Blackmagic Design ATEM mini switcher

Blackmagic Design has announced the ATEM Mini, a tiny box that can accept up to four HDMI inputs, and switch between them for streaming services such as YouTube, Facebook, Skype or Twitch.

Looks like a switcher, appears as a webcam

In fact the ATEM will be compatible with any software that will accept a webcam feed, as the unit appears as a 1080p webcam when connected via USB-C. There's also an HDMI-out which you can use to monitor your program, record a master file or use it as a preview monitor if you're cueing up different angles.

Switch it up

Switching options include cuts and pre-programmed fades, as well as picture-in-picture effects. There's also a digital video editor (DVE) built in, which will allow you to build more complex scenes from video components.

It does stills, too

To that end there is also a frame for up to 20 images (Blackmagic call this a 'media pool'). You can drag and drop still frames in your program. There's also a plugin for ATEM mini.

All in one (framerate)

One limiting aspect of Blackmagic's earlier ATEM is the need for all the inputs to match up the framerate and frame size. The ATEM mini changes all that, and each of the four inputs has an integrated up / cross-converter.

This one is a big upgrade for anyone who's used the earlier ATEM products, and makes the ATEM a lot more usable in the real world where you might be trying to switch between different cameras and other sources like laptops or projectors.

Control options, audio, keyers

The ATEM can be controlled via its hardware buttons, or Blackmagic 's ATEM Software Control, which offers separate pages for switching, media store and audio mixing.

The built-in mixer offers control over 12 channels of audio, with faders and meters for each input and the master level control. There are also two additional 3.5mm input sockets.

There are also built-in upstream and downstream chroma keyers, with Blackmagic Hyperdecks to play in material, and the ability to save settings from a session to import again later.

Price and availability

Blackmagic say the ATEM will be available this November for $ 295 US. That's a competitive price for a very capable-looking unit. We look forward to trying one out.