Blackmagic ATEM SDI Extreme ISO - SDI Video Mixer with Streaming

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The ATEM SDI Pro ISO from Blackmagic Design is a video mixer that offers 8 SDI inputs, all with format conversion, a USB port that allows it to be detected as a webcam, 4 SDI outputs, Fairlight audio mixing with EQ and dynamics processors, digital visual effects for PiP images, transitions, chromakey with green backgrounds and media panel, with capacity for 20 images. It includes an RJ45 Ethernet connection for live streaming to YouTube, Facebook and Twitch. It can also record up to 5 signals in real time in H.264 and create a DaVinci Resolve project for editing. SDI output 1 can be assigned as any input, PGM or Multiviewer.

The ATEM SDI Extreme ISO's USB port allows it to be detected as a webcam, and stream live using Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Skype. It is also compatible with Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster and others.

New generation of super-portable mixers

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.

Professional quality stand-alone mixer

All 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. Audio mixing is also possible. The ATEM SDI Extreme ISO has controls for recording and web streaming, as well as buttons to select outputs for switching between cameras, the programme signal or the Multiviewer function. On the rear, there are SDI connections for cameras, additional inputs for microphones, a USB port for recognising the mixer as a webcam on any computer, and auxiliary SDI outputs.

ATEM SDI Extreme ISO

The ATEM SDI Extreme ISO is quick to set up and easy to use. It offers 8 SDI inputs with format conversion, a USB port that allows the device to be detected as a webcam, 4 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.

In addition, up to five signals can be recorded in real time (all 4 inputs and PGM), so that clean images from all sources can be obtained and edited. A DaVinci Resolve project file is also created, giving you the ability to edit your production, for example to re-mix audio or colour grade your footage.

Ease of use

ATEM SDI Extreme ISO is very easy to use. Simply press any of the numbered buttons on the front panel to switch between sources. At the same time, you can 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. 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 eight SDI inputs, you can connect multiple cameras for different angles. For example, the Blackmagic Studio Camera or Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 models offer much higher quality because they work better in low light conditions and support professional lenses. All sources are synced to the mixer, even if the formats are different. This makes it easy to set up equipment on location without having to worry about technical issues, giving you unparalleled creative freedom when using multiple cameras for live interviews, commercials, theatre productions, concerts, sports events and more.

USB port for software

To ensure maximum compatibility, 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 transmit images in 1080 HD resolution, 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.

Live streaming via Ethernet

The ATEM SDI Extreme ISO includes an RJ45 Ethernet connection, allowing live streaming to YouTube, Facebook and Twitch, with better quality, no dropped frames and a much simpler setup. Simply select the streaming service and enter the password to start broadcasting. The ATEM Software Control program has panels for configuring the stream, and its status is displayed in the multiviewer windows. This is very easy to interpret, as the data rate indicator shows the required internet speed for the selected format. It is also possible to modify the streaming profiles detailed in the preferences XML file and to load additional services.

4G or 5G phone connection

When doing live production on location, ATEM SDI Extreme ISOs allow you to connect Apple or Android phones to the USB port to use mobile data or as a backup to the main Ethernet connection. The network connection works with high-speed 5G or regular 4G mobile phones. When connected to the mixer, the mixer automatically detects them and starts using that connection to access the internet, without the need to change settings. At the same time, the phone is charged via the USB port, which eliminates the possibility of battery drain. This provides great portability for all kinds of mobile productions.

Direct recording to USB drives

The ATEM SDI Extreme ISO also offers the ability to record full length H.264 files with ACC audio directly to USB flash drives for uploading to sites such as YouTube and Vimeo. Multiple storage media can also be used via a USB adapter or a Blackmagic MultiDock, where when one disk becomes full, recording automatically continues on the next. Recording settings and choice of drives are configured in the ATEM Software Control program. In turn, the recording status is indicated on the multiviewer.

Editing individual recordings

The ATEM SDI Extreme ISO models make it easy to edit live events by providing the opportunity to simultaneously record the programme and the sources connected to the device. The content of the media panel used in the production is also saved along with the recordings in archives, which include metadata such as timecode and camera number. This provides the possibility to make new colour adjustments or add effects and graphics. Importantly, audio sources are also recorded, allowing for professional mixing.

Editing with DaVinci Resolve

ISO models allow you to create a DaVinci Resolve project file for one-click editing of your production. This includes all the cuts, transitions and graphics used during the production. This allows you to adjust the length of shots or replace them entirely. The DaVinci Resolve sync tray gives you the ability to edit shots using a simultaneous view interface. ISO files are automatically organised by timecode so all angles are perfectly synchronised.

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 Extreme ISO 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 features 

Although the ATEM SDI Extreme ISO is very simple to use, it has excellent professional features. It's ideal for training new staff because it provides the same tools as the larger mixers used in broadcast studios, including chroma key compositing, Fairlight audio mixing, DVE, picture storage and 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 Extreme ISO 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 captures, 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 Extreme ISO model includes a Digital Visual Effects (DVE) processor that allows you to 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 custom graphics.

Professional mixing and effects work

Although the ATEM SDI Extreme ISO 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.

Multiviewer with additional information

When working on complex multi-camera productions, it's useful to be able to view all sources at the same time on a single screen. The ATEM SDI Extreme ISO has an option that allows you to monitor sources, program and preamp on a single SDI monitor. To do this, simply select the M/V output button on the front panel. Each window displays the signal from one camera and includes indicators to show which camera is in program, as well as custom labels and audio meters.

Extraordinary virtual sets

The ATEM SDI Extreme ISO model includes four compositors for chrominance overlays to create stunning virtual scenarios with up to four cameras. The ATEM SDI Extreme version has eight inputs: four for cameras and four that can be connected to computers to generate rendered backgrounds. Still camera productions can be produced by loading the backgrounds from the media panel or media players, and macros can be recorded to switch between units to use the correct image.

SuperSource processor

In addition to the two independent channels for visual effects, the ATEM SDI Extreme ISO models include a SuperSource processor with one background layer and four additional layers, which can be used just like any source to create digital compositions. This is ideal when using simultaneous images during an interview, as it allows the effect to be set up before going on air, leaving the two channels free for other tasks. It's like having an additional mixer for special effects.

Professional audio mixing

With Fairlight tools, the ATEM SDI Extreme ISO 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 Extreme ISO 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.