Getting Started with Open Broadcaster Software and Zoom

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Hands gesturing during a video call on a laptop screen, showing two people in a virtual meeting.
Credit: pexels.com, Hands gesturing during a video call on a laptop screen, showing two people in a virtual meeting.

To get started with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) and Zoom, you'll need to download and install both programs on your computer. OBS is free and open-source, while Zoom offers a free plan with limited features.

First, download OBS from the official website. You can choose from various versions, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. Once installed, you'll need to configure your settings, such as choosing a resolution and frame rate.

Next, sign up for a Zoom account if you haven't already. You can use your email address or Google account to create an account. Make sure to choose a strong password and fill out your profile information.

Now that you have both programs installed, you can start exploring their features. OBS is ideal for streaming and recording gameplay, while Zoom is perfect for video conferencing and online meetings.

Connecting and Configuring

Connecting and Configuring OBS with Zoom is a straightforward process. To get started, you'll need the latest version of OBS Studio and Zoom.

Credit: youtube.com, OBS Functions in Zoom

First, open OBS Studio and click on the Start Virtual Camera option to activate it. This will allow Zoom to recognize OBS as a virtual camera. You can then launch Zoom, click on the Settings icon, and select OBS Virtual Camera as your camera option.

If you don't see the option for OBS Virtual Camera, close out your Zoom app and relaunch it. The option should now be available.

To configure your camera settings in OBS, click on the + icon in the Sources tab and select Video Capture Device. Choose your webcam and adjust the video settings, such as white balance, exposure, and gain.

You can also adjust your audio settings in OBS by selecting CABLE Input as your Monitoring Device in the Audio tab.

Here's a quick rundown of the steps to connect OBS to Zoom:

  • Launch OBS Studio and select the Start Virtual Camera option
  • Launch Zoom and click on the Settings icon
  • Select OBS Virtual Camera as your camera option
  • Configure your camera settings in OBS by selecting Video Capture Device and adjusting the video settings
  • Adjust your audio settings in OBS by selecting CABLE Input as your Monitoring Device

By following these steps, you'll be able to connect and configure OBS with Zoom, allowing you to broadcast and record high-quality video and audio.

Recording Meetings

Credit: youtube.com, OBS Studio: How to Record + Stream Zoom Meetings (OBS Studio Tutorial)

Recording meetings is a breeze with OBS and Zoom. You can use OBS to record Zoom meetings and have more control over your recordings.

OBS gives you the ability to add live graphics to your Zoom video feed, such as a lower-third nameplate or a logo. This is because OBS was made with live-streaming in mind, which means it has many stream key features you can toggle that Zoom lacks.

To record meetings with OBS, you'll need to configure your Display Capture settings. Choose the monitor you want to capture with your recording, which should be the monitor with your Zoom window.

You can also use the "Window Capture" option and pick "Zoom.exe" as your source, although this might not always work. If you're using multiple monitors, this might be a good option for you.

To ensure high-quality audio, use headphones instead of speakers. This will prevent your mic from picking up the output sound from your device, resulting in doubled sound in the recording.

Additional reading: Zoom Cloud Meetings App

Credit: youtube.com, How to Record & Stream Zoom Meetings With OBS Sudio

Here are the steps to record a meeting with OBS:

  • Launch Zoom and OBS, then click the Plus button in OBS to add a new source.
  • Choose "Display Capture" and select the monitor with your Zoom window.
  • Click "OK" to save the settings.
  • In the Sources tab, choose "Audio Input Capture" and select your preferred option.
  • Press "Start Recording" to begin recording your meeting.

By following these steps, you'll be able to record high-quality meetings with OBS and Zoom.

Setting Up Sources

To set up sources in OBS, you'll need to add a display capture or camera source. Click the + icon in the Sources tab to add a new source, then select Display Capture to capture your monitor's video feed.

