Description
AJA Io X3 is a portable professional video and audio I/O interface designed for 2K, HD, and SD workflows over Thunderbolt 3, with compatibility for Thunderbolt 4 and 5 hosts. Built around four bidirectional 3G-SDI connections, HDMI I/O, and flexible analog audio, it gives editors, streamers, and production teams reliable external connectivity for monitoring, ingest, playout, and multi-channel operation.
Model IO-X3-R1 is well suited to users who need broadcast-grade I/O on laptops or desktop systems running macOS, Windows, or Linux. It supports SDR and HDR pipelines up to 2K 60p, integrates with major NLE platforms, and works directly with live production and streaming software including OBS Studio, vMix, and Telestream Wirecast.
Its compact metal chassis, quiet operation, dual Thunderbolt ports with loop-through, and practical sync, timecode, and machine control connections make AJA Io X3 a strong fit for on-set production, edit suites, live events, and studio environments where dependable video capture and output matter.
Key Features:- 4x Bidirectional 3G-SDI: configurable SDI ports support multi-channel input or output up to 2K/HD/SD 50/60p, allowing one device to handle capture, monitoring, playout, or video-and-key workflows.
- Thunderbolt 3 Loop-Through: dual host ports connect with a single cable and allow daisy-chaining of additional Thunderbolt devices, reducing cabling complexity in mobile and desktop setups.
- HDR and SDR Support: support for PQ, HLG, HDR10, and Dolby Vision, plus VPID signaling and HDR metadata capture/playback detection, helps maintain correct monitoring and file-based review across modern HDR pipelines.
- HDMI and Multiview Output: HDMI input and output with 8-channel embedded audio, plus multiview for up to four channels on one display, improves source visibility for switching, confidence monitoring, and software-based live production.
- Flexible Audio Connectivity: 16-channel embedded SDI audio, 8-channel embedded HDMI audio, configurable DB-25 analog audio I/O, and a front-panel headphone jack provide practical options for edit, voiceover, and live monitoring workflows.
- Reference, LTC, and RS-422: built-in reference input, LTC input/output, and RS-422 machine control support accurate sync, timecode-aware capture, and control of external recorders or legacy deck-based workflows.
- Cross-Platform Software Support: compatibility with Apple silicon, major NLEs, AJA Control Room, and developer SDK tools gives production teams and integrators broad deployment flexibility across creative and broadcast systems.
- NLE Editing and Monitoring: connect a Mac, Windows, or Linux workstation to professional SDI and HDMI displays for accurate timeline output, audio monitoring, and external recording during editorial work.
- Live Streaming and Software Switching: use four 3G-SDI sources with OBS Studio, vMix, or Wirecast for multi-camera ingest, HDMI multiview monitoring, and streamed program output from a single Thunderbolt-connected interface.
- On-Set and Mobile Production: pair the compact chassis, quiet operation, 4-pin XLR power input, and headphone monitoring with laptop-based workflows for field acquisition, review, and playback in temporary production spaces.
- Broadcast Graphics and Video/Key Output: support HD 60p video-and-key configurations for graphics playout applications where separate fill and key outputs are required for downstream production systems.