Turn iPhones into a multi-cam studio

From YouTubers to studio teams, discover how multi-tethering iPhones with iodyne Pro Data delivers cinematic quality and seamless file management.

The latest iPhones are cinematic powerhouses, with sensors and Apple ProRes capabilities that rival dedicated cameras. But to truly harness their potential, you need a workflow built for professional production.

If you’re a content creator relying on your iPhone as your primary camera, a commercial agency producing branded content, or a production team exploring mobile multi-cam shoots, this workflow is for you.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to capture 4K ProRes from multiple iPhones simultaneously, recording straight to encrypted, RAID-protected iodyne Pro Data. No offloading required. You’ll learn how to:

  • Set up multi-tethered capture from multiple iPhones

  • Keep your media secure and redundant as you shoot

  • Eliminate file wrangling and save hours in post

With iodyne Pro Data at the center of your iPhone production pipeline, you can spend less time managing files — and more time creating.

What Problem Does This Workflow Solve?

  • Eliminate post-shoot data wrangling.
  • Centralize capture from multiple iPhones.
  • Secure and back up media as you shoot in real time.
  • Scale up from a solo creator to a multicam production team.

What Are the Ingredients of This Setup?

Four iPhones, 4K ProRes 422 HQ, up to 59.94 fps—all writing live to RAID 6.

 

How Does the Data Flow Work?

  1. Each iPhone records via the Blackmagic Camera App
  2. Media is directed to the iOS Files app
  3. iOS Files App connects via SMB share to the Mac Studio
  4. Pro Data container is mounted on the Mac Studio
  5. DIT team accesses files immediately for quality control, backup, or prep

Why Use iodyne Pro Data for This?

  • RAID-6 protection: Redundant and fast
  • Encryption: Secure on-set data handling
  • Instant quality control: DIT teams can access files in real time
  • Built for multi-cam: Handles 4K x 4 streams without dropouts
  • No copy: Cuts hours out of the workflow

FAQs

Can I shoot ProRes on iPhone directly to external storage?
Yes—with the right apps and SMB setup, you can bypass internal iPhone storage entirely.
 
Why do I need a Mac Studio between the iPhone and Pro Data?
A Mac Studio or MacBook Pro acts as the network bridge, but the setup is flexible depending on the number of cameras and your throughput needs.
 
Pro Data is attached to the Mac with a Thunderbolt connection. On the other hand, iPhones connect to Mac computers with USB-C. This is why we need the in-between Mac Studio step. That said, iodyne Pro Cables are supporting both Thunderbolt and USB Type C connections in this workflow.
 
What iodyne Pro Cable do I need?
iodyne Pro Cables are used in two instances of this workflow: 
  • High speed USB3 (USB-C) between iPhone and the Mac. This ensures you’re capturing at the maximum iPhone data rates, especially when recording 4K ProRes. Using iodyne Pro Cables means you can rely on consistent performance, no dropped frames, and pro-grade durability on set.
  • Thunderbolt (USB-C) to connect Mac Studio to the Pro Data. This delivers the full bandwidth needed for multi-camera recording, RAID protection, and encryption without bottlenecks.

Tip: iodyne Pro Cables come in multiple lengths. On a production, long, braided, and powered 2m and 5m cables can be a lifesaver. They give you the flexibility to position cameras, Macs, and Pro Data where they make the most sense. Whether you’re rigging an overhead iPhone shot, running multiple cameras across a set, or keeping your storage safely tucked away in a cart, longer iodyne Pro Cables let you design the setup you need without sacrificing performance.

Is this setup for real productions?
Yes. This exact configuration was used in a USC ETC project capturing 4-camera live action in ProRes 422 HQ at 59.94 fps.
 
Does this recipe work with the new iPhone 17 Pro?
Yes. The core principles still apply. We’re currently testing the new iPhone 17 features, including Dual Capture and Genlock support, and will publish an updated workflow recipe soon to take full advantage of these capabilities. Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of iPhone 17 Pro + iodyne Pro Data and Pro Mini workflow recipes.

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“When I hit record, it was recording. And when I stopped, I didn’t have to do anything.”

“We were getting four simultaneous 4K ProRes streams to RAID 6. That’s broadcast-ready data integrity from mobile capture.”

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