Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Recorder

Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Recorder

The Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Recorder is a high-performance expansion module that attaches to the rear of your camera to enable recording onto high-capacity 2.5-inch SSDs. It is designed to bypass the storage limitations of CFast and SD cards, allowing for significantly longer record times and the use of cost-effective, high-speed enterprise-grade media.

In 2026, it remains the standard tool for documentary and cinema crews shooting high-bitrate 12K or 8K Blackmagic RAW who need to manage massive amounts of data without constant card swaps.

Core Functionality

• High-Speed Data Link: The recorder connects to the camera via a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) cable with locking screws. This provides enough bandwidth to record 12-bit Blackmagic RAW at the highest quality settings (Q0 or 5:1) without dropping frames.

• NVMe & U.2 Support: Unlike older SSD recorders, this unit supports 7mm U.2 NVMe Enterprise Disks. These drives offer transfer speeds up to 900 MB/s, which is essential for the 80 megapixels-per-frame required by 12K capture.

• Integrated Workflow: The recorder is fully controlled by the camera's software. Once attached, the SSD appears as "Storage Slot 2" in the camera menu. You can start/stop recording, format the disk, and view remaining time directly from the camera’s fold-out touchscreen.

Physical Design & Power

• Sandwich Mount: The recorder is designed to be "sandwiched" between the back of the camera and the battery plate (V-Mount or Gold Mount).

• Power Passthrough: It features a 12-pin Molex connector. You plug your battery plate into the recorder, and the recorder into the camera. This ensures a clean, cable-free power path for both the camera and the recorder.

• All-Metal Construction: Built from the same durable magnesium alloy as the URSA chassis, it is designed to withstand professional use on set.

Compatibility

The URSA Mini Recorder is designed specifically for the following models:

1. URSA Mini Pro 12K (and 12K OLPF)

2. URSA Broadcast G2

3. URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 (Note: Requires a longer USB-C cable to reach the top port on this specific model).

Important Note: It is not compatible with the original URSA Mini 4K, URSA Mini 4.6K, or the original URSA Mini Pro 4.6K, as these cameras lack the necessary high-speed USB-C architecture.

Technical Specifications

Operational Insight (2026)

In 2026, the use of U.2 NVMe drives (like those from Western Digital or Micron) is the standard for 12K production. Because these drives are designed for data centers, they are more thermally stable than standard consumer SATA SSDs, which is critical for long takes in 4K/8K/12K.

Pro Tip: If your camera's status light flashes red quickly while using the recorder, it indicates that the SSD you are using is not fast enough for the chosen resolution/frame rate. Always check the Blackmagic approved media list for "12K RAW" recording.

Do you have a specific SSD in mind, or would you like a recommendation for a drive that can handle 12K 60fps recording?