Blackmagic Design ATEM 4 M/E Advanced Panel 40

Blackmagic Design ATEM 4 M/E Advanced Panel 40

The Blackmagic Design ATEM 4 M/E Advanced Panel 40 is the largest and most powerful hardware control surface in the ATEM lineup. Specifically engineered to match the massive I/O of the ATEM Constellation 8K and 4 M/E Constellation 4K/HD switchers, it provides enough physical surface area to manage complex, high-pressure live broadcasts without constantly switching banks or menus.

Core Functionality

• Massive Switching Surface: Features 4 independent M/E rows, each with 40 dedicated input buttons. This allows a lead TD (Technical Director) to see and switch nearly every source in a 40-input switcher simultaneously.

• Quad System Control: Unlike smaller panels that share one screen, this model has 4 independent system control LCDs (one for each M/E row). This allows different parts of the switcher (e.g., Keyers on M/E 1 and DVE on M/E 2) to be adjusted simultaneously by multiple operators.

• Extensive Labeling: Includes 24 high-resolution LCDs for dynamic button labeling. You can customize the text, background color, and icons for every source and macro, ensuring clarity in low-light control rooms.

Key Controls

• 4 Precision Fader Bars: One for each M/E row, allowing for manual control of wipes, fades, and complex transitions across multiple mix-effects banks at once.

• 3-Axis Joystick: Used for real-time positioning of DVE effects, sizing of PIPs (Picture-in-Pictures), and adjusting wipe patterns or camera PTZ controls.

• 160 Macro Buttons: With 40 dedicated macro buttons per row, you can trigger complex sequences of commands (e.g., "Intro Animation" or "Six-Box Layout") with a single press.

• Dedicated Keyer Controls: Physical buttons for Upstream and Downstream Keyers allow you to instantly tie, preview, or cut keys on and off-air.

Technical Specifications

Operational Insight

The "Panel 40" is designed for top-tier broadcast environments—stadiums, major network news, and large-scale award shows. Its primary advantage is its physical width. At nearly 44 inches wide, it provides a layout that matches the mental map of a high-end switcher, reducing the risk of "finger fumbles" that can happen on smaller, more cramped panels.

Multi-User Workflow: Because it features four independent Ethernet loops and four separate control LCDs, this panel is often used by two operators simultaneously. One operator might handle the main program cut on the bottom row, while a second operator handles sub-mixes or social media feeds on the upper rows.

Are you looking to integrate this into a rack-mount desk or a custom flight case for mobile production?