Overview
Software Required:
VDMX (for live visual generation)
OBS Studio (for compositing and streaming)
Optional: NDI Tools (for network video transfer), audio interface drivers
Hardware Required:
Laptop running VDMX
Audio mixer with USB or analog output
Second laptop or camera with HDMI/USB output
Capture card (optional if not using NDI)
Cables and adapters (XLR, TRS, 3.5mm, HDMI, USB, etc.)
Streaming Platform:
Custom RTMP server (e.g., Viewcy)
Streaming Goal:
Combine VDMX visuals, audio from a mixer, and a live camera feed into a single stream with a split-screen layout and transmit it via RTMP.
Step 1: Set Up Visuals from VDMX to OBS
There are two primary methods for routing visuals from VDMX to OBS: Syphon and NDI.
Option A: Using Syphon (macOS Only)
In VDMX:
Set up your visuals as needed.
Navigate to Output > Syphon and enable Syphon Output.
In OBS:
Install the Syphon plugin for OBS.
Add a new Syphon Client source.
Select VDMX as the source. Your visuals will now appear in OBS.
Option B: Using NDI (Cross-Platform)
In VDMX:
Install and configure the NDI plugin to send output over the network.
In OBS:
Install the OBS NDI plugin.
Add an NDI Source and select VDMX's output.
This option is more CPU-intensive but works on both macOS and Windows.
Step 2: Connect Mixer Audio to OBS
There are three common ways to route live audio into OBS:
Option 1: USB Audio Interface (Recommended)
Many digital mixers come with USB output. Simply connect the mixer to your laptop via USB.
In OBS:
Go to Settings > Audio or add an Audio Input Capture source.
Select the mixer or audio interface from the device list.
Adjust input levels to avoid clipping.
Option 2: External Audio Interface
Connect the mixer’s main output (XLR or TRS) to an external audio interface.
Connect the audio interface to the laptop via USB.
OBS will detect it as a microphone or line input.
Option 3: 3.5mm AUX Input (Not Ideal)
Use a stereo 1/4" to 3.5mm cable from the mixer's headphone or line out to the laptop's mic input.
This method is prone to quality loss and grounding issues. Use only as a temporary solution.
Step 3: Bring in a Camera Feed from Another Laptop
There are two approaches for importing a video feed from another device into OBS.
Option A: NDI Scan Converter
On the second laptop:
Install NDI Tools and launch NDI Scan Converter.
This will broadcast the entire screen or a specific window (e.g., camera feed) over the network.
On the OBS laptop:
Add an NDI Source and select the feed from the second laptop.
You can crop or resize the feed as needed in the OBS layout.
Option B: Capture Card (HDMI Input) (recommended)
Connect the camera to a capture card via HDMI.
Plug the capture card into your laptop's USB port.
In OBS:
Add a Video Capture Device source.
Select the capture card as the input device.
Adjust resolution and frame rate as required.
Step 4: Create a Split-Screen Layout in OBS
Once all sources are added to OBS, you can arrange them visually in the canvas.
In OBS, create a new scene named "Split Screen" or similar.
Add the following sources:
VDMX visuals (via Syphon or NDI)
Video feed from the second laptop or camera
Audio input from the mixer or interface
Adjust and position each source in the preview window:
For side-by-side visuals, resize each video to occupy half the screen.
For picture-in-picture, keep one video full screen and overlay the second as a smaller frame in a corner.
Use the transform and crop tools in OBS to fine-tune the layout.
Step 5: Configure OBS to Stream to Viewcy
In OBS:
Go to Settings > Stream.
Set the stream type to Custom.
Paste the RTMP Stream URL and Stream Key from your Viewcy event page.
Under Settings > Output > Streaming:
Set the video bitrate between 3000–6000 kbps, depending on your upload speed.
Set audio bitrate to 160–320 kbps.
Ensure that all sources (video and audio) are active and visible in the current scene.
Step 6: Test the Complete Setup
Before going live:
Use Start Recording in OBS to simulate a live stream.
Monitor:
Video smoothness from VDMX
Audio clarity and sync
Camera feed positioning
Adjust levels and layouts as necessary.
Also, test your network bandwidth to ensure stable upload speeds during the stream.
Step 7: Go Live
Once you have confirmed that all components are working:
Click Start Streaming in OBS.
Open the RTMP page on Viewcy to monitor the live feed.
Observe for dropped frames, sync issues, or any signal loss.
Keep OBS and Viewcy open throughout the stream to monitor performance.
Final Considerations
Use wired Ethernet connections instead of Wi-Fi wherever possible.
Close unnecessary applications to reduce CPU/GPU load.
Monitor audio levels throughout the stream to avoid distortion or clipping.
Record a backup locally via OBS in case of internet interruptions.
This setup enables a dynamic, professional live stream combining live visuals, audio, and camera input—ideal for performances, film screenings, or multimedia concerts.