OBS Quickstart

Configure OBS Studio For Shoutcast Net

Use these presets to push clean RTMPS feeds into Video Stream 100/500/1000 tiers with DVR, adaptive HLS, and WebRTC playback.

OBS Studio running on a production desk

Create scenes

  • Scene 1 – Picture-in-picture for slides + presenter camera.
  • Scene 2 – Full-stage camera for events and worship.
  • Scene 3 – Lower-third template for speaker bios and donation CTAs.

Encoder presets

Plan Resolution / FPS Video Bitrate Audio Bitrate
Video Stream 100 720p / 30 fps 3,500 kbps 128 kbps AAC
Video Stream 500 1080p / 30 fps 5,500 kbps 160 kbps AAC
Video Stream 1000 1080p / 60 fps 8,000 kbps 192 kbps AAC

Set Keyframe Interval = 2s, CBR enabled, and choose x264 or NVENC depending on your GPU.

Connect via RTMPS

Open Settings → Stream, select Custom, then paste the credentials from your Shoutcast Net portal.

  • Server: rtmps://live.shoutcastnet.com/live
  • Stream Key: rotate per event for security.
  • Enable "Verify SSL" to satisfy enterprise firewalls.

Monitor delivery

Use the Shoutcast Net monitor widget to track bitrate, dropped frames, and DVR health. Test playback on iOS, Android, Roku, and browsers using the embed codes included with each plan.

OBS Studio Streaming Troubleshooting Guide

OBS Failed to Connect to Server

Error: "Failed to connect to server" or "Connection timed out"

Solutions:

  • Server URL Format: Verify you're using correct RTMP(S) URL format: rtmps://live.shoutcastnet.com/live
  • Stream Key: Copy-paste your stream key from control panel - don't type it manually
  • Firewall/Antivirus: Add OBS Studio to Windows Defender Firewall allowed apps (port 1935 for RTMP)
  • VPN/Proxy: Disable VPN temporarily - some VPNs block RTMP streaming ports
  • Service Selection: Choose "Custom" service in OBS settings (not Twitch/YouTube presets)
High CPU Usage / Encoding Overload

Error: "Encoding overloaded! Consider turning down video settings or using faster encoding preset"

Solutions:

  • Use GPU Encoding: Switch from x264 to NVENC (NVIDIA) or AMD AMF encoder in Settings > Output
  • Lower Resolution: Change output to 1280x720 instead of 1920x1080 in Settings > Video
  • Reduce FPS: Stream at 30fps instead of 60fps (30fps is fine for most content)
  • x264 Preset: If using x264, change preset to "veryfast" or "ultrafast"
  • Close Background Apps: Stop Chrome, Discord, games running in background
Dropped Frames or Buffering

Problem: Stream constantly buffers or shows "Network" dropped frames in OBS stats

Solutions:

  • Lower Bitrate: Reduce video bitrate to match your upload speed (check at fast.com)
  • Wired Connection: Always use Ethernet cable, never WiFi for professional streaming
  • Bandwidth Test: Use our bitrate calculator to find safe settings for your connection
  • CBR Encoding: Enable "CBR" (Constant Bitrate) in encoder settings for stable upload
  • Dynamic Bitrate: Disable "Dynamic Bitrate" in Advanced settings - it can cause issues
Black Screen or No Video

Problem: Stream connects but shows black screen or no sources visible

Solutions:

  • Source Visibility: Check sources aren't hidden (eye icon) in Sources panel
  • Display Capture: Run OBS as Administrator (right-click > Run as administrator) for screen capture
  • Game Capture: Ensure game is running in fullscreen (not borderless) for game capture sources
  • Graphics Card: On laptops, force OBS to use dedicated GPU in Windows Graphics Settings
  • Color Format: Change Settings > Advanced > Color Format to NV12 if using hardware encoding
Windows 10/11 Optimization for OBS

Get best streaming performance on Windows desktop:

  • Game Mode: Disable Windows Game Mode (Settings > Gaming > Game Mode OFF)
  • Power Plan: Set to "High Performance" in Control Panel > Power Options
  • Windows Updates: Keep Windows updated for latest GPU driver compatibility
  • Hardware Acceleration: Enable GPU scheduling (Settings > Display > Graphics Settings)
  • OBS Version: Always use latest OBS Studio from obsproject.com (not StreamLabs OBS)
  • Audio Drivers: Update Realtek/Audio drivers from motherboard manufacturer

Streaming for a live event? Get real-time OBS configuration help.

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Need more production tips?

Compare encoder ladders, monetization flows, and adaptive playback ideas in our OBS Studio Blueprint blog, then return to the How-To Library for VirtualDJ, Mixxx, and AutoDJ guides.

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