AJA Io X3 is perfect for high quality HDR or SDR video work with up to 60p HD/2K signals or files with support for all major NLE applications as well as other video applications such as OBS Studio, vMix and Telestream Wirecast. Connecting with a single Thunderbolt 3 cable and providing a second Thunderbolt connector for flexibility, Io X3's compact and quiet form factor is ideal for on set, in the studio, at an event or in the edit suite.
Features
- 2K/HD/SD I/O up to 50/60p
- 4x bidirectional 3G-SDI BNC with 16-channel embedded audio
- HDMI I/O with 8-channel embedded audio
- Two Thunderbolt 3 ports with loop through
- Multi-channel workflow support for OBS/Wirecast/vMix and other applications
- YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit up to 60p
- RGB 4:4:4 12-bit up to 30p
- VPID signaling for SDR/HDR Transfer Characteristics, Colorimetry and Luminance via SDI
- PQ, HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision Support
- HDR Metadata Capture and Auto Playback Detection
- Multiview output over HDMI, to view up to 4-channels on one screen
- Analog audio flexibility with a choice of 8-channel In or 8-channel Out or 4-channel In and 4-channel out via a standard Tascam connection
- Front panel audio display
- Includes support for the Apple M1 chip and the latest OS versions
- XLR 12V power for battery or AC use (AC adapter included)
- Headphone jack and level control for mobile and live environments
- RS-422 VTR control, Reference, LTC Input and LTC Output
Versatile and Practical Connectivity
The Io X3 rear panel offers a wealth of easy to access connectivity for almost any need in SD/HD/2K video pipelines. Power is supplied via industry standard 4-pin XLR with either the included AC adapter or battery power. Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports provide host connectivity to a laptop or desktop PC or Mac, with the second port for loop through to other Thunderbolt devices. RS-422 is included for machine control of external devices so they can be synchronized for editing. Analog audio is offered via a DB-25 port, with all 8-channels configurable to be in or out. HDMI in and out ports allow for easy monitoring or video input sources to be accessed, including HDR and SDR video. Reference input connects the Io X3 to any master clock source alongside LTC input and output for timecode. Finally, 4 bidirectional 3G-SDI ports can be configured as multi-channel inputs or outputs to suit the video application of choice, offering immense flexibility in the field, editing suite or on-set.
Universal Compatibility - Thunderbolt™ 3 via USB-C
Io X3 Plus provides two Thunderbolt 3 ports for true Thunderbolt flexibility. Thunderbolt 3 doubles the speed of the previous Thunderbolt 2 standard with up to 40 Gps of throughput and utilizes the universal USB-C connection standard for true simplicity over a single cable for today's leading Mac and PC workstations and laptops.
Thunderbolt™ 3 features
- Thunderbolt™ and power on one cable
- USB-C connector and cables (small, reversible)
- 40 Gb/s: Thunderbolt™ 3 - double the speed of Thunderbolt™ 2
HDR
HDR or High Dynamic Range, provides the ability to display a wider and richer range of colors, much brighter whites, and much deeper, darker blacks than standard signals allow. This gives your imagery a more 'dynamic' look and allows for natural true to life colors to be communicated to your audience.
Io X3 provides this support for your 2K and HD HDR pipelines to HDMI and SDI compatible displays in software v16.2 with HLG and HDR10 support with HDR Infoframe metadata, in accordance with HDMI 2.0a/CTA-861.3 and HD.
AJA Control Room software and Io X3 adds support for HDR metadata capture from an incoming SDI or HDMI signal. The captured .mov video file will have embedded HDR metadata, allowing the file to be played back at its intended dynamic range.
AJA Control Room software and Io X3 Plus also provides HDR Auto Playback Detection. Embedded HDR metadata in a recorded .mov file is read and used to automatically set the HDR format on the monitor(s) connected to the HDMI and/or SDI outputs.
Support for file-based .mov HDR outputs with metadata from Adobe Premiere Pro / Adobe Media Encoder HDR files is also available. Screening those rendered outputs is a simple and high-quality experience with AJA Control Room. Every frame is presented in its full-quality, at the timing intended, and with the proper HDR format set correctly and automatically.
v16.2 Desktop Software also offers HDR input from HDMI for capturing HDR gaming content and more.
Integrated Digital Audio, Analog Audio Flexibility
Embedded 16-channel SDI and 8-channel HDMI audio are supported as well as analog audio inputs, outputs or both via a standard Tascam DB-25 connection.