You can choose which monitor you want to display the video on, and make sure the Zoom window is positioned within the capture screen. If you're using a second monitor, move the Zoom window to the second display.

If you want to add a camera source, click the + icon again and select Video Capture Device, then choose the camera output you intend to use.

Here are the steps to add a camera source:

  • Click the + icon in the Sources dock
  • Select Video Capture Device
  • Choose the camera output you intend to use
  • Drag the camera source to the bottom layer to ensure other graphics show on the stream

Adjust Camera Settings

Adjusting your camera settings is a crucial step in setting up your sources. It ensures that your video feed looks its best.

Credit: youtube.com, 1080p Wifi Pan and Tilt Security Camera SETUP Tutorial

To begin, launch Zoom and click on the Settings icon on the upper-right of the main window. From there, go to the Video tab and select OBS Virtual Camera as your camera option.

If you want to improve your webcam feed further, you can do so through OBS. But first, go back to Zoom and remove any video enhancement settings like Adjust for low light, Touch up my appearance, Apply video filters, and Use virtual backgrounds.

Now, return to OBS and configure your webcam settings. Click on the + icon in Sources and select Video Capture Device. Click on Create New and pick your webcam.

You can adjust video settings in OBS, like white balance, exposure, gain, and even chroma key. To do this, go back to your Sources dock and double-click your webcam source. Then, select Configure Video.

Here are some key settings to consider adjusting in OBS:

By adjusting these settings, you can fine-tune your camera settings and get the best possible video feed.

Set a New Source

Cheerful man using laptop for video call
Credit: pexels.com, Cheerful man using laptop for video call

To set a new source in OBS, click the + icon in the Sources tab. This will pull up a list of source options.

Select Display Capture to display the video from a monitor. You can choose which monitor you want to display the video from, and you can also position the Zoom window within the capture screen.

If you're using a second monitor, move the Zoom window to your second display. Check the Capture Cursor box if needed, and then click OK to set the source.

Here's a step-by-step guide to setting a new source:

  • Click the + icon in the Sources tab
  • Select Display Capture
  • Choose which monitor to display the video from
  • Position the Zoom window within the capture screen
  • Check the Capture Cursor box (if needed)
  • Click OK to set the source

Using Virtual Audio Cables in Meetings

Using virtual audio cables in meetings can be a game-changer for those who want to record or stream high-quality audio. You can download the virtual audio cable drivers at vb-audio.com and install them.

To set up the virtual audio cables, go to OBS settings and open the Audio tab. Select CABLE Input as your Monitoring Device. This will allow you to set up the cables in Zoom.

You might enjoy: How to Setup a Zoom Call

Credit: youtube.com, OBS and Zoom audio out of sync? Solved for Virtual Audio Cable

In Zoom's Audio settings, select Speakers (VB-Audio Virtual Cable) for your speaker and CABLE Output for your microphone. This is the key to getting high-quality audio in your meetings.

Here are the steps to set up virtual audio cables in Zoom:

  • Download the virtual audio cable drivers at vb-audio.com and install them.
  • Go to OBS settings and select CABLE Input as your Monitoring Device.
  • In Zoom's Audio settings, select Speakers (VB-Audio Virtual Cable) for your speaker and CABLE Output for your microphone.

Streaming and Recording

Streaming and Recording is a breeze with OBS and Zoom. You can use OBS to record Zoom meetings with more control over your recordings and the option to post-process them with professional-grade video-editing software.

OBS can add live graphics to your Zoom video feed, such as a lower-third nameplate or a logo, giving you more stream key features than Zoom itself.

To start recording, launch both OBS and Zoom, then hit Start Virtual Camera in the Controls section of OBS. This will allow you to stream OBS to Zoom.

You can also use the Display Capture feature in OBS to capture your Zoom window, and the Audio Input Capture feature to select your preferred audio option.

