ATEM Mini Extreme: The good, the bad, and what I want next

After several months and hundreds of hours using the ATEM Mini Extreme, here are my complete thoughts! This is everything I like and everything I don't like about the ATEM Mini Extreme, as well as some ideas for a future ATEM!
LINKS
ATEM Mini Extreme
geni.us/atem-mini-extreme
ATEM Mini Extreme ISO
geni.us/atem-mini-extreme-iso
My ATEM Mini Extreme Stand
pk1.tv/pk1-extreme-atem-mini-...
Accessories for the ATEM Mini Stand
kit.co/aaronpk/pk1-atem-mini-...
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
geni.us/914J2
MixEffect for iOS
mixeffect.app
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:47 How I use the ATEM Mini Extreme
01:32 My Favorite Features
06:40 Things I Don't Use
10:26 Problems I've had
12:58 The Price
14:17 What I would like in a Future ATEM
17:29 Wrapup
MORE LINKS
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[@aaronpk]

Comment below with your wishlist for the ATEM Nano!

[@AmauryJacquot]

I'd want an atem mini extreme iso with all SDI in the case of the atem tv studio HD.... you can't fit the FPGA in the case you designed for the atem nano...

[@swschilke]

And now something completely different: could you kindly do a video on the different ATEM models (in case of you don't already have such a Video or see a need to update this) and compare them? Like a buyers guide (maybe a shoot out with other products and the rack mounts). Kind regards 👍

[@andrzej-krause]

NDI or SRT. It's already connected to network, so there's even no need to add physical port. Also, you can send NDI with alpha - imagine the possibilities for sending animated logos, lower thirds etc.

[@AmauryJacquot]

@@andrzej-krause there’s no chance BMD obtains an NDI license from NewTek

[@danielatolmc52]

Honestly the Atem Nano doesn't even need buttons, put it into their micro converter/nano converter form factor no buttons, only network control. Also integrate the control in Atem software control panel so that you can easily use it as a sub-switcher and not need to keep changing the switcher you're connected to.

[@ttbirds1082]

Would like an updated ATEM Mini Pro with the extra USB-C and HDMI Out ports and an extra USK.

[@JAYTEEAU]

Excellent overview Aaron. Cheers, JAYTEE

[@AntoineVialatte]

My dream Atem Extreme ISO V2 would be : - 4 HDMI / 6 SDI (so 10 inputs total) - 2 XLR inputs / 1 stéréo mini jack input - 3 outputs (2 differents multi views, 1 program) - less buttons (but still the key button like selection of cameras, cut, auto...) - a bigger media pool with a stinger transition - a dual record mode for program (quality streamed + hyperdeck high quality) - a possibility to animate supersource without using MixEffect - a way of editing supersource on the ISO recording - an iphone/ipad official app

[@BugBobsWildWorld]

Thank you Aaron, nicely done. I have the original ATEM Mini and now need more inputs. I teach college biology and record KZbin videos. Waffling between Extreme & Extreme ISO. Don't need ISO features... yet... but feel I should plan for future.

[@TechCondo]

Great and informative video, agree with most you said. I’ll definitely put this one on my shortlist if someone wants a second opinion.

[@gil_carter]

Thanks Aaron - and I love the idea of the Atem Nano. I would also have lots of uses for an Atem Mini that is completely headless - no buttons at all, just four HDMI in, one HDMI out, USB and network. Power using POE, no external plug pack. Package for installation, perhaps DIN rail size? (This feature set is where devices from Crestron and Extron work for installed AV)

[@AlexKnightVancouver]

They need to get rid of those ridiculous unbalanced 3.5mm audio input jacks. I can’t take the ATEM Mini seriously as a professional product without balanced XLR.

[@bricksafterwork2929]

I would even take 1/4” instead

[@GamersPlayerUnion]

I use my Rodecaster Pro as a audio interface and then run the sound to my Mini Extreme ISO. Not sure if that is practical in your use case

[@bricksafterwork2929]

@@GamersPlayerUnion for me it’s not so much the interface, I have all that…it’s the terrible quality of the actual connection that I hate

[@GamersPlayerUnion]

@@bricksafterwork2929 you make a great point. Its sad because the audio software in is actually ok. Even it was just one balance XLR that would be on point

[@AlexKnightVancouver]

@@bricksafterwork2929 they could also provide mini XLR jacks if they want to save space and not make it thicker, but personally I’m fine with it being a bit chunky. Just look at the new Roland V1-HD+ as it has XLR.

