The Best Production Switchers (2023 Update)
This is a complete list of video production switchers and vision mixers I use and trust for live streaming, corporate events, church services, concerts, sports, and multicam productions.
In this guide you'll find:
Let's get started...
Production Switchers
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Best Overall Production Switcher
Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio HD8
Get Price at AmazonBlackmagic Design combined the best of the ATEM Television Studio Pro HD and the best of the ATEM Mini series to give us this all new powerhouse.
And buckle up for the list of highlights, because it's a DOOZY!
It offers:
- 8 x 3G-SDI inputs, each with standards conversion and re-sync
- 9 x 3G-SDI program outputs
- 2 x 3G-SDI aux outputs
- 1 x multiview output via both 3G-SDI and HDMI
- 6 x keyers (4 upstream and 2 downstream)
- 1 x SuperSource
- Full hardware control surface
- Internal live stream RTMP encoding
- Master program recording via USB-C to external drives
- USB-C webcam output
- Reference input and output
- Timecode input and output
- Redundant power
- 2 x XLR analog audio inputs
- 2 x RCA analog audio inputs
- 4 channels of embedded audio on all SDI inputs
- 32 channels of MADI audio input and output
- 58 total channels of audio mixing
- Audio effects including 6 band parametric EQ, expander, gate, compressor, and limiter
- A new modular card design making repair much easier on the end user
I could keep going, but I think you get the point by now.
This unit packs a punch! 💥🥊
Additional Models
Want ISO recording for every input in addition to master program recording?
Want 4K capability?
Then check out the rest of the current Television Studio lineup:
Pros
- An all-in-one switching, streaming, and recording solution that actually does everything well
- Modular card replacement means some repairs are finally possible for most users
- Blackmagic's strong ecosystem
Cons
- Master program recording is only possible in low-bandwidth H.264
- No support for standard definition formats
- No HDMI inputs (computers will need to be scaled and converted properly before going in via SDI)
| Video I/O |
8 x 3G-SDI inputs with standards conversion and re-sync 9 x 3G-SDI PGM outputs 2 x 3G-SDI AUX outputs 1 x 3G-SDI multiview output 1 x HDMI multiview output (Type A - Full Size) |
|---|---|
| Audio I/O |
2 x XLR balanced analog audio inputs 2 x RCA stereo analog audio inputs 1 x BNC MADI digital audio input (32 channels) 4 channels of embedded audio on every SDI input 4 x 1/4-inch analog audio outputs 1 x BNC MADI digital audio output (up to 50 active channels) 2 channels of embedded audio on every SDI output |
| Other I/O |
4 x RJ45 ports with internet network switch (supports 10/100/1000 BASE-T) 2 x USB-C ports (software control, webcam output, external drive recording, and updates) 1 x RJ-12 port (supports RS-422 remote control) 1 x BNC timecode input 1 x BNC reference input 1 x BNC timecode output 1 x BNC reference output |
| Input Formats | 720p, 1080i, or 1080p SMPTE broadcast formats |
| Output Formats | 720p, 1080i, or 1080p SMPTE broadcast formats |
| Multiviewers | 1 (same for both 3G-SDI and HDMI outputs) |
| Recording | 2 x USB-C supports USB 2.0 for external media to direct record a single H.264 MP4 file at the streaming quality setting and at the ATEM video standard with AAC audio |
| Streaming | 1 x stream using Real Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) over ethernet or a shared mobile internet connection over USB‑C |
Best Value Production Switcher
Blackmagic ATEM 2 M/E Constellation HD
Get Price at AmazonWith the most I/O money can buy today, the ATEM 2 M/E Constellation HD hits a huge sweet spot that covers many situations.
Notable highlights include:
- 2 independent M/Es, each with multiple keyers and DVEs
- 20 x 3G-SDI inputs, each including standards conversion and re-sync
- 12 x 3G-SDI independently assignable aux outputs
- 2 independent multiviewers, each with multiple window configurations
- USB-C webcam output
Just to give you an idea of how much you get for your money with this switcher: you would have previously had to spend nearly three times more on an ATEM to get even close to the same amount of I/O. And you still would only have gotten about half as many aux outputs!
You can essentially consider this a full 2 M/E switcher PLUS a 20x10 router all in one unit.
I mean... 🤯
If you are looking for a highly versatile switcher with gobs of I/O (have I mentioned that yet?), look no further!
Additional Models
Want more or less I/O?
Want 4K or even 8K capability?