Credit: youtube.com, Best OBS Studio Settings for RECORDING in 2025 (For Beginners)

Here's a quick rundown of the steps to record Zoom meetings with OBS:

  • Launch Zoom and OBS, then click the Plus button under "Sources" and choose "Display Capture."
  • Name the capture and click "OK."
  • Click on "+" under "Sources" again, then pick "Audio Input Capture" and rename the capture source if you wish.
  • Press "Start Recording" and maximize Zoom to full-screen mode to make it the only visible application on display.

Live-Stream:

To start streaming on Zoom with OBS, you need to start both Zoom and OBS concurrently and have all guests joined before the go-live time.

Click on the + (Add) button in the Sources section and pick Image to add your backdrop, which should be ready before adding to your stream.

You can trim out the Zoom window to capture only your guests' face cam, or use the Video Source Option to put yourself into the Stream from your PC's associated webcam or other video devices linked.

If you need to webcast the conference elsewhere, you can select "Start Streaming" in OBS. Make sure to unmute the Desktop Audio and Mic/Aux or any mic connected to your PC from the Audio Mixed option.

Using Together

Using OBS and Zoom together can significantly enhance your virtual meetings, webinars, and live streams by leveraging OBS's powerful video production capabilities within Zoom.

Credit: youtube.com, Live Stream and Record at the SAME TIME?!?!

OBS offers a range of features for video production that Zoom lacks, such as scene transitions, advanced audio controls, overlays, and the ability to incorporate multiple video sources seamlessly.

To get started, you'll need the built-in virtual camera feature in OBS, which allows OBS to be recognized as a camera input by other applications, including Zoom.

You can create a more professional and engaging presentation by using OBS with Zoom, whether for a business meeting, an online class, or a live stream event.

To activate the virtual camera, go to the controls panel on the right side of OBS and click on Start Virtual Camera, then configure the settings for the virtual camera by clicking the gear icon.

You can choose the settings for the virtual camera in OBS, but you might need to adjust some security settings on your Mac before activating the virtual camera.

By using OBS with Zoom, you can create a more professional and engaging presentation, and take your virtual meetings, webinars, and live streams to the next level.

Test and Troubleshoot

Credit: youtube.com, Troubleshooting - Audio Loops with OBS and Zoom

Testing your setup is crucial to ensure a smooth meeting. Launch and sign into the Zoom client to start testing your video.

To test your video, click your profile photo and choose Settings. Then, click on the Video tab to see a live preview of your camera. You can switch to other cameras if you have them configured.

Creating a test meeting is also a great way to ensure OBS is working properly with Zoom. Join or start a meeting and find the Stop Video button on the meeting controls tab. Click on the up arrow to access the Video Settings.

Your settings and chosen video camera will be displayed here. If you don’t see your camera, click the dropdown menu to choose another one.

Explore further: Zoom Test Call

Advanced Settings

To refine your settings in OBS, locate the Sources tab and click the “+” icon. Choose Create New and select your camera.

You can adjust various settings, including gain, exposure, white balance, and more. Double-click your camera source to access these settings.

Check this out: Zoom Call No Camera

Credit: youtube.com, Zoom, PC and OBS audio settings for great streams

In the Configure Video section, you can fine-tune your camera settings to get the best possible image quality. Make sure to click on the Configure Video option to access these settings.

Here are some key settings to consider adjusting:

  • Gain: Adjusts the brightness of your image
  • Exposure: Controls the amount of light allowed into the camera
  • White balance: Adjusts the color temperature of your image

By adjusting these settings, you can ensure your camera feed looks its best in OBS and Zoom.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to broadcast via Zoom?

To broadcast via Zoom, start by signing in to your account and navigating to the meeting or webinar page, then click Start. From there, select the More button and choose Livestream to begin your live broadcast.

Francis McKenzie

Writer

Francis McKenzie is a skilled writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a focus on technology and software development, Francis has established herself as a knowledgeable and authoritative voice in the field of Next.js development.

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