academy | Podcasting
Plug in and play
couple of cameras, some microphones and a few lights might be enough to start a video podcast. But how do
mixed output fed into the video system. Headphones are essential for monitoring, while a separate display showing all camera feeds makes it easier to spot problems before appearing in the finished recording. Switching made simple One of the most capable solutions is Blackmagic Design’s Atem Mini Extreme ISO G2. It accepts eight HDMI camera feeds and provides three independently configurable HDMI outputs, allowing connection of a multiview monitor and programme display. It also has professional XLR audio connections, built-in streaming, CFexpress recording and ISO capture of all eight HDMI inputs. ISO means isolated recording. Rather than saving only the live-switched programme, the system records individual camera feeds, giving you the freedom to change angles afterwards. Blackmagic’s free Atem Software Control for both Mac and Windows provides access to switching, audio, graphics, transitions and various camera settings. Compatible
you actually connect everything together, switch between camera angles, record the results and perhaps stream the whole show live? The secret is understanding which devices do what, then building a system that suits your ambitions. The simplest multicamera set-up starts with two or three cameras connected via HDMI cables to a video switcher. This is the central hub that receives the camera feeds and lets you choose which angle your audience sees. A typical arrangement might include one camera on the presenter, another on the guest and a third capturing a wide shot. The switcher combines these into a finished programme feed, which can be recorded or streamed. Most mirrorless cameras can provide a clean HDMI output without menus or exposure information. Set them to a matching frame rate, commonly 25p for UK productions, and use manual white-balance and exposure to keep the images consistent. Audio is equally important. Microphones can connect directly to a suitably equipped production console or to a separate mixer, such as the Rodecaster Pro II, with the
A multicamera set-up starts with cameras connected via HDMI to a video switcher
Panel beaters A Blackmagic Atem Mini Extreme ISO (above) is a great
video switcher, while the Rodecaster Video Core (left) works best when plugged into an audio unit like this Rodecaster Duo
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November/December 2026
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