Stereo monitoring is also possible with a front panel 3.5mm mini-TRS headphone jack.
The flexible analog audio I/O can be configured to record voice overs and more with the ability to choose how the DB-25 connection on Io X3 is configured:
- 8-channel, 24 and 16-bit D/A analog audio, 48 kHz sample rate, balanced, using industry standard 8x XLR or TRS on DB-25 breakout cable (cable not included)
- Balanced Analog Audio I/O:
- Input across Ch. 1-8, Ch. 1-4, or Ch. 5-8
- Output across Ch. 1-8, Ch. 1-4, or Ch. 5-8
High Density, Rack Mountable
Io X3's compact design offers easy rack mounting, allowing for two Io X3 devices to sit comfortably in just 1RU. This allows for high channel density for up to 8-channels of fully configurable video I/O for applications such as OBS Studio.
Multiview Output
Io X3 offers multi-channel I/O, and the HDMI output port can display all of these sources to one display. Io X3 is fully compatible with OBS Studio software with multiview output offered for clear monitoring of incoming or outgoing video via the convenient HDMI output. OBS Studio can be configured with Io X3 to make monitoring easy, all from a single I/O device.
Sync Up
Io X3 can be locked to an external reference for integration into larger productions, or feed LTC in and out to ensure footage captured with Io X3 has the proper timecode. The REF in port ensures reference sync with other synched devices in a facility.
Machine Control
An RS-422 port allows control of tape decks for frame accurate captures and layoffs.
Apple M1 Chip Support
Desktop Software v16.1 and above is optimized for the Apple M1 chip with native support for AJA macOS drivers, application plug-ins, AJA Control Room, AJA Control Panel, AJA System Test and AJA NMOS software.
Host Systems Compatibilities
Io X3 and Desktop Software v16.2 come with a wide range of tested configurations to help you make an informed choice based on requirements.
- Product Identifiers -
MPN: IO-X3-R0- Product Specifications -
Video Formats
- (2K) 2048 x 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
- (2K) 2048 x 1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25
- (HD) 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
- (HD) 1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
- (HD) 1080i 50, 59.94, 60
- (HD) 720p 50, 59.94, 60
- (SD) 625i 50
- (SD) 525i 59.94
Note: High Frame Rate support is dependent on Thunderbolt speed and system performance. Not all host systems will support all frame rates.
Video Input Digital
- 3G-SDI, SMPTE 425
- RGB 4:4:4 12-bit*, YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit
- 1.5G-SDI, SMPTE 292M
- Single Link HD-SDI YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit
- 270 Mbps SDI, SMPTE 259M-C
- YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit, 8-bit
- HDMI v1.4b
- 30/36-bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 2.25 Gbps
- 2K, HD, and SD
*Bit depth support is application dependent. Check with your software manufacturer for compatibility.
Video Output Digital
- 3G-SDI, SMPTE 425
- RGB 4:4:4 12-bit*, YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit
- 1.5G-SDI, SMPTE 292M
- Single Link HD-SDI YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit
- 270 Mbps SDI, SMPTE 259M-C
- YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit, 8-bit
- HDMI v1.4b
- 30/36-bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 2.25 Gbps
- 2K, HD, and SD with HFR support up to 60p (4:2:2), 10-bit
*Bit depth support is application dependent. Check with your software manufacturer for compatibility.
HDR
- SDI: VPID signaling for SDR/HDR Transfer Characteristics
- HDMI: HDR10 Support - HDR Infoframe metadata, compatible with HDMI 2.0a/CTA-861.3
- HDMI: HLG Support - compatible with HDMI 2.0b/CTA-861-G
Note: HDR support is application dependent. Check with your software manufacturer for compatibility.
