Blackmagic is known as a manufacturer of high quality cameras. Now they are introducing the Blackmagic ATEM Mini, a small mixer for anyone who wants to easily switch multiple cameras to make video content, without having to worry too much about maintaining video equipment. This includes recording podcasts and broadcasting live streams, but in addition to Twitch and YouTube, the ATEM Mini is also suitable for giving presentations via Skype and Powerpoint.
Blackmagic ATEM Mini
price € 349
Inputs 4 x HDMI, 2 x 3.5 mm audio jack
Outputs 1 x USB Type-C 2.0, 1 x HDMI
Weight 550 grams
Dimensions 23.75 x 10.35 x 3.5 cm
Website www.blackmagicdesign.com 9 Score 90 
- Pros
- Easy operation
- Compact and complete
- price
- Negatives
- No multiview
- Limited PIP options
The Blackmagic ATEM Mini is a compact and competitively priced studio that allows you to switch easily and quickly between four cameras, regardless of frame rate and image size. For example, with a simple push of a button you can show two images on top of each other, using the picture-in-picture option. However, those PIP options are limited. You only have four fixed positions to choose from, even more fun we would find a free placement.
Easy to connect
In addition to cameras, there is also the option of connecting computers or game computers as an image source. This way you can easily use the images of this in your broadcast. There are also two audio connections and an HDMI output for, for example, projectors or an external screen.
Multi-camera setup
The ATEM Mini has 4 HDMI inputs with support up to 1080p. You can use it to create a professional multi-camera setup. That makes it a perfect entry model for the newcomer, but also for those who have more experience and requirements, the quality of the mixing and the output signal is more than sufficient. By connecting the ATEM Mini to an external recorder you get the possibility to record and save images for later use.
Professional functions
To make broadcasting easier, a number of professional functions are built in. Think of Chroma Key for the use of greenscreens, DVE, various options for live graphics and audio mixing. You save an expensive video PC anyway. The ATEM Mini does the work for you. It makes the signal “ready for broadcasting” and is seen as a webcam input, so there are no high hardware requirements for your streaming PC.
Conclusion
Short and good: the ATEM Mini is a perfect entry-level model in view of the price, the functionality offered and the quality delivered, for those who want to make a professional multi-camera setup without too much hassle and ‘system management’ to keep the video PC up and running . The only thing we really miss, in addition to more extensive PIP options, is multiview. You can only see 1 of the 4 inputs in the previews before you switch live. For “normal” streaming use that is not a loss but the ATEM Mini works so easily that you also want to use it for more complex productions. That is actually a big compliment.
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