Blackmagic ATEM SDI - SDI Video Mixer

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The ATEM SDI from Blackmagic Design is a professional video mixer that is quick to set up and easy to use. It offers 4 SDI inputs up to 1080p, all with format conversion, a USB port that allows the ATEM SDI to be detected as a webcam by a computer, 2 SDI outputs, Fairlight audio mixing with EQ and dynamics processors, digital visual effects for simultaneous images, transitions, chrominance compositing with green backgrounds and a 20 title media panel. ATEM Software Control is included.

The USB port on ATEM SDI models allows them to be detected as a webcam when connected to a computer, enabling live broadcasting using any dedicated software in HD 1080 resolution, via platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Skype. The USB port is compatible with Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster and others.

New generation of super portable switchers

ATEM SDI mixers feature the same compact design as the ATEM Mini, but with SDI connectivity, they offer the ability to connect professional cameras and recorders, providing unprecedented portability for live production. Now it's possible to have an extraordinary transmission system that fits in a backpack. This makes it easy to use multiple cameras on location, to broadcast live on YouTube, or to connect to studios using the ATEM Streaming Bridge device. By recording with multiple cameras, different interesting angles can be achieved when conducting interviews remotely.

Stand-alone mixer with professional quality

ATEM SDI video mixers feature a control panel and multiple connections in a compact size. The front of these devices include buttons for switching between sources and choosing different effects and transitions. These controls are intuitive and allow the presenter to perform these tasks himself. In addition, audio mixing is possible. On the back, there are SDI connections for cameras, additional microphone inputs, a USB port for recognising the mixer as a webcam on any computer, and auxiliary SDI outputs.

ATEM SDI

The ATEM SDI is quick to set up and easy to use. It offers 4 SDI inputs with format conversion, a USB port that allows the device to be detected as a webcam, 2 SDI outputs, Fairlight audio mixing with EQ and dynamics processors, digital visual effects for simultaneous images, transitions, chrominance compositing with green backgrounds, and a 20-title media panel. Includes ATEM Software Control.

Ease of use

ATEM SDI is very easy to use. Simply press any of the numbered buttons on the front panel to switch between sources. You can also choose between cutting and different types of transitions using the CUT or AUTO buttons. The AUTO button allows you to switch from one image to another depending on the selected transition, e.g. a fade, a fade to a certain colour or other more dynamic effects. It is also possible to use images as PiP in different positions and with different backgrounds. The media players also facilitate the storage of titles and graphics, which can be accessed via an external control programme.

Connect up to four cameras

With four SDI inputs, multiple cameras can be connected for different angles. For example, the Blackmagic Studio Camera or Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 models offer much higher quality, performing better in low light conditions and supporting professional lenses. All sources are synced to the mixer, even if the formats are different. This makes it easy to set up crews on location without having to worry about technical problems, giving you unparalleled creative freedom to use multiple cameras for live interviews, commercials, theatre productions, concerts, sporting events and more.

USB port for software

To ensure the widest compatibility, the ATEM SDI's USB port allows it to be detected as a webcam when connected to a computer, giving you the ability to broadcast live using any dedicated software. This makes it easy to stream HD 1080 resolution images, via platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Skype, for professional-style presentations using multiple cameras. The USB port on these mixers also supports Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster and similar software.

Professional microphones

The two 3.5mm stereo inputs allow the connection of lavalier or desktop microphones as well as music players to generate an introductory melody before the programme starts. During an interview, the two additional audio inputs make it possible for both the presenter and the interviewee to have lavalier microphones. The ATEM SDI version includes front panel buttons for adjusting the volume of the sources. All models have Fairlight tools and microphone inputs to create an exceptional sound mix from the different audio sources.

Automatic format conversion 

Each of the 3G SDI inputs allows the format of the signals to be converted. In this way, the mixer is able to process 720p, 1080p and 1080i sources. Although the device sets the format automatically, it is possible to change the format at any time. The SDI outputs also function as auxiliary outputs, giving you the opportunity to assign sources to any of them. They can all be connected to cameras for the purpose of controlling the units and tally lights.

Amazing professional performance 

Although the ATEM SDI model is very simple to use, it has excellent professional features. It's ideal for training new staff, as it provides the same tools as the larger mixers used in TV studios, such as chroma key compositing, Fairlight audio mixing, DVE, picture storage and much more. To access them, simply run ATEM Software Control on a Mac or Windows computer and connect it to the device via an Ethernet network. With a little experimentation, you quickly learn how to create a professional quality live production. Only the ATEM SDI model offers so many possibilities in such a compact design and at such an affordable price.

Free control software

ATEM Software Control provides access to all mixer functions. Its interface features a virtual panel layout with tabs for quick adjustments. Although the connection is normally established via the USB port, it is also possible to connect multiple computers via an Ethernet network and run the program on each computer simultaneously. This application provides the opportunity to mix audio with effects, import stills, create macros and even save device settings to an XML file, as well as control HyperDeck recorders for clip playback.

PiP and DVE transitions

The ATEM SDI model includes a Digital Visual Effects (DVE) processor that lets you create professional effects with PiP images, drop shadows and adaptive 3D borders. They can be resized and positioned in real time, and the quality is the same as the high-end ATEM versions. Moreover, these effects can be used in animated transitions, which add dynamism to broadcasts, e.g. in wipes with customised graphics.

Professional mixing and effects work

Although the ATEM SDI model operates in direct cut mode by default, it can be configured to use the 'programme/prevue' technique, which is commonly used during live productions. When performing a direct cut, the picture changes immediately when the source is selected. However, the ATEM Software Control program allows the operation of the mixer to be modified so that the selected source is not aired until the CUT or AUTO buttons are pressed. This process reduces the chances of making mistakes.

Professional audio mixing

With Fairlight tools, the ATEM SDI model allows for complex audio mixing, with enough channels for each SDI input to process audio from all sources and the two stereo microphone inputs. Each channel includes a 6-band parametric equaliser with compressor, limiter, expander, noise gate and audio distribution. It is possible to perform an automatic mixdown during a transition, by means of the AFV (audio with picture) function, or to combine several live sources. Importantly, all these functions can be accessed via the ATEM Software Control program or via a compatible Mackie panel.

Remote control for customised solutions

The Ethernet connection makes it easy to create customised control solutions. Although the ATEM SDI model comes with ATEM Software Control, it is also possible to operate it over a computer network, even from anywhere in the world. For example, one option is to place the mixer close to the cameras, but control it from a quieter environment, such as a separate monitoring room from where the performances or interviews are taking place. In addition, an Ethernet network allows you to add as many control panels as needed and develop customisable solutions created with the development tools.