How to Use Direct Input in Sermon Live While Livestreaming with OBS

Overview

If your church is already using OBS to livestream your service to platforms like Facebook or YouTube, you're just one step away from enabling real-time translation through Sermon Live.

Sermon Live’s Direct Input option lets you send audio and video straight from your OBS setup into the platform, with minimal delay (3–4 seconds)—making it perfect for multilingual or international congregations.

🛠️ What You’ll Need

An existing OBS setup for livestreaming
A dedicated microphone (e.g., from the pulpit or soundboard)
A webcam or video capture device
A Sermon Shots account with Sermon Live access
Google Chrome (recommended)

🎬 Step-by-Step: Add Real-Time Translation to Your Livestream

💡If you haven't already, set up Sermon Live first

1. Enable OBS Virtual Camera

OBS is already handling your livestream, so the only additional step is to make its video feed available to Sermon Live.

Open OBS
Click Start Virtual Camera in the lower-right controls

� This turns your OBS scene into a camera feed that your browser (and Sermon Live) can recognize.

2. Open Sermon Live and Choose Direct Input

Go to Sermon Live in your browser
Select Direct Input (RECOMMENDED)
Allow browser access to your microphone and camera when prompted

3. Select OBS Virtual Camera and Church Microphone

In the Sermon Live setup:

Video Source: Select OBS Virtual Camera

(You may also choose No Video (Audio Only), and your service will still be captured for translation)

Microphone: Select the same mic used in OBS

(e.g., the pastor’s lapel mic, soundboard input, or USB interface)

✅ This setup ensures your translation feed matches the audio/video being livestreamed elsewhere

4. Confirm Input and Preview Translation

Speak into the microphone to test if Sermon Live is detecting audio

You should see the audio level bars moving
If all looks good, you're ready to stream

5. Start Streaming in OBS

Begin your normal livestream to Facebook, YouTube, or your preferred platform through OBS as usual
OBS is already set up—this step just kicks off your regular broadcast

6. Start the Stream in Sermon Live

Once OBS is streaming, click Start Streaming in Sermon Live (upper right corner)

The system will begin capturing and translating your feed in real time (typically 3–4 sec delay)
Use the provided link or QR code to share the translation stream with your congregation (bottom left corner)

�️ You’re now translating your church service in real time!

🛠️ Troubleshooting Tips

Issue	Fix
OBS Virtual Camera not appearing	Re-click Start Virtual Camera in OBS
No audio detected	Recheck mic selection in Sermon Live; verify browser permissions
Idle too long message	Refresh the page and reselect your sources
Built-in webcam showing instead	Manually reselect OBS Virtual Camera in Sermon Live

💡 Pro Tips for Church Streaming

Run a test service each week before Sunday to check sync and performance
Assign a volunteer to monitor the Sermon Live translation during the service
Display the translation QR code on in-house screens or bulletins
Use the same mic for OBS and Sermon Live to avoid sync issues

Updated on: 11/03/2025

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