Fairlight Live 1.0 is Now Available as Blackmagic Design’s Audio Mixer is Ready for Live Events

Fairlight Live 1.0 Release

Announced at the kick-off of NAB 2026, which we covered when it was first revealed, Fairlight Live is Blackmagic Design’s move into audio mixing for broadcast and live events. Fairlight Live 1.0 is set to support hundreds (if not thousands) of audio channels, provide full redundancy, and feature built-in effects, third-party plug-in support, and other additive features.

The mixer can support mono, stereo, LCR, 5.1 surround, ASAF, and even immersive formats, all optimized for low-latency operation on both macOS and Windows.

Again, this isn’t an option for small teams or video-specific crews; this is a broadcast mixer for high-end live audio. But as far as advanced technologies that can be a top-end option for pros in the right industry, Fairlight Live will likely be a great option to explore and see what’s available.

Fairlight Live Key Features

If you’re curious to learn more, here’s the full list of key features set to be available with Fairlight Live 1.0 at launch.

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 or 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.

Price and Availability

Blackmagic Design has made Fairlight Live available for free as software, and if you’d like to learn more, you can find information on the company’s website here.