Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro ISO HDMI Live Stream Switcher Bundle with 6’ HDMI Cable, 7’ Cat5e Cable, and 5-Pack of SolidSignal Cable Ties (SWATEMMINIBPRISO)

If you're new to streaming, you have heard of the Black Magic ATEM Mini Pro and the Livepro L1. I bought both to test out. The Livepro is 1/2 the price of the ATEM Mini Pro, but similar in price to the Atem mini. I only have the Mini pro so I can't speak for the Atem mini.First, both the ATEM and the Livepro does basically the same thing. Both are very well built and have a nice heft to it. Both have 4 HDM inputs. The ATEM has 2 mic inputs, the Livepro has one. The Livepro has headphone for monitoring, while the ATEM has none. Both do basic transitions such as swipes and fades. Both do Picture in Picture. The Livepro has a tiny LCD screen that shows what's on each of the 4 inputs so you don't have to have an external monitor. The Livepro also has a 1/4 threaded mount on the right side should you want to mount it somewhere. Both can be hooked up to a computer via USB or network. Difference is the Livepro L1 software is terrible. It really just replicates the controls without really adding any functionality. You do better without the software. The firmware upgrade process is complicated. The Atem software on the other hand completely expands the capability of the hardware. Much more function and flexibility.So for basic camera switching for zoom meetings and such, the Livepro is an excellent value. It's super simple to use, has most functions that most users would want in a solid package. So simple you don't even need to read the manual. And you certainly don't get anything else with the software.What you get with the ATEM is much more flexibility with the software control. You have a full audio mixer. Much more sophisticated audio/video interface when paired with a computer. You can do titles, keying, audio sync, etc. Much more to learn, but much more powerful. You really are buying into the BlackMagic biosphere. I really enjoy learning all the functions in the software, everything is pretty intuitive. But then again I'm a bit of a geek.So for someone like me I like the ATEM much better and it's worth double the price. It's flexible and immensely powerful for such a tiny box. I actually use both devices. I have the HDMI out on the Livepro as my 4th input on the ATEM. So when I want something super simple, I just use the Livepro via the ATEM. When I want to get fancy, I can tap the functions of the ATEM. One thing in common on both is that neither have an on/off switch...weird.

Used this in our church livestream setup. Once I got everything set up, it seems to work well. My regrets: It lacks a headphone jack and second HDMI output. We have outgrown the device in less that three months.With all that I am still really amazed at the capabilities of this unit, and I am already looking to upgrade to the Extreme model, just wish I had gone directly to the 8-port unit the first time.

Can't say enough good things about Black Magic, great console

Works as advertised and so far it works good!

So this is a great little box. It is great the BlackMagic built something that is not only SDI and incredibly powerful but that it has the ability to record five channels at once. However, if you are using this a a primary record you should have a back up. I found out the hard way that the manufacturer gives a list of compatible hard drives and while it does actually say in the manual you need to use a T5 NOT a T7 SSD drive it does not really jump out at you. If you aren't careful you will not get the correct model because several brands models are very close or nondescript so you have to hunt for that info. If you use the T7 it may work just fine without issue for a while. Then when you are in the middle of a show it will just stop. You will have to hit the record button again and to be honest if you aren't paying close attention you will not even notice. Also about T5 drives, they are not abundant. I had a lot of trouble finding them in stock locally in Atlanta and DC. My suggestion is you order them from Amazon and keep several on hand. The other thing is if you are using all the inputs and recording even as mp4 file format you will burn through the drives quickly. I wouldn't even bother with anything less than a 4TB, and you will need at minimum three or four of them if you have a long day of shows. It takes time to DL the files (even with 3.1) onto a computer and then reformat it. I'm just saying make sure your computer has enough space left to dump the record files or that you have a server to upload them to. The other thing is This box would be nearly perfect if it was two HDMI and two SDI inputs. I could give a much more in depth review but I've read enough others I don't think you need to hear a repeat of the same stuff. I mainly wanted you to know about the record and also to say this unit needs an internal buffer for still stores so you don't need to have a laptop hooked up it to have one.

If you know this brand .. you know the quality the produce.

A+

I bought the Roland first and returned it (a bit complicated and big learning curve) and went for the Blackmagic (after watching tutorials and reviews). I am so glad I did!!! Easy to use right out the box and has more features and capabilities than can be described. The best investment that took my online classes to another level. I am still impressed and learning, having fun the entire time. EXCELLENT product!!!!!!!