This guide is broken down into 2 sections: Hardware and Software. Please read through the hardware section to ensure you have the necessary hardware. Once completed, please read through the software section and review step-by-step instructions with walk through videos on how to ensure a successful broadcast.
HARDWARE
Video Setup (from most ideal to least):
DSLR Camera w/ Elgato Cam Link
Connect camera to computer via Micro HDMI to HDMI to Elgato Cam Link
Elgato Camlink - Instructions to install drivers.
Other Camlinks can also work but you will need to install the drivers provided with the setup instructions on that device.
Make sure you have the necessary cables and USB ports available.
Computer
webcam
An HD webcam (If you have).
Your laptop webcam can work as well as long it’s a newer laptop.
iPhone
Camera
Download phone app here ($15.99).
Download plugin on computer for iPhone app.
Plug phone into computer when using the camera.
Use the camera on the back of the phone as the front facing camera is lower quality.
Please prop up your phone using a phone tripod or other things around the house (like a stack of books).
Audio Setup (from most ideal to least):
Instruments, Audio, computeR
Each interface will be different and require the correct drivers (some will require no additional drivers).
The goal is to get the interface as a sound input so that when streaming from the computer it’s using the interface instead of the computer’s microphone.
To test interface, once appropriately plugged in with drivers installed, go to Mac System Preferences (hit Apple button in top left of menu bar) > Sound > Inputs. You should see your interface appear as an input.
USB
Microphone
If you have a microphone that plugs directly into your computer you can use this.
Each mic has a different process but feel free to let us know if you need help troubleshooting this.
Please make sure to mic check this a day or two before we go live and setup the mic in the best location to capture you and any instruments.
Computer microphone
Not ideal but if you don’t have a way to plug in audio into your computer, this can work but audio quality may be very poor.
Make sure to check the levels as the computer mic is likely to peak during any loud sounds being it’s very sensitive.
Computer Setup:
Hardwire your computer into your router via internet cable if possible, for the best connection.
Internet Speed Test: Need to have at least a 5MB Upload speed. 10MB+ ideal.
Make sure your computer is plugged in to power when streaming and assure that no other programs are running while running the software as this can cause issues.
Make sure no one else on your internet network is downloading, uploading or streaming while you’re live.
Additional tips:
Two+ Camera Setup
Create two scenes within OBS
For each scene, add a “Video Capture Device”
Create 2 scenes, one for each Camlink
In the preview window for each scene, adjust the camera angle and sizing so it fits the window
Go to settings > video and adjust base and output resolutions to 1920x1080
Transitions between 2 cameras
Adjust Fade setting to 600 ms
SOFTWARE
STEP 1: download obs
Download OBS (Free to download and use).
Step 2: Learn OBS and Test Audio and Video Feeds
Learn OBS and Test Audio and Video Feeds to ensure they’re working well. Walkthrough video list (please watch these first).
How to Download, install and setup sources/scenes in OBS (Video Explainer).
Setting up iPhone as Webcam that feeds into OBS (Video Explainer).
Download phone app here ($15.99).
Download plugin on computer for iPhone app here.
STEP 3: Ensure you have the optimal OBS setting
Scene Set Up:
One camera = One Scene
Two cameras = Two Scenes
You can transition between two different scenes
Video Base
Make sure this is set to 1920x1080
Video Output
Make sure this is set to 1920x1080
FPS (Frames Per Second) should be set to 30
Set Up “Video Capture Device” as a Source
Audio Set Up
Ensure interface is feeding well into OBS
Studio Mode
More advanced look in OBS
Left side shows the preview of what’s going live when you transition
Right side “Program” shows what is live when you are streaming
Test Recording
We suggest you do a test run of your video + audio settings as soon as you can
Do this on a private facebook page or a “dummy account” on Twitch
Streaming Test
Input this into OBS Settings > Stream > Restream.io - RTMP
STEP 4: start recording
Once that’s set, click ‘Start Broadcast’ and ‘Start Recording’.