Blackmagic Design Ultrastudio Express Monitor 3G

The UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G stands apart from ordinary capture cards by combining broadcast-grade 3G-SDI, HDMI, and analog connectivity in a single portable Thunderbolt unit. It handles both capture and playback, making it a true all-in-one solution for on-set monitoring, editing suites, and live production. Unlike many interfaces that require separate breakout boxes for analog signals, this model includes a dedicated breakout cable for component, composite, S-Video, and RCA audio, ensuring legacy equipment remains fully compatible.

Highlights

• Thunderbolt interface for high-speed, low-latency video transfer on macOS, Windows, and Linux
• Simultaneous 3G-SDI and HDMI input/output with support for SD, HD, and 3G-SDI standards up to 1080p60
• 10-bit 4:2:2 color precision in REC 601 and REC 709 color spaces for accurate monitoring and mastering
• Analog video and audio via included breakout cable: component, composite, S-Video, and 2-channel RCA
• Bus-powered via Thunderbolt or external 12V power supply for flexible field use
• Includes Media Express, Disk Speed Test, LiveKey, and Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility software

In daily use

Connect the UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G to any Thunderbolt-equipped laptop or desktop and instantly gain professional video I/O. Use it to capture from cameras, decks, or live feeds, or output your timeline to a broadcast monitor for color-critical work. The compact, portable design fits easily into a gear bag, and the included breakout cable keeps analog sources and destinations within reach.

Full specifications

• Interface: Thunderbolt (Thunderbolt 1/2 compatible)
• Video Input: 1 x 3G-SDI (BNC), 1 x HDMI Type A, 1 x Analog Component/Composite/S-Video (via breakout cable)
• Video Output: 1 x 3G-SDI (BNC), 1 x HDMI Type A, 1 x Analog Component/Composite/S-Video (via breakout cable)
• Audio Input: 2 x Analog Audio (RCA via breakout cable), 2 Ch embedded SDI, 8 Ch embedded HDMI
• Audio Output: 2 x Analog Audio (RCA via breakout cable), 2 Ch embedded SDI, 8 Ch embedded HDMI
• SDI Video Standards: 525i59.94 NTSC, 625i50 PAL, 720p50, 720p59.94, 720p60, 1080p23.98, 1080p24, 1080p25, 1080p29.97, 1080p30, 1080i50, 1080i59.94, 1080i60, 1080p50, 1080p59.94, 1080p60
• HDMI Video Standards: Same as SDI
• Analog Video Standards: NTSC, PAL, S-Video, Component
• Color Precision: 10-bit
• Color Space: REC 601, REC 709
• SDI Compliance: SMPTE 259M, SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 296M, SMPTE 372M, SMPTE 425M, ITU-R BT.656 and ITU-R BT.601
• Video Sampling: 4:2:2
• Operating System Compatibility: macOS 10.15 Catalina or later, Windows 10 (64-bit), Linux
• Power: Thunderbolt bus powered or external 12V power supply
• Included Software: Media Express, Disk Speed Test, LiveKey, Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility and drivers
• Form Factor: Portable Desktop/External
• Breakout Cable: Included for analog video and audio connections

Final note

For professionals who need reliable, high-quality video I/O in a compact form factor, the UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G delivers the essential connections without compromise.