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The UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G is a compact Thunderbolt 4 video capture device that brings broadcast quality 10-bit video into a Mac, Windows or Linux computer from 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 sources in SD, HD and Ultra HD up to 2160p60. It includes an SDI loop output so the signal can carry on to the next device, and it takes its power from the Thunderbolt cable.
It exists to get a clean broadcast signal into a laptop for streaming, archiving or capture without a rack unit.
This is the input only model in the UltraStudio Mini 12G family. The multi rate 12G-SDI input handles anything from SD through 4K DCI and switches automatically, and the HDMI 2.0 input covers cameras, consoles and computers that only put out HDMI.
Typical work for it is live streaming through OBS, Wirecast or vMix, pulling programme out of a switcher, archiving tapes off older broadcast decks into an edit system or the included Media Express software, and feeding live video to a computer running AI image processing.
At a Glance
| Brand | Blackmagic Design |
|---|---|
| Model | UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G |
| Type | Video capture device, input only |
| Computer Interface | Thunderbolt 4 |
| Video Inputs | 1 x 12G-SDI, 1 x HDMI 2.0 |
| Loop Output | 1 x SDI |
| Maximum Format | 2160p60 Ultra HD, 4Kp60 DCI |
| Power | Powered by the Thunderbolt cable |
| SKU / MPN | BMD-BDLKULSDZMINREC12G |
| Warranty | Full Blackmagic Design manufacturer warranty |
| Availability | Special order, brought in after purchase |
What Connections Does the UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G Have?
One multi rate 12G-SDI input with an SDI loop output, one HDMI 2.0 input, and a Thunderbolt 4 port to the computer. There is no independent video output on this model.
| SDI Video Inputs | 1 |
|---|---|
| SDI Loop Outputs | 1 |
| SDI Rates | 270Mb, 1.5G, 3G, 6G, 12G |
| SDI Audio Inputs | 16 channels embedded |
| HDMI 2.0 Video Inputs | 1 |
| HDMI Audio Inputs | 8 channels embedded |
| Computer Interface | Thunderbolt 4, Apple Silicon Mac, Windows and Linux |
Who Is the UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G For?
Streamers and live producers running OBS, Wirecast or vMix who need a real SDI or HDMI feed into a laptop. Post houses archiving off legacy decks. Anyone capturing from a camera, a switcher output or a game console at broadcast quality rather than through a consumer dongle.
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 Recorder 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
Can it play video out as well as capture?
No. The Mini Recorder 12G is input only. The SDI loop output passes the incoming signal through to another device, it does not play back from the computer. For playback choose the Mini Monitor 12G, or the Mini Replay 12G for both directions at once.
What software works with it?
Open Broadcaster, Wirecast, vMix, DaVinci Resolve and the included Media Express, plus Cinegy Capture Pro, DevTek EasyMediaSuite, Glookast Capturer, Metus Ingest, Softron MovieRecorder, ToolsOnAir just:in, Burst Video WebClip2Go and Zoom. Third party support can vary, so check with your software vendor.
Can it capture from a game console or a Blu-ray player?
It captures from game consoles over HDMI. It cannot capture copy protected HDMI sources, and you should confirm you own the rights to anything you record or distribute.
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.