Meet the Middle Control Software

Control your DJI gimbal & Blackmagic camera with any USB gaming joystick ! The perfect companion for your APC / APC-R.
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Game on !

With the Middle Control Software, bring your live camera control experience to a whole new level. Using precise and low latency axis and button mapping, you can control your camera AND your gimbal, all in one place : your gamepad controller.

See what's new!

Aviation meets Live Production

If the standard XBox controller is not enough for you, we suggest using the all new Thrustmaster TCA Airbus Sidestick and Quadrant / Add-On combo. You will have many axis and buttons to choose from, and map all your favorite settings ! The detents (clics) on the sliders can be removed for maximum smoothness.

Trigger Camera Recording Remotely

With the Middle Control Software, you can start / stop Blackmagic cameras remotely! Either individually by selecting the right camera number in the app. Either all at once by holding the shift key and clicking the Rec Start / Stop button in the camera page or pressing the mapped rec key.

Expand possibilities with Companion

If you have Stream Deck devices and BitFocus Companion, you can trigger actions in our Middle Control software, such as launching presets , moving the gimbal, rec start/stop, autofocus, color bars, camera ID selection.... You can also create Multi- Actions that will launch a series of actions with just a press of a button ! Learn more about the Stream Deck integration.

Watch Full Video 

Flexible Workflow

To use the Middle Control Software, you install it on a computer that you connect to your ATEM router using WiFi or Ethernet. Then you set the ATEM IP adress , press connect, and you're done!

The Middle Control software sends PTZ messages to the ATEM using Ethernet / Wifi, so that the ATEM, in turn, forwards the PTZ info through the PGM SDI outputs into the APC.

The new APC-R receives the information both from the ATEM and Middle Control through the network.

Multiple Cameras / Gimbal Support

Quickly switch between cameras using the same joystick by assigning Camera IDs to Joystick buttons or Stream Deck buttons. If you have multiple Blackmagic cameras, you can start their recording remotely all at once! You can instantly toggle between a compact setup with a Pocket 4K and a DJI RS2 or a Ronin 2 with the URSA Broadcast and pristine quality broadcast lenses !

Note : the small DJI Focus Wheel is required to connect your APC to the Ronin RS2 / SC / S using our APC Gimbal Cable.

 

Easy to use desktop app

The Middle Control desktop app is easy to use, and is also the app that can update the APC / APC-R system. It can run in background alongside the ATEM Software Control for instance.

Also, you don't have to buy an APC or APC-R to use it! You can use the app just to control your camera settings such as Rec start / stop and map joystick axis to remote focus and zoom ! The APC / APC-R is only required if you need gimbal support.

A Mac OS version is under development, stay tuned!

Let me know when the Mac OS version is released

Download Now

Here you can download Middle Control software, free of charge, on Mac OS, or Windows. The APC / APC-R is not required to use it.

iOS iPhone App

In order to pair the APC / APC-R to your BMPCC, set the Camera ID, and adjust gimbal settings you have to use the ATEM Setup iOS app on the Apple App Store here or by scanning the QR Code below.

Windows 10/11

Download the latest Middle Control Software.
Middle Control Download
Version 2.7.1 / Nov 18th, 2023

Firmware Update : Guide & Procedure here
Info for Companion Users : Download our Custom Pages for Companion here

Changelog & Legacy Versions : See what's new!

Mac OS

Middle Control for Mac OS can be downloaded on the Mac App Store
Version 2.7.0 /Nov 9th, 2023

Firmware Update : Guide & Procedure here
Info for Companion Users : Download our Custom Pages for Companion here

Changelog : See what's new!

Meet the new Middle Remote

Control your gimbal and camera with a single compact & professional PTZ remote!The ideal companion for Middle Control! 

Find out more here.

