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The UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G is a compact Thunderbolt 4 video playback device that outputs broadcast quality 10-bit video from a Mac, Windows or Linux computer to 12G-SDI and HDMI in SD, HD and Ultra HD up to 2160p60. Its dual 12G-SDI outputs can be switched to fill and key, which turns a laptop into a graphics source for a production switcher. It draws power from the Thunderbolt cable, so there is no external supply to carry.
It exists so an editor or graphics operator can put a real broadcast signal out of a laptop without a rack.
This is the output only model in the UltraStudio Mini 12G family. It plays back from editing, grading and graphics software over a single Thunderbolt 4 connection, and the multi rate SDI link switches itself between SD, HD, 2K, Ultra HD and 4K to match whatever the timeline is running.
The fill and key pair is the part that matters for live work. Feed it a graphic with an alpha channel and the hardware converts that alpha into a key signal on the second SDI output automatically, ready for a switcher downstream keyer. Internally there is hardware support for both RGBA and YUVA frame buffers, so transparency survives the trip out of the computer.
At a Glance
| Brand | Blackmagic Design |
|---|---|
| Model | UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G |
| Type | Video playback device, output only |
| Computer Interface | Thunderbolt 4 |
| Video Outputs | 2 x 12G-SDI, 1 x HDMI 2.0 |
| Maximum Format | 2160p60 Ultra HD, 4Kp60 DCI |
| Fill and Key | Yes, on the dual 12G-SDI outputs |
| Power | Powered by the Thunderbolt cable |
| SKU / MPN | BMD-BDLKULSDZMINMON12G |
| Warranty | Full Blackmagic Design manufacturer warranty |
| Availability | Special order, brought in after purchase |
What Connections Does the UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G Have?
Two multi rate 12G-SDI outputs that also serve as a fill and key pair, one HDMI 2.0 output, and a Thunderbolt 4 port to the computer. There is no video input on this model.
| SDI Video Outputs | 2 |
|---|---|
| SDI Fill Outputs | 1 |
| SDI Key Outputs | 1 |
| SDI Rates | 270Mb, 1.5G, 3G, 6G, 12G |
| SDI Audio Outputs | 16 channels embedded |
| HDMI 2.0 Video Outputs | 1 |
| HDMI Audio Outputs | 8 channels embedded |
| Computer Interface | Thunderbolt 4, Apple Silicon Mac, Windows and Linux |
Who Is the UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G For?
Editors and colorists who need a trusted reference output from DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer or Fusion. Graphics operators feeding a live switcher from Photoshop, Character Animator or a CG package. Anyone who has to deliver broadcast video out of a laptop and cannot bring a rack unit along.
What Are the Full Specifications?
| SD Video Standards | 525i59.94 NTSC, 625i50 PAL |
|---|---|
| HD Video Standards | 720p50 to 1080p60, including 1080PsF |
| Ultra HD Video Standards | 2160p23.98 to 2160p60 |
| 4K Video Standards | 4Kp23.98 DCI to 4Kp60 DCI |
| SDI Video Sampling | 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 |
| SDI Color Precision | 8, 10 and 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 up to 2160p30, 8 and 10-bit YUV 4:2:2 in all standards |
| Color Space | Rec. 601, Rec. 709 and Rec. 2020 |
| HDR Support | HDR static metadata packing, HLG and PQ |
| Audio Sampling | 48 kHz, 24-bit |
| Hardware Frame Buffer | 2vuy, ARGB, BGRA, Ay10, r210, v210, R12B, R12L |
| Operating Systems | Mac 15.0 Sequoia or Mac 26.0 Tahoe and later, Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 11, Linux |
| Power Usage | 15 W, drawn from the Thunderbolt connection |
| Operating Temperature | 5 to 40 C, 32 to 104 F |
| Country of Origin | Singapore |
What Comes in the Box?
UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G and a welcome wallet with a QR code for the software download. Media Express, Disk Speed Test, LiveKey and the Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility and driver are free downloads for Mac, Windows and Linux. A Thunderbolt cable is not included.
Why Blackmagic Design
Blackmagic Design builds the capture, playback, switching and color hardware that runs a large share of broadcast and post production worldwide, and it keeps the driver and software stack current across Mac, Windows and Linux rather than tying the hardware to one platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Mini Monitor 12G and the Mini Recorder 12G?
The Mini Monitor 12G is output only and plays video out to 12G-SDI and HDMI. The Mini Recorder 12G is input only and captures from 12G-SDI and HDMI. If you need both directions at once, that is the Mini Replay 12G.
Does it work with DaVinci Resolve?
Yes. It works with DaVinci Resolve, Fusion, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Character Animator, Avid Media Composer, Pro Tools, Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo, plus a long list of third party graphics and playout applications.
What is fill and key used for?
It lets a computer act as a graphics source for a production switcher. The fill output carries the picture and the key output carries the transparency, so the switcher can lay lower thirds, scoreboards and logos over live video cleanly.
Does it need an external power supply?
No. It is powered over the Thunderbolt cable and needs a computer with a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port. It also works with Thunderbolt 5 PCs.
Is it authentic and under warranty?
Yes. Victory Musical Instruments is an authorized Blackmagic Design dealer, so it ships new in original packaging with the full Blackmagic Design manufacturer warranty.