A new audio analog-to-digital converter, the ATEM Microphone Converter, has been introduced by Blackmagic Design. Designed for use with ATEM switcher models like the ATEM Television Studio HD8, this device simplifies adding additional microphones or external mixers through a MADI connection using a BNC cable.
Key Features and Specifications
The converter boasts an impressive low noise floor of -129dBV and a dynamic range of 131 dB(A), with minimal distortion at 0.002%. It includes HDMI monitoring output with scrolling waveform displays for easy audio level visualization.
Design and Functionality
The ATEM Microphone Converter supports up to four analog inputs, each selectable as microphone or line-level, and provides 48V phantom power. Its design eliminates the need for external preamplifiers by using eight high dynamic range ADCs per input channel.
This innovative approach ensures consistent performance across all channels, avoiding issues like noise floor modulation common in traditional designs. The converter can be daisy chained to support more than four audio channels on a single MADI link.
Monitoring and Control
The HDMI output provides real-time monitoring with scrolling waveform displays and level meters for each input channel, along with indicators for mic/line selection and phantom power settings. When daisy chaining converters, the monitoring display adapts to show channels from all connected units.
Availability
The ATEM Microphone Converter will be available in Q2 through Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide at a price of $395. It complements the company's existing range of audio and video solutions, enhancing flexibility for live production setups.