ATEM 2 M/E Constellation HD - Walk-through, features and more // Show and Tell Ep.97

[@dreamingofbonsai]

Thanks for making this. The company I work for just picked this up. This was super informative.

[@Nathan-er5rc]

Thanks for creating this video- super useful to get a well-produced quick run through. Thinking of getting one for our church system and look forward to the further content to follow!

[@pierrejeanjean9355]

Already purchased and used in production... :-) Nice upgrade, middle between 8K and extrem for event production. A lot of outputs (12), 2ME, 1 SSRC, wonderfull for conference, with multi user, media, PPT's and video, ... in a rack with Teranex Av, and 2 hyperdecks, it's my best choice for event production. I love also the Constellation 8k for huge broadcast production. And for the recording i'm using the Atem extrem ISO, to record till 8 sources and the program feed!

[@heretorecord]

Sounds like a nice kit!

[@nickbacon5390]

Can you output anything you want to the outputs? Does it take the place of a video router?

[@pierrejeanjean9355]

@@nickbacon5390 What do you mean Video Router? You can 'route' all the Input, mixfeed, ... to any output you want. ie you've got 4 cams, 2 Media computers or hyperdeck and 1 GFX, i can route Program(mix, supersource, ...) to Output 1, Cam 3 to output 2, ... GXF to output 5, cleanfeed to output4 ... The use is mainly (for me) to stream 2 feeds (main program, Back zoom), confidence monitors, specific output to an operator, Supersource monitoring. Like a videohub, but in your videomixer. The last us war for a conference : 3 cams, 3 PPTs computers, and 1 hyperdeck. I had Output 1 : videoprojector with the active PPT, Output 2 side screens with the speaker, output 3 confidence monitor for the speaker, output 4-5-6 monitoring for PTZ cams for the opérator with a multiview, Output 12 Zoom feed, Output 8-9-10-11 preview operator Supersource with multiview, MV1-2 director monitoring The ouput 7 was confident monitoring for the client with different output during the event (ppts, video preview, ....) but we didn't use it... 🙂

[@BoiseStateEsports]

I want to know the same thing.

[@heretorecord]

It is indeed like a video router where you can send sources to the outputs. You cannot route specific audio to those outputs though - a traditional video router would allow you to pass the audio of an input, on the ATEM you will get program audio on all outputs.

[@2to1media60]

@1:17 what was the program you were using to link arrows and such from inputs and outputs? That seemed so clean and simple!

[@bahnastronaut8271]

When using the webcam output: Which ME will be displayed?

[@heretorecord]

It will always be ME 1 - good question though - I should have mentioned that.

[@TheGoodTroubleShow]

What program were you using that allowed you to map out inputs and outputs. Was that a CAD program? Great video!

[@braddawson322]

Thanks, Super helpful. We are building a new space and the switcher we initially suggested was the Production studio 4k. Now this is out I am seriously considering going this route with a couple of HDMI to SDI converters. Any chance you could do a Constellation vs Production studio comparison video?

[@jayesshague]

Yes, please, another request for such a comparison!

[@isaaccimbler4320]

Hey this video was super informative! Thank you. What application are you using to create the route maps? Would help me alot with production planning.

[@heretorecord]

I'm using my own tool which I have made available here... H2R Gear: h2rgear.com/

[@bolentie]

Great! I bought it, but doesn't work with the old Broadcast panel. No warning at all!

[@heretorecord]

Looks like they fixed that today… twitter.com/blackmagic_news/status/1570276508576653314?s=46&t=jBhWGIxwumlKs633dPgziQ

[@pdgiles]

Thank you very much for the thorough overview of the 2 M/E. I have the 2 M/E HD now. Have you noticed that the M/E 2 will not save our image/graphics settings on on the equipment after it cycles on again unless it's connected to the computer. Is this normal. I was hoping it would save MP1 and MP2 images when I power it off. We tried this, but notice when we power the constellation back on, the images are no longer there unless we reconnect it to the computer.

[@heretorecord]

Unfortunately this is normal. Not sure why they opted to do this but I’m hopeful then can save those in a future firmware update.