Full Changelog

Middle Control Software 2.7.1 (latest) :
Nov 18th, 2023

  • Hotfix : fixed issue where some joysticks could not be mapped properly
  • General stability update

Middle Control Software 2.7.0 :
Nov 9th, 2023
(APC-R Firmware Update required, avoid using a USB Hub for the update )

  • Companion can now read absolute Pan / Tilt / Roll & Zoom data of the gimbal ( Companion Variables )
  • Companion can now send custom absolute Pan / Tilt / Roll & Zoom commands to the gimbal (requires companion Beta 6495 or later)
  • Fixed presets not working properly on some APC-R units
  • Fixed “CANBUS Not Connected” message showing when CANBUS was actually connected.
  • Fixed app crash on launch on some Windows installations
  • Added Remote Focus Motor Calibration from Middle Control (Gimbal Page)
  • Added Remote Focus Motor Calibration from Companion
  • Pressing Shift + Rec button now starts recording on cameras 1 to 20 instead of 1 to 10
  • Improved presets behavior
  • General Stability Updates & Improvements

If you still encounter a crash at launch, try the following :
– Delete folders “Middle Things”, “MiddleControl” and “APCBase” in C:/users/username/AppData/Local, then reboot the app. 
– Make sure Blackmagic ATEM Software Control is installed and up to date.

Middle Control Software 2.6.0 :
July 12th, 2023

  • Added support for Companion 3.0 Beta (build 6031 and above)
  • Fixed APC-R connection dropouts that could occur in certain cases (APC-R Firmware Update required)
  • Added support for focus presets for BMPCC 6K pro , 6K G2 and Studio 6K Pro, and better focus control.
  • Added Support for ATEM Television Studio HD8 and 4K8
  • Added a slider to set the USB joystick deadband in Advanced Settings
  • General Stability Updates & Improvements

Middle Control Software 2.5.2 (latest) :
November 6th, 2022 – Download Link

– Fixes app not booting up on latest Windows 11 22H2 update
– Automatically selects last network card used on launch
– Improved support for ATEM Constellation HD and ATEM SDI series
– General Improvement & Stability updates.

Middle Control Software 2.5.0 (latest) :
July 8th, 2022 – Download Link
APC-R Firmware Update required

– Preset Transition Speed slider now also affects the Zoom / Focus / White Balance / Tint & Iris, which will result in smoother performance
– Pan Tilt Speed / Zoom Speed / Preset transition speed / Cam ID now saved when restarting the app
– Improved focus support for EF Mount lenses
– Settings -> Advanced config : added the option to specify cameras with an EF lens
– Settings -> Advanced config : added the option to enable Zoom control from ATEM Software / ATEM Advanced Panel 1M/E
– Added control for custom Preset Transition Speed in Companion and on the Middle Remote.
– Added a Gimbal Recenter Command
– Added Support for the APC-R Gimbal adapter
– Added Support for the Middle Tally
– Added Tally Brightness slider in the Advanced Settings page
– Middle Remote : the Glue solution Middle-Control-1 has been updated and now features a dedicated Focus action for EF lenses.
– Faster preset triggering
– Companion : Fixed Rec Start Stop for all cameras not working
– General Improvement & Stability updates.

Middle Control Software 2.3.0 :
March 1st, 2022 – Download Link

– Added Support for the Middle Remote
– Now shows WB / Tint / ISO / Iris / Shutter values in Middle Control when connected to the ATEM
– Improved communication protocol for Companion (requires latest Companion RC1 at least)
– Preset transition speed now shows in seconds
– General Stability Update

Please download the latest Companion beta + our latest companion v2.3 pages for full Companion Compatibility :

– Companion : Reduced feedback latency
– Companion : Pressing a camera value resets it to default (or any you like)
– Companion : Pressing a pan/tilt/zoom speed value resets it to default (or any you like)
– Companion : Fixed Zoom commands not working
– Companion : Added absolute camera control commands
– Companion : Improved Zoom & Focus commands (now latch behavior)
– Companion : Long pressing a +/- button will increment the value faster


Middle Control Software 2.1.5 :
Jan 10th, 2022 – Download Link

– Added support for subnet masks different than the standard 24bit / 255.255.255.0 subnet.
– Improved network communication protocol (no broadcast expect for status updates)
– Fixed Focus not being saved in presets when focused using Companion
– Fixed Companion not recalling presets properly
– Fixed the 127.0.0.1 IP address not working when running Companion on the same computer than Middle Control.
– General Stability Update

Middle Control Software 2.1.3 :
Oct 11th, 2021 – Download Link

– Added the option to select the computer network card you want to use with Middle Control, in case your computer is connected to multiple networks (Wi-fi, Ethernet 1, Ethernet 2…)

