Gary
There is a lot to learn about this video switcher!
First piece of advice is to update the firmware FIRST before you even start using the switcher. There are various feature updates, additions, and bug fixes that you will benefit from by doing this.
Once you update the firmware, wow, what a piece of technology. Great value for the money. Construction is made of a hard plastic, not too heavy, really geared on being portable. I started off with another smaller function Osee product that has served me well. This is a huge step up. You also get direct community and manufacturer support with this product too.
Now if you are setting up for a local multi camera event that you only need the main program output recorded, the ease of setup is quick once you set your output format, install an adequate sized SD card, and set which inputs you will be using.
The other main feature is the ability to record each input on its own separate audio and video files. These are recorded to an external SSD only, not on the built in SD card slot so keep that in mind. This is the flexibility I was referring to being able to recut your content in post production of for example you missed an important shot that didn't make it to the main program.
If you plan on using the device for streaming, using NDI sources, custom key graphics, then there are some more advanced customizations required to setup correctly. The management software you can download from the manufacturer's website and the menus are much easier to navigate versus using the joystick through menu on the preview screen. With time navigating on the preview menu screens becomes easy too.
The audio section is super powerful. Two XLR mic inputs with phantom power (mic level only) and two 3.5mm stereo line/mic level inputs. Built in effects like noise gate, compression, EQ, delay panning, incredible all that is built in. These effects are available on all inputs. As of firmware V2.0.0 there is a small panning issue that is slated to be fixed in the next update. If you pan a channel left in the menu, it will pan right in the headphone output and program outputs. Small oversight easily corrected in software.
I highly suggest checking out the Osee manufacturer moderated Facebook group that has community help and direct Osee employees who monitor the customer feedback and any issues you may have. There is an informative FAQ on that group that will answer all the technical detail questions. Good chance your question has already been answered there. If not, then you can ask your question there and you will get an answer directly from Osee customer support.
Overall functionality, one word, FLEXIBLE. This is a jam packed feature laiden video switcher. For the cost you cannot beat it.
Video quality at 1080P30 is superb. I currently run 3 static cameras and a webcam for live concert events, two cameras for my YouTube channel. I have heard that running 8 inputs at 1080P60 others have experienced drop frames and jitter errors. It would seem there is a hardware resource issue. The developers are aware and are currently looking into a fix in a future firmware update to balance the available features with hardware bandwidth.
There are files on the group for a 3D printed stand that not only can hold the switcher but also a preview monitor. These are provided for free to the public. I had mine printed locally by a group who does 3D printing with a small modification to the file to accommodate the thicker preview monitor thickness with great success.
I will update my review as time goes on since there is simply so much to learn about this switcher. The manufacturer has been highly communicative with all inquiries. The community themselves are extremely helpful, and so far the experience has been excellent. Thanks for reading!
