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Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini – Frequently Asked Questions

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Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Switcher

4 HDMI Input Live Production Switcher 

New affordable live production switcher specifically designed for YouTube live streaming and business presentation via Skype.

Features include:

  • 4 HDMI input Live production switcher
  • Front panel control
  • Easy to use design
  • Transitions, DVE, keyers
  • transitions, DVE, keyers, full 1080 HD webcam output
  • Full 1080 HD webcam output

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.


Frequently Asked Questions

What cable do I need to connect the ATEM Mini to my computer?

ATEM Mini has a USB-C connection for webcam output via a computer which is compatible with USB3.0 connections so you can use USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to USB 3.0 cables to connect to computers.

Can I connect a PC or Mac to the HDMI inputs?

Yes, the HDMI inputs on ATEM Mini work at all popular computer resolutions up to 60Hz.

Can the ATEM Mini be used without a computer?

Yes, ATEM Mini can be used without a computer. It can be used as a standalone vision mixer, just by using the front panel buttons. This is why the panel includes audio mixer controls and it features the auto video format setting. Video will be output on the HDMI video output connection.

Can the unit be battery powered?

ATEM Mini can be powered from an external battery which is compatible with the power supply parameters of 12V 18W DC.

Can the ATEM Mini be bus powered via USB-C?

ATEM Mini can not be powered via USB-C because it’s compatible with USB 3.0 computer connections as well as USB-C connections for webcam use.

Do I need to connect both ethernet and USB to control and stream from the ATEM Mini?

A single USB-C connection can control both the ATEM Mini via the included ATEM Software Control, plus at the same time connect to third party programs or any online platform that can use a webcam as a video source, like OBS or YouTube Live

Is the software free?

Yes, the ATEM Software Control application is available free of charge and works on both Mac and Windows computers. ATEM Software Control can be downloaded from the Blackmagic Design support page. With ATEM Mini, you can simply use the ATEM Software Control on the computer that’s connected via USB. ATEM Software Control is normally used via Ethernet and it will also work with ATEM Mini via Ethernet if you have multiple users, however with ATEM Mini it also works via USB so it can be launched without worrying about any network or Ethernet settings.

Can I program complex control sequences that can be replayed by the ATEM Mini?

You can use the ATEM Control Software to create and recall macros. Macros and ATEM Mini switcher states can be saved and loaded into other ATEM Minis later or even bigger ATEM switcher models.

Is the picture in picture function configurable?

Yes, although the control panel physical buttons will recall set positions for picture in picture (PiP), the ATEM Software Control allows you to freely resize, move and crop the overlay. Additionally, borders and shadows can be added and DVE moves can be applied with macros, exactly as on any other ATEM model.

Can ATEM Mini be controlled by other hardware or third party software?

ATEM Mini uses the standard ATEM control protocol so it can be controlled externally from devices such as an ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel. It can also control other devices such as a HyperDeck to trigger record or playback remotely. Some third party products will also work, however compatibility would need to be checked.

What is the auto detect mode in the video format settings?

ATEM Mini automatically sets the program output to match the format and frame rate of the first video input signal it detects. This eliminates the need to select the video standard for the switcher because the ATEM Mini will do it for you. However, you can always select a video standard manually if you choose.

Are the audio inputs mic or line level?

Both analog audio inputs are switchable between mic and line level.

Is there a built in multiview?

No, as ATEM Mini is normally operated with fixed cameras. However you can output the preview source via HDMI and the main program via USB-C to the streaming application. That means you can preview sources before using them by attaching an HDMI preview monitor positioned next to the computer and see both source and program without needing a multiview.

Do all my video sources need to be the same video format?

ATEM Mini features built in video conversion on every input. This means that all video inputs, in any HD format such as 720p, 1080i or 1080p can be connected and converted to the desired program output format.

Of course if the switcher is set to auto in the video format menu, it means the switcher won’t standards convert input 1, because it’s being used to set the video standard for the switcher and all other inputs will be standards converted if they are different.

How can I preview my sources before switching?

Like the ATEM Constellation, the output of the ATEM Mini can be selected to display any of its inputs, the program output or the preview output. While the ATEM defaults to cut bus operation on startup, you can use it in program/preview mode. This means you can use the HDMI output as a preview before switching it on air.

Is there frame synchronization on input?

Yes, in addition to standards conversion, each input features full frame synchronization so switching between sources will always be clean.

Can I create my own graphics and use them as graphics on the ATEM Mini?

Yes, you can superimpose any graphic with alpha channel over the program output. This will allow you to use your own logos and graphics on your program output. You can store up to 20 still graphics inside the ATEM Mini media pool.

Could the ATEM Mini be used as a graphics inserter?

Yes, by loading the graphic with alpha channel into the ATEM Mini media pool and then selecting it using the keyer, it will overlay that graphic onto live incoming video. If you use 2 HDMI sources for key and fill and the downstream key you can key live video overlays. You could even use a single HDMI source with a green background and an upstream chroma key to overlay on live video. Using the chroma key for graphics overlay is a simple way to create live animated titles.

Can you use the picture in picture and chroma keyer at the same time?

You can use one or the other. ATEM Mini features a single upstream keyer that can be switched between either picture in picture (PiP) effects or chroma keying.

Does ATEM Mini support SD and Ultra HD output?

As no one does new production work in standard definition any more, ATEM Mini is HD only and supports popular 720p, 1080p and 1080i HD formats. We feel that SD is only used for archive work and accessing older content so SD would not be used to generate new original content.


Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Switcher

4 HDMI Input Live Production Switcher 


For more information, please contact us either through our ‘chat’ function, email: [email protected] or by phone: 0203 137 2901; we’re always here and happy to help.


5 Comments

  1. What cable do I need to connect the ATEM Mini to my computer?
    i use many cables usb c to c
    but then i use c to c cable video blinking after 5/10 sec.
    no way to change cable ,i use apple c to c original cable
    and many more high quality cable , with everyone same issue .
    i have dell xps 13 9560 model it have also support usb c (thunderbolt 3)
    anyone helping for this ?

    1. Hello – any variation of USB 3.0 or above should be fine, whether that’s type a or type c on the computer end.

  2. Hello,

    Do I need to use a dedicated monitor (portkeys or BM videoassist etc) to use the preview feature?

    I’m currently using a Sharp TV and the signal isn’t supported, regardless of the frame rate chosen in ATEM software(although it does output the image if I choose ‘cam 1 direct output’.

    Thanks

    1. Hello – any HDMI monitor should work. You need to change the settings to enable the Preview feature though. In ATEM Software Control Output menu you need to select Preview option. Now when you change the preview selection in ATEM Control it should change. In order to make these changes on the hardware controls of the ATEM Mini you need to go to the ATEM Setup software and change switching mode from cut bus to program preview. Hope this helps.

  3. I have tried many usb-c to usb-a cables and nothing seems to work. Do you have a recommendation for a usb-c to usb-a cable that I can connect for the webcam function?

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