Blackmagic Forum

Would like to run this workflow by people to see if there are any pitfalls that are not obvious.

We want a 2 camera shoot (BMCC) for webcasts & using the software (wirecast) as a cheap software switcher solution.

Would this work:

1 x Thunderbolt version http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/ultrastudio/
1 x USB 3.0 version
1 x MacBook Pro
2 x BMCC w/ EF & Canon lenses
1 x Wirecast
2 x SSD
2 x Wireless LAV

Video:
BMCC are set to 24p.
HD-SDI signal sent to Ultrastudio boxes then fed to the laptop.
Wirecast reads both feeds and allows switching between the two.
Wirecast records the output, streaming when necessary or switching a two camera shoot for offline purposes.
BMCC also records to SSD for backup purposes.

Audio:
Breakout cable has 2 XLR inputs (L&R), connect wireless LAV to the L&R breakout cables to record audio in.

Has anyone found a slick solution for XLR input into the BMCC to carry audio to SSD & over HD-SDI?

It is understood that there may be quality loss from what the BMCC can do and what is recorded at the Wirecast end. However, a file compressed with Apple ProRes codec is still acceptable for our purposes and we will own two good cameras for other use.

Will the BMCC be compatible with the Ultrastudio in high def?

Anyone have any thoughts or insights on this workflow and elements involved?

When I used to use Wirecast I had audio split from a regular 8 channel audio mixer. It was a bulky setup but it allowed for 2 outputs.

In terms of the Ultrastudio Express, see viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5851 with Chris' comment "SDI and ThunderBolt both provide a 10bit Uncompressed stream of 1080p" which would be a non issue for Ultrastudio Express as an input

I doubt a Laptop could handle 2 SDI streams though.

Frank Glencairn wrote:I doubt a Laptop could handle 2 SDI streams though.

I was curious about that as well -- which is why I would not want to do two Ultrastudio devices on the same bus, such as x2 USB 3.0. I suspect that splitting between Thunderbolt & USB 3.0 should be fine in that respect but whether it is too taxing on the memory or processor is to be tested. I can only speculate how well wirecast would be able to handle two feeds at this point and I am not sure if it will fail or not.

Hi, I don't think the blackmagic usb3 devices work on OSX, they only work on WINDOWS.

Read the posts in more detail:

USB3 devices do not work on OSX (BM devices that is).
2 uncompressed ins on a MBPRo would most likely fail on wire cast (that is a guestimate)

Not sure exactly what location you are shooting, but assuming you have power.
Have had a bit of a think and think you are actually better with:
-ATEM TV Studio; plug both of the BMCC into them
-Ultrastudio Mini Recorder- Program out of the TVS into the mini recorder via SDI then thunderbolt to the mac
- HDMI screen for the multiview of the TVS (or SDI)
-audio into the TVS and then embed to the Program out; does not resolve the audio to the BMCC issue but if you have a mixer with aux out with 1/4" jack could run them to the cameras (and then not even run the mixer to the TVS) or if your wireless LAV has a 3.5mm out option, connect that to one of the BMCC via 3.5-jack adaptor. If you really wanted could then run 3.5 out of the camera to the jack in of the other. really depends how you want to do it!

Reasons:
-Slightly more expensive then 2 capture device system but only slightly
-Allows single vision stream to the mac, taking mac operational limitations out of the equation (in terms of accepting 2 High quality inputs)
-Can still use wirecast on the mac but can also capture a H.264 via USB from the TVS(does work on OSX unlike other capture devices as is USB2) which means do not necessarily need mini recorder/wirecast just depends what you want to do (and quality wise)
-Multiview monitor can see both cameras simultaneously
-Allows for expandability (2 more SDI or HDMI) in the future (6 inputs in total)
-Can still switch angles via the included software however would need connection between the two; can be ethernet or USB. Do not know what effect USB connection for control and capturing the H.264 simultaneously has

Consider something like a Gator rack case, mount the TVS in it and maybe get a Smartview HD(yes increases the cost) to use for the multiview screen also mounted in the case. Could also put the mixer in there, have all the leads pre attached and power into the case as well.

For USB 3.0, the Mac actually boots to Windows unless BM USB 3.0 does not work with Apple devices?

At any rate, Daniel's setup seems pretty fool proof, eliminating a few variables that could be costly.

Thanks!

I agree with Daniel...the ATEM TV Studio is a better fit for your intended use. Otherwise you're planning on building s system with a couple components being stretched to their limit. Recipe for disaster.

I suppose the A-Box is the best way for XLR input on the BMCC devices?

http://woodencamera.corecommerce.com/A-Box-BMC.html

I haven't seen a better input system yet but I am just starting to skim the surface on the audio side of this camera.