Middle Control Software 2.1.2 :
Oct 1st, 2021 – Download Link

– Fixed a bug that prevented Blackmagic’s ATEM Software from controlling focus when using APC-R with Bluetooth
– General performance & stability update

Middle Control Software 2.1.1 :
Sept 25th, 2021 – Download Link

– Fixed a bug that prevented Presets recording the proper focus value when using + / – buttons
– Fixed a bug that could display multiple APC-R units on the same slot in the status page
– Added Focus Peaking remote toggle
– Improved the zoom speed slider control range


Middle Control Software 2.1 :
Sept 11th, 2021 – Download Link
APC-R Firmware Update required

– Added Fixed IP configuration in the Setup page for APC-R
– Added compatibility with the Blackmagic Studio 4K Pro / Plus
– Added compatibility with the new Bitfocus Companion Middle Control plugin (in the latest beta builds of Companion)
– Added DJI Active Track Toggle On / Off Remotely
– Improved focus control when using the app buttons
– General performance & stability update

Middle Control Software 2.0 :
August 16th, 2021 – Download Link
APC-R Firmware Update required

– Enhanced design & better joystick mapping UI for APC and APC-R
– NEW Gimbal controls directly from the app
– NEW Camera & Gimbal Position Presets page for DJI RS2 & APC-R
– NEW Status page to monitor all APC-R units from one location
– NEW Setup page to adjust APC-R settings using USB
– Added DJI Focus Motor control for RS2 gimbal.
– Added ATEM Mini Series Compatibility
– Added BitFocus Companion Support
– General stability update

Middle Control Software 1.6 :
April 10th, 2021 – Download Link

– General stability update
– Joystick mapping is now being saved on application restart, without having to execute in admin mode.
– Fixed the focus / iris / zoom jump when switching Camera ID

Middle Control Software 1.5 :
March 8th, 2021 

– General stability update
– Fixed axis detection issues on some joysticks.

Middle Control Software 1.4 BETA :
Jan 28th, 2021 

– Remote operation of a DJI Ronin S / SC / S2 / 2 using USB gaming joysticks.
– Supports up to 4 simultaneous gaming joysticks.
– Custom mapping of joystick axis / buttons to gimbal & camera parameters (Focus, Iris, Zoom , Pan, Tilt, Roll, Rec Start / Stop, Autofocus, Show False Colors, Show Color Bars, Show Status, Show Zebra…)
– Custom mapping of the gimbal Pan / Tilt speed on one of the joystick axis
– Adds support for Contrast / Saturation / Pedestal / Lift, Gamma & Gain Luma control on all Blackmagic cameras supported by the APC
– Adds support for Rec Start / Stop on all Blackmagic cameras supported by the APC
– Adds support for general Rec Start / Stop (all at once) on all Blackmagic camera ID 1 to 10, by pressing SHIFT + Rec Start / Stop
– Adds Gain and White Balance default mapping to joystick POV Hat by increments.
– Automatic reconnection to the ATEM upon startup
– Supports Stream Deck / Stream Deck Mini / Stream Deck XL Inputs
– Includes APC firmware update
– APC Firmware 1.3.4 : Fixed slow gimbal drifting issue observed with several electrical configurations
– APC Firmware 1.3.4 : Improved gimbal control precision

Middle Control – Mac OS update

Drop us your email ! We’ll let you know once the Mac OS version is released.

    Full Changelog

    Middle Control Software 2.7.0 (latest) :
    Nov 9th, 2023
    (APC-R Firmware Update required, avoid using a USB Hub for the update )

    • Companion can now read absolute Pan / Tilt / Roll & Zoom data of the gimbal ( Companion Variables )
    • Companion can now send custom absolute Pan / Tilt / Roll & Zoom commands to the gimbal (requires companion Beta 6495 or later)
    • Fixed presets not working properly on some APC-R units
    • Fixed “CANBUS Not Connected” message showing when CANBUS was actually connected.
    • Added Remote Focus Motor Calibration from Middle Control (Gimbal Page)
    • Added Remote Focus Motor Calibration from Companion
    • Pressing Shift + Rec button now starts recording on cameras 1 to 20 instead of 1 to 10
    • Improved presets behavior
    • General Stability Updates & Improvements

