OBS Installation and Configuration

Install OBS

  1. Go to https://obsproject.com

  2. Click on the appropriate download button

  3. Download, launch installer, and run.

    1. The installation may complain about missing a C++ redistributable package. If so, download that package, install it, then restart the OBS installer.

    2. After installation, OBS may again complain about Direct X 3D package. Follow the links to download and install that if needed.

    3. Launch OBS. If OBS's first time settings page asks for recording and streaming, just close the window entirely. The steps later manually set up this info.

Configure OBS

  • Before configuring

    • Please insert the HDMI to USB converter into a USB drive. Also, please connect the camcorder to the HDMI-to-USB converter.

    • Insert the 3.5mm audio jack. Use a TRS-to-TRRS converter if your line-in feed is just a normal left/right feed.

    • Restart OBS.

  • Add a video source

    • In the bottom left area, click on the + in Sources.

    • Choose Video Capture Device.

    • In Create new, give it a label. I chose "HD Video Capture / Camcorder"


  • Choose "usb video" in Device.

  • Click "OK". You should now see a "HD Video Capture / Camcorder" in Sources.

  • Add an audio source

    • In the bottom left area, click on the + in Sources.

    • Choose Audio Input Capture.

    • In Create new, give it a label. I chose "Line in / 3.5mm Jack"


  • Choose the correct input source.

    • To determine which input source is correct, use an audio program which can immediately show what each line input is receiving. I previously installed and launched Audacity, then recorded various line in/mic options. I was able to find the one matching the 3.5mm plugged in line by scratching my thumb on the pulpit mic and the laptop's mic hole. Another option is that you can just click OK, then run your hand over the mic to see if it correctly spikes in OBS's audio mixer.

  • Click "OK". You should now see a "Line in / 3.5mm Jack" in Sources, alongside your video source.

  • Turn down the volume on all other audio sources in the Audio Mixer. You don't want to feed the camera's mic, laptop's built in mic, or desktop audio into the broadcast.

  • Note: you may find that the video and audio is off sync during broadcasts (for example, HDMI to USB converters and phone to USB converters have a small processing lag). If so, you want to click on the gear wheel next to the live mic. Click on Advanced Audio Properties. In the line that has the same audio name, change the Sync Offset to 150 ms. Test and adjust as needed.

  • Select the right bitrates

    • Click on File->Settings

    • Click Output in the sidebar

    • In Video Bitrate, enter1500 Kbps. (The church's system maxes at 2000 kbps and OBS lets the laptop vary, so you want to keep it well under 2000.)

    • In Audio Bitrate, use 96

    • Click OK

OBS should now be configured. These settings should persist every time OBS is re-opened.