Blackmagic Design ATEM 4 M/E Constellation HD

The massive 4 M/E model doubles the features of the 2 M/E model with 40 x 3G-SDI inputs, 24 x 3G-SDI outputs, 4 DVEs, 16 ATEM Advanced Keyers, 4 multiviews and 2 SuperSource for 12 x DVEs in total.

ATEM Constellation HD switchers feature a compact rack mount design with a built in control panel. This allows operation of the switcher, critical during setup or for emergency use. Also included is a large LCD so you can see program output and change switcher settings via on screen menus. The compact design is perfect for portable live production, with the rear of the switcher including the connections for 3G-SDI inputs, 3G-SDI aux outputs, balanced audio and Ethernet for control. The top 4 M/E model even includes RS-422 for serial control and MADI digital audio connections. Even with all this power, ATEM Constellation is extremely quiet with its innovative high efficiency thermal system.

ATEM Constellation HD uses a professional "program/preview" style operation, which is the exact same way large broadcasters use live production switchers. This means you are using the same type of switcher used by the television industry. Both the free ATEM Software Control and the optional hardware ATEM Advanced Panels will allow program/preview style switching. This means you can select a source on the preview bus to ensure it’s correct before pushing the CUT or AUTO button to switch it on air. This 2 step program/preview process means far fewer mistakes! Program/preview operation means ATEM Constellation is the best solution for training students for a career in broadcast television!

The ATEM Constellation HD family features models that have up to 40 independent 3G-SDI inputs, with each input featuring its own dedicated up and cross converter. That means it’s possible to convert any 1080p input source to the video standard of the switcher! That means you could have each switcher SDI input running a different television standard and all the inputs will just work! On the ATEM 4 M/E Constellation HD model, you can even loop out audio channels 1, 2, 3 and 4 from SDI inputs 1 to 30 to the two MADI digital audio outputs, so you can hand off the switcher input audio to an external audio engineer for mixing.

The ATEM Constellation HD family have a massive number of fully independent 3G-SDI outputs. The 4 M/E model has a massive 24 x 3G-SDI outputs. These SDI outputs are very powerful because you can independently route any SDI input or any internal source to each SDI output. That’s perfect for running independent feeds to stage screens, master recorders and streaming processors. Or use the SDI outputs for ISO recorders, where each deck will get a resynchronized switcher input with matching timecode. All SDI outputs contain program audio, RP-188 timecode, SDI camera control, tally and talkback.

In addition to the DVEs in the M/E rows, the 2 M/E and 4 M/E models include powerful SuperSource multi layer processors with 4 extra DVE layers plus a background layer, that all appear to ATEM Constellation HD as an additional input source. Any switcher video input can be used for each SuperSource DVE, then it’s all layered together over a media pool custom background. SuperSource is just like having an extra multi-layer VFX switcher built in! SuperSource is perfect for doing picture in picture displays for interviews because you can set up the effect while keeping the main DVEs free for other tasks. The ATEM 4 M/E Constellation even has 2 completely independent SuperSource processors.

ATEM Constellation HD is the world’s first live production switcher that fully embraces live professional audio production! All SDI inputs are connected to a built in Fairlight audio mixer that features 6 band parametric EQ, compressor, limiter, noise gate and expander on each input. On the ATEM 4 M/E Constellation HD model there are 2 MADI outputs for breaking out channels 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the first 30 SDI inputs out to an external audio engineer, plus a MADI input for allowing an extra 32 external audio channels in to the audio mixer. The Fairlight audio mixer even has additional inputs for mixing audio from analog inputs, talkback microphones for voice over and more! With a built in Fairlight audio mixer, the ATEM Constellation makes it possible to do extremely complex live sound mixing. The 4 M/E model has extra audio mixer input channels for the MADI audio inputs.

Blackmagic Design ATEM 4 M/E Constellation HD Features

• Seriously advanced broadcast power
• True broadcast style mix effects switching
• Full front panel control similar to ATEM Mini
• 24 3G-SDI outputs
• USB webcam output for video software
• Choose from hardware or software control panels
• Includes multiview with labels, tally and meters
• Broadcast transitions, DVE, stingers, and more
• Built-in DVE for video effects
• Professional broadcast talkback
• Internal media for stills and motion graphics
• ATEM advanced chroma keyers
• 4 upstream chroma keyers per M/E row to create amazing virtual sets
• Powerful SuperSource processing
• Multi-rate 3G-SDI for all HD video standards
• Big professional audio with a professional Fairlight audio mixer
• Includes free software control panel
• Compatible with Blackmagic cameras, panels, decks, and more
• Ideal for massive live events

