When you dive into the world of live streaming or content creation, setting up the right audio and video equipment can be a daunting task. Among the most powerful tools available to streamers is the Elgato capture card. However, many users find themselves asking: how do I get sound from Elgato to OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of configuring your audio settings, ensuring you can engage your audience with high-quality sound.
Understanding Your Equipment
Before we explore how to connect Elgato to OBS for sound, it’s crucial to understand the equipment you’re using:
What is Elgato?
Elgato produces a range of devices tailored for content creators, most notably capture cards that allow users to capture and stream gameplay from consoles or computers. These devices, such as the Elgato HD60 S and Elgato 4K60 Pro, efficiently handle both video and audio signals, making them essential for streamers.
What is OBS?
OBS Studio is open-source software that allows users to stream and record video content. It is widely used for its powerful features and customization options. It supports various plugins and can capture video from multiple sources seamlessly. However, to achieve top-notch quality, you must configure it correctly, particularly regarding audio sources.
Setting Up Elgato Capture Card for Audio
Now that we know what equipment we’re working with, let’s dive into the process of getting sound from your Elgato capture card into OBS.
Connecting Elgato to Your PC
- Initial Connections: First, connect your Elgato capture card to your gaming console or PC. Ensure that you have the proper cables (HDMI, USB) connected securely.
- Power On: Once the capture card is connected, turn on your gaming console or PC.
Configuring OBS for Audio Input
After you’ve set up your capture card, you need to configure OBS to capture the audio. Follow the steps below to ensure you have sound from your Elgato in your OBS streams.
Step 1: Adding Elgato as a Video Source
Before the audio can be set up, it’s paramount that your video source is correctly configured:
- Open OBS Studio: Launch OBS on your computer.
- Add Source: In the “Sources” panel at the bottom, click the “+” button to add a new source.
- Select Video Capture Device: Choose “Video Capture Device” from the list.
- Choose Elgato Device: In the window that appears, select your Elgato capture card from the device dropdown.
This step ensures that your video input is properly configured, which is essential before adding audio.
Step 2: Adding Audio Input from Elgato
With the video source added, you can now proceed to set up the audio input source:
- Add Audio Output Capture: Again, in the “Sources” panel, click the “+” button and select “Audio Output Capture.”
- Create New: Choose “Create New” and give a relevant name (for example, “Elgato Audio”).
- Select Device: From the device dropdown, select the audio output from the Elgato device.
Important Note:
If your audio device does not appear in the dropdown, make sure your Elgato capture card is properly connected and recognized by your operating system.
Adjusting Audio Settings in OBS
Once you have your audio input configured, you will want to refine the audio settings to ensure optimal quality during streaming or recording.
Step 1: Accessing Settings
- Open Settings: In OBS, click on “Settings” located in the lower-right corner of the application.
- Audio Tab: Navigate to the “Audio” tab in the settings window.
Step 2: Configuring General Audio Settings
Within the audio section of the settings, you can configure several key parameters:
- Sample Rate: It’s recommended to have the sample rate set to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, matching your Elgato audio output settings.
- Channels: Select “Stereo” for the best audio experience.
- Desktop Audio Device: Make sure you have your Elgato device selected as your Desktop Audio Device if you want to capture the sound coming from your streamed content.
Advanced Audio Properties:
You may want to dive further into the Advanced Audio Properties, accessible by right-clicking on the audio source in the audio mixer panel. Here, you can adjust various settings:
- Audio Monitoring: Choose whether you want to monitor the audio live through your headphones or speakers.
- Volume Control: Adjust the mix of the overall sound, ensuring the audio is neither too quiet nor too loud.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things might not go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them to ensure you have sound flowing from your Elgato to OBS.
No Sound in OBS
If you’re finding that there’s no sound in your OBS streams despite following the above steps, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Check Connections: Make sure all cables are properly seated.
- Check Audio Mixer: Ensure the audio source hasn’t been muted within the OBS audio mixer.
- Update Drivers: Make sure that your Elgato capture card drivers and OBS are fully updated.
Audio Lag or Desynchronization
An issue that many streamers face is audio lag or desynchronization. To address this:
- Use Sync Offset: In the advanced audio properties, you can set a sync offset to align audio and video effectively.
- Change Buffer Size: Sometimes, adjusting the buffer size in the settings can also help reduce lag.
Enhancing Audio Quality for Your Streams
To take your sound quality a step further, consider integrating the following elements:
Using an Audio Interface
An audio interface can improve the sound quality further. It allows better microphone inputs and sound control. Popular choices include the Focusrite Scarlett and PreSonus AudioBox.
Implementing Filters**
Audio filters can significantly enhance your sound. OBS allows various filters to be added:
- Noise Gate: Filters out unwanted background noise.
- Compressor: Balances the volume level, ensuring that loud sounds aren’t damaging while softer sounds are amplified.
