Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro HDMI Live Stream Switcher: The secret weapon for a one-man band audio/visual podcast
I’ve spent years operating simulcasting podcasts, radio shows, social media live video programs and more. Under my agency work, we have done huge productions with multiple cameras, microphones, camera operators and directors. But, where the bulk of our video content comes from is by using a setup with two-or-three stationary cameras with a decent audio mixer recording into a laptop – with no director, no camera operators, just your host (yours truly) multi-tasking through the conversation.
The classic one-man band.
Some years ago when I wanted to transition from a setup in a radio station to my own independent, mobile podcasting unit to use for clients and independent programming – I discovered tools and software created by Blackmagic. The software functioned well, but when it came to executing camera changes, the challenge was in clicking buttons on a computer screen or delicately pressing the space bar to switch from one camera to the other. In this case, it was easy to lose your train of thought mid-conversation to locate the right button to click on the screen. Frankly, this software was really designed to be used by the director of a production and not the actual multi-tasking host!
Clearly, what I was missing was the tactile ability to press nice large buttons to switch from camera to camera and never miss a beat in the things that really matters – your conversation, your content! The Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro HDMI Live Stream Switch was the perfect tool to put everything together. This is simply the very best piece of broadcast equipment I have ever owned because of its powerful ability to manage multiple HDMI inputs, displaying them seamlessly and with precision switching – all situated in a small, light and versatile switcher.
I chose to purchase the second level up on the ATEM Mini, because virtually all of my content needs to be captured for additional content and post-editing. The first level (as I understand it) really is only for streaming live and not capturing the content separately. On our typical live productions – like The Blend Podcast I host with my wife, Cara, or Psychic Sunday with Jenna Reid — we go live on Facebook to reach our loyal audience there. However, I simultaneously record the show separately on different software on my laptop. With this file, we create the heavily post-edited audio version of the podcast, as well as shorter content for Reels and Shorts for social media.
One thing that initially seemed strange to me is that the audio input for the ATEM Mini is only a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) audio input. However, I really haven’t had much of a problem with sound. I have a pretty large sophisticated audio mixer with all kinds of XLR mics running into it. The output is 6.35 mm (1/4 inch). I recommend this cable if you have a similar setup with work with. The sound is clear and true, in spite of the small input.
Overall, this ATEM Mini Pro has changed the game for live simulcasting and giving independent podcasters a chance to maximize their content with quality video along with the traditional audio platform content. I recommend it highly. It truly is essential for anyone looking to simulcast (live or not) and make the most of their craft.
