SDI Talkback ATEM TV Studio 4k8 and BMSC 6k Pro

Hello, we have a problem with the BM Studio Camera 6K Pro and the ATEM Television Studio 4K8. We have the cameras connected via double SDI input and output (newly purchased high-quality 4K cables). The camera signal is correct, and the control, tally, and return are also functioning properly. The issue lies with the intercom system. We want to use the talkback system integrated into the ATEM. For this, we have headsets with microphones via TRRS minijack connected to the cameras, and another one with similar features connected to the switcher via TRRS to XLR 5-pin adapter. We’ve checked the pinout of the adapter and it matches the TRRS specifications from Hollyland (manufacturer of the headsets) and Blackmagic. When everything is connected and the TALK button is pressed on the switcher, the operators can hear the director, but there is a lot of background noise. However, when the operators speak, neither the director hears them nor can they hear each other. Is there any specific setting that needs to be activated on the switcher or the camera to enable a simple intercom system between the director and the operators? We don't need multiple engineering channels or anything like that, we just need the director to communicate with the operators and vice versa. What are we doing wrong? Thanks.

maybe any problem with powering microphones in headsets ..

We have trying a lot of headsets: Hollyland headsets, Trrs Gaming headset, Phone headset... and nothing. Here is the diagram of our XLR to TRRS adaptor: Pin 1 in TRRS (Left) to pin 4 in XLR. Pin 2 in TRRS (Right) to 5. Pin 3 (Ground) to 3. And Pin 4 (Mic) to 3. Isn't correct? Should operators be able to talk to each other even if the director's headset is disconnected?

Ok, update. The adapter was poorly soldered. We had soldered the microphone to the Mic- pin instead of the Mic+, which is the correct one. Now it works fine; when connecting the Hollyland headsets to the mixer, the operators can hear both the program feed and the director perfectly. But I still have some questions. Is it possible to disable the program feed in the camera operators’ headsets so that they can hear the director but not the program feed? I’ve tried everything configurable and there’s no way. And what's even more important: how can I make it so that the director can hear what the operators are saying? Nothing is reaching the mixer from the operators' intercoms. I’ve checked the ATEM Software Control and no communications are muted, and I’m out of ideas on what else to try...

"Ok, new update. Even stranger. By connecting Apple headphones to the Blackmagic cameras, we can hear the operator from the control room. However, the 'Local Effect' setting doesn’t work, and the operator always hears themselves. The really strange part is that the pinout of the Apple headphones and the Hollyland headphones is exactly the same: Mic, Ground, Right, Left, according to the specifications from Hollyland and Apple."

[Gary Adams]

Some notes here. If wired correctly the TRRS 3.5mm Headset connection on the Studio Cameras will function properly with the Talkback system. In the camera you have controls over Headset level, Microphone level, Sidetone (mix minus of microphone) level and Program Mix which may be turned all the way down if you don't want to hear it. If making an adapter, make sure the following is used. Tip=Left, Ring1 = Right, Ring2 = Ground (both mic and headset), and Sleeve is Mic +. You can assign a function key to toggle or engage the microphone i the Setup menu. This all works the same using the industry standard 5 Pin XLR on the camera for Talkback. I hope this helps.

Gary

Thank you very much! That was the problem. We didn't have any customizable button assigned to the communication system. Once we assigned it, it worked. The only thing that still doesn't work is the "Local Effect" slider. While in the control room, the director stops hearing their own microphone when adjusting the slider (as it should be), when lowering the slider on each camera, the operators can still hear their own voice, even when it's set to the minimum.

[Gary Adams]

In the cameras the side tone control doesn’t completely remove the microphone audio from the headset. Many users like to hear a little of their voice as confidence the microphone is enabled.

Gary