[@nicko5566]

Thanks for sharing this info. I would up vote the rack mountable unit and would add one more option to the list; An SDI or SDI mini connector instead of the HDMI. I do not have a switcher, but if I bought one, I would have to get SDI to HDMI converts since my camera runs would be a fair distance.

[@jbrooks12]

Great video. I agree there are too many buttons on the extreme. I’d like to see the extreme shrunk a bit

[@cambuslangsteve9797]

Good stuff, as usual, Aaron. The nano would be great for education…

[@KennethBDone]

Excellent video! I'd like an ISO where the buttons are all like stream deck, a proper carrying case included and a fold out stand. 50-100 media slots (stills and video) expandable on an SD card, and four media players. I'd also like to see Black Magic make the best PTZ-camera on the market with seamless integration for ATEM software control. Hyperdeck should be able to play anything, not just ProRes.

[@markscrivener3355]

Yep, a 19" rack mount version of the Extreme with no panel buttons, BALANCED audio connections (separate L & R, 1/4" TRS or XLR), and an IEC power cable (no wall wart) would be a slam dunk for my studio.

[@RolandDobbins]

They also should add full audio routing capabilities, including mix-minus for Program Out, & a de-esser.

+ for mix minus

[@TimothyFish]

The reason I like having the buttons on the TV Studio is because I can keep using it if the computer that I'm using to control it crashes, for some reason. It isn't the ideal way to use it, but it does make it possible to use it without a computer.

[@Adam47150]

I'm seeing the same black vertical bar on one of my cameras when I fire up our church system. I have a MINI Pro with the BM bi-directional converters. I too have not had a chance to determine if the issue lies in the switcher or converter.

[@timetotalkwatches7185]

How about adding a power switch!!! Hahaha

[@morganhazard]

Balanced audio inputs Good a/d and d/a converters Headphones out

[@erichnk]

Very interesting video. My most important concern is how to now also live stream (rather than just recoding) live classical chamber music concerts. I use MFT's and am learning Resolve, so some model of the Black Magicv Atem Mini seems preferable. We've used Blumlein-paired Neuman KN184 mics to record our Sound Design 232, then sometimes post sync with the post-performnce mixed HD (sometimes 4K) output from two fixed (a Panasonic G85 and an Olympus EM1ii and a mobile cameras (an Olympus EM1iii. We need to minimize spending yet more on equipment which obsoletes quickly, and may become unnecessary in the near(?) future when seating/spacing regs relax, but I want to be able to while switch and possibly PIP between the 3 cameras, and if possible a separate sound stream preamped through the Sound Design 232, rather than any camera or the Mini's preamp, Mic cable runs can be 20-25 feet, so the lack of XLR. The 232 does have BNC inputs and outputs, which I have no experience with. Could mic output still be frame delayed when connected through one or two of the HDMI inputs? We do Have an iPad, I pad pro and an M1 Mac Mini (and monitor), but operation has to be as simple as possible to minimize distraction to musicians and audience from the front-row position the historic and acoustically live venue necessitates. Also, I have as to be able to concentrate on shooting. The ISO's apparent retention of separate RAW streams and possible further post remixing is attractive. I surmise that the sound quality is essentially the same as the "pro", but better than the base model.

[@JonathanPalfrey]

I really like your idea of an ATEM Nano especially an ISO version. It would be great if it could be powered of a USB C power bank then it would be a really quick and easy way to do a 2 camera interview were both cameras can be synced and matched on set not to mention creating the project file.

[@micliang3000]

Nice opinion. Nano idea is a surprise!

[@TechCondo]

Next ATEM I really hope it will have the brains of the extreme, but replaceing 6 inputs to SDI (keeping 2 HDMI) this will be perfect for my usecases and avoids converter hell. Next to that having a png buffer for a stinger out of the box would be helpful. Also agree the lose the buttons, but than I would love to see a micro advanced panel. Ditching the top area, but being able to see the cameranames in oled displays would make me a happy camper

[@elitheelectronicsguy]

I just got my extreme 3 days ago. Have you had issues with the inputs not recognizing sources? I have an older hdmi doc cam that will not so an image thru the atem same with a vga to hdmi. My camera works on the ports and I have tried hdmi orei spliter and a edid managed 4x1 switcher no luck

[@KimRehnfeldt]

I also have problems with the usb output to webcam. It stops working (using PC) and sometimes I can reinstall the USB-cable but mostly I have to restart the Atem E ISO

[@UntilUWin]

I kinda agree with your ATEM Nano, but a few different points. I would like super source, I would like to see 3 inputs for sure, it would be nice to have some of the features of the ATEM Mini Extreme. We shall see.

