Streaming 101: Setting Up OBS - Scenes & Sources

In OBS, 'scenes' and 'sources' work together to create the final video output. Here's a description of each and how they interact:

Scenes

A scene in OBS is a collection of sources.

Scenes allow you to switch between different layouts or views during your live stream. Each scene should have a different purpose such as:

• 'Starting Soon' scene

• Performance scene

• 'Thanks For Watching' scene

• 'We are experiencing Technical Difficulties' screen

You can switch between scenes by clicking on them!

Sources

Now we know the basics, let's make a 'Waiting Room'!

1. First of all we need to create a new scene... Name it ‘Waiting Room’:

2. Next up, go ahead and download the VIERLIVE Pre Roll! You are going to add that video into your new scene by clicking the '+' under ‘Sources’ and selecting ‘Media Source’:

Your screen should now look like this (with the video moving!): 

Notice there is now an audio meter indicating that there is sound!

Now let's dig into how we will make our actual performance screen.

1. We will start off by creating another new scene and calling it 'Live'.

2. Next we will add a 'Video Capture Device' and select our capture card... You should see the video appear on your screen. Make sure your camera is turned on and plugged in!

3. Now we can add an 'Audio Capture Device'.

4. The final step is to check the 'Audio Mixer' section (found next to the sources section). Make sure your newly added 'Audio Capture Device' is the only one active. Mute all the others that OBS might have added automatically such as 'Mic/Aux in'!

If you aren't sure what camera & audio setup you want to use, I recommend having a read of 'Streaming 101: The Basics'.

The next step will be to look into your specific stream settings... Visit Streaming 101: Setting Up OBS - Streaming settings

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You are now going to add the video you just downloaded into your new scene by clicking the '+' under ‘Sources’ and selecting ‘Media Source’: