Blackmagic ATEM Mini Live Production Switcher

Blackmagic ATEM Mini Summary

INTRODUCING LOW COST MULTI CAMERA LIVE PRODUCTION WITH ADVANCED BROADCAST FEATURES

The new ATEM Mini makes it easy to create professional multi camera productions for live streaming to YouTube or innovative business presentations using Skype. Simply connect ATEM Mini and you can switch live between 4 high quality video camera inputs in dramatically better quality images. You can even connect to a computer to present PowerPoint slides or add a gaming console. The built in DVE allows exciting picture in picture effects, perfect for live commentary. There's loads of video effects too. To live stream, ATEM Mini has a USB output that works like a webcam, so you can connect to any video software. There's also HDMI video out for projectors. Microphone inputs allow high quality desktop and lapel mics for interviews and presentations. ATEM Mini even has secret broadcast features built in so it can do high end work.

FASTER VIDEO PRODUCTION PLUS LIVE STREAMING

Live production is the fastest way to complete a finished program, plus you can stream it to a live global audience via YouTube at the same time. The USB webcam output of ATEM Mini connects to any computer and looks just like a built in webcam so all streaming software for social media platforms work. With up to 4 HDMI inputs you can set up multiple camera angles such as wide shots along with independent close ups of each person in the performance. Or you can connect to a computer with a PowerPoint slide show, video clip playback, web sites or gaming consoles. All switching is in real time so you can live stream to any social media platform such as YouTube, Facebook, TwitchTV and many more.

SELF CONTAINED BROADCAST QUALITY SWITCHER

ATEM Mini features a compact control panel based design with all video, audio and control connections on the rear panel. The front panel includes easy to use buttons for selecting sources, adjusting audio inputs, as well as selecting video effects and transitions. The rear panel includes HDMI inputs for connecting cameras or computers, plus additional microphone inputs. The ATEM Mini program is output via an HDMI video out as well as a USB for webcam output. The front panel buttons are large and easy to use by feel, so it's even possible to use the switcher while presenting. You also get audio mixer buttons for live audio mixing. The fade to black button "FTB" lets you fade down at the end of your program.

EASY TO USE AND FAST TO LEARN

ATEM Mini is very easy to use, as you simply press any of the input buttons labelled 1 to 4 on the front panel to change or cut between video sources. You can choose between cut transitions or effects transitions by selecting the cut or auto buttons on the panel. Unlike cut, the auto button tells ATEM Mini to use a selected video effect when switching between inputs. You can select from exciting transitions such as a commonly used dissolve, or more dramatic effects such as dip to colour, DVE squeeze and DVE push. The DVE is perfect for picture in picture effects and you can instantly set up different picture positions from the buttons on the control panel. There is even a still store for titles and graphics accessible via external software control.

STREAM LIVE INTERVIEWS

ATEM Mini is perfect for interviews as you can connect multiple cameras for close ups of the host, interviewee and wide shots, plus ATEM Mini is so small the host can even switch in small studios. You can record via the HDMI output or live stream using Open Broadcaster software.

BUSINESS PRESENTATIONS VIA SKYPE

Skype will see ATEM Mini as a webcam which means that you get multi camera broadcast studio results for dramatically better business presentations. Plug in a camera for a close up, a camera for a wide shot and a computer for PowerPoint presentations. You can even present over slides with picture in picture effects.

LIVE STREAM ESPORT COMPETITIONS

Live stream eSports competitions to Twitch by simply connecting multiple gaming consoles and a camera for a presenter. ATEM Mini operates up to 60 frames per second for fast gameplay and you can use picture in picture for commentary. You can even download titles direct from Photoshop.

KICKSTARTER AND INVESTOR UPDATES

Raise the professionalism of Kickstarter or investor presentations to fund your new product idea. Connect a camera for the presenter, a camera for a close up product view and a computer for business plan slides. Then present live via Skype or post recordings online for investors to view later.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

ATEM Mini is perfect for educational videos. Setup is fast and easy, so you can travel to locations and record live multi camera video productions on a wide range of educational topics. Connect computers and cameras and use the ATEM Software Panel to load titles and perform video effects.

CONNECT UP TO 4 INDEPENDENT CAMERAS

With 4 independent HDMI inputs, you can connect up to 4 high quality consumer video cameras. Video cameras with HDMI outputs are dramatically better quality than simple webcam cameras as they use higher quality lenses plus have much better low light sensitivity. All connected sources will resync to the switcher if they operate at different video standards, which means all inputs just work and you can handle unknown equipment if you are visiting new venues or locations.
Because cameras with HDMI often support interchangeable lenses, you can change to wide angles lenses for wide shots and zoom lenses for closeups. Imagine using the low light capability of professional cameras for theater production and music videos.