• ATEM 4 M/E Constellation HD1
• Software download1

• Connections
  • Total Video Inputs: 40
  • Total Video Outputs: 24
  • SDI Rates: 1.5G, 3G
  • Total Audio Inputs: 2 x balanced 1/4 inch Jack, 1 x 32 stereo channel BNC MADI in, 1 x 5 pin XLR Talkback
  • Total Audio Outputs: 2 x balanced 1/4 inch Jack, 2 x 32 stereo channel BNC MADI out, 1 x 5 pin XLR Talkback
  • SDI Audio Inputs: 2 Ch embedded audio on all SDI inputs
  • SDI Audio Outputs: 2 Ch embedded audio on all SDI outputs
  • Timecode Connections: none
  • Reference Input: Tri-Sync or Black Burst
  • Video Input Re-Sync: on all 40 inputs
  • Frame Rate and Format Converters: on all 40 inputs
  • SDI Aux Outputs: any of the 12 SDI outputs
  • SDI Preview Outputs: any of the 24 SDI outputs
  • SDI Program Outputs: any of the 24 SDI outputs
  • Down Converted SDI Program Output: none
  • Webcam Output: 1 x USB-C supporting 720p or 1080p at PGM frame rate
  • Total Multi Views: 4 x 3G-SDI
  • Control Panel Connection: Ethernet. Direct connection between panel and chassis, or via network.
  • Internal Timecode Generator: yes
  • Talkback: RJ45 for 3rd party talkback systems
  • Tally Output: Added via ethernet connection to Blackmagic Design GPI and Tally Interface product. (Not included).
  • Ethernet: Supports 10/100/1000 BASE-T
  • Computer Interface: 1 x USB-C supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gb/s)
• Standards
  • SD Video Standards: none
  • HD Video Standards
  • 720p50, 720p59.94, 720p60
  • 1080i50, 1080i59.94, 1080i60
  • 1080p23.98, 1080p24, 1080p25, 1080p29.97,
  • 1080p30, 1080p50, 1080p59.94, 1080p60
  • SDI Compliance: SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 296M, SMPTE 424M, SMPTE 425M level A and B
  • Video Sampling: 4:2:2
  • Color Precision: 10-bit
  • Color Space: REC 709
  • SDI Auto Switching: Automatically detects between 1.5G-SDI and level A or level B 3G-SDI
• Upstream Keyers16
• Downstream Keyers4
• Advanced Chroma Keyers16
• SuperSource2
• Talkback Supportyes
• Mix Minus Supportyes
• Linear/Luma Keyers21
• Transition Keyer (Stinger/DVE)4 Stinger, 4 DVE
• Total Number of Layers28
• Pattern Generators21
• Color Generators2
• Control PanelFront fascia emergency switching, software or optional hardware panel
• Routable Windows64
• Tallyred for program and green for preview indication
• Windows Source Labelsyes
• Multi View Monitoring
  • Multi View Monitoring: 4 x multi views each configurable to 16, 13, 10, 7 or 4 up views. Includes monitoring of Program, Preview, Inputs, Media Players, M/Es, DSKs, SuperSource, Clean Feed with optional labels and audio meters
  • Multi View HD Standard: HD
  • Display Minimum Resolution: 1366 x 768
• Media Player
  • Media Players: 4
  • Channels: fill and key for each media player
  • Media Pool Still Image Capacity: 60
  • Media Pool Clip Capacity: 4 x up to 1080p60
  • Media Player Clip Length in 720 HD: 1200 frames
  • Media Player Clip Length in 1080 HD: 600 frames
  • Media Pool Still Image Format: PNG, TGA, BMP, GIF, JPEG and TIFF
  • Media Pool Video File Format: TGA Sequence
  • Media Pool Audio File Format: WAV, MP3 and AIFF
• Front Panel DisplayBuilt in 5 inch HD LCD monitor for video, 42 LED buttons for setup and emergency switching, 8 source buttons, 4 transition buttons, 6 talkback selection and mix buttons, menu control knob and set button, front panel lock button
• Processing
  • Processing Delay: <10 lines
  • Audio Mixer
  • 156 Channel mixer
  • Selectable On/Off/Audio-Follow-Video
  • Level and Peak metering
  • Master gain control
  • 6 band parametric EQ, Dynamics including Expander, Gate, Compressor and Limiter
  • Down Conversion: none
• Software
  • Control Panel Included: ATEM Software Control Panel included free for Mac 11.11 Big Sur, Mac 12 Monterey or later and Windows 10 or 11
  • Software Updates: Using USB or Ethernet connection directly connected to Mac OS or Windows computers. Includes ATEM Setup Utility
  • Configuration: Set via ATEM Software Control Panel, excluding ATEM chassis IP address which is set via the ATEM Setup Utility connected via USB to chassis
• Operating Systems
  • Mac 11.1 Big Sur, Mac 12.0 Monterey or later
  • Windows 10 and 11
• Power Supply2 x Internal 100 - 240 AC
• Power Usageapprox. 147W
• Operating Temperature32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
• Storage Temperature-4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
• Relative Humidity0% to 90% non-condensing
• Dimensions19" x 9.1" x 3.48"
• Weight11.53 pounds