Blackmagicdesign ATEM Microphone Converter Instruction Manual

: June 10, 2024
: Blackmagicdesign

Table of Contents

Getting Started
Connecting Power
Connecting Audio
Connecting to an ATEM Switcher
Using the Monitor Output
Getting Help
Regulatory Notices
Safety Information
Warranty
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Blackmagicdesign ATEM Microphone Converter Instruction Manual

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing ATEM Microphone Converter!

ATEM Microphone Converter is an extremely high quality analog to digital audio converter for multiple microphone sources.

The combined XLR/TRS inputs allow XLR or jack cables to be connected, embedding the 4 analog inputs as MADI channels 1, 2, 3 and 4. The MADI input allows multiple ATEM Microphone Converters to be daisy chained so more than 4 channels of audio can be embedded into a single MADI connection!

Your converter features ultra high dynamic range input conversion so you get an extremely low noise floor of -129dBV and all mic level sources can be individually adjusted using a discrete digital preamplifier. Phantom power and mic or line audio input levels can be set using the small built in switches, plus the HDMI monitoring output lets you visually see waveforms, audio levels and settings for each source.

This instruction manual shows you how to get started with your ATEM Microphone Converter.

Check the support page on our website at www.blackmagicdesign.com for the latest version of this manual and for updates to your ATEM Microphone Converter’s internal software. When downloading the software, be sure to register with your information so we can keep you updated when new software is released. We are continually working on new features and improvements, so we are keen to hear from you!

Signature

Grant Petty
CEO Blackmagic Design

Getting Started

Getting started with your ATEM Microphone Converter is as simple as plugging in power, connecting analog audio sources and plugging the MADI output into an ATEM switcher.

Connecting Power

Connect the included 12 volt power supply to the power input using the socket adapter for your country. Tightening the locking ring secures the cable to prevent accidental disconnection.
Connecting Power

Connecting Audio

Connect your audio sources to your converter via the combo XLR and 1/4” jack inputs.
Connecting Audio

Your converter’s 1/4” jacks let you connect balanced analog audio via TRS connectors.
TRS stands for Tip, Ring, Sleeve which refers to the three contacts of the jack connector.

The illustration in this section displays the wiring pins inside the male 1/4” jack connector if you want to make your own cables.

The illustration shows the jack connector’s positive, negative and ground wiring pins. If you need to reverse the polarity of your analog audio cable to suit your audio equipment, you can simply swap the positive and negative wiring on the tip and ring pins.
Connecting Audio

NOTE Microphone phantom power is supported on all inputs. To learn more about
setting phantom power as well as mic and line inputs, refer to the ‘changing settings
using switches’ section in this manual.

Connecting to an ATEM Switcher

Your ATEM Microphone Converter supports digital audio with the MADI protocol, also known as Multichannel Audio Digital Interface. MADI is popular with most professional audio manufacturers, broadcasters and high end recording facilities. These MADI ports have robust BNC connectors and transmit audio data over 75 ohm coaxial cables up to 100 meters long.

Connect your converter’s MADI BNC output to the MADI input on your ATEM switcher. ATEM switcher models that support MADI include ATEM 4 M/E Constellation HD, ATEM Constellation 8K and ATEM Television Studio HD8 ISO.
Connecting

You can find more information about controlling audio levels and enhancing the quality
of your audio in the manual for your ATEM switcher.

Connecting a Monitor
Connect an HDMI television or monitor into the converter’s HDMI output.

This video output lets you view the levels of each channel, plus a continuously updating
waveform showing audio peaks over a 60 second duration. You can also visually confirm that phantom power is activated and if inputs are set to mic or line level audio.

For more details about the monitor output and all the information it displays, refer to the ‘using the monitor output’ section.

Settings
You can adjust different settings for ATEM Microphone Converter using the Blackmagic Converters Setup utility and via the small switches on the side of your converter

Adjust settings using the Blackmagic Converters Setup utility and the switches on the side of your converter

Blackmagic Converters Setup is a software utility used to change settings and update the internal software in your ATEM Microphone Converter. First, download and install the latest Blackmagic Converters software from the Blackmagic Design support center at www.blackmagicdesign.com/support

To use Blackmagic Converters Setup:

Connect ATEM Microphone Converter to your computer via USB.
Launch Converters Setup. Your converter model will be named in the utility home page.
Click on the circular ‘setup’ icon or the image of your ATEM Microphone Converter to open the audio settings

Audio Settings

Audio Settings

Input Labels
Customize the name and color of each input. This helps visually identify the inputs when using the HDMI monitor output.

A quick example would be to name each source, then set all mic level sources to red and line level sources to blue.
Input Labels

Label your inputs and select their display color using the menu

Indicators to the right of each color selection menu will display the input type and whether phantom power is selected. These settings are selected via the switches on the side of the converter. Information on setting the switches is provided later in this manual.

