Blackmagic Design - UltraStudio Express Recorder 3G

The Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express Recorder 3G is a pocket-sized, input-only video capture device designed for professionals who need to ingest SD and HD video signals from 3G-SDI and HDMI sources. Part of Blackmagic Design’s new UltraStudio Express 3G family, this compact recorder connects via USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 and is powered entirely through a single USB-C cable, eliminating the need for an external power supply. Priced at an accessible $175, it delivers broadcast-quality 10-bit video capture for live streaming, content archiving, gameplay recording, and post-production workflows on Mac, Windows, and Linux computers.

Key Features
Broadcast-Quality 10-Bit Video Capture – Captures SD and HD video through 3G-SDI or HDMI inputs with 10-bit 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 color sampling. Supports 8-bit, 10-bit, and 12-bit color precision for professional-grade image quality.

Dual Input Connectivity – Features one switchable 10-bit SD/HD SDI input (supporting 270 Mb/s, 1.5 Gb/s, and 3 Gb/s bitrates) and one HDMI 2.0 Type A input. Both inputs carry embedded audio.

USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 Compatibility – Equipped with a USB Type-C interface supporting 40 Gbps signaling. Works with compatible USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 computers, including Mac, Windows, and Linux systems.

Single-Cable Power and Data – Receives power directly through the USB Type-C connection. Can be powered from a laptop battery, making it ideal for field production and mobile workflows.

Multi-Channel Embedded Audio – Captures up to 16 embedded audio channels via SDI and 8 embedded channels via HDMI, with 48 kHz/24-bit standard sampling.

Extensive Video Format Support – Supports SD formats including 525i59.94 NTSC and 625i50 PAL. HD support includes 720p, 1080i, and 1080p standards up to 1080p60. 3G-SDI inputs support switchable Level A and Level B.

Wide Color Space Support – Compatible with REC 601, REC 709, and REC 2020 color spaces. Supports HDR and wide-gamut workflows with real-time hardware conversion.

Comprehensive Software Compatibility – Works with all popular video software including DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, OBS Studio, vMix, Wirecast, Zoom, Adobe After Effects, Fusion, and Photoshop. Utilizes the DeckLink API for broad application support.

Compact and Portable Design – Measures just 91.9 x 45 x 24.9 mm and weighs only 158 grams. Pocket-sized form factor enables easy transport between locations.

Included Media Express Software – Comes with Blackmagic Design’s Media Express software for video capture and playback, along with the Desktop Video Utility and drivers for setup and device management.

Use Cases
Live Streaming – Ideal for live streaming applications using software such as OBS Studio, vMix, and Wirecast. Capture professional camera feeds directly into your streaming setup with broadcast-quality video.

Content Archiving – Archive footage from legacy broadcast decks into popular editing software or the included Media Express application. Perfect for digitizing and preserving SD and HD tape-based media.

Gameplay Recording – Record gameplay footage from consoles by capturing HDMI output directly into your computer for editing or streaming.

Post-Production and Editing – Ingest video directly into editing applications such as DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro for professional editing, color grading, and visual effects work.

Field Production – With USB bus power, the recorder can be used with laptops in remote locations, enabling on-location capture and monitoring without external power sources.

Broadcast and Event Production – Capture 3G-SDI program outputs from switchers and broadcast sources in lightweight control rooms for recording on computers. HDMI acquisition from cameras or compact switchers in event recording scenarios.