Manufacturer	Edirol
Website	Edirol V4 video mixer
Price	£700
Rating	Select ratingPoorOkayGoodGreatAwesome Your rating: None Average: 3.8 (4 votes)

Okay, as promised I have finally written this review. I am sure many of you will have lots of questions. Please post all the questions to the forum so everyone can see the reply. I will try and respond as soon as possible. Also, please read the full review before asking any questions.
I have had the opportunity to use 2 of these units for a couple of different shows. I also demonstrated the V4 everyday for a week at National Association of Music Makers (NAMM).

I have used a lot of different video mixers both professional and consumer. For the past 4 years I have been using the Panasonic MX 50 as my primary mixer. I like the MX 50 because most of the effects and transitions don't require a menu. It is also stable, fast and has TBC for each channel.
If I make any comparisons in this review it will often be to the MX 50. However, the MX 50 is a $4000.00 US mixer compared to $900.00 for the V4. Please keep this in mind.
Some of you have mentioned that it doesn't have audio mixing. I first thought that was a problem myself. Since I am doing both audio and video I would love to have a mixer that does both. However, every video mixer I have ever used either has hum in the audio (even with ISO's or hum eliminators). I also use more than 4 sources of audio and I need a full range or EQ's and solo for my shows. My audio doesn't always slave or master to my video so I prefer using a stand-alone unit.
Also consider the price of the mixer would dramatically increase if they were to add a decent audio mixer to the unit.

Main Feature

• Video Mixer / Switcher with 4ch input
• Independent 2-channel TBC / Frame Synchronizer
• Independent 2-channel Digital Effects
• Professional quality T-Bar Video Fader
• Easy Operation
• Beat Synchronization between Audio and Video

V-4 is equipped with four composite (RCA Pin) inputs plus two S-video (Y/C) inputs. V-4 offers scene transition of the four video sources with Dissolve, Wipes (with a total of about 200 variations), and Switching. The V-4 outputs the same video source to all the three jacks (Composite x 2, S-video x 1), for simultaneous monitoring and displaying, without resorting to external distribution boxes.

Yes, I know. Only 2 S video inputs, that is the biggest drawback to the V4. However, the line resolution on the video card is 500 lines. The MX 50 is only 460 and the 500-line upgrade for the MX 50 is another $600.00 US.

All processing is done at 4:2:2. At this price there isn't another video mixer that comes close to image quality. So you get the best quality image possible with RCA inputs. I would have preferred BNC inputs but RCA will do.

At first I didn't like having the inputs on top of the mixer. I thought it didn't look clean, but if you have ever had to change out inputs during a show it can be a pain if you have lots of cables routed all over your video suite and you can't see behind your mixer. So in the end I like them on top.
For those who only use one monitor, the preview output can be selected to view each channel individually or as a final output.
I use small 5 inch LCD's with my video suite and trying to view all the individual windows on a Videonics screen doesn't work very well with such small screens.

Professional Video Quality
The input video sources are processed completely in the digital domain, and give professional video quality (13.5MHz, 8-bit, 4:2:2, DV quality). Ideal for use on large screens, and because the V-4 internal processing is digital there is no quality loss.
I thought 8 bit processing was going to be too low for fast-framed video. I setup both the MX 50 and the V4 side by side and fed both mixers the fastest, high frame change content I had to compare the difference. I couldn't see any noticeable difference. The image can out clean and extremely low digital blockishness.

Independent 2-channel TBC / Frame Synchronizer
The input sources go through independent 2-channel TBC (Time Base Correction) circuits to correct the time code, independent 2-channel Frame Synchronizers are also applied to the two sources at this stage. These processes enable smooth transitions and Dissolves, and ensuring stable images all the time.
The good and the bad. Most video mixers over $1000.00 US have 2 channel TBC. (TBC means that you don't have two separate channels of video out of sync when switching between them). Some of the cheaper mixers don't have this feature.
Fast transitions from A bus to B bus sync up well and the transitions are smooth.
However, if you want to cut really fast between the 4 channels by just pushing the 4 buttons on the A or the B bus you will have a slight out of sync glitch. For you IDM and noise VJ's this might be a desirable thing. However, I would like to see 4 TBC's for each channel on each bus. Having this would have doubled the price of the V4. So for it's price 2 channels is sufficient. I use the transform A or B button to compensate for this. That way I can cut between bus A and B really fast and everything will stay in sync, no glitchiness.

Independent 2-channel Digital Effects
V-4 features independent 2-channel Video effects that include a rich selection of digital effects (refer to spec sheet). The V-4 also features composition effects such as Picture-in-Picture, Chroma-key, and Luminance-key. The effects are recallable by a single button press.