[@pdgiles]

@@heretorecord thank you for that clarification. I was literally about to return it b/c I assumed it was a malfunction. I'm still learning it and I suppose I can live with that and just hope that there will be an update. I'm thinking of connecting it to the new rode mixer. 🤔

[@Clarkezoneusa]

Great video, nice job! One question.. how loud is the fan noise from the device? The ATEM mini extreme I have is virtually silent but I’ve also borrowed a 4k production studio and it has horrendously loud fans which make it impossible to have the unit in the same space I’m recording in, keen to know if the constellation HD suffers from a similar problem. Thx!

[@heretorecord]

It’s much quieter than those 4K switchers. I hardly notice it in the same room as me.

[@nunchakuyt]

How would you go about getting multiple HDMI sources into this? I didn't want to just use lots of individual Decimators or Blackmagic HDMI-SDI. Is there a single unit option that'll convert 4 HDMIs or more?

[@danielsamdevanesan]

Wonderful video. Thank u

[@heretorecord]

Thanks for watching!

[@dcaudioyxe]

at 4:31 you make the screen show both ME at the same time. How are you doing that? from the manual pg.43 "The Mix Effects block of the switcher tab contains all the source select buttons for the program and preview buses, allowing external inputs or internal sources to be selected for next transition previewing or switching to air. If your switcher has 2 Mix Effects panels, you can optimize the interface to show both, or select each panel by clicking on the Mix Effects 1 or Mix Effects 2 buttons at the top of the interface. When both panels are visible, the Mix Effects 1 or 2 buttons will move to the processing palettes."

[@heretorecord]

This is entirely down to your computers screen size. You just need to set your screen up to a higher resolution setting to see the entire application

[@johnm2394]

Hi! What about the fan noise of the unit? I’d like to replace an atem mini. I hesitate between an Extreme SDI and this Constellation 2ME, considering I’m in a open space studio configuration. Is the noise level acceptable? Same question with the heat? Kind regards…

[@SAMMK1]

🎉great video .. nice & clear , I totally agree everything has to be looking to work in 4K now and especially for a program record .. do you happen to know when Atem will move on this .. 😂❤

[@johnjeremih]

Great video! I want to set up the steaming room for the church I go to and I want to pick the BM Web presenter 4K to go along with the ATEM 2 M/2, but I still have doubts.

[@ishizukahikaru643]

What diagram software is that u used displaying i/o?

[@heretorecord]

It’s H2R Gear, my own software that is available here… h2rgear.com/

[@stevecooksley]

I'm currently upgrading to a 6G workflow just to future-proof for a few years, but Blackmagic are too good at keeping their future projects secret. Do you think that elusive Constellation 4K will release in 2023? I've no interest in 8K or 12G as it would mean having to also replace my Videohub 40x40 and Hyperdecks as well, and my budget isn't limitless. My guess is that the 2 M/E 4K would be priced around £2500 which would be perfect.

[@camaperture8116]

I'm a cameraman being asked to learn how to TD with the Blackmagic Constellation. I understand this stuff in a limited way as I've been around it a lot but have never been hands on. Do you have any videos that can walk me through the various terms and functions? Great overview of the Constellation in this video, by the way.

[@keridudouze6143]

I was wondering how to toggle between Multiview and PGM on a same monitor and you gave me the answer : loop the multiview output in one of the Atem inputs : great tips ! thanks a lot ! I was also searching for borders for the Supersource windows, and unfortunately you also gave me the answer... With BMD, 2 steps ahead, one step behind... Anyway thanks again for this excellent review ;-)

[@heretorecord]

Happy to help!

[@PleaseTakeOne]

Hello, what software do you use to create the input/output diagrams?

[@LifeofGodChurch]

Hi John - On this ME2, if you are using the Blackmagic Studio 4K Camera, do you still need to run SDI into the camera and SDI out from the camera as well in order to control the Studio 4k from the software?

[@zephanmoses]

Hey would you be able to share a link to the 5-pin connector/adapter you rigged up? Would love to grab one of those. I was surprised when I got my 2me to find that the USB-C didn't allow for Software Control and I had to use ethernet.

[@heretorecord]

Here’s the one I got… www.thomann.de/gb/neutrik_nc_5mx_bag.htm

[@benjermon]

What was the signal diagram software/site you used at 1:24?

