Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G

Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G is a pocket-sized output interface for sending professional video from a computer to monitors and devices with 3G-SDI or HDMI. It plays out SD and HD formats up to 1080p60 and 2K DCI up to 60 fps over a USB-C host interface with 40 Gb/s signalling, compatible with USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 computers. It is powered directly by the computer and needs no power supply of its own.

3G-SDI and HDMI output over a single USB4 connection

UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G turns playback from a Mac, Windows or Linux computer into 10-bit 3G-SDI or HDMI 2.0. It is designed for editing, color checking, broadcast graphics and client monitoring up to 1080p60.

3G-SDI outputHDMI 2.0 outputUp to 1080p60 and 2K DCIUSB4 / Thunderbolt 4USB-C power

Accurate pictures from the computer on a professional monitor

A dedicated video output sends the picture from DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro or Media Composer in the exact format and frame rate of the project – without an application window and without graphics card processing.

Editing preview

Check your edit on a real video monitor, not in an application window.

Color checking

10-bit output with Rec. 709, Rec. 2020 and HDR metadata for grading.

Client monitor

HDMI 2.0 feeds a television or projector for the client.

Broadcast graphics

The SDI output sends titles and graphics to a switcher or router.

Two outputs for professional monitoring

Connect the switchable 10-bit 3G-SDI output to a broadcast monitor or router, while HDMI 2.0 feeds a television, projector or another display. The device is output only – it does not capture an input signal.

10-bit broadcast quality

10-bit video represents every color with four times the precision of 8-bit video, so gradients in skies and skin tones stay free of banding. The SDI output handles 8, 10 and 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 up to 1080p30 and 8 and 10-bit YUV 4:2:2 in all formats.

Included software

The interface comes with Media Express for playing and managing clips, Disk Speed Test for checking disk speed, LiveKey and Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility with drivers for macOS, Windows and Linux. Graphics and playout applications such as CasparCG, vMix, Resolume Arena or ProPresenter can use the output as well.

Connections

One side has an SDI output on a BNC connector and a Type A HDMI output, the opposite side a 40 Gb/s USB-C port for data and power.

Dimensions and weight

The pocket-sized body measures 92 × 45 × 25 mm and weighs 160 g, so it fits in a laptop bag.