Mac users: How to use Zoom with Stellar

Zoom has emerged as one of the most popular virtual meeting and webinar tools for both business and personal use. Though it’s not designed for producing top-notch performances, it is a useful tool for broadcasting from multiple locations. If you’ve got a show that involves individual speakers or performers broadcasting from separate locations, a Zoom stream could work for you. Here’s how to stream a Zoom broadcast on Stellar using your Mac:

The Prerequisites

You’ll need a license with this Host version: Zoom Client version 4.0.29208.0410 or higher on Mac

Start With the Right Hardware

Before you stream, you need the right equipment for a high-quality broadcast. At a minimum, you’ll need a wired Ethernet connection with an upload speed of 10Mbps. You’ll also need a computer with at least 8GB memory and at least a 2.0Ghz multi-core processor that can be dedicated to outputting video and audio.

Download a Video Encoder

If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to get a video encoder. We recommend OBS. To download OBS, go to Open Broadcast Project and choose the download for macOS. This is the software you’ll use to connect your stream to Stellar.

Download Virtual Audio Cabling Software

You also need audio software. We recommend Loopback. You can download a free version, or purchase the full license.

Note: The “free” option will work for setup and testing, but we recommend paying the $99 fee for the full license for use in your actual stream. There are alternatives to Loopback, but we suggest sticking with Rogue Amoeba’s audio routing tool.

Start a Meeting in Zoom

Once you’ve got all your equipment and software ready, open up Zoom and start a “New Meeting.” Once your meeting has started, and all of your participants are connected, you will not need to return to Zoom, except to use Zoom-specific features, such as chat.

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Configure Your Encoder

Before you begin streaming your Zoom session, make sure your encoder is set up properly. We have detailed instructions for setting up OBS and StreamYard.

Configure Your Audio Software

In Loopback, go to your Audio Sources, and make sure Zoom, OBS, and your audio source are added.

Set Up Your Stellar Stream

Now that everything is set up, you can prepare your stream for Stellar.

1. Go to Stellar and navigate to the Stream Studio from your dashboard.
2. Toggle the “Channel” button to “Build Your Channel.”
3. Take note of your RTMP URL and Stream Key -- you’ll add these to OBS.
4. Return to OBS and go to Settings -> Stream
5. Select “Custom…” from the Service dropdown menu. For “Server:” enter the RTMP URL from Stellar. For “Stream Key” enter the Stream Key from Stellar.

Go Live!

When you’re ready to begin streaming to Stellar, click “Start Streaming” in OBS and head to Stellar Stream Studio and click “Preview” to verify that your stream is properly working. You should now be able to see your Zoom session on Stellar.

Once you’re satisfied with everything and you’re ready to begin, click “Start Event” and your stream will begin on Stellar.

After your show is complete, click the button in the top right corner named “End Event” and your Stellar stream will end.

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