It is oblivious to me that the engineers of the V4 were thinking of VJ's when they implemented the effects. There are 4 buttons on each side that you can assign effects to. Strobe, still, shake, negative, polarize, colorize, multiple, multiple vertical, Multiple horizontal, Multiple horizontal and vertical, mirror, mirror vertical, mirror horizontal, mirror vertical and horizontal, luma-key chroma-key with variable adjustments from the effects dial, picture in picture.

All the effects can be reassigned to different effects button through the menu. This means that if you don't like the colorize effect you can reassign it to be one of the other effects. For example, there is only one multiple button. If I were to use multiple vertical on the multiple button I could assign multiple horizontal on the colorize button.

Now here is where it gets interesting. You have the 8 memory presets. Each preset allows you to change all the settings for each of the effects buttons and transition buttons. That means you don't just have 8 effects immediately on the fly. You have 64 possible effects so you can have a different effect for every memory preset.

In addition to the presets you can select whether you use the effects dial to change the parameters of that effect or a default setting. Plus, you can have multiple effects on one channel at the same time. That also means you have 24 transitions available on the fly not just 3. I will get to that in a moment.

The only draw back is that you have to program this ahead of time. It's not difficult. The menu is very easy to navigate. I find that I set it up once and just use my favorite effects.

Professional-use T-Bar Video Fader
Professional-use T-Bar cross fades for quick and intuitive operation. A V-4 innovation is that you chose to attach the fade however you like, either, vertically as standard for video mixer, or horizontally as a DJ mixer fader. The fader resolution has over 100 steps and offers extremely smooth transitions. Its metal body as well as its fader is strong and durable to be used in your active performance.
A lot of the video mixers on the market today have weak T-bars or sliders. The V4 has a very strong design. So those of you who get caught up in the moment whacking the T bar back and forth like a frustrated adolescent won't have to worry about damaging anything. The T bar has a smooth accurate feel; you can make very subtle transitions if you choose. The outside body of the V4 is made of Aluminum. All the buttons have lights on them so you can see in the dark what buttons are being used. (Matter of fact when you first power up the V4 it puts on a little light show).

Preview Function and On-Screen Menu
The preview function is controlled by the source selection button, and enables the user to monitor each of the input sources 1-4 or the output source before transition, to a single preview monitor, no more multiple preview monitors! You can control V-4's major functions (Ex. Effect selection, MIDI input setting, etc.) from the dedicated preview screen using the convenient On-Screen Menu. This is separate from the output to the main outs, so you can view it anytime you want.
As mentioned above, being able to preview the menu on a separate screen from your output is really nice.

Convenient User Memory Function
V-4's User memory function allows you to memorize and conveniently recall the panel settings, such as effect assignment to each button. The memory is saved even while the power is off, so you can store the frequently used setting. Maximum eight configurations.
The memory settings can also be used for the transitions. There are over 200 transitions to choose from. The V4 offers 3 transition buttons. Mix (Dissolve) Wipe or Effects. (Effects are basically Luma-key and Chroma-key).
So you can assign any of the wipe patterns to any of the 3 transition buttons or any of the swipes, shapes, luma-keys or Chroma-keys to any button.
As a cool effect I have selected numerous patterns to each memory setting. I position the T bar in the middle of its range and then change the memory channel knob to the beat of the music to create the effect of synched transition throughout the 8 memory settings.
*Note: I am normally not a fan of using wipe or swipe patterns in my mix, but I have to say the V4 has some pretty cool patterns you won't find on any other mixer.

Synchronization between Audio and Video/Connection with MIDI Equipment
The V-4 features video transition/effects that can be synchronized with MIDI. The BPM (beat per minute) of transition/effects can be made to follow the beat of a music track by hitting the tap button (TAP function). The functions of V-4 can also be controlled via MIDI equipment such as a MIDI keyboard controller. If you have the optional DV-7PR, various visual performances become even more creative by mixing the DV-7PR's numerous video clips with the V-4's visual effects, all with real-time transitions and composition.
I can't really comment on the midi capabilities of the V4. The models I used were pre-production and didn't have the midi implemented. However, you can upgrade it simple by using a midi cable and a computer to transfer the information. This means you could also upgrade the software/drivers versions within the unit without having to send it to the manufacturer. (Lets hope)
Keep in mind this is midi in or thru, it does not send midi.
I did get a chance to see some V4's with the midi in use at the NAMM Tradeshow. You can have each channel assigned to a key on a Keyboard like the Edirol PCR 30 or a sequencer, now you can change the between the selected inputs or change the value of the effect's parameters.
You can also assign midi controllers to effect the parameter changes of the various effects.