[@mailsoundace]

Can we connect the conference device as input to this ? Like polycom VC device and share ?

[@Jo553Nas]

I am happy with the existing extreme model. I don't use the camera control, transition control and channel audio control buttons either (all audio comes from an audio mixer into mic1 where I only use the level buttons), but I like all the other buttons even the select bus, because I don't need the extra space for another screen to control the device. In the rare case I need more, I use a macro and have never run out of macro buttons (beside the second HDMI out the best enhancement compared to the Mini!). If I could wish something, it would be, that existing buttons don't do more than expected, for example the KEY1 button NOT reseting from Luma to Chroma Key.

[@micliang3000]

Curious on any way on fixing color difference between USB-C out and PGM?

[@JackGillis]

With the built in mixer, would you use a usb mic or a mixer like a rode podcaster pro or mackie fx 10v3?

[@musicboxsessions4359]

I am struggling with the output on my Atem Mini Pro, it was rejecting most of my HDMI's and I decided to buy Fibre HDMI to try and fix this. But as soon I plugged it in, then it refused all of my HDMI. It now currently only works with the Fibre HDMI. How I fix this?

[@todddonaldson7974]

Mini SDI inputs (I am always afraid the HDMI cables might get pulled out on a remote) and 1/4" or XLR inputs

[@gil_carter]

+1 from me on both of these Todd! I would suggest mini XLR connectors might be easier to package, but getting a proper balanced audio solution would be a relief. Even if the 1/8" jacks were to stay, Blackmagic PLEASE change them to be threaded connectors like on pro radio mic belt packs - this would be a tiny engineering change. It presently takes very little to dislodge a small jack and drop the entire external audio stream from a sound mixer...

[@todddonaldson7974]

@@gil_carter Good point on using mini XLR, I believe some Blackmagic cameras use those, so they have the technology in house.

[@willemcbothavideos]

Olso have problems with black bar on the side with the sdi converters

[@crttrkman3882]

Sometimes i see black bar on the Blackmagic's SDI to HDMI converter on my regular Atem Mini pro. I cant figure it out what seems to be the problem, it doesn't always show the black bar and its not always the same size. But as you say if i unplug/plug back the HDMI cable it disappears by itself.

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Nice & Thanks :)

[@AndrewConniff]

I actually would love to be able to change the HDMI out to portrait mode for the multiview for more space on my desk :-)

[@jesusmederos]

And an on / off button for the atem mini?

[@philscott7949]

Love the idea of the Nano. OBS / vMix etc can provide all the scalability and the Nano can handle the streaming. If the computer fails, the Nano can quickly switch to a backup program.

[@aaronpk]

Great use case!

[@dentaltv]

GREAT information as always. I tried contacting you but didn't get any answer. What's the best wax getting in touch with you ? Best regards from Switzerland

[@sigjudge]

major requests before I could buy the Extreme include: Image Sequencing in the media pool Supersource ISO editing this comes from a Pro ISO owner who has been very jealous of the Extreme and is very close to an upgrade

[@tpcomcam]

I almost 100% agree with you. The controls for BMD cameras on all inputs was a strange decision. Who would run 8 BMD cameras in a low to mid-range budget systems. I can understand having camera control on some - but not all. If a production is using 2 computers or media players these do not need camera control. If BMD were to make all these 'additional' buttons software assignable - wow. The idea of a 2 channel 'nano' is very good - I am sure BMD are listening to you! Thanks for the video. David.

[@moltenpros]

They are trying to force people to buy their cameras. In doing so, they annoy 90 percent of their customers who are not interested in their cameras.

[@AskAW]

@@moltenpros they don't really know if they are annoying us until they put the hardware in our hands. We should wait for version 2 to come out to determine if their goal is to force us to use their cameras.

