Blackmagic ATEM Micro Panel Switcher Review

[@jankadry385]

Can i connect it directly to the atem , or i must include the laptop ?

[@fryfilm2000]

@@jankadry385 You must go via a computer. But when would you not?

[@LikeThisReview]

One M/E switchers can do with 10 plus 10 shifted sources, but when you have a 2 M/E switcher with 20 inputs, you have to drop inputs if you also want to use MP, S/SRC, ME2PvW and so on

[@fryfilm2000]

@@LikeThisReview Indeed, but when there’s a job needing 20 live sources you’d expect them to have the budget to hire in the Advanced Panel.

[@erikjrussell]

A great use for this would be with a mobile streaming rack setup. Put a Mac Mini or something in the rack with whatever-ATEM. This would put the control surface in front of the operator at proper working height, ie not on an awkward higher rack drawer. Wireless makes it even sweeter and clean. Just drop it in the rack storage drawer to travel. Thanks for the video!

[@fryfilm2000]

@@erikjrussell Yup, great idea!

[@TheFleetz]

Not on BM website? It your control panel an engineering prototype?

[@fryfilm2000]

@@TheFleetz Nope, it's available to order. www.blackmagicdesign.com/uk/media/images/atem-micro-panel

[@jjmmfi]

can you toggle macro button down so you can run macros without pushing it doenw constantly. Does ATEM Setup software (not the control app but the separate setup app) have option for that. Thanks!

[@hugojacob8390]

Can you use Super source?

[@fryfilm2000]

If the switcher does it, you can assign it to the Micro Panel, yes!

[@pierrejeanjean9355]

What about using for the same price 2 streamdecks 32 keys (with companion)? More options, you can really manage many switchers, ...

[@TheSteadicamMan]

Don’t you also need Companion to do that? I hate relying on free software for paid work. Also, the buttons and layout are instantly familiar to any vision operator on the Micro Panel, and with the Macros so easily accessible I don’t really see any advantage of using Streamdecks instead.

[@robjamesvideo]

Streamdecks are great for controlling playback via a hyperdeck or OBS etc. - I would not consider switching a live show via a stream deck if I could possibly avoid it.

[@hackalogics7940]

First comment! Get in. Well done Jon, really insightful.

[@Reedith]

Everyone so worried about the Bluetooth connection. Of course I wish they put a POE network port on it but I guess time will tell if USB or Bluetooth turn out to be just a stable

[@fryfilm2000]

@@Reedith Yeah, I don’t quite understand that worry. I mean, how long have we all been using Bluetooth mice?

[@ians.4284]

@@fryfilm2000 It's more like I don't WANT my computer between a control surface or ATEM. BT connection issues are known to happen even with something like my MX Master and Doug Johnson had issues connecting his Micro Panel to his computer on his live stream.

[@TheSteadicamMan]

@@ians.4284Yeah I saw that. Mine connected straight away! Maybe he just didn’t charge it enough before trying to connect. I don’t think we’ve used any ATEM ever without a computer connected, so whether that’s between the panel and the switcher makes absolutely no difference.