KTRL Media uses Blackmagic cameras together with an ATEM mixer

The production company KTRL Media uses an ATEM Television Studio HD8 ISO mixer and the Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro model from Blackmagic Design when broadcasting live and making studio productions, as well as DaVinci Resolve Studio, the editing, grading, visual effects and audio post-production program for editing and finalizing the material.

Conceived as a new type of production company, KTRL is considered a company with the capacity to produce content in various formats for modern creatives. “The models, distribution and ways of creating are constantly changing,” says the creative director. Eugene Michael Santiago. “KTRL maintains that art consumed in the form of content is just an exclusive moment that in an instant can become inclusive, thanks to today's technology.”

Henry Zaballos, the company's technical producer and director of photography, developed the system to be a versatile and efficient production space. “The intention is to produce a wide range of audiovisual material, whether recorded or for live broadcast. Right now, this ranges from comedy shows and live music to cooking and hosting shows, as well as podcasts and live events,” says Zaballos. “We want to offer services for unique recording and broadcasting contexts of various kinds, and also cover the video game industry and the specific environment it requires.”

An agile workflow

In order to achieve this, Zaballos created an optimal working system based on Blackmagic Design solutions, starting with a mixer ATEM Television Studio HD8 ISO. “Once I began to understand the range of our technical requirements, I quickly came to the conclusion that only Blackmagic Design equipment, particularly the ATEM line of mixers, would provide a suitable solution,” added Zaballos. “In my experience working with multiple cameras in traditional cinematography, it always takes more staff than we wanted at KTRL. Our goal is to be agile and modify the design of our system with a small budget.”

In addition to the mixer, Santiago is very pleased with the ability to record both the main signal and each of the isolated signals separately and obtain a project file of DaVinci Resolve with said contents. “The ability to record isolated signals in these types of projects has saved us countless hours of editing, which is impressive,” says Zaballos. “At the same time, the integration of DaVinci Resolve with this functionality only superficially shows how this system will impact the dynamization of our work.”

The KTRL Media system includes three Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro units y una Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. Likewise, Zaballos opted for a device ATEM Microphone Converter, which allows you to obtain signals in MADI format from the four analog XLR connections. “This particular device has allowed me to use just one cable to transmit MADI signals to the studio dedicated to podcast production. “Once I fully understood the potential of this product, it made my life easier,” adds Zaballos.

The company's ambitious plans to expand content creation and delivery are now more efficient thanks to Blackmagic Design products. “As we begin to cover concerts, comedy shows, video game competitions and live podcasts, Blackmagic Design's team-based workflow will help us deliver unparalleled content to audiences,” says Santiago. “The exclusivity of being part of an event with your favorite artists and video game players makes this even more inclusive. Without a doubt, it is the most amazing thing I have seen in such a fast and affordable package. “I am beyond impressed and extremely happy with the versatility and capabilities of Blackmagic Design products.”

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