The DD02 HD Live Stream Switcher is a first for manufacturer Ulanzi. Known primarily for its cost-effective camera and cell phone accessories, Ulanzi is hoping to break new ground with the introduction of its first HDMI Switcher. The DD02 HD Live Stream Switcher offers an impressive 5-input switcher with both preview and program support and 4K video output with HDMI looping. Aiming to provide a professional-level live streaming experience with beginner-level experience in mind, Ulanzi promises a lot for its first run at a live stream switcher.
Comprised of a hard plastic and metal outer shell the DD02 feels sturdy and rugged. All push buttons are fabricated with a rubberized material making them exceptionally durable. While they do require a bit more force to engage each input, a minor critique, the buttons feel and work exceptionally well. The DD02 also features three turn dials that control the audio inputs. The primary dial controls the HDMI master volume while the two smaller dials control the two 3.55mm mic inputs. There is also a nice indicator light on the primary control to visualize the current audio level. It’s a nice addition to the already functional interface.
Ulanzi has done an excellent job with the overall layout of the DD02, modelling itself after other brands such as BlackMagic ATEM Mini. As such, the controls are intuitive to use and compartmentalized based on function. Audio, video channels, PIP (picture in picture) and transition controls all have designated areas that flow nicely while in use.
On the note of PIP and Transitions, both work well and offer a simple control interface to work with. PIP is managed by turning on the feature and holding the input you want to be designated for PIP for three seconds. The channel control illuminates gold and PIP is engaged. Swapping locations is a button press away.
“The DD02 HD Live Stream Switcher offers an impressive 5-input switcher with both preview and program support and 4K video output with HDMI looping.”
As for transition control, the DD02 comes with two transition options. CUT, which does just that, quickly jumping from scene to scene without delay. AUTO on the other hand allows you to use the slide controller to fade between two designated input signals at whatever pace you would like. This allows for a fairly smooth transition.
A couple of quick notes on AUTO though. For starters, while it can be a smooth experience, fading both audio and video, it does require a bit of practice to become efficient at it. The video fades quite well with no notable issues. The audio isn’t quite as smooth, however. While not jarring by any means, there is a distinct moment where it stops fading and jumps to the other HDMI audio. Again not a major concern but notable.
The slider engagement is also a little odd. While most switcher sliders I’ve worked with engage the transition in both directions, the DD02 requires you to reset the slider to the bottom before it will activate another transition. It’s not a major concern or issue just a unique design decision. On the bright side, it does require you to be more intentional with transitions reducing accidental transitions.
As a single unit, the DD02 measures 3.94” W x 8.14” L x 1.8” H and weighs 26.5 ounces. It’s quite small for a 5-input switcher. However, things get interesting when one of the more unique features of the HD Live Stream Switcher is utilized. The DD02 has two modes to choose from: a docked mode and a portable control mode.
The latter allows for the magnetically attached faceplate to be removed from the base which houses all of the inputs, outputs and power. Using the supplied USB Type-C cable the controller can be placed conveniently on your desk. The dock is designed to be mounted to a wall or underside of a desk as well. This creates a very clean and functional setup for those with a smaller desk space or simply wanting a clean setup. It’s one of the more unique Switchers I’ve worked with and is incredibly useful.
Testing of the DD02 went exceptionally well. Thanks to the PC output via USB Type-C along with HDMI out for the four 1080p (HDMI 1.2) inputs and one 4K (HDMI 2.0)input, there is support for preview monitoring as well as output capture. The former offers three options: Program, Preview, and Output of all 5 sources with indicators for both Program and Preview. It’s impressive when compared to other Switchers in its price range, many of which simply don’t offer the amount of flexibility or options as the DD02.
While all five sources can be managed through the switcher, there is also an additional 4K output specifically designed to support an INPUT-OUTPUT loop. This allows for stream or capture of a 4K60FPS source without the need for a capture card. It is incredibly powerful and saves on hardware overall. In testing the DD02 had no problem both managing the five signals or swapping between them.
The DD02 also has full AFV (audio follows video) support on each input channel. When changing sources the audio will automatically switch to the active video signal. This is a nice feature that is pretty standard with most switchers and works quite well on the DD02. There is also an option to lock in and keep active specific channel audio despite the current source selection which can be handy in specific cases.
“For those that need more mobility, the DD02 also supports PD protocol allowing for power delivery via a USB Type-C connection.”
On the note of audio, as mentioned, the DD02 supports up to two 3.55mm mic sources each with separate volume control. For those who are short on PC inputs, this can be exceptionally handy as it allows you to actively mix the mic and signal input to create a balanced mix for your viewers without having to manage multiple controllers. In testing the mic channels worked well and mixing mic inputs with HDMI was simple. Thanks to a headphone jack located on the controller, monitoring can be handled with ease.
As for powering the DD02, there are two options to choose from. A Standard AC to DC adaptor is included in the package for easy plug-and-play. For those that need more mobility, the DD02 also supports PD protocol allowing for power delivery via a USB Type-C connection. A 9V/2A input is required but with the right power bank, the DD02 becomes a seriously adaptable Switcher. While we didn’t have a portable power bank in-house for testing the fact that it is supported is a forward-thinking design feature.
Perhaps one of the best elements of the DD02 HD Live Stream Switcher is how simple and powerful it is to use. It is a plug-and-play experience. No drivers or software are needed and the controller is exceptionally easy to understand and utilize. It’s rare to find a plug-and-play solution that requires no software and that is capable of producing the quality switching experience that the DD02 HD Live Stream Switcher offers.
The DD02 HD Live Stream Switcher from manufacturer Ulanzi is a seriously impressive piece of technology. Especially considering that it is the company’s first switcher, there is very little to critique on the DD02. From ease of use, the plug-and-play experience, 5 input channels, onboard audio mixing and a detachable controller, It is an almost perfect piece of hardware. If you are looking to upgrade your stream setup the Ulanzi DD02 HD Live Stream Switcher is one of the most cost-effective, feature-rich Switchers on the market.
