Blackmagic Design Announces Fairlight Live

New software-based live audio mixer with spatial audio mixing and SMPTE-2110 broadcast workflows

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:07pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a complex audio mixing console with numerous illuminated knobs, faders, and displays, representing the advanced capabilities and flexibility of the Fairlight Live software.Fairlight Live's software-based audio mixing console brings advanced spatial audio and broadcast workflows to the live production space.Las Vegas Today

Blackmagic Design has announced Fairlight Live, a new software-based live audio mixer that supports SMPTE-2110 broadcast workflows, spatial audio mixing, and can handle thousands of audio channels. Fairlight Live is fully customizable, with built-in effects, professional features like a cue player and talkback busses, and compatibility with third-party plug-ins.

Why it matters

As live production workflows continue to evolve with the rise of IP-based technologies and immersive audio formats, Fairlight Live provides a powerful, software-based solution that can adapt to the needs of modern broadcast and live event productions. The integration with ATEM live production switchers and support for a wide range of audio interfaces also makes Fairlight Live an attractive option for streamlining live audio workflows.

The details

Fairlight Live offers flexible bussing and routing options, allowing users to quickly set up custom mixing configurations for different productions. It supports up to 128 VCA groups and nested VCAs for granular control over complex mixes. The built-in effects, including a library of 30 native plug-ins, provide comprehensive processing capabilities on each channel and bus. Fairlight Live also includes features like a cue player, virtual soundcheck, and snapshot recall to enhance live production workflows.

  • Fairlight Live public beta is available immediately from the Blackmagic Design website.
  • Fairlight Live will be demonstrated at the Blackmagic Design NAB 2026 booth #N2502.

The players

Blackmagic Design

An Australian company that creates high-quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, and other professional video equipment.

Grant Petty

The CEO of Blackmagic Design.

ATEM

Blackmagic Design's line of live production switchers that integrate with Fairlight Live.

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What they’re saying

“Fairlight Live is the world's most powerful live audio mixer. Being software-based means it is free from the limitations of traditional hardware systems, the only limitation is the power of your computer.”

— Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design

What’s next

Fairlight Live public beta is available immediately from the Blackmagic Design website, and the software will be demonstrated at the Blackmagic Design NAB 2026 booth.

The takeaway

Fairlight Live represents Blackmagic Design's latest innovation in the live production space, providing a powerful, software-based audio mixing solution that can adapt to the evolving needs of modern broadcast and live event workflows, including support for IP-based technologies and immersive audio formats.