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# Set up the source stream using OBS

Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) Studio can send a camera, capture device, or test source to an MK.IO live event over RTMP. Configure the source, encoder, and MK.IO input URL before you start streaming.

## Install OBS Studio

* Download and install OBS for your operating system on the Open Broadcaster Software website.

* Start the application. OBS starts with a default scene but with no inputs selected.

## Add a video source

* From the Sources panel, select the add icon.

* Select Video Capture Device.

* Select Add Existing, then select OK.

* From the Device list, select the video input for the broadcast.

* Leave the remaining settings unchanged and select OK.

The input appears in the **Sources** panel and the video appears in the preview.

### Add a browser test source

If you do not have a capture device ready, you can use a browser source for a first test:

* Select the add icon under Sources.

* Select Browser.

* Name the source `Clock` and enter `https://vclock.com` as its URL.

If the source shows a cookie-consent prompt, right-click the browser source, select **Interact**, and accept the prompt.

## Add an audio source

* From the Sources panel, select the add icon.

* Select Audio Input Capture.

* Select Add Existing, then select OK.

* From the Device list, select the audio capture device for the broadcast.

* Leave the remaining settings unchanged and select OK.

The audio capture device appears in the audio mixer.

## Set up streaming and advanced encoding settings

Before continuing, [start the live event](/mkio/how-to/live-streaming/set-up-a-live-streaming-event#start-streaming) and copy its **Input URL**.

* Select Settings in the Controls panel.

* Select Stream in the left menu.

* From Service, select Show all, then select Custom.

* In Server, paste the RTMP input URL without the final `/stream` suffix.

* In Stream Key, enter a valid stream name, such as `stream`.

* Select Output in the left menu.

* Set Output Mode to Advanced.

* On the Streaming tab, select the encoder settings for the computer’s processor and capabilities:

Set Audio Encoder to FFmpeg AAC or CoreAudio AAC.

* Set Video Encoder to x264.

* Use constant bitrate (CBR) rate control.

* Match Keyframe interval to the Input key frame interval configured in MK.IO.

## Set audio settings

* Select Output > Audio.

* Set Audio Bitrate for the source.

* Set Sample Rate to 48 kHz.

## Set video settings

* Select Output > Video.

* Set Output (Scaled) Resolution to 1920x1080.

* Set Common FPS Values for the source.

* Select OK.

## Start streaming

The combined video and audio bitrate must not exceed the live event’s bandwidth limit.

* In the Controls panel, select Start Streaming.

* Return to the live event in MK.IO, then select Apply.

* Confirm that the source appears in the preview.

* Copy the playback URLs for use in a compatible player or application.

## Check the OBS status

Use the OBS status bar to check the source while it is running:

* Bitrate shows how much data OBS sends each second. It should remain stable.

* Dropped frames should remain at 0 percent. A rising value indicates a network or processor problem.

* FPS shows the frame rate sent by OBS.

* CPU usage should remain below 60 percent. Usage near 90 percent can affect the output quality.