There are many types of streaming software available for use with Mixcloud Live. We recommend Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) Studio, as it's free and easy to use.
- Where do I get OBS Studio?
- How do I create a Scene?
- How do I add Sources?
- What settings do I need to connect to Mixcloud Live?
- How do I ensure I have the optimal settings for streaming?
Where do I get OBS Studio?
You can download OBS Studio from obsproject.com. Make sure that you download the correct version, depending on whether you're using Windows, a Mac or Linux.
Once downloaded, follow the installation steps and open up OBS Studio on your computer. It should look like this:
How do I create a Scene?
The first step to setting up OBS Studio for Mixcloud Live is to create a Scene. This is what you’ll be showing to your audience and includes the audio, visuals and anything else you want to add which are called Sources.
A Scene should be automatically created for you. In the case that it hasn't, you can add one by clicking the plus button at the bottom of the Scenes box. You can also name them so you may want to call it something like My Mixcloud Live Stream.
How do I add Sources?
Audio
To add an audio source, go to Sources and choose Audio Input Capture. This could be just the of your computer or an input from your equipment.
Then, name the source and click OK. OBS will then give you a selection of available inputs from your computer for this source.
Once you click OK, you'll now have an audio source for your stream.
Video
While streaming on Mixcloud Live, video isn't essential since your followers are primarily interested in the music you play. Nonetheless, if you'd like to add visuals to your stream, you'll need to include additional input.
To do this, go to Sources and choose Video Capture Device.
Name the source and then click OK. OBS will give you a choice of available input options from your computer for this source.
Once you click OK, you will now also have a video source for your stream. Please note you may want to resize the source to be the same size as the black square.
Logo
You may also want to add a logo or image alongside/rather than the video. To do this, go to Sources and choose Image.
Name the source and then click OK. OBS will give you a choice of available input options from your computer for this source.
Once you've clicked OK, you'll be able to resize and position the image.
What settings do I need to connect to Mixcloud Live?
With your stream sources set up, you'll want to make sure the settings are correct for streaming on Mixcloud Live. To do this, go to the Settings tab on OBS Studio and select Stream.
The settings you'll want for Mixcloud Live are as follows:
Service - Mixcloud
Server - Default
Stream Key - this will be available through the Mixcloud Live setup process
We would recommend not changing any of your audio or video settings from the default on your streaming software the first time you stream. Changing the settings can result in the connection not working correctly.
What next?
Now your stream and settings are set up and connected to Mixcloud Live, all you need to do is click the Start Streaming button on your streaming software and go back to Mixcloud Live.
How do I ensure I have the optimal settings for streaming?
Once you have connected your stream to Mixcloud Live, you'll be able to see your settings on Mixcloud at the top of your video:
If you're using sub-optimal settings, we'll indicate which settings to change to make your stream is more stable and prevent any buffering issues. Below is information on how to change these settings when using OBS:
Video resolution
We recommend a video resolution of 720p and a visual ratio of 16:9.
If you're seeing this warning, change the video resolution in your streaming software preferences via the option seen below. Please note that this will require you to stop the stream temporarily.
Video bitrate
We recommend setting video bitrate to between 2500kbps to 3500kbps and using CBR, not VBR.
If you're seeing this warning, change the video bitrate in your streaming software preferences via the option seen below. Please note that this will require you to stop the stream temporarily.
Frame rate
For your stream to be stable, we require you to set your frame rate (or FPS) to 30.
If you're seeing this warning, change the FPS value in your streaming software preferences via the option seen below. You'll also want to ensure the keyframe interval is set to 2s. Please note that these changes will require you to stop the stream temporarily.
Audio bitrate
We recommend setting the audio bitrate to 320kbps. As a music-focused streaming platform, we want your viewers to experience the best possible sound quality.
If you see this advice, change your audio bitrate settings in your streaming software preferences via the option seen below. Please note that this change will require you to stop the stream temporarily.
Next Steps...
You may want to make your stream look even better by using some of our Mixcloud OBS overlays. These can be found here.
If you need further assistance with setting up your streaming software or have any other questions, please fill out this form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.