[@SwitchedOnNetwork]

I think the Stream OFF and Recording STOP buttons should need to be pressed and held to activate - I've always thought they'd be quite easy to hit by mistake during an important event. It's never happened to me, but pressing and holding (as a way of confirmation) would seem a logical design choice imho.

[@goddyab]

Brilliant Absolutely brilliant! As always, Blackmagic should thank you, I bought the my First Atem mini thanks to you, and went ahead to get the Pro version. Question: when you go out for a gig and there is no internet at the Venue, what internet service will you suggest, am located in Long Beach California. I use T-mobile mobile dedicated Hotspot device, it's nothing short of disappointment. As my Live Stream Mentor and Hero, Help me out sir, please 🥺

[@kebman]

HDMI output really useful, esp for focussing. The audio on off buttons are also really useful for cutting sound when running other stuff, such as videos. I really don't like how you can't jam videos in the "player" tho. You are really bound to using an external player as input, or simply play it in OBS downstream - where you can also really easily run overlays and such using the StreamDeck.

[@ilanolivares9971]

I'd love an ATEM Mini battery!

[@ryanturner9114]

Why doesn't Blackmagic sell a full hd camera for use with the ATEM? What's the point of 4 and 6K when the ATEM only does full HD in streaming and recording on ISO? Also, Blackmagic autofocus sucks.

[@asafblasbergvideographer]

Would be nice to have an ATEM version with *both* HDMI *and* SDI inputs.

[@pierrejeanjean9355]

Thanks

[@KERIFIS7]

Extreme 4k ? Or that would create a conflict with an other of their products?

[@marcthiele]

Lovewly wrap-up of your opinion. Still tempted to get one, just for the sake of super source. Especiall if beyond tellerrand starts again. No computer for cuttiong while recording anymore would make it much easier with a speaker next to the slides. Hmmm … Apart from this, I hope you are alright.

[@aaronpk]

Thanks! SuperSource is such a good feature and I'm so glad they were able to make it accessible at this price point! Hoping I can make it to Germany again some time soon!

[@user_anthony]

Already been said by others but atem mini pro but adding the 2nd usb c port and 2nd hdmi out port. Thatd cover my needs just fine.

[@shoggyben100]

How can you help, my atem mini extreme hdmi outputs (the 2) usually fail and I have Fibre cable, sometimes if I use ordinary hdmi cable for the output on a small camera 4k monitor, it will show and sometimes it won't, this has been an headache in about a month now. Please note, I do not face this challenge in the first 2 months of use.

[@aaronpk]

Since it used to work, it sounds like you'd be best off contacting blackmagic support. They are pretty responsive

[@DasArmageddonTV]

The offset problem is something I also got pretty often

[@mammifero]

good morning, but the ATEM Mini PRO (Iso or Extreme) can record in 4k ? thanks for the answer. nice video as usual

[@aaronpk]

Thanks! There's no 4K in any of the ATEM Mini line

[@steveeisen412]

You never mentioned Audio. Mic 1 and 2 allow up to 4 channels of audio, mic or line level. Great EQ built in. Headphone out is good PGM audio out. You can also EQ the output.

[@aaronpk]

True, I should have mentioned the built in audio processing. Lately I haven't been using the mic input jacks, I run the mic into the camera and it comes thru that channel, but I do take full advantage of the EQ and compressor/expander in the built in audio mixer! I like that it means I don't need an external sound board.

[@jamesinnes5036]

Audio button layout doesn’t match jack layout and lack of balanced inputs a real mistake. The power supply is way too big for that style - using standard sockets above work surface can force the brick off the adapter causing sparks and dangerously exposed terminals. It should be a brick with hard wired cables for input and output IMHO. Great video thank you and I would buy Nano(s).

[@LoveStoryArt]

Maybe a plastic cover for all the Camera control buttons to reduce the distraction? Maybe that can. be 3D printed.

[@glynnetolar4423]

Silly to have that many buttons. Should have found a way to combined them.

[@999journiman]

Love the stand, did you make it or can we buy somewhere???

