When it’s time to level up your live stream from one camera to more than one camera, your production setup adds an additional piece of equipment: video mixer. A video Mixer allows you to bring in multiple feeds (camera, audio, graphics etc) and choose which feed to send live at any given moment.
Types of Video Mixer
Hardware Video Mixer
Hardware video mixers are physical boxes on them that take in video feeds via direct HDMI or SDI inputs and offer a control panel with buttons to switch between feeds and add production elements.
Software Video Mixer
Software video mixers, on the other hand, take video camera feeds into a computer using a video capture card and allow you to switch and add production elements on a computer.
Both hardware and software video mixers can be great options depending on your workflow and needs. However, we often tend to recommend hardware video mixers more often, because a production setup that does not require a computer is one that is less likely to fall prey to complication and mishaps. That’s just our opinion though.
Top 3 Video Mixers for Beginners
- 4 HDMI Inputs
- 1 HDMI out for program or multiview
- 1080p full HD Resolution
- 2x3.5mm for great audio
- extensive transition effects
- Supersource PinP
- Upstream & Downstream key
- Live streaming with USB-C
- 4G mobile connection
- 3 HDMI Inputs, 1 SDI input
- 2 HDMI out for program and multiview
- T-bar control
- 1080p full HD Resolution
- 2x3.5mm for great audio
- extensive transition effects
- Supersource PinP
- Super cleam Chroma key
- Add logos and subtitles
- Record program video directly
- Live streaming with USB-C
- Built-in H.264 encoding
- 4G/5G wireless dongle connection
- 4 HDMI Inputs
- Supports up to Full HD 1080p
- Full 12-channel audio mixer included
- Two HDMI outputs
- PinP and split functions
- Two EFFECTS knobs deliver genuine visual performance
- Remote control via USB or MIDI connection
- Software control using V-1HD RCS Application for Mac, PC, and iPad
Best Software Video Mixer
- Unlimited inputs
- Unlimited Destination Outputs
- 2 remote guests via Wirecast Rendezvous conferencing
- 4096 x 3072 max resolution
- 5 Main Mixing layers
- Integrated text, Chroma Key and built-in transitions
- Advanced audio mixer
- Social media integration
Final Thoughts & Further Reading
Video mixers are just one way to take basic live streams to the next level. If you’re ready for more broadcast-boosting equipment recommendations, check out below posts.
