The Magewell Director Plus is a portable, all-in-one 4K production and streaming system designed to handle switching, recording, and encoding in a single compact unit. Priced at $2,099 USD, the device features a 7-inch AMOLED touchscreen, quad streaming capabilities via NDI HX3, SRT, RTMP, and RTSP, and includes a built-in 5G modem with network bonding support for remote broadcasts.
Hardware Capabilities and Remote Connectivity
The Director Plus is built for both studio and field use. It integrates a 7-inch, 800-nit AMOLED touchscreen that boasts a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, allowing for visibility in varying lighting conditions. Connectivity is a primary focus of the hardware; the unit includes a 2.5G Ethernet port, a dedicated 5G SIM slot, and Wi-Fi antennas. For operators working in areas with unstable internet, the system supports network bonding to maintain reliable transmission speeds.
The device accepts a wide range of inputs, including two 4K HDMI 2.0 ports, two 1080p HDMI 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and two USB-C 3.0 ports. Users can also incorporate up to 10 simultaneous IP sources, such as NDI, SRT, RTMP, and RTSP, providing significant flexibility for multi-camera setups.
Pro Tip: When operating in remote locations, leverage the dual hot-swappable L-series / NP-F battery slots to ensure continuous power without needing to pause your production for battery changes.
Production and Encoding Features
The Director Plus functions as a comprehensive production hub. It encodes video at 4K60, with the ability to stream to platforms like YouTube, Facebook Live, and Twitch. Beyond standard streaming, the unit supports NDI HX3 for local IP-based production and SRT for remote workflows.
The internal interface allows for complex scene composition. Operators can utilize prebuilt layouts, chroma keying, and real-time graphic overlays. These include scoreboards, timers, and stopwatches, which are managed through the touchscreen interface or the Director Utility app, compatible with iOS 13 and Android 7.0 or later. For audio management, the system provides analog mic/line inputs for embedding and a dedicated headphone output for monitoring.
Recording and Storage Options
For productions requiring high-quality archiving, the system offers both internal and external recording paths. It captures 4K60 video with two-channel 48 kHz 16-bit audio. Users can record the program output directly to the device’s 128GB of internal storage or use the integrated microSD card slot. Additionally, the unit supports ISO recording, allowing producers to capture up to four individual video sources simultaneously for post-production editing.
Did you know? The Director Utility app allows for mobile camera integration, turning smartphones into additional source inputs for the Director Plus switcher.
Future Trends in Portable Production
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Magewell Director Plus stream to multiple platforms at once?
Yes, the device is capable of streaming to up to 4 simultaneous destinations using protocols like RTMP, SRT, and NDI.
What type of batteries does the Director Plus use?
The unit features dual hot-swappable L-series / NP-F battery slots on the rear of the device.
Does the device support external modems?
Yes, the integrated USB-A port supports the connection of an external USB modem in addition to the built-in 5G slot.
Is the Director Utility app required for operation?
While the touchscreen provides full control, the Director Utility app for iOS and Android offers additional functionality, including mobile camera input and remote management.
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