Use Wirecast to broadcast your screen with microphone audio

Learning how to broadcast your screen with microphone audio via Wirecast may be a bit more complex than expected. However, there is no need to fret. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process. If you follow these steps and still need further support, let us know.

What is Video Encoding?

Before we dive into the ins and outs of using Wirecast to capture audio, we’re going to briefly discuss encoding. Live stream e ncoding is a process used to convert the RAW video files captured by a camera into digital files suitable for live streaming on your website over the internet. Wirecast is an example of a software encoder that is used for live streaming. This means that the encoder feeds digital video files to the streaming platform in real-time.

Required Encoder Settings

The following settings are required for live streaming with Dacast, regardless of your selected resolution and bitrate:

VIDEO CODECH.264 (x264 may work)
FRAME RATE25 or 30
KEYFRAME INTERVAL3 secs (or 3x frame rate)
SCANNINGProgressive
ENCODING BITRATEConstant (CBR)
AUDIO CODECAAC
AUDIO BITRATE128 kbps
AUDIO CHANNELS2 (Stereo)
AUDIO SAMPLE RATE48 kHz (48,000 Hz)

Part 1: Configuring Wirecast

First, you will need both Wirecast and an added install called “ Desktop Presenter.” Once you have both installed, launch Wirecast and configure for your encoder settings. Use the required settings listed above.

Part 2: Getting your Audio Connected

First, click the Source Menu “+” icon and then select “Screen Capture.” On the right side select “Remote Desktop Presenter.” Click “Add” soon after. Microphone Audio on Wirecast - Remote Desktop Presenter

To be able to use the mic you need to deselect “Enable Audio” from the Desktop Presenter window that pops up. Microphone Audio on Wirecast - Enable Audio

Remote Desktop Presenter Properties have the following settings:

  1. Source Name: Displays the name of the source. To change the Source Name, enter a new one.
  2. Audio Delay: Enter the amount of time (in seconds, as short as 1 ms) to delay audio.
  3. IP Address: Enter an IP address of the target computer.
  4. Enable Audio: When checked, the audio from the remote desktop is enabled.
  5. Apply: Click the “Apply” button to update any changes.
  6. Channel: Select the channel of the remote desktop audio used: Stereo, Left only, or Right only.
  7. Monitor: When checked, the audio is enabled in your monitor. When unchecked, audio is still streamed to your audience.

Next, click on the “Source Window” icon again and select “Screen Capture.” Click “Add” soon after. Microphone Audio on Wirecast - Source Window

Click on “Audio Capture,” then from System Device, select your internal microphone. Please note that the name for this will be different depending on setup. Microphone Audio on Wirecast - Audio Capture

Now select the “ScreenCapture” from “Screen Capture.” Microphone Audio on Wirecast - Screen Capture One

Next, highlight the “UScreenCapture” image, click the audio icon on the far right, and select the internal microphone. The name for this will be different depending on setup.

Microphone Audio on Wirecast - Screen Capture Property

After you’ve completed this process, you’re ready to broadcast audio and screen-sharing.

Additional Resources

 

Harmonie Duhamel

Harmonie is a Senior digital marketer with over 6 years in the Tech Industry. She has a strong marketing and sales background and loves to work in multilingual environments.