Digital Preamps
Adjust the gain for each input using the digital preamp slider controls up to a maximum of +30dB.

Adjust the gain using the sliders

Different microphone types and brands can vary widely in analog audio levels, so the digital preamplifiers allow compensation for the specific brand of microphone you use. The digital preamplifier is processed using internal 32 bit RAW audio bit depth and that is much greater precision than the MADI audio standard can support. This results in an extremely clean and noise free gain stage.

The HDMI output enables you to measure the changes made to the audio waveform and meter levels as you adjust the preamplifier sliders. The ATEM’s internal mixer can then be used to finesse these levels into the final mix.

Setup Settings
Setup settings let you change the name of your microphone converter, change network
settings and displays the current version of your microphone converter’s internal software.

Name
This name is helpful to identify the unit when more than one ATEM Microphone Converter is connected to your computer or network.

Identify Converter
Clicking the checkbox activates the flashing green LEDs on each end of the converter. This helps identify which converter you are currently adjusting using Blackmagic Converters Setup.

Network
ATEM Microphone Converter can connect to the network using a static IP address or by using DHCP allowing you to change the audio settings and update the unit over a network.
Setup Settings

Protocol
DHCP and static IP settings let you determine how your converter is connected to your network

DHCP
ATEM Microphone Converters are set to DHCP by default. The dynamic host configuration protocol, or DHCP, is a service on network servers that automatically finds your ATEM Microphone Converter and assigns an IP address. DHCP is a great service that makes it easy to connect equipment via Ethernet and ensure their IP addresses do not conflict with each other. Most computers and network switchers support DHCP

Static IP
When ‘static IP’ is selected, you can enter your network details manually. When setting IP addresses manually so all units can communicate, they must share the same subnet mask and gateway settings.

When using static IP and there are other devices on the network that have the same identifying number in their IP address, there will be a conflict and the units won’t connect. If you encounter a conflict, simply change the identifying number in the unit’s IP address.

For example, if the conflicting address is 192.100.40.30 change the last number field to anything other than 30. If the new number is also being used, keep changing it until you find a unique number that isn’t being used by other equipment.

Allow utility administration
Enabling the ‘via USB’ setting limits setting changes to only the computer connected via USB. This removes the risk of anyone on the network making accidental settings chang

Updating Blackmagic Converters Setup utility

The first step is to download the Blackmagic Converters Setup utility from the Blackmagic Design support center at www.blackmagicdesign.com/support

To update the software:

Run the Blackmagic Converters Setup installer on your computer and follow the onscreen instructions.
After installation is complete, connect your ATEM Microphone Converter to the computer via the USB port on the rear panel. You can also connect to your network via Ethernet.
Launch Blackmagic Converters Setup and follow any onscreen prompt to update the internal software. If no prompt appears, the internal software is up to date and there is nothing further you need to do.

Changing Settings Using Switches
The side panel of the ATEM Microphone Converter features a set of small switches used to select input type and turn phantom power on or off.

The switch legend printed on the base of the converter indicates which switches are to be on/off for particular inputs. For example, if you have inputs 1 and 2 set to line and inputs 3 and 4 set to mic with phantom power, the switches will be set as shown in the following illustration.
Changing Settings Using Switches

NOTE Phantom power is disabled when line level is selected.

Using the Monitor Output

The monitor output is a fast way to visually check your audio inputs. At a glance, you can see realtime waveforms of the previous 60 seconds, VU level meters plus indicators for phantom power and mic or line level audio.
Using the Monitor

Waveforms
The realtime waveforms on the HDMI monitor output display up to the last 60 seconds of audio starting from the right hand side. The color of the waveform can be changed via the Converters Setup utility
Using the Monitor

Input ID
Each channel displays the input number. When connecting 2 or more converters together, the numbers will continue from 5 onwards as each converter is connected up to a maximum of 16 inputs per HDMI output. As additional converters are connected, the input will increase sequentially so you always know which input is which.

Label
If the input has been labelled using the Blackmagic Converters Setup utility, the labels will appear above each waveform.

