Blackmagic ATEM Constellation 8K Multi-format Live Production Switcher

ATEM Constellation 8K The ATEM Constellation 8K is an ultra-high-density, multi-format live production switcher housed in a 2U rackmount chassis. Built to serve as the master core for large-scale broadcast flypacks, stadium productions, and OB trucks, it operates as a full-featured 4 M/E switcher in HD and Ultra HD modes, while combining processing blocks to run as a native 1 M/E 8K production switcher in 4320p. Multi-Format Input Density and Processing Pipeline The chassis provides 40 independent 12G-SDI inputs supporting signal rates up to 2160p60. When operating in 8K mode, these inputs are ganged into 10 Quad-Link 12G-SDI 8K inputs (4320p60). Every individual SDI input features a dedicated hardware frame rate and standards converter, allowing disparate video formats, refresh rates, and frame sizes to be ingested simultaneously without external frame sync hardware. For signal routing, the rear panel features 28 12G-SDI outputs, including 24 fully assignable auxiliary SDI outputs. In 8K mode, these reconfigure into 7 12G-SDI outputs (including 6 assignable 8K Aux feeds). Keying, DVE, and SuperSource Layering Visual composition capabilities scale based on operating resolution: In HD / Ultra HD Mode, the switcher delivers 4 Mix Effects rows, 16 ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers (4 per M/E), 4 Downstream Keyers, 4 independent 2D/3D DVE processors, and 2 dual-layer SuperSource multi-box engines. The internal media pool holds up to 64 stills and 400-frame motion graphic animations played across 4 media players. In Native 8K Mode, processing pipelines combine into a 1 M/E engine with 4 native 8K ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers, 2 8K Downstream Keyers, 1 8K 2D/3D DVE processor, and 1 native 8K SuperSource engine. The 8K media pool holds up to 24 full-resolution 8K stills and 100-frame 8K RGBA motion graphics. Monitoring includes 4 independent Ultra HD Multiview outputs (handling up to 64 custom windows) in HD/4K mode, which combine into a single native 8K Multiview output when processing 4320p signals. Embedded Audio and MADI Digital Interfacing Audio is processed by an internal Fairlight digital audio engine handling up to 156 input channels. The engine de-embeds 80 audio channels directly from the SDI inputs. Each channel strip includes 6-band parametric EQ, compressor, limiter, noise gate, expander, and panning controls. Dedicated physical audio connections include a 64-channel BNC MADI input and two 64-channel BNC MADI outputs, allowing direct digital audio trunking to external audio consoles. Balanced 6.35 mm TRS analogue audio I/O and a front-panel 5-pin XLR talkback headset connector complete the audio architecture. Technical Specification Overview Feature HD / Ultra HD Operation Native 8K Operation Video Inputs 40 x 12G-SDI 10 x Quad-Link 12G-SDI Total Video Outputs 28 x 12G-SDI (24 Assignable Aux) 7 x Quad-Link 12G-SDI (6 Aux) Mix Effects Banks 4 M/E Banks 1 M/E Bank Multiview Outputs 4 x Ultra HD (Up to 64 windows) 1 x Native 8K Multiview Advanced Chroma Keyers 16 Keyers 4 Native 8K Keyers DVE Processors 4 x 2D/3D DVE Engines 1 x Native 8K DVE Engine SuperSource Processors 2 x Independent Engines 1 x Native 8K Engine Audio Processing 156-Channel Fairlight Engine 156-Channel Fairlight Engine Digital Audio Expansion 1 x MADI In / 2 x MADI Out 1 x MADI In / 2 x MADI Out Chassis Form Factor 2U 19-inch Rackmount Frame 2U 19-inch Rackmount Frame See manufacturer website for specific product warranty information.