Then check out the rest of the current Constellation lineup:
- Blackmagic ATEM 1 M/E Constellation HD
- Blackmagic ATEM 4 M/E Constellation HD
- Blackmagic ATEM 4 M/E Constellation 4K
- Blackmagic ATEM Constellation 8K
Pros
- A plethora of I/O for the price
- Every output is an aux
- 2 independent multiviewers
- Blackmagic's strong ecosystem
Cons
- No control surface
- No HDMI inputs (computers will need to be scaled and converted properly before going in via SDI)
- No external timecode support
| Video I/O |
20 x 3G-SDI inputs with standards conversion and re-sync 12 x 3G-SDI independent assignable outputs 2 x 3G-SDI dedicated multiview outputs |
|---|---|
| Audio I/O |
2 x 1/4-inch analog audio inputs 2 channels of embedded audio per SDI input |
| Other I/O |
1 x USB-C port (software control, webcam output, external drive recording, and updates) 1 x BNC reference input 1 x RJ45 Ethernet port (control) 1 x RJ45 talkback port 1 x XLR 5-pin talkback port |
| Input Formats | 720p, 1080i, or 1080p SMPTE broadcast formats |
| Output Formats | 720p, 1080i, or 1080p SMPTE broadcast formats |
| Multiviewers | 2 |
| Recording | N/A |
| Streaming | N/A |
| Recommended Control Surfaces |
Best Budget Production Switcher
Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro
Get Price at AmazonIf you only consider the cost per input and output, the ATEM Mini Pro is already near the top. But once you add internal recording and live streaming capabilities then you get the absolute best bang for the buck by a long shot.
Blackmagic simply nailed it with this box, there is no denying it.
It's like the tech version of the Costco hot dog. IYKYK. Hallelujah, amen! 🙌
It offers:
- 4 x HDMI inputs, each with re-sync as well as frame rate and format conversion
- 1 x HDMI aux output that can be used for program, preview, or multiview
- Internal live stream RTMP encoding
- Master program recording via USB-C to external drives
- USB-C webcam output
- Hardware control surface with access to most features and sources
- 2 x 3.5mm stereo analog audio inputs
- 2 channels of embedded audio on all HDMI inputs
And all for such a staggeringly low price!
This unit is a great fit for smaller low-budget productions, classrooms, conference rooms, personal streaming systems, and more.
Just be sure to give it ample space and air flow, and place it on a raised stand or a cooling pad if possible.
IMPORTANT: I only recommend the ATEM Mini Pro if your final destinations are live streaming and/or recording. If you use the only HDMI output for a preview or multiview (which I recommend doing), then you will not have the ability to simultaneously get a local program video output. So if you ever anticipate needing to send a program feed to local displays for things like IMAG (live video shown on screens in the same room as the action), overflow venues, a hardware video recorder, or digital signage then this will not be a good fit.
IMPORTANT: I also do not recommend using HDMI extenders at all with these switchers. There are way too many issues with extenders using the wrong color space and not conforming to other standards. Therefore, I recommend keeping HDMI cables short (ideally 10'/3m or less), using AOC (fiber optic) HDMI cables for anything over 15'/5m, or converting to/from SDI for long cable runs (see my list of recommended SDI converters here and my list of recommended SDI cables here).
Additional Models
Want more I/O?
Want ISO recording for every input in addition to master program recording?
Then check out the rest of the current ATEM Mini lineup:
Pros
- Price
- Frame rate and format conversion on every input
- Physical control surface doesn't require constant computer and software control use to do most tasks
- Blackmagic's strong ecosystem
Cons
- Only one video output
- Output, streaming, and recording is limited to 1080p formats only
- Lower cost = slightly less reliability
| Video I/O |
4 x HDMI inputs with standards conversion and re-sync (Type A - Full Size) 1 x HDMI output (Type A - Full Size) |
|---|---|
| Audio I/O |
2 x 3.5mm stereo unbalanced analog audio inputs 2 channels of embedded audio per HDMI input |
| Other I/O |
1 x RJ45 Ethernet port (control and streaming) 1 x USB-C port (software control, webcam output, external drive recording, panel connection, and updates) |
| Input Formats | 720p, 1080i, or 1080p SMPTE broadcast formats and computer input resolutions |
| Output Formats | 1080p SMPTE broadcast formats only |
| Multiviewers | 1 |
| Recording | 1 x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 expansion port for external media to direct record a single H.264 MP4 file with AAC audio at the ATEM video standard |
| Streaming | 1 x stream using Real Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) over ethernet or a shared mobile internet connection over USB‑C |
Best Premium Production Switcher
Ross Carbonite Ultra Series
Learn More at RossVideo.comIn all honesty, I could stick almost any of the production switchers from the major broadcast brands like Ross, Grass Valley, Sony, Panasonic, and For-A in this spot.
