Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio 4K8 Live Production Switcher

Overview

The Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio 4K8 is a compact, all-in-one live television switcher for studios, remote productions, and live venues. It provides eight 12G-SDI inputs up to UHD 4K60, a 58-channel Fairlight audio mixer, built-in live streaming, USB webcam output, internal H.264 recording (USB or optional M.2), advanced chroma keyers, DVE and creative transitions, media players with alpha, multiview monitoring, talkback, and seamless Blackmagic Cloud integration for immediate global access to program recordings.

Live Production & Switching

8-Input Mobile Production

Operate a professional 1 M/E switcher with eight independent 12G-SDI sources and both program plus ten aux outputs. Integrate camera control, talkback, and comprehensive audio mixing from a familiar broadcast-style panel.

Program/Preview & A/B Modes

Switch with true broadcast program/preview operation for error-free on-air transitions, or select A/B style for volunteer and community workflows.

Transitions & Effects

Choose from dissolves, dips to color or source, SMPTE wipes, DVE squeezes and pushes, stingers, and customizable graphic wipes. Adjust duration, border color/width, position, and direction; preview transitions before taking them live.

Built-In DVE & SuperSource

Use the independent DVE for picture-in-picture, repositioning, scaling, 3D borders, shadows, and lighting, or create dynamic DVE transitions. SuperSource adds four extra DVEs plus a background as a composite input for multi-person interviews and stylish layouts.

Keying & Graphics

ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers

Leverage four powerful chroma keyers with color picker sampling, precise edge/flare controls, and foreground color correction—ideal for green/blue-screen work, title overlays, and multi-camera virtual sets.

Internal Media Pool

Store up to 20 HD stills (RGB with alpha) and motion graphics clips (up to 720 frames in 720p, 360 frames in 1080p, 90 frames in UHD 4K) for stingers and animated titles. Manage assets in ATEM Software Control or load directly from Adobe Photoshop via the free plug-in; media players appear as independent inputs.

I/O & Standards

8 Standards-Converted 12G-SDI Inputs

Each SDI input features a dedicated standards converter, allowing mixed-format sources to match the switcher’s HD or UHD standard seamlessly. SDI input audio channels 1–4 can be routed to program/aux embedded channels or to the MADI output for external mixing.

12G-SDI Program & Aux Outputs

Twelve 12G-SDI program outputs enable individual camera returns with embedded tally, talkback, and control. Two dedicated aux outputs—switchable from the front panel—feed stage monitors or recorders; Aux 1 supports an on-screen presenter counter. Multiview is available on 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0.

Monitoring & Control

16-Source Multiview

View up to 16 sources—inputs, preview, program—on a single SDI or HDMI display, with tally, custom labels, audio meters, and status views for streaming, recording, and mixer activity. Multiview can also be routed to aux outputs.

Redesigned Front Panel

Operate via premium broadcast-grade buttons, a smooth T-bar, and a three-axis joystick. A dedicated audio-mixer control area with LCD metering plus record/stream buttons support rapid, on-the-fly control. Live aux switching from the panel covers all eight cameras, program, preview, or multiview.

Audio & Talkback

58-Channel Fairlight Mixer

Mix embedded SDI audio, analog inputs, and MADI sources with professional Fairlight processing. SDI input channels 1/2 can be routed to the MADI output for external audio workflows.

MADI Expansion

Add microphones via the ATEM Microphone Converter over MADI—each unit provides four mic/line inputs with phantom power, ultra-low noise (-129 dBV), 131 dB(A) dynamic range, 0.002% THD, and per-channel multi-ADC architecture. Includes HDMI monitoring with scrolling waveforms.

Recording & Streaming

Built-In Streaming & Webcam Output

Stream directly using the hardware RTMP engine. The USB-C connection enumerates as a webcam for universal compatibility with Zoom, Teams, Skype, OBS Studio, XSplit, and more at up to 1080p.

Internal & External Recording

Record broadcast-quality H.264 with AAC audio to external USB flash drives or directly to an optional internal M.2 SSD (shared over Ethernet for remote editing, color, and graphics). Connect multiple USB disks for uninterrupted relay recording; control and status are available on the panel and in multiview.

Software, Languages & Workflow

ATEM Software Control

Access the full feature set via macOS or Windows software over USB or Ethernet, including live switching, Fairlight audio, camera color correction, media management, macros, XML state save/restore, and HyperDeck control. Multiple clients can connect simultaneously over the network.

Multilingual Interface

Menus and software support 13 languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, German, French, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish, Polish, and Ukrainian. Switch languages at any time to suit global crews and locations.

Power & Reliability

Flexible, Redundant Power

Integrated 100–240 VAC supply plus 12 VDC XLR input for backup or battery operation in remote locations. Dual USB and dual power connections enhance redundancy.

Serviceable, Modular Design

Internal PCBs are modular for straightforward field servicing; connector boards are replaceable. Bottom cover removal enables qualified technicians to swap boards, and facilities can maintain spare kits for rapid turnaround.

Applications

Compact Broadcast Vans

All-in-one design eliminates rack clutter and can be inset into desks for stable mobile installations.

Music Venues & Clubs

Small-footprint chassis is easy to carry in and out of tight spaces and pack down quickly post-show.

Online Education

ISO input recording enables refined post edits, color, and graphics; integrate live interaction via Zoom.

Live Sports

Simple operation for volunteers; deploy in clubs or on the road with up to eight cameras to cover every angle.