Level Type
Icons to the left of the waveform will display the current level type set using the switches
on the side of your converter.
Using the Monitor

Meters
Audio meters to the right of the waveform display the VU level. The size of the VU meters on the HDMI output will decrease as you connect more converters

Connecting Additional Converters
Up to 4 ATEM Microphone Converters can be connected to the one HDMI output so you can see all 16 channels at once. When connecting more than 4 converters together, connect a monitor to the first of each additional bank of 4 ATEM Microphone converters so you can view each additional microphone converter.
Connecting Additional Converters

This illustration shows 8 microphone converters daisy chained together to send 32 channels of audio via MADI to ATEM Television Studio HD8

Once you have 3 or more converters daisy chained together, the amount of room decreases. This means some information will become hidden to make space for more inputs. You can check mic/line level and phantom power settings using the setup utility or by checking the small switches on the side of the unit.
Connecting Additional Converters

HDMI monitor output when connecting 4 converters together

Each additional converter will populate the next four MADI channels so each input corresponds to both the MADI input on your ATEM switcher and the input number on the HDMI monitor output. The table below shows how the groups of audio inputs will populate on the ATEM switcher’s audio mixer when daisy chaining multiple units
Connecting Additional Converters

Help

Getting Help

The fastest way to obtain help is to go to the Blackmagic Design online support pages and check the latest support material available for your Blackmagic Converter.

Blackmagic Design Online Support Pages
The latest manual, software and support notes can be found at the Blackmagic Design support center at www.blackmagicdesign.com/support.

Blackmagic Design Forum
The Blackmagic Design forum on our website is a helpful resource you can visit for more information and creative ideas. This can also be a faster way of getting help as there may already be answers you can find from other experienced users and Blackmagic Design staff which will keep you moving forward. You can visit the forum at https://forum.blackmagicdesign.com

Contacting Blackmagic Design Support
If you can’t find the help you need in our support material, or on the forum, please click the “Send us an email” button on the support page to email a support request. Alternatively, click on the “Find your local support team” button and call your nearest Blackmagic Design support office.

Checking the Software Version Currently Installed
To check which version of Blackmagic Converters Setup software is installed on your computer, open the About Blackmagic Converters Setup window.

On Mac OS, open Blackmagic Converters Setup from the Applications folder. Select About Blackmagic Converters Setup from the application menu to reveal the version number.
On Windows, open Blackmagic Converters Setup from your Start menu. Click on the Help menu and select About Blackmagic Converters Setup to reveal the version number.

How to Get the Latest Software Updates
After checking the version of Blackmagic Converters Setup software installed on your computer, please visit the Blackmagic Design support center at www.blackmagicdesign.com/support to check for the latest updates. While it is usually a good idea to run the latest updates, it is wise to avoid updating any software if you are in the middle of an important project.

Regulatory Notices

Disposal of Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment Within the European Union.
The symbol on the product indicates that this equipment must not be disposed of with other waste materials. In order to dispose of your waste equipment, it must be handed over to a designated collection point for recycling. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city recycling office or the dealer from whom you purchased the product.

Symbol This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a comme cial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energyand, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this product in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at personal expense.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Connection to HDMI interfaces must be made with high quality shielded HDMI cables

R-R-BMD-20221125001

ISED Canada Statement

This device complies with Canadian standards for Class A digital apparatus.

Any modifications or use of this product outside its intended use could void compliance to these standards.

Connection to HDMI interfaces must be made with high quality shielded HDMI cables.

This equipment has been tested for compliance with the intended use in a commercial environment. If the equipment is used in a domestic environment, it may cause radio interference.

Safety Information

This equipment is suitable for use in tropical locations with an ambient temperature of up to 40ºC.

Use only at altitudes not more than 2000m above sea level.

No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to your local Blackmagic Design service centre.

State of California statement
This product can expose you to chemicals such as trace amounts of polybrominated biphenyls within plastic parts, which is known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Singapore Notice
The power adapter supplied with your Blackmagic Design equipment has interchangeable plugs to suit the mains socket outlets in a number of countries. Each plug marked with the model numbers APD2-UK or APD2-EU are approved and suitable for use in Singapore.

Warranty

12 Month Limited Warranty
Blackmagic Design warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. If a product proves to be defective during this warranty period, Blackmagic Design, at its option, either will repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the defective product. In order to obtain service under this warranty, you the Customer, must notify Blackmagic Design of the defect before the expiration of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the performance of service. The Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the defective product to a designated service center nominated by Blackmagic Design, with shipping charges pre paid. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, insurance, duties, taxes, and any other charges for products returned to us for any reason.

This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate maintenance and care. Blackmagic Design shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty: a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel other than Blackmagic

Design representatives to install, repair or service the product, b) to repair damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment, c) to repair any damage or malfunction caused by the use of non Blackmagic Design parts or supplies, or d) to service a product that has been modified or integrated with other products when the effect of such a modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the product.

THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY BLACKMAGIC DESIGN IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. BLACKMAGIC DESIGN AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. BLACKMAGIC DESIGN’S RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE WHOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER BLACKMAGIC DESIGN OR THE VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. BLACKMAGIC DESIGN IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY ILLEGAL USE OF EQUIPMENT BY CUSTOMER. BLACKMAGIC IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM USE OF THIS PRODUCT. USER OPERATES THIS PRODUCT AT OWN RISK.

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