Using OBS Virtual Camera with LiveVoice

This guide explains how to use the OBS Virtual Camera to stream a Zoom or Microsoft Teams call into LiveVoice. By doing so, interpreters can use a single tool for interpreting. Additionally, the Loop-Trick can be used to integrate audio from Zoom or Teams into LiveVoice. For more details on the Loop-Trick, please see our dedicated Help Center article.


What Is OBS Virtual Camera?

OBS Virtual Camera is a feature within OBS Studio that allows you to output the video feed from OBS as a virtual webcam. This virtual webcam can then be selected in applications like Zoom, MS Teams, or LiveVoice, making it easier to manage a single video stream across multiple platforms.


Why Use OBS Virtual Camera with LiveVoice?

Using OBS Virtual Camera with LiveVoice has several benefits:

  1. Streamlined Workflow: Interpreters only need to manage one tool (LiveVoice) to see the video and audio from MS Teams or Zoom.
  2. Custom Layouts: OBS allows you to create professional layouts, overlay logos, or display multiple video sources.
  3. Audio Integration: When paired with the Loop-Trick, both audio and video can be seamlessly transferred to LiveVoice.

Setup Guide: Using OBS Virtual Camera with LiveVoice

Step 1: Install and Set Up OBS Studio

  1. Download OBS Studio:
  2. Install the Virtual Camera Plugin:
    • OBS Studio includes Virtual Camera by default in recent versions. Ensure your version is up-to-date.
  3. Add Video Sources:
    • Open OBS and click the + button in the “Sources” panel.
    • Add a Window Capture source to capture the Zoom or MS Teams call window.

Step 2: Activate the Virtual Camera

  1. In OBS, go to the Controls panel and click Start Virtual Camera.
  2. OBS will now output your scene as a virtual webcam.

Step 3: Select the Virtual Camera in LiveVoice

  1. Open the LiveVoice speaker interface.
  2. Go to Input source and select OBS Virtual Camera as your webcam.

Step 4: Stream to LiveVoice

  1. Click on Start to activate the stream.

Optional: Add Audio Integration with the Loop-Trick

OBS Virtual Camera only transmits video, so you’ll need to use the Loop-Trick to include audio from Zoom or MS Teams in your LiveVoice stream.

Follow the instructions in our detailed article: How to Use the Loop-Trick for Audio Integration.


Tips for a Smooth Experience

  1. Optimize Layouts:
    • Use OBS Studio to adjust your layout, including cropping the video to focus on the speaker or adding overlays.
  2. Test Before Going Live:
    • Always test your video and audio setup in both Zoom/MS Teams and LiveVoice to ensure everything is working as expected.
  3. Manage Resources:
    • OBS can be resource-intensive. Close unnecessary programs to ensure smooth performance.

Troubleshooting

  • OBS Virtual Camera Not Showing in LiveVoice:
    • Restart your computer and ensure OBS is running as an administrator.
    • Check that the Virtual Camera plugin is properly installed and activated.
  • Audio Not Transmitting to LiveVoice:

Conclusion

Using OBS Virtual Camera with LiveVoice simplifies the workflow for interpreters, allowing them to manage interpretation from one application efficiently. When paired with the Loop-Trick, both audio and video can be fully integrated for a seamless experience. If you have further questions, contact our support team.