TRDR: If you want an HDMI video mixer and cannot afford a Roland or even a used Blackmagic Design (BMD) mixer, then this is the only option I’m aware of. So buy it, but if I had the option, I’d take the Roland 2 channel or BMD mixer over this.
Note: I bought this mixer out of my pocket ($299.00) and ultimately sent it back. I have a Roland V-1HD which has important features (for me) over this model. I don’t normally post reviews, but I wanted to share my experience with it for those who are interested. It seems that all of the “reviews” I could find online are championing this device without mentioning its flaws. Hope you find this useful. -Thanks
PROS:
- Accepts a wide range of video inputs, outputs as high as 1080p60. (Mixes HDCP & Non-HDCP Content).
- Switches between 4 different HDMI inputs, and scales them to output resolution.
- LCD Preview screen is a welcomed addition.
- USB 3.0 UVC device capture. (Captures HDCP content)
- LAN port for ethernet control (limited use case for most, but if you have PTZ cameras, this might be desirable).
- No internal fan, no noise! (The Roland is loud by comparison).
- Solid exterior construction, good weight.
CONS:
- While the screw in DC power connector is awesome, mine did not sit in tight enough, giving me a false sense of security. There’s no power button on this device. And even with the barrel connector screwed all the way in, I could wiggle the cable out a millimeter or two, which caused the device to power off. (quality control)
- The LCD interface uses a light blue color (over top of a white color) to indicate you’ve selected a specific FX or PIP mode. Who in their right might would think this was a good color combination? You can’t see what you’ve selected. Even with good eyesight. Hopefully, they update their device and change the color to red or green, or anything, but light blue.
- The slider is going to break. Trust me, I’ve handled (and mishandled) dozens of midi controllers, and I know a flimsy slider when I felt it. If I moved to fast (or erratic) the slider didn’t pick up the position change. There were plenty of times I slid the slider 100% across to its limit, but the visuals only showed a 90% transition. Id then move it back and forward slower for it to transition the final 10%. Needless to say, the slider position is not accurate.
- Delay. There is a noticeable delay between cross fades, and even more so with other built-in FX. What ever processor they used to handle the video blending is slow compared to other brands. But if you’re ok with an almost 100ms delay (depending on the FX), then go for it. Like I said, there are few options on the market that do this and at such a cheap price, it’s hard to compete with.
- There was a screw loose inside my case. The packaging it arrived in was pre-opened despite it being a new unit. As for quality control (IDK?)…
- No internal fan? I like the idea of this, but it makes me wonder why Roland would have a loud fan in theirs? Will this video mix pass an endurance test? Is the weaker performance keeping it cooler? Only time will tell, but I’m returning this one.
- Buttons do not always register press. Fine, you’ll just have to hit it twice.
- Quirky, but the slider has to be completely to one side or it registers and error when changing settings (T Bar Not Finished!)
- USB 3.0 A to A cable. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it can be very annoying. Plus, the cable is short.
- No separate HDMI for the Preview Output. There’s a preview monitor mode, but unless you buy two of these, it won’t do you much good. Roland has a dedicated HDMI output for preview that can also act as an HDMI splitter.
Conclusion:
I’d buy this if I needed it and didn’t have the money to buy a Roland or BMD. I’m definitely keeping an eye out to see if they make a newer version that fixes some of these issues. Or by then, maybe Roland will bring their price down and BMD will add a small LCD and fader to their mixer? (fingers crossed)
