Description
Article no.: 32168
The Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G is a compact, professional video playback device that lets you play back broadcast-quality video from your computer to both 3G-SDI and HDMI monitors. The device connects via USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 and is designed for video editing, color grading, broadcast graphics, live streaming, and professional monitoring. With support for 10-bit video output, SD, HD, and DCI 2K up to 1080p60, as well as HDR compatibility, the UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G is an excellent choice for both studio and mobile production environments.
UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G delivers a clean video signal directly from your editing software to external reference monitors, TVs, or production equipment. Unlike standard playback via the computer’s graphics card, you get an accurate video signal with precise color reproduction and professional synchronization.
The device features both a 3G-SDI output and an HDMI 2.0 output, making it compatible with professional reference monitors, broadcast equipment, TV screens, and projectors. Multi-rate SDI supports both SD and HD formats, while HDMI 2.0 delivers high image quality with support for Deep Color.
UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G supports a wide range of video formats, including PAL, NTSC, 720p, 1080i, 1080PsF, 1080p, and DCI 2K at up to 60 frames per second. This makes it compatible with most professional TV and film productions.
With support for 10-bit video output, you get significantly higher color precision than traditional 8-bit video. The result is smoother tonal transitions, better color correction, and more accurate monitoring during professional video editing.
UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G supports HDR metadata, HLG, and PQ, as well as the Rec. 601, Rec. 709, and Rec. 2020 color spaces. HDMI 2.0a also supports Deep Color and automatically configures itself based on the connected display.
The device works with a wide range of professional software, including DaVinci Resolve, Fusion, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Avid Media Composer, Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, and many other solutions for broadcast graphics, live streaming, and video production.
UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G works in conjunction with Blackmagic Desktop Video and supports real-time playback of effects from applications such as DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, and Avid Media Composer. The hardware-based color space conversion occurs in real time without putting a strain on the computer.
Connectivity is via USB-C with support for USB4 and Thunderbolt 4, offering transfer speeds of up to 40 Gb/s. The same cable is used for both data transfer and power delivery, ensuring a simple and seamless setup.
The UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G is ideal for video editing, color correction, quality control, graphics production, and other workflows where accurate video output is critical. Thanks to its compact design, it’s just as useful in the studio as it is when paired with a laptop on location.
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Professional video playback device |
| Computer Connection | USB Type-C with USB4 / Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gb/s) |
| SDI video output | 1 × 10-bit SD/HD (3G-SDI) |
| HDMI video output | 1 × HDMI 2.0 Type A |
| SDI audio output | 16 channels of embedded audio |
| HDMI audio output | 8 channels of embedded audio |
| SDI speeds | 270 Mb/s, 1.5G, and 3G |
| Video formats | SD, HD, and DCI 2K |
| Maximum resolution | 1080p60 and DCI 2K 60p |
| SDI standards | SMPTE 259M, 274M, 296M, 424M, 425M Level A/B, and ST2108-1 |
| SDI video sampling | 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 |
| SDI color precision | 8-, 10-, and 12-bit RGB, as well as 8- and 10-bit YUV |
| HDMI video sampling | 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 |
| HDMI color precision | 10- and 12-bit RGB up to 1080p30, 12-bit YUV 4:2:2 |
| HDR support | HLG, PQ, and HDR metadata via SDI and HDMI |
| Color spaces | Rec. 601, Rec. 709, and Rec. 2020 |
| Audio sampling | 48 kHz, 24-bit |
| Frame buffer formats | v210, 2vuy, ARGB, BGRA, r210, R12B, and R12L |
| Real-time effects | DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, and Avid Media Composer |
| Color space conversion | Hardware-based in real time |
| Software | Media Express, Disk Speed Test, LiveKey, and Desktop Video Utility |
| Compatible software | DaVinci Resolve, Fusion, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Avid Media Composer, Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, OBS Studio, Wirecast, vMix, Nuke, ProPresenter, CasparCG, TouchDesigner, and more |
| Operating systems | macOS, Windows, and Linux |
| Power | Via USB-C cable |
| Operating Temperature | 5 to 40 °C |
| Storage temperature | -20 to 45 °C |
| Humidity | 0–90% (non-condensing) |
| Warranty | 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty |
It is used to play back video from a computer to professional SDI or HDMI monitors for video editing, color correction, and broadcast production.
No. The UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G is intended for video playback only. For video recording, use the UltraStudio Express Recorder 3G.
Yes. The device supports HDR metadata, HLG, and PQ via both SDI and HDMI.
It works with DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Fusion, After Effects, Photoshop, Avid Media Composer, OBS Studio, Wirecast, vMix, and many other professional applications.
No. The UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G is designed for SD, HD, and DCI 2K up to 1080p60. For Ultra HD, we recommend the UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G.
No. The device is powered directly via the USB-C connection to a compatible USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 computer.