Blackmagic Design ATEM Constellation 8K – 12G-SDI Live Switcher

Product Overview

The Blackmagic Design ATEM Constellation 8K is a 12G-SDI live production switcher in a 2RU chassis that handles 4K natively and supports full 8K. It provides 40 12G-SDI inputs with two main and 24 AUX 12G-SDI outputs, a per-input standards converter, 16 keyers, four DVEs, and a built-in Fairlight audio mixer. As a 40-input 12G-SDI switcher with a front-panel control surface and LCD, it suits large multi-camera live productions. A full spec sheet is available.

Product Description

The Constellation 8K is a multi-camera 4K/8K production switcher that scales from Ultra HD to native 8K. Forty 12G-SDI inputs each include a standards converter, so sources of different formats can be switched seamlessly, and 24 AUX 12G-SDI outputs provide flexible routing. In Ultra HD it offers 16 upstream and four downstream ATEM Advanced keyers; switch to 8K and you retain four full-resolution 8K keyers, with native 8K transitions (mix, dip, wipe) plus DVE transitions for graphic wipes and stingers. The built-in Fairlight audio mixer supports up to 156 channels — 80 de-embedded from SDI plus analog, talkback, and media-player channels — each with 6-band parametric EQ, compressor, limiter, expander, noise gate, and panning, controllable from ATEM Software Control, a Mackie-compatible panel, or a Fairlight console. A media pool with media players holds up to 24 full-resolution 8K stills (or 64 in UHD/HD). Control is via front pushbuttons, the free ATEM Software Control (which also reaches camera control, audio, macros, and HyperDeck recorders), or an optional hardware panel, and built-in talkback uses a front 5-pin XLR or rear RJ12. Redundant IEC power inputs support mission-critical use.

Key Features

• 4K native, 8K capable — Switches Ultra HD natively and supports full 8K production.
• 40 × 12G-SDI in, 24 AUX + 2 main out — Large 10-bit I/O with a standards converter on every input.
• 16 keyers (4 in 8K) — ATEM Advanced chroma/luma keying with color picker, edge/flare control, and foreground color correction.
• Native 8K transitions and DVEs — Mix, dip, wipe, and DVE transitions, including stingers from the media players.
• Fairlight audio mixer — Up to 156 channels with per-channel EQ, dynamics, and panning; MADI-capable workflows.
• Media pool and players — Stores broadcast-quality RGBA stills and animations played as extra sources.
• Professional talkback — Front 5-pin XLR and rear RJ12, plus mix-minus support.
• Flexible control — Front panel with LCD, free ATEM Software Control, or optional hardware panel.
• Redundant power — Two IEC C14 inputs in a quiet 2RU chassis.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio — Large multi-camera 4K/8K switching with full keying and Fairlight audio.
• Auditorium — High-input-count live events with multiview monitoring.
• House of worship — Multi-camera services and events with talkback and graphics.
• Government space — Chamber and venue production with redundant power and SDI routing.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it do native 8K?
Yes. It switches 4K natively and supports full 8K, retaining four full-resolution 8K ATEM Advanced keyers and native 8K transitions in 8K mode.

How many inputs and outputs does it have?
40 12G-SDI inputs, plus two main and 24 AUX 12G-SDI outputs, with a standards converter on each input.

What audio capability is built in?
A Fairlight mixer supporting up to 156 channels, with per-channel 6-band EQ, compressor, limiter, expander, noise gate, and panning.

How is it controlled?
Via the front pushbutton panel and LCD, the free ATEM Software Control for macOS/Windows, or an optional hardware panel; talkback connects over front 5-pin XLR or rear RJ12.