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Wireless Control with APC-R

The APC-R and APC-R Mini can also be used without any gimbal as standalone devices for wireless Camera Control. In live multi-camera workflows, Blackmagic Design ATEM Software Control provides remote adjustment of Iris, Shutter, ISO, Focus, ND Filters, White Balance, and Primary Color Correction.

In wireless camera operations (steadicam, shoulder rigs, etc.), where video must be transmitted via systems such as Teradek or Hollyland, there is a key limitation: wireless video systems support one-way transmission only. This means the return feed that normally carries camera control data cannot travel back to the camera.

Wired setups on URSA Mini Pro and URSA Broadcast require two SDI cables for this reason (video out + return control). Running two wireless TX/RX systems will not solve this, as the camera control info in the PGM return feed is often filtered out.

note

Wireless Blackmagic Camera Control is not supported by the APC-R Mini Lite. You must use the APC-R or APC-R Mini.

Using the APC-R for Wireless Camera Control​

The APC-R addresses this limitation by acting as a Wi-Fi to Bluetooth bridge. Once connected to the same network as the ATEM, the APC-R reads its camera control data over Wi-Fi and transmits it to the Blackmagic camera via Bluetooth.

Workflow

The APC-R can be powered via 5V USB (USB-C on URSA Broadcast G2 or any 5V USB power source). Its compact form factor allows direct mounting to the camera if needed.

1. Power the APC-R​

Attach the two included APC-R antennas before powering the device. On the APC-R Mini, the antennas are built-in the device. This is also why the case is made of plastic.

Power the APC-R using 5V DC via the micro-USB port (USB-C on APC-R Mini). Compatible sources include:

  • USB power bank
  • Camera USB-C output
  • Regulated 12V to 5V DTap adapter

The APC-R LED will illuminate yellow on startup.

2. Pair the APC-R to Your Blackmagic Camera (Bluetooth)​

Bluetooth pairing uses the Middle Setup app on iOS (Android not supported). Pairing is required only once. If you don't own an iOS device, you can borrow an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Silicon Mac for this step.

Pairing Procedure:

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your iOS device or M1/M2 Mac.
  2. Launch Middle Setup and select the APC-R.
  3. Enable Bluetooth on the Blackmagic camera in the Setup menu.
  4. Place the camera close to the APC-R.
  5. Select your camera within the app. A pairing prompt will appear.
  6. A 6-digit code will display on the camera screen. Enter this code into Middle Setup.

When successful, the APC-R LED changes from yellow to blue.

Camera Number assignment can also be configured in the app.

3. Download & Install Middle Control​

Middle Control is the desktop application that manages APC-R units and, if present, interfaces with the ATEM switcher. The application must remain running during use. Available for macOS and Windows.

Download the Middle Control App.
Supported OS: macOS Monterey (12.4)+

Open the app, navigate to Preferences, enter the ATEM switcher IP address, then select Connect.

Middle Control - Preferences Page

4. Connect the APC-R to Your Network (Wired Setup)​

Begin with a wired connection to ensure proper network communication.

  1. Connect the APC-R to your router using an Ethernet cable.
  2. The APC-R will obtain its IP address via DHCP.

If DHCP is disabled or using a network switch instead of a router, refer to the guide to assign a fixed IP.

  1. Ensure your laptop is connected to the same network.

The APC-R should appear in the Status page of Middle Control. Click the device name to view details.

Middle Control - APC-R Status Page

Test control by adjusting Camera 1 settings in ATEM Software Control (Iris, ISO, Color, etc.). The camera should respond accordingly.

info

If the APC-R does not appear in the Status panel, refer to the Troubleshooting: No Status section.

5. Connect the APC-R to Your 2.4GHz Network (Wireless Setup)​

Now configure Wi-Fi access on the APC-R.

  1. Connect the APC-R to your laptop via the micro-USB (USB C on APC-R Mini) port using a data-capable cable.
  2. Enter your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi SSID and password, and configure the Camera Number.
  3. If assigning a fixed IP, ensure the wireless IP is not the same as the wired IP.

Upon connection, the APC-R will appear in the left sidebar with a USB icon. Select it to access network settings.
Click Save to apply changes. Disconnect and reconnect the unit to confirm settings are stored.

Middle Control APC-R USB Settings

6. Wireless Control Ready​

Disconnect the Ethernet cable. The APC-R will join the Wi-Fi network within approximately 5–15 seconds.
You can now adjust camera settings wirelessly from ATEM Software Control.

Wireless Range Recommendations​

Bluetooth Range (APC-R → Camera)

For optimal performance, position the APC-R within a few feet of the camera.
Short-range placement maximizes signal strength and reliability, even in congested RF environments.
Under proper placement, users typically report no latency or disconnection issues.

2.4GHz Wi-Fi Range (APC-R → Access Point)

Wi-Fi performance varies by environment. To improve range and stability, use a high-quality access point, ideally located close to the stage or camera positions (e.g., Ubiquiti, Cisco, mesh systems).
Connect the access point to your main router via a long Ethernet cable for best results.

Troubleshooting​

If you encounter issues, refer to the notes below:

All settings work except Lift / Gamma / Gain / Contrast / Saturation

Set the camera's recording format to Blackmagic Raw.
Color Correction Unit (CCU) control is not supported when recording in ProRes.

All settings work except Focus

Remote focus control is currently not supported on BMPCC 6K models.

Tally (Program/Preview) not visible on the camera screen

The Blackmagic Bluetooth Camera Control protocol does not transmit tally information to the camera display.
Middle Things offers an external tally module compatible with the APC-R's AUX port.
Details available on the Middle Tally product page.

Control works over Ethernet but not Wi-Fi

Verify the network is operating on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (5GHz is not supported).
If issues persist, test using a different router or access point.

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