But, let's be real... If you're reading this list then there's a pretty high likelihood you're not dealing with a 5-figure or 6-figure line item in your budget just for a switcher. If you are though, here's to you! 🍻
However, if you are working with a low 5-figure budget, and want a bit more polish and reliability than the rest of this list, then the Ross Carbonite Ultra is just about the best bang for the buck out there.
Pros
- Reliability
- Versatility
- Ross' top-notch customer support
Cons
- Price point puts it out of reach of many budgets
- Significant learning curve for new users
| Video I/O |
24 x 3G-SDI inputs (SD/HD model) 18 x 12G-SDI inputs (UHD model) 10 x 3G-SDI assignable outputs (SD/HD model) 10 x 12G-SDI assignable outputs (UHD model) 2 x 3G-SDI dedicated multiviewer outputs (SD/HD model) 1 x 12G-SDI dedicated multiviewer output (UHD model) |
|---|---|
| Audio I/O |
RAVE Audio enables audio mixing and processing capabilities including: 16 embedded audio channels per SDI input/output Up to 24 analog audio inputs with external breakout modules (3G-SDI only) Up to 15 analog audio outputs with external breakout modules (3G-SDI only) Up to 3 AES Stereo audio inputs with external breakout modules (3G-SDI only) Up to 3 AES Stereo audio outputs with external breakout modules (3G-SDI only) |
| Other I/O |
1 x BNC reference input 1 x BNC reference output 1 x RJ45 Ethernet port (control) 1 x RS-422 editor port 1 x XLR 5-pin talkback port |
| Input Formats | 480i, 576i, 720p, 1080i, 1080PsF, 1080p, or 2160p SMPTE broadcast formats |
| Output Formats | 480i, 576i, 720p, 1080i, 1080PsF, 1080p, or 2160p SMPTE broadcast formats |
| Multiviewers |
4 (SD/HD model - up to 16 windows each) 2 (UHD model - up to 16 windows each) |
| Recording | N/A |
| Streaming | N/A |
Best Budget SDI Production Switcher
Blackmagic ATEM SDI Pro ISO
Get Price at AmazonIf you find yourself needing more reliable SDI capability over the HDMI-only ATEM Mini series, but also don't quite need all the ATEM Constellation HD series has to offer (or have the budget for it), then allow me to introduce to you the ATEM SDI series...
Think of this as the ATEM Mini Pro ISO's big brother that works out and shaves.
Instead of HDMI, it offers all SDI inputs and outputs. And, because SDI BNC ports take up less space than full size HDMI ports, Blackmagic went ahead and threw in an extra SDI output for good measure. That alone is a big deal, and automatically makes it just about the lowest cost option for IMAG situations.
And don't forget the internal live stream encoding, internal master program recording, and ISO recording for every input.
With all of that considered, this is one steal of a deal!
Additional Models
Want more I/O?
Don't need streaming or recording?
Then check out the rest of the current ATEM SDI lineup:
IMPORTANT: Be aware that the ATEM SDI model does not offer any streaming or recording capabilities. It only offers USB-C webcam output to a connected computer.
Pros
- SDI capability
- 2 independently assignable outputs means you can have a multiview as well as a simultaneous program or aux output
- ISO recording is a great feature for pre-recorded events that require post production
- Blackmagic's strong ecosystem
Cons
- No HDMI inputs (computers will need to be scaled and converted properly before going in via SDI)
- Output, streaming, and recording is limited to 1080p formats only
| Video I/O |
4 x 3G-SDI inputs with standards conversion and re-sync 2 x 3G-SDI independent assignable outputs 1 x USB-C webcam output (1080p at PGM frame rate) |
|---|---|
| Audio I/O |
2 x 3.5mm stereo unbalanced analog audio inputs 2 channels of embedded audio per SDI input |
| Other I/O |
1 x RJ45 Ethernet port (control and streaming) 1 x USB-C port (webcam output, external drive recording, software control, software updates, and panel connection) |
| Input Formats | 720p, 1080i, or 1080p SMPTE broadcast formats |
| Output Formats | 1080p SMPTE broadcast formats only |
| Multiviewers | 1 |
| Recording |
1 x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 expansion port for external media 1 x Program out as H.264 MP4 file at the Streaming quality setting and at the ATEM video standard with AAC audio 4 x SDI ISO inputs as H.264 MP4 files at up to 70Mb/s quality at the ATEM video standard with AAC audio 12 x audio channels recorded as separate 24‑bit 48KHz WAV files (2 x analog stereo inputs and 4 x stereo SDI embedded audio inputs) Program switching recorded as a DaVinci Resolve project .drp file |
| Streaming | 1 x stream using Real Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) over ethernet or a shared mobile internet connection over USB‑C |
Another Great HDMI Production Switcher
Roland V-8HD
Get Price at AmazonFor a long time Roland switchers could not be found on this site due to some glaring missteps - like a lack of support for 29.97 frame rates, for example. But thankfully Roland listened and delivered on these issues and continues to improve on their products.