The best for last.
BPM: Like the V4's older brother, the V5. Edirol has integrated a BPM function. You can either manually tap in the BPM through the tap button or you can dial it in if you know the precise BPM. The BPM can be selected to change between the A and B bus. Or, it can be assigned to change the parameters of the various effects.
You could assign the BPM to control the strobe, or still effect so that it strobes to the beat or changes negative to the beat. Most of the effects on both A and B bus can be controlled by the BPM. The BPM counter goes from 20 to 244 BPM. You can also assign how the BPM transitions between the effects by mode or speed.
As an effect you can select the BPM to wipe from A bus to B bus. Turn the BPM dial down to a slow speed and now the wipe is slowly moving back and forth between the two busses. Now your hands are free to DJ or control VJ software via a computer.
The versatility of the BPM really is one of the best features of the V4. The only drawback I have encountered is that the BPM is a slightly off by one or two beats.
To counter this, I tap in the BPM to say… 126, and then I turn the manual BPM dial into 127 or 128 to compensate for latency.
Other Key features not mentioned.
The V4 has a fade to black or white dial. This is nice so you can black out the screens when necessary. You can also assign one of the Transform buttons next to the T bar to go to black. I call this the panic button. I use this to go to black if my tape runs out or my computer crashes. I also use it if I am mixing for a live act and they want a dramatic end to their track and all the video and lighting goes to black.
In the menu you have a choice on either blue background or black background when you are not using a specific channel. I always select black so I never have the blue screen of death.
In the menu you can also change the hue, gamma, brightness, contrast and screen position. This is nice for making those slight corrections to the screen if you don't have access to the projectors.
You can also select the different color matte backgrounds for keying.

Specifications
Internal processing
Format: ITU601, NTSC or PAL format
Sampling: 13.5MHz, 4:2:2 (Y:B-Y:R-Y) / 8-bit
Frame Synchronizer: Individual 2-channel (Individual 2-channel TBC : Time Base Correction)
The V4 can be rebooted to be used in either PAL or NTSC. This is a great feature for those traveling overseas. You simply hold down a couple of the keys and power up the unit into either formats. You cannot use both at the same time.
Transition:
Dissolve, White fade, Black fade
Wipe (about 200 patterns)
240 to be exact.
Effects
Composite effects: Chroma-key, Luminance-key
Individual 2-channel effects: Colorize, Strobe, Picture-in-Picture, Mirror, Multi-screen, Negative,
Still (Field freeze or Frame freeze), Solarise, Color filter
Video Input
S-Video (Y/C): 2 channels (Mini DIN 4-pin type)
Composite: 4 channels (RCA pin type)
Video Output
S-Video out (Y/C): 1 channels (Mini DIN 4-pin type)
Composite out: Output: 2 channels (RCA pin type) Preview out: 1 channel (RCA pin type)
Control
MIDI: MIDI IN x 1, MIDI OUT x 1 (Remote control through MIDI equipment)
TAP: BPM setting

The pros
Small, I can fit it in my backpack with my laptops and portable DVD players.
Light weight, even though it is made of aluminum it is still light.
No other video mixer comes close in this price range
Specifically designed for live video mixing.
Adjustable T bar position. V or H
Lots of effects and transitions
Single monitor preview
Fast T bar transitions (unlike the videonics)
Buttons that light up.
Inputs on the top for quick access.
Durable T bar with smooth transition.
Intuitive menu for easy learning
Midi implementation.
2 TBC so you can chain it to other mixers. Other video mixers don't always synch up.
Convenient on screen preview.
Upgrade the internal drivers and software through the midi input
Both PAL and NTSC

The cons
Only 2 Svideo inputs and one S output.
RCA inputs instead of BNC
Changing the parameter of the effects is slightly slow. It is difficult to change the parameters to the beat or tempo manually
The luma-key at the very end of its range becomes grainy and glitchy.
No circular wipe pattern. Only oval, I use circular wipes so I can use black to mask out a traditional 4x3 rectangular screen. This way I can create a circular one.
Slight delay in BPM. (However, that can be compensated).
No variable aspect ratio.

Conclusion
I highly recommend this mixer as a stand-alone unit or one that is integrated into the DV 7 Canvas or a larger video suite. My favorite combo is using both the MX 50 and V4. It's a cost effective way of getting 7 inputs or using them both to tag team a set.
Those looking for a broadcast quality units should consider Edirol's DV7 and use the V4 as a live input controller.