[@heretorecord]

That’s a software I built for this very purpose, H2R Gear. Give it a try here: h2rgear.com/

[@indrayosef]

Can you try DVE features? is it possible to mix the output with external Key/Fill? Thank You

[@samuelbaraiac4055]

what software did you use at 1:23 to make that diagram. I would love to use it to show make a workflow chart for my volunteers during training.

[@heretorecord]

It’s H2R Gear! A tool I’ve developed and made for our industry - use it here… h2rgear.com/

[@oniongarlic69]

Considering upgrading workplace Studio setup to this one from a ATEM Mini Pro setup with HDMI cameras. We are considering upgrading 1 or 2 cameras (as we only got our hands on some Panasonic digital ptz ones at start of lockdown, digital zoom should be banned) too so going SDI would not be completely converter crazy. And as our main output is to Teams Live (+Facebook if a public), loosing streaming is not too bad I mainly use that for recording. Then again I could route one output to the mini and stream/record that way. I just have a hard time selecting suitable cameras/lenses. I'd like to go with the 6K pockets as they have EF and we have a bunch on EF lenses that could be used, but then I would still need HDMI-SDI converters. Studio cameras would be SDI but then we would need to get lenses too. I've been using a XA40 for doing talking head recordings and the SDI version, XA45 might be an option too. Anyway, thanks for the walk trough :)

[@freedomseeker01]

I too have a bunch of EF lenses and am in the same conundrum. That said, the EF lenses really shine on stills cameras of like 23 megapixels. With even 4k being so much smaller and EF lenses holding their value so well, I am thinking of selling my EF lenses to stills photographers who can fully utilize their capabilities and reinvesting in 4k video cameras with servo lenses and both HDMI and SDI outs. I have a bunch of Sony EX1 cameras and they are always preferable to the operators and to me as a director because of the ability to change focal length at will, not to mention the value of a slow zoom.

[@traviswinchester1724]

At 1:25 what program are you using to map everything out?

[@heretorecord]

It’s H2R Gear… h2rgear.com

[@johnpowell5868]

I have question about ATEM 2 M/E Constellation HD. I will use 12 sdi input and 12 output (loop these 12 inputs). My question is will the audio will be also looped or it will be MAIN audio from mixer on these outputs?

[@heretorecord]

Outputs will always get the Program (main) audio output by default.

[@lorenzobuson]

Thank you so much for the video, very clear. Can I ask you a strange question that has nothing to do with it? What is the name of the software you use to make the diagram per minute 1:18? It would be really useful for me to work and it’s done very well.

[@poucedeleon]

I am not the only one interested in this software!

[@poucedeleon]

Found the answer below.

[@heretorecord]

It’s H2R Gear! h2rgear.com/

[@niklasdiede3713]

Thanks for the video. Now that BMD released the Studio HD8 ISO, what would you buy - ATEM 2M/E with M/E1 Panel or HD8 IS0 ? Both are like the same price. One has ISO Recording the other can do 2 M/Es like 1 PGM Feed and one Feed for Background Display. I don't need more than 8 Sources, but wiping a background signal also quite important. Are there other pros and cons ?

[@emeaefete6062]

Hello, thank you very much for such a good video. I have a doubt, when I connect my blackmagic camera to the atem constellation through the SDI cable, the OBS program does not detect it and it comes out black, I have tried with the 3g and 12g SDI cable and with neither it works. However, when I connect the same camera using an HDMI cable with an SDI adapter (which goes to the ATEM) it dos recognize the camera and the image appears. I hope you can solve my doubt, thank you very much

[@jonpav6224]

Not having a 4k model is strange and 4k multiview would be far better in this series switcher! Lack of border control of supersource is a step back. I wish they updated media pool and software control UI. They do a lot, especially 2 M/E and 4 M/E, just seems like an odd mix. It's great in many ways but also lacking in some key areas, when you want to fit in with a workflow.

[@CourtWatchAu]

Yeah it should have 2 HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs

[@glynnetolar4423]

It seems to me BMD thinks more of what will sell the most devices then how their product will build a good work flow.

[@BoguschMedia]

No border-function for supersource on these model(s) ?

[@heretorecord]

Nope. Unfortunately not

[@BoguschMedia]

@@heretorecord not a ultimate dealbreaker but ….. Strange …. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@digitalphantoms]

Nathan. One other quick question. How does this unit stack up against the original 2 m/e? What are some features is doesn’t have over the original?