Some notable highlights and perks include:
- Support for VESA formats on 2 of the HDMI inputs (no other switcher in this list can do this)
- Built-in screen can function as a program, preview, or multiview display in addition to menus
- The optional additional UVC-01 USB Video Capture interface provides a webcam output to a computer
- Native 1/4" control inputs allow control of over 100 different switcher commands via a single or double footswitch
- Audio sync delay for every audio channel
In addition to standard features like:
- 8 HDMI inputs (2 with format conversion and scaling)
- Dedicated aux output
- Multiviewer output with preview, program, and 8 source windows
- 18 channels of audio mixing
And, most of all, Roland offers rock solid build quality and reliability for the price.
Pros
- Reliability
- The only switcher in this list that supports native VESA input formats (e.g. 1024 x 768 or 1920 x 1200)
- Full control surface including T-bar
Cons
- No 10-bit video support
- Only 2 inputs offer format conversion and scaling
- Roland's ecosystem and software pale in comparison to Blackmagic's
| Video I/O |
6 x HDMI (Type A - Full Size) inputs 2 x HDMI (Type A - Full Size) inputs with multi-format support 3 x HDMI (Type A - Full Size) independently assignable outputs |
|---|---|
| Audio I/O |
2 x RCA unbalanced analog audio inputs (stereo pair) 2 x RCA unbalanced analog audio outputs (stereo pair) 1 x 3.5mm stereo analog headphone output 2 channels of embedded audio per HDMI input |
| Other I/O |
2 x 1/4" phono ports for external control and expression pedals 1 x USB port (Type A) for loading still images 1 x USB port (Type B) for remote control |
| Input Formats |
720p, 1080i, or 1080p SMPTE broadcast formats (inputs 1-6) 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, or 1080p SMPTE broadcast formats, 640×480 at 60Hz, 800×600 at 60Hz, 1024×768 at 60Hz, 1280×800 at 60Hz, 1280×1024 at 60Hz, 1366×768 at 60Hz, 1400×1050 at 60Hz, 1600×1200 at 60Hz, and 1920×1200 at 60Hz (inputs 7-8) |
| Output Formats |
720p, 1080i, or 1080p SMPTE broadcast formats (outputs 1-2) 1080p SMPTE broadcast formats (output 3) |
| Multiviewers | 1 |
| Recording | N/A |
| Streaming | N/A |
Another Great Premium Production Switcher
Panasonic KAIROS
Learn More at Panasonic.comWith SMPTE ST 2110 growing and IP solutions obviously being the future for nearly all AV infrastructure, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the new KAIROS platform from Panasonic.
With an IP-first approach, it starts with the KAIROS core server. With native ST 2110 support, you can build a full IP system out of the box. Or, if you want to incorporate baseband sources as well, you can add SDI via an I/O extension upgrade.
Overall, the system is extremely versatile, nimble, and poised to take on the new era of IP production.
While it might not be a great fit for many today, it is something to keep an eye on as we continue to see ST 2110 grow.
Pros
- Native ST 2110 support
- Extremely versatile and customizable
Cons
- IP production is still in its infancy and has little support
- Significant networking and IT knowledge and skills required
- Price point is still in the premium range for most
| Video I/O |
Each KAIROS Core has a maximum simultaneous input set by the IP network bandwidth. 32 x 3Gbps inputs, 8 x 12Gbps inputs, or any combination of these (for a 100Gb KAIROS Core) |
|---|---|
| Audio I/O | 16 channel audio mixer extension available |
| Other I/O | Additional I/O dependent on KAIROS Core model and extensions |
| Input Formats |
Up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps (Supported formats dependent on KAIROS Core model and extensions) |
| Output Formats |
Up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps (Supported formats dependent on KAIROS Core model and extensions) |
| Multiviewers |
Up to 36 windows (KAIROS Core 100) (Additional multiviewers and features dependent on KAIROS Core model and extensions) |
| Recording |
Yes (Recording capabilities dependent on KAIROS Core model and extensions) |
| Streaming |
Yes (Streaming capabilities dependent on KAIROS Core model and extensions) |
Why You Can Trust Me
I started my career over 23 years ago as a freelance camera operator for broadcast television networks including ABC, FOX Sports, and Speed Channel. I quickly moved to other roles including jib/crane operator, engineer, technical director, and director. Since then I have designed, built, and maintained hundreds of video systems ranging from small flypacks to large broadcast studios. Additionally, I have spent the last decade running this website and consulting with organizations to help them find the right gear and maximize their results. Learn more about Joel