How to Add Filters:
- Right-click on the audio source in the mixer, navigate to “Filters,” and add the desired filters from the application.
Conclusion
Setting up the Elgato capture card to transmit audio to OBS might seem tricky, but with careful attention to detail and a methodical approach, you can achieve excellent sound quality for your streams or recordings. Whether you’re streaming gameplay, creating tutorials, or hosting virtual events, clear and high-quality audio contributes to a more engaging experience for your audience. By following the outlined steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to delivering professional-quality streams in no time.
Never underestimate the power of clear audio—it can make or break your content! Happy streaming!
What is Elgato, and why is it used for audio capture?
Elgato is a well-known brand that specializes in high-quality video capture devices, as well as accessories designed for streamers and content creators. The Elgato capture cards allow users to capture audio and video from a variety of devices, including gaming consoles and PCs. This functionality is particularly popular among gamers who want to stream their gameplay live or record high-quality videos for platforms like YouTube or Twitch.
The audio capture capabilities of Elgato devices enhance the overall streaming experience by providing high fidelity sound quality. This is key in creating an immersive environment for both the streamer and the audience. By mastering audio through Elgato, streamers can ensure that their voice, game sounds, and any other audio sources are mixed perfectly, leading to a professional-grade output.
How do I set up Elgato with OBS?
Setting up Elgato with OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a straightforward process. First, connect your Elgato capture card to your gaming console or PC through the appropriate HDMI cables. Make sure to also connect the capture card to your computer via USB. After everything is connected, launch OBS and create a new scene where you will add your Elgato capture device.
In OBS, go to the ‘Sources’ section, click the “+” icon, and then select “Video Capture Device.” From the dropdown menu, choose your Elgato device. Once selected, ensure your audio settings are configured properly within OBS to capture the sound correctly. This often involves checking the audio settings in both OBS and Windows to ensure that Elgato is set as an audio source.
Can I capture both game audio and microphone audio simultaneously?
Yes, you can capture both game audio and microphone audio simultaneously using Elgato and OBS. To do this, ensure that your Elgato device is set up to capture game audio. You can usually do this by properly adjusting settings in your console or PC to route the audio through the capture card. For USB capture devices, check that the audio device is correctly recognized in your system’s sound settings.
In OBS, you’ll want to add both your Elgato device for game audio and your microphone as separate sources. This allows you to manage levels independently, ensuring clear audio from both your game and your commentary. By balancing these audio levels, you create a more engaging viewing experience for your audience.
What audio settings should I adjust in OBS for optimal sound quality?
To achieve optimal sound quality in OBS, start by going to the ‘Settings’ menu and selecting the ‘Audio’ tab. Here, you can set your desktop audio device to your Elgato capture card, which allows it to capture game audio correctly. Make sure your sample rate matches that of your system’s audio settings to avoid latency issues; a common sample rate is 48 kHz.
Another important adjustment involves the audio mixer in OBS where you can set levels for each audio source. Pay attention to the decibel levels; you want to avoid clipping while ensuring that your audio is loud enough. Using filters such as noise suppression or compression can also help to refine your audio quality, making your stream sound more professional.
What should I do if I’m experiencing audio delays from Elgato in OBS?
Audio delays can be frustrating, but they are often fixable with a few adjustments. First, check the settings in OBS and ensure that the audio sample rate of your Elgato capture device matches that of your OBS audio settings. If they are mismatched, this can cause sync issues. Make sure to also look into your system settings to verify that everything is configured correctly.
If you’re still experiencing delays, consider using the ‘Advanced Audio Properties’ in OBS. Here, you can manually sync the audio by adjusting the offset time in milliseconds. Adding a negative delay to the audio source can bring it in line with your video, thereby enhancing the viewer experience. It may require some trial and error to get it just right.
Is it necessary to use an external microphone with Elgato for better audio quality?
While it’s not strictly necessary to use an external microphone with Elgato, doing so can significantly improve your audio quality. Built-in microphones on laptops or webcams often do not capture sound as clearly or accurately as dedicated external microphones. Using an external microphone allows for better sound isolation, clearer audio capture, and greater control over your audio environment.
Moreover, external microphones often provide features like adjustable gain, directional pickup patterns, and higher sound fidelity. In combination with Elgato’s audio capture capabilities, an external microphone can elevate your stream’s overall production quality, making you sound more professional and engaging to your audience.
Can I use Elgato for audio capture on platforms other than OBS?
Yes, you can use Elgato devices for audio capture on various platforms beyond OBS. Many streaming and recording software options, such as XSplit, Streamlabs OBS, and others, support the use of Elgato capture devices. The setup is generally similar to what you would do in OBS, requiring you to add the Elgato device as a source in the software you choose.
Additionally, Elgato devices can also be used for audio capture in video conferencing tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, allowing for better audio quality during calls. Each application may have its specific settings, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with how to integrate Elgato into your chosen platform for optimal performance.