Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Extreme ISO G2 Switcher

Included on the ATEM Extreme ISO G2 are large source select buttons for audio mixing, recording, and streaming control, as well as output selection buttons that let you change the video output between cameras, program, and multiview. A new hardware fader allows additional tactile control. On the rear panel, there are HDMI connections for cameras or computers, XLR and MADI audio inputs, USB for webcam out, Thunderbolt for record/playback, and four HDMI outputs for program/preview video.

You can output using the Ethernet connection to your network or use the USB-C output to have your switched show recognized as a webcam input by virtually any video software such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster, and others.

Switch, add effects, color grade, and key in real time using the control surface’s buttons or the software control panel. CCU functions are available for controlling Blackmagic Studio and URSA Mini/Broadcast/Micro Studio cameras from the switcher. The ATEM Mini Extreme ISO G2 supports up to nine layers, with four upstream and two downstream keyers, up to four chroma keyers, up to four linear keyers, two DVE with borders and drop shadow, five pattern generators, and two color generators. Designed for live streaming or webcam, the Mini Extreme ISO G2 has four HDMI outputs to feed monitors and supports up to 16-screen multiview.

The switcher’s ISO label means you can individually record each of the eight input videos as an MP4, as well as the program output via one of the USB-C ports. The switcher automatically generates a DaVinci Resolve project file so you can clean it up and make changes later. This versatile switcher’s eight independent HDMI inputs accept all popular HD signals up to 1080p60. Each input has discrete frame rate and format converters, and it supports re-syncing for seamless switching between a variety of pro and consumer cameras, game consoles, and computer feeds.

With Thunderbolt on the ATEM Mini Extreme ISO G2 model, you get fill and key playback, capture, Ethernet access to the CFexpress card, and trickle power, all with a single computer connection. This means you can use DaVinci Resolve as a full live-action replay system.

DaVinci Resolve can show a live video input of the switcher, and when you press the Point of Interest (POI) button, DaVinci will switch to playing all 8 ISO files so you can select cameras and run replays. You can then preroll and sequence multiple cameras in the same replay.

The switcher is ideal for interviews as you can connect multiple cameras for close-ups of the host or interviewee, as well as wide shots of the space. Plus, ATEM Mini is so small the operator can even switch in small studios.

The ATEM Mini ISO G2 has a built-in hardware streaming engine for live streaming via the Ethernet connection without the need for a computer. That means you can live stream to YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch with high quality without dropped frames and with simpler settings. Just select the streaming service and enter the streaming key.

If you’re doing live production on location, ATEM Mini Extreme models support connecting an Apple or Android phone to the USB port to use mobile data. It’s also a great backup for the main Ethernet connection, so you don’t drop your stream if your hardwired connection gets interrupted. The switcher will automatically switch to using the phone as the primary connection, and the USB port will also power your phone so the battery won’t drain.

The Extreme ISO G2 allows you to edit your live event as they can record multiple video streams, including clean feeds of all inputs and program, all at the same time. Media pool images used are also saved with the video files. The video files include metadata tags such as synced timecode and camera numbers. Imagine re-editing your show with new color grades, effects, and graphics. Even the audio sources are all recorded, so you can professionally remix your audio.

It is also compatible with the ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel, as well as the ATEM Streaming Bridge and the ATEM Camera Control Panel. The ATEM Mini Extreme ISO G2 can be configured using Blackmagic’s Videohub Hardware Panel Setup utility to route sources to destinations using Videohub Smart Control Pro and Videohub Master Control Pro.

The switcher also supports direct recording of your streaming data to USB flash disks or CFexpress cards. That means you get very long recording times in the same H.264 video files with AAC audio that you streamed, so you can directly upload to online video sites such as YouTube or Vimeo.

Recording to multiple disks is also supported via a USB hub or Blackmagic MultiDock, so when a disk fills, recording can continue to a second disk for nonstop recording. Record settings and disk selection are set up in ATEM Software Control, and there’s a record status view in the built-in multiview. You can even remotely trigger recording on connected Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras.

The Mini Extreme ISO saves a DaVinci Resolve project file, so with a single click, you can open your live production as a video edit. All cuts, dissolves, and media pool graphics will be loaded, allowing you to tweak and edit your live production using the recorded input footage. If you recorded the camera originals as Blackmagic Raw camera files, you can relink those and take advantage of DaVinci Resolve’s color correction abilities.

The switcher is also compatible with the ATEM Software Control app to access full audio mixing with effects, load still frames, save the switcher state as an XML file, and even do advanced macro programming. If you need clip playback, you can even control HyperDeck disk recorders via Ethernet.

One of the benefits of ATEM Mini is the professional production value that is possible using the range of built-in video effects. The cut button ensures an instant cut when switching between sources. The auto button is a professional term used on large broadcast switchers to enable video effect transitions. There are duration buttons for video effects allowing 0.5-, 1-, 1.5-, and 2-second settings. You can also select the type of effect you want, including mix, which does a smooth transition between sources, and dip, which fades via a color during the transition. Or use fun DVE effects that move the image off-screen when transitioning between sources.

With two independent XLR audio inputs, you can connect desktop and lapel microphones, or you can connect a music player to generate introduction music after the live stream commences but before the program starts. With two extra stereo audio inputs, you can ensure a host and guest both have lapel microphones when doing interviews. All audio inputs to the ATEM Mini include buttons on the panel to adjust the audio level and enable inputs into the audio mixer.

It integrates a Fairlight audio mixer with all HDMI inputs, and both microphone inputs are connected to the audio mixer, so you can mix live from all audio sources. It also adds a headphone output.

Each of the HDMI inputs features its own dedicated standards converter. That means ATEM Mini will automatically convert 1080p, 1080i, and 720p sources to the switcher video standard. By default, the switcher will set its video format automatically; however, you can also set the switcher to any video standard.

The HDMI outputs are a true “aux” output, so you can clean-switch each HDMI input to the output. You can even “direct” switch input 1 to the HDMI output for low-latency eSport productions. Plus, ATEM Mini Extreme models support two low-latency direct loops. The HDMI output can display a full multiview that lets you see all inputs, program, preview, and streaming status on a single monitor.