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Blackmagic Design BM-BDLKULSDMINI4K UltraStudio 4K Mini — main product image
Blackmagic Design BM-BDLKULSDMINI4K UltraStudio 4K Mini
Blackmagic Design BM-BDLKULSDMINI4K UltraStudio 4K Mini
Blackmagic Design BM-BDLKULSDMINI4K UltraStudio 4K Mini
Blackmagic Design BM-BDLKULSDMINI4K UltraStudio 4K Mini
Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design BM-BDLKULSDMINI4K UltraStudio 4K Mini

★★★★★4.1 (36 reviews)
4KThunderbolt 3HDMI 2.0

Professional 4K capture and playback over Thunderbolt 3 with 12G-SDI, HDMI 2.0, and 16-channel embedded audio.

$1,199.00*
✓ In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 17, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4K Mini is a compact external capture and playback solution built for professional video environments. Connecting to a host computer via Thunderbolt 3 at 40 Gb/s, it handles real-time capture and playback at resolutions up to 4K DCI without dropped frames or quality compromises. The device accepts 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 video inputs and supports SD, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 2160p, and 4K DCI signals — along with legacy NTSC, PAL, and YUV formats — making it adaptable to virtually any production or post-production pipeline.

On the output side, the UltraStudio 4K Mini provides two SDI program outputs and one SDI loop output, giving operators the flexibility to feed monitors, scopes, and downstream devices simultaneously. Sixteen channels of embedded SDI audio on both input and output mean there is no need for separate audio interfaces in most setups. Whether the task is editing, color grading, live graphics insertion, archiving from tape, or streaming to an online platform, the UltraStudio 4K Mini consolidates capture and playback into a single, desktop-friendly unit that integrates with major NLE and broadcast software.

Key Features

Thunderbolt 3

40Gb/s capture

12G SDI, HDMI 2.0 / YUV, NTSC, PAL

Specifications

Interface
Thunderbolt 3
Transfer Speed
40 Gb/s
SDI Video Inputs
1
SDI Video Outputs
2x Program Out, 1x Loop Out
SDI Audio Inputs
16 Channels Embedded (SD/HD/2K/UHD/4K)
SDI Audio Outputs
16 Channels Embedded (SD/HD/2K/UHD/4K)
Video Standards
12G-SDI, HDMI 2.0, YUV, NTSC, PAL
Resolution Support
SD, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 2160p, 4K DCI

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Thunderbolt 3 interface delivers 40 Gb/s bandwidth, eliminating bottlenecks during 4K capture and playback
  • Supports a wide resolution range from SD through 4K DCI, making it versatile across legacy and modern workflows
  • Three SDI outputs (two program, one loop) provide flexible signal routing for monitoring and distribution
  • 16-channel embedded audio on SDI eliminates the need for separate audio capture hardware

👎 Cons

  • Requires a computer with Thunderbolt 3, which limits compatibility with systems that only have USB-C or Thunderbolt 2
  • The unit is a higher-end investment compared to simpler single-input capture devices
  • No built-in display or controls on the device itself — all configuration is done through software on the host computer
  • Compact form factor offers limited physical connectivity compared to larger rackmount Blackmagic units

Frequently Asked Questions

It connects via Thunderbolt 3, providing up to 40 Gb/s of bandwidth for real-time 4K capture and playback.
It supports 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 inputs, covering SD, HD, 2K, UHD, and 4K DCI resolutions including YUV, NTSC, and PAL signals.
It offers three SDI outputs — two program outputs and one loop-through output — allowing flexible monitoring and routing in professional workflows.
The UltraStudio 4K Mini supports 16 channels of embedded audio on both SDI input and output across SD, HD, 2K, UHD, and 4K.
Yes, its high-bandwidth Thunderbolt 3 connection and broad format support make it well-suited for live capture, streaming, editing, and archiving.

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