    Middle Control Software 2.6.0 :
    July 12th, 2023

    • Added support for Companion 3.0 Beta (build 6031 and above)
    • Fixed APC-R connection dropouts that could occur in certain cases firmware update required (APC-R Firmware Update required)
    • Added support for focus presets for BMPCC 6K pro , 6K G2 and Studio 6K Pro, and better focus control.
    • Added Support for ATEM Television Studio HD8 and 4K8
    • Added a slider to set the USB joystick deadband in Advanced Settings
    • Fixed the network card selection box empty on launch
    • Fixed the app crash when no network card is available
    • Fixed the app crash when adjusting focus for any camera ID above 10
    • Fixed focus not working on middle remote when ATEM isn’t connected
    • Improved presets compatibility with companion
    • When clicking on the red cross, app now runs in background
    • General Stability Updates & Improvements

    Middle Control Software 2.5.0 :
    July 8th, 2022
    APC-R Firmware Update required

    – Preset Transition Speed slider now also affects the Zoom / Focus / White Balance / Tint & Iris, which will result in smoother performance
    – Pan Tilt Speed / Zoom Speed / Preset transition speed / Cam ID now saved when restarting the app
    – Added support for micro USB Firmware Update on Mac OS.
    – Improved focus support for EF Mount lenses
    – Settings -> Advanced config : added the option to specify cameras with an EF lens
    – Settings -> Advanced config : added the option to enable Zoom control from ATEM Software / ATEM Advanced Panel 1M/E
    – Added control for custom Preset Transition Speed in Companion and on the Middle Remote.
    – Added a Gimbal Recenter Command
    – Added Support for the APC-R Gimbal adapter
    – Added Support for the Middle Tally
    – Added Tally Brightness slider in the Advanced Settings page
    – Middle Remote : the Glue solution Middle-Control-1 has been updated and now features a dedicated Focus action for EF lenses.
    – Faster preset triggering
    – Companion : Fixed Rec Start Stop for all cameras not working
    – General Improvement & Stability updates.

    Middle Control Software 2.3.0:
    March 1st, 2022 

    • Added a top status bar icon on Mac OS
    • Added an option to start Middle Control minimized in Status Bar onlyAdded mapping of the top hat switch of USB Joystick controllers
    • Added joystick mapping for Active Track
    • Long pressing a joystick button now makes the action change faster
    • Implemented Glue Software compatibility
    • Fixed Pedestal ajusting luma not properly
    • General Stability Update & Improvements
      Please download the latest Companion beta + our latest companion v2.3 pages for full Companion Compatibility :

     

    • Companion : Reduced feedback latency
    • Companion : Pressing a camera value resets it to default (or any you like)
    • Companion : Pressing a pan/tilt/zoom speed value resets it to default (or any you like)
    • Companion : Fixed Zoom commands not working
    • Companion : Added absolute camera control commands
    • Companion : Improved Zoom & Focus commands (now latch behavior)
    • Companion : Long pressing a +/- button will increment the value faster
    • Companion : Added a Reset CCU command

    Middle Control Software 2.2 :
    Jan 27th, 2022 

    • Added support for other subnet masks than 255.255.255.0
    • Now shows WB / Tint / ISO / Iris / Shutter values in Middle Control when connected to the ATEM
    • Improved communication protocol for Companion (requires latest Companion beta)
    • Added Companion dynamic variables (for Iris, ISO, WB, etc..)
    • Added Companion current Camera ID status feedback.
    • Added Companion command for transition speed control
    • Added Companion command for Focus Peaking
    • Fixed the Status Display and Rec Start All not activating
    • Fixed ISO + Detail sharpening not being adjusted in the ATEM when in wireless mode
    • Added Wifi signal strength display in Status (dBm)
    • Preset transition speed now shows in seconds
    • Improved USB communication
    • General Stability updates & improvements

    Middle Control for Mac OS – V1.15 :

    • Added Companion / UDP Commands
    • Added support over Wi-Fi connection
    • Fixed incorrect button mappings
    • Improved Preferences Page

    Middle Control for Mac OS – V1.14 :

    • General Stability Update

    Middle Control for Mac OS – V1.11 :

    • Initial Public Beta release
    Close