OUTPUTS TO HDMI VIDEO AND USB WEBCAM

To ensure the maximum compatibility possible, ATEM Mini features a USB connection that operates as a simple webcam source. That means you can plug in and instantly get working with any video software. The software is tricked into thinking the ATEM Mini is a common webcam, but it's really a live production switcher. That guarantees full compatibility with all software in full resolution 1080HD quality. Choose any software you like, such as Open Broadcaster for live streaming, or Skype for point to point presentations. ATEM Mini works with software and platforms such as Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Skype, Twitch TV, Periscope, Livestream, Wirecast and more.

ADD EXCITING VIDEO EFFECTS

One of the benefits of ATEM Mini is the professional production values that are possible using the range of built in video effects. The cut button ensures an instant cut when switching between sources. The auto button is a professional term that's used on large broadcast switchers to enable video effects transitions. There are also duration buttons for video effects allowing 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 second settings. You can also select the type of effect you want including fade which does a smooth transition between sources and dip which fades via a colour during the transition. Or use fun DVE effects that move the image off screen when transitioning between sources.

RECORD TO VIDEO FOR YOUTUBE UPLOADS

The HDMI program output is perfect for connecting ATEM Mini into an external recorder or monitor. supports recorders such as the HyperDeck Studio Mini and Blackmagic Video Assist. You get a high quality output with switcher program video, plus live audio from the internal audio mixer. The HDMI output can even be connected to video projectors in large venues. If you connect the ATEM Software Panel you can even change the HDMI output direct from any of the video inputs. There's also a low latency setting allowing output of connected gaming consoles on the HDMI output. If you enable broadcast style mix effects switching, the HDMI output can be used to preview sources before a transition.

WORK WITH PROFESSIONAL MICROPHONES

With two independent 3.5mm stereo audio inputs, you can connect desktop and lapel microphones. You can even connect a music player to generate introduction music after the live stream commences but before the program starts. With 2 extra stereo audio inputs, you can ensure a host and the guest both have lapel microphones when doing interviews. All audio inputs to ATEM Mini include buttons on the panel for adjusting audio level and enabling inputs into the audio mixer. ATEM Mini features a full Fairlight audio mixer and all HDMI audio inputs and both microphone inputs are all connected separately to the audio mixer so you can live mix from all audio sources.

SECRET BROADCAST FEATURES BUILT IN

ATEM Mini has an easy to use front panel, however it's also hiding very powerful broadcast features, allowing a true broadcast production workflow. If you are interested in a career in the television industry, then ATEM Mini is perfect for training as it has the same features as switchers in high end broadcast studios. You get a full ATEM Advanced Chroma Key, a Fairlight audio mixer, full DVE, still store for graphics and much more. Simply run the free ATEM Software Control app on Mac or Windows while connecting via USB or Ethernet to access the extended features of the ATEM Mini. With a little experimentation you can learn how to produce broadcast quality live production. Only ATEM Mini is a true broadcast switcher hidden in a tiny and affordable design.

INCLUDES FREE ATEM SOFTWARE CONTROL PANEL

The ATEM Software Control app unlocks the hidden power of the ATEM Mini as you get total control over the switcher features, plus the software is included free for Mac and Windows. ATEM Software Control features a visual switcher user interface with parameter palettes for making quick adjustments. Although you can normally connect via USB, if you connect using Ethernet it's possible for multiple users to connect to ATEM Mini using separate copies of ATEM Software Control on different computers. The software lets you access full audio mixing with effects, load still frames and even advanced macro programming. You can save the switcher state as XML files. If you need clip playback, you can even control HyperDeck disk recorders via Ethernet.

DVE FOR PICTURE IN PICTURE, TRANSITIONS AND EFFECTS

ATEM Mini features a full HD digital video effects processor, commonly referred to as a "DVE", that allows picture in picture effects and DVE transitions. The DVE lets you create professional picture in picture effects with customizable 3D borders, shadows and lighting. The image quality is the same as high end ATEM model switchers and the DVE supports position, resize and scale, all in real time. The DVE can also be used to create amazing transitions with 8 different DVE squeeze and DVE push effects for adding excitement to your programming. The DVE features a "fly key" so you can use it with custom graphics to create graphic wipe transitions.

PROFESSIONAL BROADCAST TRANSITIONS

ATEM Mini includes a wide range of broadcast quality HD native transitions such as mix, dip, wipe and more. All transitions can be customized by adjusting parameters such as duration, border colour, border width, position and direction. You can also use the DVE in transitions, allowing a graphic to be moved over the wipe edge which is called a graphic wipe, and is used in sports programming. To eliminate errors, ATEM Mini has a preview transition feature so you can check your transitions before putting them to air.