[@Fitzz1919]

Have you tested running two separate streams and controlling them via two separate stream decks at the same time? Would be interested to know if this could replace my multi Atem extreme setup.

[@johnfalco]

Out of curiosity, at 6:03 when you discuss the USB webcam feature, I know you mentioned you can't record out of this port like you can on the mini lineup. however, can the switcher connect to the ATEM software control app via USB like the minis or is it Ethernet only for control?

[@heretorecord]

It can indeed be used just like the ATEM Mini series where USB can control the ATEM and this USB can be used as a video source into tools like Zoom that accept webcams.

[@lukeruwizhi5740]

Awesome

[@ennis437]

How would I get the 1Me to show as source option in the 2Me (second me) like you had in this example do you have to hard wire sdi output to an input to make this happen?

[@VegasDominic]

Planning to get the Constellation 2ME tomorrow but scared that on NAB2023 they’re going to release better upgraded models as well as lower the pricing on these 1yr old Constellation HD series 😂

[@heretorecord]

Maybe better to wait then!

[@freedomseeker01]

Hello. I really appreciate your content and your production value. I have a Production /studio 4k (1/ME) that had very loud fans which I ultimately replaced to quiet the unit to where it was no longer offensive in the studio. What is your experience with the fans in the 2 M/E Constellation HD? Are they noisy or tolerable when in the studio?

[@heretorecord]

This range of switcher is much quieter than the older models. I have mine behind me at all times now and hardly hear it at all.

[@cucoopantsia]

I see you use the Flow 8 mixer, Is it possible to control the flow 8 with companion? I know you can with the Behringer XR air series, but I like the physical faders on the Flow 8, I was curious if you could do it with the flow 8 as well since its got a digital app control too. Would be great for panel discussions to be able to set up a button on the streamdeck to cut to a certain camera and also have it adjust the audio levels to highlight that speaker.

[@heretorecord]

Unfortunately the Flow 8 cannot be controlled via the network so no luck with Companion. That would have been nice though!

[@macoxford7257]

Has anyone found a way to control the ME2 withOUT connecting a laptop? Like just from patching or physical buttons?

[@digitalphantoms]

Great video! quick question. Do the inputs offer scaling from different sources? for instance, can I bring in 1080i on channel 1 and 1080p on channel 2?

[@heretorecord]

Yes - scalers on all inputs for this very purpose!

[@digitalphantoms]

@@heretorecord thank you! Keep up the great work with your videos! Enjoy them tons!

[@MrPauleagle]

What software are you using to do you diagrams (inputs and outputs) in this video?

[@heretorecord]

Hey Paul - Thats H2R Gear, a web app I am building for our industry: h2rgear.com/

[@PaWBenG]

Nice Video! What Programm is it on 1:21 ? Would love to know!

[@heretorecord]

That's H2R Gear, a software i'm developing for this very reason... h2rgear.com/

[@baskerkhof7220]

1:19 what is the name of that program?

[@vigenk06]

Hi thanks for the video, i am thinking about getting the atem 2 m/e and the SKAARHOJ Air Fly Desktop Controller, do i need any other software to use the air fly? or we just connect the ethernet cable to the same network. one other question does the air fly have to be connected to the network or can it be connected directly to atem ethernet jack?

[@heretorecord]

The Air Fly will - as far as I know - talk directly to the ATEM over the network without any other software. I also believe - so long as you set up your static IP addresses correctly - the device can be connected right to the control port on the ATEM.

[@vigenk06]

@@heretorecord thanks you

[@antwicurtis789]

@1:23 , how can I get a diagram like that? What website is that? Anybody knows?

[@heretorecord]

I know! It’s H2R Gear - a tool I’m building… h2rgear.com/

[@kams2935]

What program is used at 1:21 ?

[@heretorecord]

It’s H2R Gear… h2rgear.com

[@mxlwebs]

Hi , does this do 4k?

[@kursatayhan21]

İt is not

[@Andreas-ov2fv]

Integrating this with proper audio handling is grossly inconvenient. Having to de-embed or embed sound upstream or downstream in 2023 is ridiculous.

[@carpetbomberz]

The front menu system is not something ANYONE wants to scroll through in a panic, words to live by.

[@heretorecord]

I should get that on a poster