the recorder supports both HDMI and 12G-SDI, it is easy to switch between consumer equipment and professional broadcast cameras without additional converters.

Application

The UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G is suitable for:

• Livestreaming

• Video recording

• Podcast and studio productions

• Webinar studios

• Broadcast

• Post-production

• Video editing

• Archiving videotapes

• Digitizing SDI sources

• Registration of game consoles

• Educational AV environments

• Corporate videos

Thanks to its compact dimensions, the recorder fits easily into a mobile control room or flight case. For fixed studio installations, it provides a reliable capture solution for professional video inputs without the need to open a desktop computer to install a PCIe card.

Limits

Although the UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G is very versatile, there are a few points to consider:

• This model is exclusively a capture interface and does not have video outputs for playback or monitoring.

• There are no Fill & Key outputs available; the UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G or Replay 12G are intended for this purpose.

• A computer with Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 is required for use.

• The device does not have internal storage; all recordings are stored directly on the connected computer.

• There are no built-in streaming protocols such as SRT, RTMP, or NDI; streaming takes place via compatible software on the computer.

• There are no analog video or audio connections; only HDMI and 12G-SDI are supported.

• There is no hardware-based video processing or image scaling; this processing is performed via the connected software.