Mutiny 12G Isolator Introduced – Protect Your Camera

Accessory News

by Dave KratzJuly 3^rd, 2023

Mutiny has introduced the Mutiny 12G Isolator to protect video equipment with 12G SDI ports from failure. Cameras, recorders, and monitors with 12G SDI inputs and outputs are notoriously susceptible to damage due to electrostatic discharge and power surges. To help prevent this damage, Mutiny has partnered with Freak Show to create a lightweight insulator with two stages of protection. Don’t let your expensive equipment get fried! Let’s see what this new insulator from Munity is all about.

The issue with 12G SDI port failures is discussed a lot on camera forums across the internet. This failure can occur when SDI cables are attached while powering equipment on/off, using cables that lack proper shielding or cables that are longer than 30 feet.

Following the release of the Komodo, RED posted an SDI port safety protocol video to address best practices to protect your equipment. However, the damage to 12G SDI ports isn’t exclusive to RED – this phenomenon can occur with any video equipment with a 12G SDI port.

Best practice recommends keeping all SDI cables disconnected from the camera and accessories until they are fully powered on. Additionally, it is advised to detach the SDI cables before powering down the equipment.

Several products already on the market are attempting to solve this issue: SDI isolators and SDI Reclocking distribution amplifiers.

SDI isolators offer some protection from electrostatic discharge and power surges. SDI Reclocking DAs, like the Freakshow HD MSX2-O 1×2, ensure that if an ESD or surge does any damage, it will be to the DA and not your expensive camera.

Mutiny 12G SDI Isolator

The Mutiny 12G isolator was co-developed with FreakshowHD to help protect the 12G port on your camera, monitor, or other 12G SDI device. It is a lightweight, powered 12G isolator system with a cut-off switch.

Rather than removing the 12G SDI cable from the camera when powering up/down, you switch from the signal (SIG) to isolation (ISO) mode. Once switched to ISO, the red LED turns off, and your signal feed to your monitor/wireless TX is cut while maintaining ground at all times.

Switching the Mutiny 12G isolator from ISO to SIG is your last step when powering the camera and accessories back on again.

According to Mutiny, the 12G isolator features two levels of protection. The first level of protection is an AC-coupled ESD smart circuit that prevents any DC on the signal. The second level of protection is an electronic switch that, when engaged, cuts the signal path to the camera and the monitor / wireless transmitter, keeping ground present at all times.

This power cut-off stops any power spikes from returning to the camera’s sensitive 12G SDI port. They still recommend detaching SDI cables before powering on/off all 12G equipment.

Mutiny lists the following cameras that can benefit from this 12G isolator. This list is not complete, as any camera with a 12G port suffers from this issue.

• RED KOMODO (KOMODO-X)
• RED V-RAPTOR S35/VV/XL)
• Sony (Venice / Venice 2 / FX6 / FX9 / FR7)
• ARRI (Alexa 35)
• Canon (C300 MKIII/C500 MKII)

Mutiny 12G Isolator specifications

Mutiny’s 12G isolator is incredibly simple and lightweight. It features an IN and OUT 12G SDI port, a 2pin 0B power input and output with passthrough, and an on/off switch.

• IN (ISO): Connects to camera 12G SDI output
• OUT (SIG): Connects to a monitor or wireless transmitter (TX)
• Weight: 1.8oz
• Height: 2″
• Width (including BNC ports): 2.7″
• Depth: 0.9″
• Voltage range: 5-36 volts
• Max Current: 4A MAX to prevent DC loop
• SDI signal: +/- 400mV @ 12G/6G/3G SDI

Price and availability

The Mutiny 12G Isolator is currently available to pre-order for a special introductory price of $310. Units are expected to begin shipping at the end of July.

Following the pre-order, the price will increase to $330.

Why wasn’t an isolator with a cut-off switch built into the camera or accessory in the first place? As someone who accidentally burned out a 12G SDI port on a Komodo, I’d like to know, too. However, $330 to protect your equipment is better than the repair and downtime cost while in the shop.

Visit Munity’s site for more information about the Mutiny 12G Isolator.

How do you feel about the issues with 12G SDI ports? Is a product like the Mutiny isolator the way to go, or is it better to only follow SDI protocol? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.