> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://kb.sermonshots.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# 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](https://kb.sermonshots.com/en-us/article/what-is-sermon-live-and-how-to-set-it-up-1efbs9h/?bust=1762198924768#3-how-to-set-up-sermon-live)
 
###### 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
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/1/a/5/f1a5c8feed077800/image_2rhga.png)
|| � 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**](https://app.sermonlive.com/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)
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/1/a/5/f1a5c8feed077800/image_dk1bz2.png =400x535)
* **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
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/1/a/5/f1a5c8feed077800/image_n3ytzu.png)
* 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)
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/1/a/5/f1a5c8feed077800/image_vkhd24.png)
* 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)
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/1/a/5/f1a5c8feed077800/image_g8rzkj.png)
|| �️ 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