Blackmagic Design Spares - ATEM TV Studio Pro - Labels

The Blackmagic Design Spares - ATEM Television Studio Pro (HD/4K) - Labels refers to the transparent, backlit lens caps and the corresponding text inserts used to identify your sources on the switcher’s physical buttons.

Unlike standard buttons, the ATEM Pro series uses a "cap and insert" system. This allows professional broadcasters to change the label of a button (e.g., from "CAM 1" to "REPLAY") without having to replace the entire electronic switch.

What’s Included in a Label Kit

A genuine spare kit or aftermarket labeling set typically includes:

• Clear Keycaps: The "lenses" that snap onto the button stems.

• Pre-Printed Inserts: High-contrast film strips with standard labels (CAM 1–8, PC, MAC, GFX, VTR, etc.).

• Blank Inserts: Clear or frosted film for creating custom labels with a fine-liner or laser printer.

When to Replace Labels or Caps

• Yellowing/Clouding: Over years of exposure to studio lights and heat, the clear plastic caps can oxidize and turn yellow, making the labels hard to read.

• Cracked Caps: High-frequency "punching" of the buttons during a live fast-paced show can cause the plastic retention clips inside the cap to snap.

• Permanent Marker Damage: If a previous operator wrote directly on the clear cap with a Sharpie rather than using an insert, the plastic may be permanently stained.

• Customization: If you are moving from a standard 4-camera setup to a complex hybrid show, you'll need new inserts to prevent "mispunching" sources.

Technical Installation Note

Repair Level: 1 (Very Easy). You do not need to open the console or use tools, though a specialized tool makes it safer.

1. Extraction: Ideally, use a Keycap Puller (the same kind used for mechanical keyboards) to lift the clear lens straight up.

   • Warning: Avoid using a metal screwdriver to pry them off, as this will gouge the matte finish of the switcher's metal faceplate.

2. Insert Placement: Place the film insert inside the clear cap. Ensure it is oriented correctly; some inserts have a "top" and "bottom" to ensure the text is perfectly centered over the internal LED.

3. Seating: Align the cap with the button stem and press down firmly until you hear or feel a "click."

4. Backlight Check: Once installed, cycle the button through its Green (Preview) and Red (Program) states to ensure the insert is thick enough to be legible but thin enough to allow the light to shine through clearly.

Pro-Tip: DIY Custom Labels

If you don't have the official Blackmagic spares, you can create professional-looking custom labels:

1. Measure: The internal dimensions for the ATEM Pro labels are typically 12mm x 12mm.

2. Print: Use a laser printer on Overhead Projector (OHP) Transparency Film.

3. Invert: Print white text on a black background. Because the buttons are backlit, this creates a "negative" effect where only the letters glow, which looks much more professional and is easier to read in a dark control room.

Expert Advice: If your buttons are "sticking" or failing to register a press, the problem isn't the label—it’s likely a spill or dust inside the Mechanical Switch underneath. You can sometimes fix this by removing the cap and using a tiny drop of DeoxIT Fader F-Series lubricant on the stem, but do not spray it directly into the console.

Are you looking for the standard pre-printed "CAM 1-8" labels, or do you need the clear plastic caps themselves?