Blackmagic Design has officially released Fairlight Live 1.0. Fairlight Live is a new audio mixer developed for broadcasting and live events. It supports thousands of audio channels, full redundancy, built-in effects, and third-party plug-ins.
You can see Fairlight Live at the 01:10:37 section of the video above.
Fairlight Live is a software-based audio mixer, which means it can support features such as spatial audio mixing and SMPTE-2110 broadcast workflows. It even supports full redundancy. Fairlight Live easily handles hundreds or even thousands of audio channels, depending on your computer. Plus, it works with standard computer audio or USB audio from ATEM live production switchers. This means you get a fully customizable live audio mixer with built-in effects and professional features such as a cue player, talkback busses, third-party plug-in support, and snapshots.
What’s New in Fairlight Live 1.0
The following features have been added or updated:
Key Features
- Full-featured software-based broadcast mixer for high-end live audio.
- Supports hundreds of channels with wide format and complex mixes.
- Supports mono, stereo, LCR, 5.1 surround, immersive, and ASAF.
- Optimized low-latency operation on both macOS and Windows.
- Flexible redundancy with user-configurable multiple fail-safe levels.
- Direct ATEM connectivity via USB with automatic template support.
- Supports standalone use, Fairlight Live panels, or MCU consoles.
- Compatible with Core Audio, ASIO, and 2110 interfaces.
- Native support for surround, immersive, and spatial audio workflows.
- Snapshots save mixer state for recall during live performances.
- Virtual Sound Check ISO recording for rehearsal and calibration.
- Dedicated Cue Player for sound effects and stingers.
- MIDI cues to trigger external hardware such as lighting, etc.
- Dedicated Cue Player for MIDI cues to external hardware.
- Extensive integration for Native, AU, and VST plugins.
- Dedicated support for remote iOS and Android tablet controllers.
Broadcast and System Features
- Optimized for live broadcast and live production reliability.
- On Air mode prevents accidental control changes during live feeds.
- Direct routing, audio I/O, and AFV control to ATEM via USB.
- Audio Follow Video syncs audio fades with video switcher transitions.
- Mix Minus busses removes commentator voices from return feeds.
- Extend on talkback to maintain communication during specific cues.
- Dual operation permits simultaneous physical and remote control.
- Customizable actions and programmable GPI/O for external triggers.
- A/B input for quick selection of an alternative redundant input.
- Backup processor mode for fail-safe hardware redundancy.
- Internal signal generator for calibration and testing.
Bus Types
- Support for dozens of main output mixes.
- Sub-mix groups via direct patch and post-fader.
- Aux mix groups pre- and post-fader with level and pan controls.
- Full mix minus support for talkback groups.
Channel Strip and Processing
- A/B input selection, remote gain, source patching, and overall levels.
- Integrated compressor, gate, expander, and limiter.
- Dedicated and integrated 6-band equalization interface per channel.
- High-resolution level and dynamics metering displays.
- Dedicated Fader, Pan, Select, Mute and Solo controls.
- Integrated 1D, 2D, and 2D panner with immersive workflow support.
- Mono-style power meters for ambisonic channel level indication.
- Support for 4 plugins, plus ChainFX for up to 24 slots per channel.
- Fader flip control to reassign fader hardware to aux sends or gain.
- Spill control to expand grouped channels across fader banks.
- Input management of gain and delay for lip sync.
- VCA groups for single fader control of multiple channels.
Monitoring and Solo Logic
- PFL and AFL monitoring signals before or after the fader.
- Hybrid and Backstop PFL for advanced soloing from fader positions.
- Solo Inject and Outs allow dedicated routing for engineer monitoring.
Routing and Mixing
- Auxes and subs routing for independent monitor mixes.
- Secondary dialogs for level, pan, and pre- and post-fader switching.
- Solo and Mute immediate channel isolation or silencing.
- Camera number selection for Audio Follows Video automation.
- Studio and control room monitoring support.
- Loudness meters and system status controls.
Channel Layout and UI
- Visual channel identifiers include color, number, and custom naming.
- Full channel index list for renaming, reformatting, and rearranging.
- Inspector for audio parameter controls, including ASAF controls.
- High-visibility meter bridge overview of all signal levels.
- Signal level meters, including power meters for immersive audio.
Talkback
- Extensive and versatile talkback functionality.
- Integrated talkback communication routing for talent or crew.
- Talk direct to any channel.
- Mix Minus for quick instantiation and removal of clean feed busses.
- Status indicators for four independent talkback groups.
Four Operational Modes
- Primary mode for normal mixer operation.
- Failsafe offers backup and redundancy with 2nd machine support.^
- Prep mode for offline creation of shows and reconfiguration offsite.^
- Remote mode permits dual operators with segmented controls.^
^ Not included in this version.
Pricing & Availability
Fairlight Live software is free, but you can also buy Fairlight Live Panels.
