Setting up Blackmagic devices

Livegrade supports the following video I/O devices by Blackmagic for capturing and playback of SDI signals:

  • Blackmagic UltraStudio family (e.g., UltraStudio 4K Mini):
    • up to 2 input/output ports
    • 1.5G, 3G, and depending on model 6G and 12G SDI signals
  • Blackmagic DeckLink family (e.g., DeckLing 8K Pro)
    • up to 4 bi-directional input/output ports
    • 1.5G, 3G, and depending on model 6G and 12G SDI signals

Download and install#

In order to access attached Blackmagic devices from your computer, download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Make sure, that you enable all driver extensions within your computer’s “Login Items & Extensions” settings, so that your computer and Livegrade can access attached devices. Note that after enabling the driver extensions, a restart of the computer is neccessary.

Activate all Blackmagic driver extensions

Manufacturers documentation#

Documentation can be found here. The chapter “Mac OS Installation” contains a step-by-step guide to install the driver on your computer.

Verify successfull installation#

After installing the driver, open Desktop Video Setup which will show you all attached Blackmagic devices.

If your Blackmagic device does not show up, Livegrade won’t be able to use the device. Check the troubleshooting section for more information.

Auto-record support by device type#

The DeckLink 8K Pro supports auto-record triggering for ARRI, RED, and Sony cameras via the record flag embedded in HANC metadata in HD-SDI signals.

Other Blackmagic capture devices#

All other supported Blackmagic capture devices, such as the UltraStudio Recorder 3G, support auto-record for RED cameras via timecode-based triggering (RecRun timecode detection).

Sony clip name auto-record trigger#

Livegrade also supports auto-record triggering for Sony cameras via Sony clip name detection. This works on all supported capture devices that receive the Sony clip name over SDI, including devices such as the UltraStudio Recorder 3G.

Associate device ports with input slots and output#

Within the slot manager, you can associate your Blackmagic device’s SDI input ports with an input slot and, in the same way, SDI output ports with outputs:

Troubleshooting#

If you encounter an unexpected situation, take a look at our troubleshooting article, where we address common issues.

Last updated: March 5, 2026

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