We’ve all seen the many mobile case solutions for the Black Magic Design (BMD) ATEM Mini, Mini Pro and ATEM Extreme. Many of these cases are based upon the popular plastic “Pelican®” style cases. Most of these cases involve taking a plastic carry case and adding a faceplate with an ATEM cutout to the case and a board in the lid to hold a monitor. Here at Castcrate we originally built our first case out of plywood – similar to the industry standard road cases or fly packs. We added cheese plates and various 1/4-20 threaded mounts so that users could easily mount microphones, wireless receivers, monitors and more to the case. Our number one design criteria was for the case to be ergonomic. In other words we wanted the ATEM switcher to be on an angled faceplate. We also wanted the case to house a mini pc or Mac Mini and be able to operate on batteries or AC. Additionally we wanted to incorporate the Elgato Stream Deck. We accomplished all of this with our first Cast Crate case.
But, by the time we CNC cut the case, added all of the mounts, electronics and the many hdmi ports, both the cost and weight of the case increased to a level that was unacceptable to us. We then set out to build cases using the plastic cases. It seems every day now, someone posts their version of the mobile plastic ATEM Mini or Extreme case solution. All of these cases have at least two things in common:
- They are not ergonomic. The ATEM switcher sits in a cutout in the center of the bottom section of the case.
- Most of these solutions cost in excess of $500 just for the case. By the time you add the BMD ATEM Extreme or Mini switcher, monitor and accessories, the cost can easily exceed $1500.
Our second line of cases involved using a Pelican style case that used one of our ATEM stands that could be removed from the case and attached to the front of the case to provide an ergonomic front panel. We did not like this solution.
So back to the drawing board. We have designed another CNC case that meets all of our requirements.
One of the most expensive aspects of building an ATEM case is the cost of the various pass through ports. For the ATEM Mini, ATEM Mini Pro or ATEM Pro ISO you need 5 HDMI ports, 1 RJ-45 CAT5/6 port, 1 USB C port, 1 power port and 2 3.5mm ports. With the ATEM Extreme the number of ports has increased dramatically: 10 HDMI ports, 2 3.5mm ports, 1 RJ-45 port, 2 USB C and 1 power port. The average cost of each port is $10-$15 depending on your choice of ports. This can add anywhere from $100 to $250 to the cost of the case. Adding these ports requires either CNC machining or drilling the back of the case for each port.
We have designed our new case in two variations. Both variations reduce the cost and eliminate the need for machining or drilling the case. One variation is modular and you can either remove the back cover with two thumbscrews and have access to the ATEM ports without adding any pass through ports to the case. The other option allows you to add as many as you wish for approximately $2-$4 per port. You can start with one port for each camera or HDMI input that you use and keep your costs down. Then as you add cameras or other HDMI inputs to your service you can easily add pass through ports on the back of the case and as your needs change. You can do this with no drilling or tools.
To keep the cost as low as possible we plan to offer the cases as kits that can easily be assembled by the average user. Optionally customers can purchase the cases fully assembled.
To support those that wish to build their own cases, we will be adding videos and livestreams on how to build a case to our Youtube channel.
Initial Specifications
- Size: 23″ x 14″ x 7″
- Max Monitor size = Approximately 22″. Can easily accommodate a Seetec MV monitor or several 7″ monitors
- Butterfly latches – lockable Road Case style
- Oil filled struts to hold lid open
- Removable Road Case style hinges. Lid can be removed if desired.
- space for V-Mount battery options
- threaded for road case style feet
- threaded for bottom cheese plate so that you can attach modular storage case or attach to tripod
- Removeable ATEM Extreme or ATEM Mini stand. You can use the stand without the case. The stand can also be replaced with 3 variations: ATEM Extreme Panel, ATEM Mini/Pro/ISO panel only or ATEM Mini/Pro/ISO and Elgato Stream Deck
- Numerous 1/4-20 trheaded mounting holes so that you can easily add SSD holders, microphones, cheese plates, Ipad/phone holders etc..