Audio Input Digital
- 16-channel, 16 and 24-bit SMPTE-259 SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
- 8-channel, 16 and 24-bit HDMI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
Audio Output Digital
- 16-channel, 16 and 24-bit SMPTE-259 SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
- 8-channel, 16 and 24-bit HDMI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
Audio Input Analog
- 8-channel, 24 and 16-bit D/A analog audio, 48 kHz sample rate, balanced, using industry standard 8x XLR on DB-25 breakout cable (cable not included)
- +24 dBu full scale digital (0 dBFS)
- +/- 0.2 dB 20 to 20 kHz frequency response
- Input supported across Ch 1-8, Ch 1-4, or Ch 5-8 depending on configuration chosen
Audio Output Analog
- 8-channel, 24-bit D/A analog audio, 48 kHz sample rate, balanced, using industry standard 8x XLR on DB-25 breakout cable (cable not included)
- +24 dBu full scale digital (0 dBFS)
- +/- 0.2 dB 20 to 20 kHz frequency response
- Output supported across Ch 1-8, Ch 1-4, or Ch 5-8 depending on configuration chosen
- 2-channel, 18-bit D/A analog audio, 48 kHz sample rate, unbalanced, using standard 3.5mm jack
- 1.2V RMS full scale digital output level (0 dBFS)
Downstream Keyer
- Supports graphics up to 2K/HD with alpha channel over video, matte or framebuffer, or framebuffer content over incoming video or matte
LTC
- 1x BNC LTC input (dedicated)
- 1x BNC LTC output (dedicated)
Reference
- 1x BNC (dedicated)
- Analog Color Black (1V) or Composite Sync (2 or 4V)
- Nonterminating
Electrical Interface
- Thunderbolt 3 (2x)
Machine Control
- RS-422, Sony 9-pin protocol
- 9-pin D-connector pinout is as follows:
- 1 GND
- 2 RX-
- 3 TX+
- 4 GND
- 5 No Connection
- 6 GND
- 7 RX+
- 8 TX-
- 9 GND
- Shell GND
Size (w x d x h)
- 8.74" x 7.09" x 1.65" (222.0 x 180.09 x 41.91 mm)
Weight
- 3.1 lbs. (1.5 kg)
Power
- 10-20V, 23W typical, 28W max
Environment
- Safe Operating Temperature Range: 0 to 35 C (32 to 95 F)
- Safe Storage Temperature (Power OFF): -40 to 60 C (-40 to 140 F)
- Operating Relative Humidity: 10-90% noncondensing
- Operating Altitude: <3,000 meters (<10,000 feet)
Hassle Free Returns
At Motion Media, our goal is to ensure your complete satisfaction with your purchase. If, for whatever reason, you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you may return it to Motion Media within 30 days. Claims for missing items or items damaged in transit must be received within three business days of receipt of merchandise.
Refunds on returned items will be issued in the same payment form as tendered at the time of purchase. If payment was made by credit card, once we receive the product we will credit your account. Please allow 7-10 days for a credit to appear on your credit card statement. If payment was made by check, please allow 10 business days for a refund check to be issued.
Please read all conditions below. If conditions are not met, Motion Media reserves the right to refuse the return or to charge a restocking fee of up to 25%.
How to return or exchange an item:
- In order to return an item you need to first obtain an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number.
- To request an RMA number, please visit our contact page and send us an email with the request.
- To request an RMA number by phone, call Customer Service at 310-450-4000.
- Place the original package into a shipping carton.
- Include the invoice and the reason for the return. If defective, please specify the defect.
- Please do not place stickers or shipping labels on the original manufacturer's package.
- The RMA number must be clearly written on the outer box. If you received a label in the email, print the label and tape it to the carton.
- Ship via insured ground service with a tracking number. Return shipping charges are the responsibility of the customer. We are not responsible for lost or damaged packages.
- Send pre-authorized returns to:
Motion Media, LLC
Attn: RMA#XXXXX
2875 E. Patrick Lane, Suite O
Las Vegas, NV 89120
- Alternatively, you may return an item at our office at the above location, with an approved RMA.
Rules:
- All returned or exchanged items must be in new condition,
unopened in the original box, and must include all packing material, blank warranty cards, manuals, and all accessories. 15% restocking fee on any opened items. If you are going to return, do not open the box. - 25% restocking fee on LitePanels, Anton Bauer and Sachtler returns.
- Motion Media is not responsible for personal data or items left in returned merchandise.
- Defective items may be repaired or exchanged at our discretion for the same model or manufacturer's equivalent model.
- RMA numbers are valid for 10 days.
- Motion Media is not responsible for any consequential or incidental damage resulting from the sale or use of any merchandise bought from us. We are responsible for the monetary value of the merchandise only.
*No Return/Exchange On:
- No Returns on Blackmagic Design purchases.
- Any Electronically Delivered Software
- 3D Printers & Accessories
- Custom systems built or modified by Motion Media to customer's specifications
- Educational dvd's and books once unwrapped
- Motion Media Gift Cards are redeemable for merchandise only and may not be redeemed for cash.