BUILT-IN GRAPHICS WITH PHOTOSHOP PLUGIN

The built in "media pool" allows loading of up to 20 separate broadcast quality RGBA graphics for titles, opening plates and logos. A single media player is used to output the selected graphic so it appears as an extra internal video input, meaning you don't have to waste any of the physical HDMI video inputs for graphics. You can even use still frames for complex effects such as graphic wipes. You can easily manage the still store graphic using the included ATEM Software Control app, or you can download directly from Photoshop software using the ATEM Photoshop plugin. ATEM Mini can even grab stills from the video output and add them to the internal media pool. The Photoshop Plugin is perfect for graphics that need to change often, such as scoreboards, as you can update the text and download directly into the switcher, allowing graphics to get onair fast.

INCLUDES NEW ATEM ADVANCED CHROMA KEY

For news or on-set presentation work, ATEM Mini is the perfect choice as it features an ATEM Advanced Chroma Key for high quality chroma or luminance keying, plus an additional downstream linear keyer. The chroma keyer is incredibly powerful and features a colour picker to sample background colours for automatic generation of the key parameters. You get precise controls for edge and flare, and there is even a foreground colour corrector so you can match the "look" of the foreground layer to the background layer making seamless compositions possible. The keyer can also be used for pattern and DVE keying allowing incredible versatility. You can even use it for title overlays simply by using PowerPoint or other software with a green or blue background and the keyer will knock out the green and make the background transparent.

TRUE BROADCAST STYLE MIX EFFECTS SWITCHING

Although ATEM Mini works in "cut bus" mode when first purchased, it can also be changed to "mix effects" style operation, which is the most popular way large broadcasters use live production switchers. Cut bus switching is easy and selecting any input will instantly switch to that source. However if you want to operate ATEM Mini in a more professional way, then you can change the switcher to mix effects using the ATEM Software Control app. Mix effects operation allows a source to be selected but it won't be instantly put on air until you press the cut or auto buttons. That 2 step process means fewer mistakes because you can select the correct source before putting it to air. Mix effects operation means you can use any switcher in television stations as they work the same way.

BUILT IN PROFESSIONAL AUDIO MIXER WITH 6 BAND EQ, COMPRESSOR AND LIMITER

With a built in Fairlight audio mixer, the ATEM Mini makes it possible to do extremely complex live sound mixing. The internal mixer features a total of 12 channels so you get the ability to mix audio from all sources. 8 mixer channels are de-embedded from the HDMI inputs, while an extra two stereo audio channels are input via the 3.5mm microphone connections on the rear panel. Each input channel features the highest quality 6 band parametric EQ and compressor, limiter, expander and noise gate as well as full panning. You can even set up the software to auto mix between inputs as you switch "AFV" or to live mix multiple sources together all at once. All this audio power can be controlled via the ATEM Software Control app, or you can add a Mackie compatible panel or even a massive Fairlight Audio Console.

AUTOMATICALLY CONVERT HDMI INPUT FORMATS

You get 4 independent HDMI inputs, with each input featuring its own dedicated up and cross Converter. That means ATEM Mini will automatically convert 1080p, 1080i and 720p sources to the video standard of the switcher. By default the switcher will set its video standard automatically, however you can also change the switcher to a specific video standard, to ensure compliance with local broadcast standards. The HDMI output is a true "aux" output so you can clean switch each of the 4 HDMI inputs or the program feed to this output. You can even "direct" switch input 1 to the HDMI output for low latency for eSport. If you select broadcast style mix effects switching, you can also output a preview feed, allowing verification of the source before transitioning to it.

DEVELOP CUSTOM REMOTE CONTROL SOLUTIONS

The rear panel Ethernet connection allows incredible custom control solutions. Even though ATEM Mini includes the ATEM Software Control app, you can use the Ethernet to control the ATEM remotely, even from overseas. A popular workflow is to use the Ethernet to allow the ATEM Mini to be positioned near the HDMI cameras, but the control is positioned remotely in a quieter space, such as a control room. Imagine using the switcher from a control room and building a professional broadcasting studio where the control room can be separated away from the performance or interviews. Ethernet allows you to add as many panels as you like all at the same time, or you can build custom solutions using the developer SDK.

UPGRADE TO THE POWER OF AN ATEM HARDWARE PANEL

With Ethernet built in, ATEM Mini can take advantage of the wide range of ATEM control panels, making possible high end workflows that take advantage of the hidden broadcast features in the switcher. ATEM hardware control panels feature a fast program/preview style which is the industry standard for switcher control. All transitions have direct access buttons and a tbar is included when performing manual blending of transitions. For accurate control of the DVE, a joystick provides X, Y positioning and rotate for DVE size. Then you can use the LCD menus to control features that don't have dedicated knobs and buttons. You can even set up and trigger Macros right from the panel. Upgrading the ATEM Mini with a professional control panel such as the ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel means you are able to use professional techniques and you'll never be limited creatively.

Blackmagic ATEM Mini Connections

Also available in pro version, the ATEM Mini Pro, which also offers direct recording to USB flash drives in H.264 format as well as Ethernet streaming to YouTube Live, Facebook Live and other social media platforms. Up to four cameras can be added for Multiview. Read our blog post how to use a camera for live streaming to find out more about setting up your system.