Today, streaming is a very popular activity. A lot of people around the world lead their Internet channels, where they post live broadcasts. In order to record a stream, special programs are used.
What is OBS
One of the best representatives of the stream application family is OBS Studio.
Actually, OBS stands for open broadcaster software. And, as mentioned above, its purpose is to record video streams. And you can do this both through a webcam and through a PC screen (laptop or other gadget). It is the second point that is crucial when choosing a program for recording.
And another significant advantage that the OBS program has is a large number of auxiliary plug-ins and add-ons that enhance its activities and add even more features to it. Well, do not forget about the complete free program.
Install OBS
As already mentioned, due to its popularity and relevance, the OBS streaming program is multi-platform. And its installation does not require any supernatural actions.
So, the installation procedure consists of several stages:
- Downloading the installer from the official site (yes, on the official site it is available in free mode).
- Before downloading a file, you need to select your system (Windows, iOS, Linux).
- After the launch file is downloaded, the system must require permission to make changes (this action must be confirmed).
- After opening the installation start page, just click the Next button, and the program will install.
- After installation, it is recommended to reboot the device.
Everything, the program is installed, and you can proceed to its first launch and configuration.
Primary OBS Settings
For easy and comfortable work (if you have streaming experience), as well as for in-depth acquaintance with software (if there is no experience at all), it is recommended that you first configure OBS. The program starts very quickly and has a compact menu, so it’s very easy to enter the settings section.
After opening the “Settings” menu, the user is provided with an extensive list of commands and options that will be useful in future work:
- placement of program windows;
- creating a unique personal profile;
- default language selection;
- the presence of the cursor during program operation (the cursor can be disabled).
After all the changes are made, you can proceed to a more in-depth work, and more precisely to the broadcast settings.
Sound settings
Another important step for the full operation of the broadcast is to configure the audio signatures. In truth, the OBS program itself automatically adjusts the sound in the optimal configuration, so that no special user intervention is required. The only thing you should know is the choice of bitrate directly depends on the quality and resolution of the video. If 360 p is used, it is recommended to choose a bitrate not higher than 800 Kbit, and if 1080 p is supported, you can safely set 3500 Kbit.
Again, you need to rearrange the current audio performance very carefully, as they do not affect the operation of the program, but the final quality of the stream. So if the future streamer did not quite figure out how to use the OBS program, it is better to skip this settings item.
Broadcast-Live
Now you can proceed with the settings of your stream. To do this, go to the "Broadcast" section and set the mode "Live". An important point is the choice of the FMS URL server through which the broadcast will be carried out. Usually indicated as close as possible in geolocation and having a high signal level.
In addition, depending on the choice of the type of broadcast (via the camera or PC screen), you must specify the Service (either an application, or an account on social networks, or a channel on special resources is indicated) through which the program for OBS recording will work. The rest of the settings are set by default optimally, depending on the power of the device used and the quality of the Internet connection.
OBS video and audio settings
The final step in setting up and preparing the OBS program for work is to set the optimal performance for video and audio devices.
The video is installed in the following order:
- Video card From the drop-down list, the work card on the device is set.
- Base resolution. It usually matches the monitor settings.
- FPS indicators. This is an important parameter that determines the framing frequency (the optimal value is 30 fps, but if the PC allows you to use more, you can set 50-70 fps without any problems).
Audio settings also have several points:
- Playback device. This item can not be touched, by default everything here is optimally set.
- Microphone. When you start the stream, you must choose which one will be used - built-in or plug-in.
- Amplification of applications. This is a parameter that enhances sound in one or more selected applications.
- Microphone gain These are changes to the microphone volume.
That's all, actually! The program is ready to use. Now you can start the broadcast itself.
Streaming with OBS
So, you need to create a scene (click PMK on a free area in the open "Scenes" field). Further, when the OBS program is launched, it is required to start the desired application (game) from which the broadcast will be conducted.
Next, you need to select the broadcast source - the "Game" section. Usually after that a drop-down menu will open where you need to select a running game. Now you can check the initial quality of the stream by clicking the "Preview" button. If everything is fine, then the “Start Broadcast” button can be broadcast.