Getting Started with OBS for CUR8 Live Streaming

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is free, open-source software that lets you stream high-quality audio and video to platforms like CUR8. What we love is that OBS gives you full control over your stream layout, sound, and resolution. 

There are several helpful videos available online for OBS; here is an introductory video that we recommend. 

We’re always happy to help with your technical needs, and we’ll do our best to support you along the way. That said, there are some limits to what we can assist with, especially since we may not have full visibility into your unique setup or every software/hardware combination out there. CUR8 recommends OBS as a solid, reliable option for streaming, but if you prefer to use something else, that’s totally fine! We’ll support you as much as possible within the scope of what we can troubleshoot.

Ready? Download & Install OBS

Download OBS at https://obsproject.com.

• Choose your operating system (Mac or Windows)
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions
• Once installed, open the app (you might see a prompt for Auto Configuration, skip it.)

Do NOT Use the Auto Configuration Wizard

When setting up OBS, do not run the “Auto Configuration Wizard.”  It may select incorrect video resolutions (like 4:3) or assign streaming settings that do not work well with CUR8.

Hard-Wired Internet Connection and Speed Test

If at all possible, please use a hardline internet connection for Live-Streaming

A wired (Ethernet) connection is strongly recommended for streaming. Wi-Fi may work, but it introduces the risk of lag, buffering, and connection drops.

• Want to test your internet speed? Use Speedtest.net
• Use your upload speed, not download speed, to determine resolution. 

Enter CUR8 RTMP Stream Credentials in OBS

Here’s how to connect OBS to CUR8:

1. Open OBS
2. Click Settings located in the bottom-right corner or you can find settings in the menu: OBS > Preferences.
3. Click Stream
4. Under Service, select Custom.

Now, go to CUR8:

5. Log in to CUR8.com
6. Navigate to your project and click the Project Poster.
7. Scroll down to Live Stream Credentials, which are visible on the left.
8. Select the correct event date.
9. Copy the RTMP URL and paste it into OBS’s Server field
10. Copy the Stream Key and paste it into OBS’s Stream Key field
11. Leave the authentication blank
12. Click OK

OBS is now connected to CUR8. 

Where are the Live Stream's RTMP Credentials and Preview Player?

Determine Resolution & Bitrate Based on Internet Speed

Use your upload speed (from the speed test), not your download speed, and match it to this chart:

Configure OBS Settings

Output Tab:

• Under Settings > Output
• Set Output Mode to Simple
• Set Video Bitrate to the middle of your network's upload speed range from the chart above
• Set Encoder to Software (x264)
• Set Audio Bitrate to 128

Audio Tab:

• Go to Settings > Audio
• Set Sample Rate to 44.1kHz
• Set Channels to Stereo.
• Please consider using an audio interface. 

Video Tab:

• Go to Settings > Video
• Set Base (Canvas) Resolution to the max resolution of your camera or content (ex: 1920x1080)
  • If your internet speeds allow you to stream 1080p, set both the Base and Output Resolution to 1920X1080
  • If your internet speeds allow you to stream below 1080 set the Output Resolution (second field) to what your network allows based on the chart above and set the Base Resolution to the highest quality of your camera or video content (ie. if your cameras or video content comes in at 1080 set to 1080. If it comes in at 720 set to 720.
• Set Output (Scaled) Resolution to match what your upload speed allows (from the chart)
• Set Downscale Filter to Bicubic.
• Recommended Common Frame Rate (FPS) is to 30 FPS, but refer to your camera's frame rate.
• Choose OK

Set Up Audio Devices

For best sound quality, use an audio interface (external hardware that connects mics/instruments to your computer). But you can also use a USB microphone.

In OBS:

1. Go to Settings > Audio
2. Under Mic/Auxiliary Audio, select your input (interface or USB mic)
3. Click OK

Add Your Camera or Media Sources

1. On the main OBS screen, click the + under Sources
2. Choose Video Capture Device
3. Name it (like “Camera 1”) and click OK
4. Select your camera from the drop-down and click OK again

Go Live!

When you're ready, click Start Streaming. Your feed should appear on CUR8 within 30 seconds.

Connect External Cameras (Optional)

DSLR Cameras:

You’ll need a capture card, such as Elgato Cam Link or Magewell, to connect a DSLR to OBS.

Connecting DSLR Cameras to OBS

Use a Mobile Device:

Apps like OBS Camera (iOS) or DroidCam (Android/Windows) let you use your phone’s camera wirelessly or wired.

Connecting Mobile Devices to OBS

CUR8 Tips and Best Practices

• Test before show day: do a full practice rehearsal with OBS + CUR8. We recommend testing at least a few days ahead of your event, in case you need time to resolve any technical issues.
• Hardwire your internet connection.
• Don’t stream and preview on the same Wi-Fi network, as it’ll eat your upload bandwidth and create a poor viewing experience for your attendees.
• Have a backup device ready to go in case of hardware failure
• Go live early! Stream a welcome screen/slide with your organization or show information, and pre show music 15–30 minutes before your event is scheduled to begin. 

Basic Live Stream Troubleshooting