[@aaronpk]

I did and you can! Here's the link! pk1.tv/pk1-extreme-atem-mini-stand/

[@dannychow2568]

it is the fault of the Sid to HDMI converters I had the same problem also

[@dannychow2568]

need to buy the new one of sdi to hdmi blackmagic 3g can maybe fix the problem

[@tedz2000]

Please recap the video where u showed how the future ATEM should look. Combine the latest features in the mini with the the TV STUDIO and I think we all will be happy. XLR HEADPHONE 1/4 inch mic input / rack mount . 4/4 hdmi and SDI… U KNOW it Parecki. If not we all need to get together and do a go fund me and build our own… there’s enough resources on these channels where we can create design and deploy the next great switcher…

[@Gamesandstuffstudio]

How can you not use the source select bus it is the most powerful addition to a budget mixer ever

[@aaronpk]

I do all that with macros instead. There aren't enough buttons on the select bus for it to be useful, there's always something else I'm trying to control that there isn't a button for. I'd be curious to hear what you use it for tho

[@ronnyg1dc]

The golive ?

[@rwsjr]

How about an Extreme at a lower price with all the same inputs and outputs but minimal or no buttons. Use a computer to do the switching.

[@Justin_Allen]

There are audio issues, limiting the use of ONLY Blackmagic cameras when creating ISO files, lack of SuperSource in the ISO files, complete lack of external timecode function...there is a small list of issues like that. It makes it more frustrating for my use case than you can believe.

[@steveliddle8417]

You can record ISO files with any camera

[@Justin_Allen]

@@steveliddle8417 Not and replace them with the high-res versions for editing on different platforms. That is reserved for Blackmagic cameras only. And with no external timecode control you cannot use external cameras to match up in post. This also effects utilizing external audio feeds...no timecode. But you are right if you only want ISO HD versions.

[@jbrooks12]

Surprised that they didn’t expand the available media slots from 20.

[@aaronpk]

Interestingly their entire line has had just the 20 media slots!

[@mrjoallulu]

I would love to see a 4K version

[@petefrasersoft]

As an engineer previously working on 4k video products I can tell you that the price point for a 4k product is way higher than the Atem Mini price ranges due to memory bandwidth required to do all the frame syncs and processing. The FPGAs required are MUCH more expensive and much faster memory is required.

[@El_IndioGordo]

What is meant by ISO and non - ISO models

[@aaronpk]

They are exactly the same except that the ISO models can record all 4 or 8 inputs as individual video files.

[@ryanturner9114]

They need 4K asap. Not buying until 4k.

[@jezzathenugget]

mini sdi and mini xlr

[@cfisupply]

Okay, so a couple things that watching this video has made me add to my research checklist... Streamdeck controlling the Atem and a stand for the Atem.

They should release ATEM Studio, without all those unused buttons and adding buttons helping to be a one man streaming band. P.S. XLR mic input is a must imo.

[@annebokma4637]

HDMI 2.1, network recording, 2x microphone XLR with phantom power

[@demmgoodvideo3666]

would like to see an atem "medium" with 6 hdmi and all extreme things... and lose the ftb button

[@syafiqzailan]

So much potential. but are they listening? No.

[@Gamesandstuffstudio]

Your not going to get 8 inputs and 2 outputs in a smaller footprint you want more its going to be bigger

[@aaronpk]

Not quite! The ATEM Television Studio HD is smaller than the ATEM Mini Extreme and has more inputs and outputs!

[@Gamesandstuffstudio]

@@aaronpk Need to compare Apples with Apples Atem HD studio is Rack mount with limited surface function

[@computerjantje]

Let me start that I love almost all your videos very much and LOVE the Atem mini series. But that said, maybe a cultural thing not being an American is that you start with saying sort of that you are not biased or controlled by Black Magic and with that suggesting that it is not in your interest to be more positive then negative. However you offer links with which you make money. To me that feels a bit like misleading and I would prefer you did not suggest that you are objective. In fact you would appear a much stronger and believable person if you tell upfront that you might be a little biased because you make money when others like the Atem. Also calling the "less positive" (I would say "the negative") things are always combined with right away telling excuses why it maybe is not that bad. You don't do that balancing while mentioning all the positives. But like I said, this is maybe a cultural difference between the USA and Europe.

[@aaronpk]

Thanks for the note! I tried to make it clear that this wasn't a complete review and wasn't strictly unbiased, since it was more about me sharing my personal experiences with the ATEM Mini Extreme. That's also why I was saying that even though I've had certain problems it may not be a problem for others. I will try to be more clear about that next time!

[@martinXY]

The ATEM Mini Extreme is mini like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro will fit in your pocket.