Blackmagic is not only known for its cameras, but also for other devices focused on professional video. One of them is the family of mixers, among which the ATEM Mini Pro ISO stands out , its latest offering with very interesting capabilities. That is why we wonder, to what extent does a device of this type make sense for those who are happy to do live broadcasts on Twitch, YouTube or similar platforms. That is what we have asked ourselves and what we are going to answer.
Raise the level of your live productions
The ATEM Mini Pro ISO is a very particular device. It is focused on a professional sector such as production companies, televisions and other types of companies dedicated to the professional video sector. And it is that without reaching the most advanced and complete solutions, typical of a control of the realization of large chains, the truth is that it offers interesting benefits. So, before we see how it might or might not fit into your day to day, let’s see what it offers.
Among the many uses it offers, the main one is being able to mix and capture up to four video sources. Something that, compared to amateur video solutions, already offers multiple possibilities. Without the need for any additional hardware, with the ATEM you can perform live on Twitch, YouTube or any other platform using various video sources. For example, multiple cameras, a game console, etc.
Besides this, you can also capture the audio from two sound sources via two 3.5mm jack connections. Finally, in the case of the model that we have been able to test, it offers an ethernet connection for remote control from one or more computers (to share different functions) and a USB C connection through which you can use the device as a webcam and capture device with your computer. or save up to five video files independently (one for each HDMI video source and one for mixing) to an SSD storage drive that you connect.
The latter, being able to capture all the material on an SSD drive, allows you to quickly generate a project that you can take directly to DaVinci Resolve to start working with it after the broadcast. An option that saves time if you want to apply changes to that live and then hang it on another platform where it would be permanently.
However, as we said, this is the most advanced model of the ATEM Mini family, so let’s briefly compare with what the other two members offer:
- ATEM Mini: is a mixer that allows you to perform direct and capture four HDMI video signals. Always using a PC or Mac through applications such as OBS or the one offered by Blackmagic. The price of this model is the cheapest of all, 289 euros
- ATEM Mini Pro: a mixer that, in addition to capturing four HDMI signals like the previous one, also allows the signals to be captured on an external hard drive. The price is 569 euros
- ATEM Mini Pro ISO: it is the most powerful version, it allows capturing and mixing four HDMI signals as well as generating another video file independent of the mixed video. These files can be saved independently to an external drive and generate a project ready to import and start editing in Davinci Resolve. The price is 849 euros.
With this brief description it is easy to understand why this model costs what it costs, even so, do not rule out the other options. Because depending on your needs and type of user profile, it can be more or less interesting. But let’s continue to see, now on a physical level, what the product is like.
ATEM Mini Pro ISO, features
As you can see from the images, the ATEM Mini Pro ISO is a device not much larger than a computer keyboard without a numeric keypad. In the upper part it integrates all the keypad necessary to physically control many of its functions (for others you will need to use the control panel through the application that you can download for free from the manufacturer’s website) and on the back are the connections. These are the following:
- It has four HDMI input connections
- One HDMI video output
- Two 3.5mm jack audio inputs
- Ethernet connection for remote control and live broadcast
- USB C connection to connect to computer or capture to SSD storage drive
- Input for power supply
Made of plastic, the build quality is at a very good level. It feels solid and resistant to the passage of time. In addition, the buttons offer a pleasant and correct touch so that when we press on them it is done correctly, no slipping on them and not ending up taking the necessary action.
Possibilities of the ATEM Mini Pro ISO
Let’s get into the matter, because assessing the design, finishes and quality of construction materials is not attractive in such a device either. What we are interested in knowing is if, after a few days of testing, this would be a device that could interest users with advanced needs, but who are not professionals or work in a production company.
Well, it is clear that this is an ideal device for all those streamers who want to achieve a higher level of production in their live streams on YouTube, Twitch, Facebook or any other streaming platform. That is where the key is to bet or not on the product. Because if you only need a capturer for a single camera that you will leave fixed, where you will not apply source changes, transitions, etc., then it does not matter. But if you want to do all that and in a more agile way, the story is another.
The control you get compared to OBS is much higher. Especially because it is much more agile to press a physical button than to scroll through a software interface. Something that if it is the only thing you have to do is viable, because Blackmagic itself offers an application with many options for that, but if you are in charge of auto-producing while you broadcast, things change.
Then there is the possibility of capturing the video signals independently, so that from the live you do you could then take additional material to hang on other video platforms, generate short pieces for social networks or whatever else you can think of.
It is also interesting if you dedicate yourself to podcasts and bet on making them on video. With this device you can centralize video and audio. It is true that it only includes two audio inputs, but if you divide the channels you can have up to four. Or have everything united in a single track by taking an audio signal from the interface or device you use to record the sound of the participants.
These uses combined with the possibilities it offers when applying transitions between cameras or video signals, being able to make Picture in Picture, apply chroma (be careful with this) and other varied settings allow that even if you have to play as a small orchestra you can carry out each action in an agile and fast way.
It is not for everyone, but it is for many
After the days that I have been able to use the ATEM Mini Pro ISO it is clear to me, as I already imagined, that it is not a product for everyone. Many of its features are designed for production companies, for professional teams that are dedicated to producing higher level live events, interviews with some complexity (several cameras) and other demanding uses.
However, bridging the gap with such professional uses and downgrading to models like the ATEM Mini or Mini Pro, these Blackmagic mixers can be very useful to many content creators on Twitch or YouTube. And not only for gamers, but also for podcasters, interview channels, etc.
You really can live without it, but if you try one you will want to have it. It also improves quality over products like the cheap HDMI video recorder we recently tested and options over elgato’s Cam Link 4K. So, if you dedicate yourself to directing, you will value because it can be your next essential tool.
