Connect your source to the capture card, connect the card to your computer, then add it to a Streamlabs Desktop scene as a Video Capture Device. Select a capture mode supported by both the card and the source, and check the audio meter before recording or streaming. Exact ports and settings depend on your Elgato model, source device, computer, and Streamlabs version.
Before you connect anything
Check the model name on your Elgato card and identify the device you want to capture, such as a console, camera, or second computer. Look up the model’s connection requirements and supported capture modes; cable count, USB generation, and available resolutions vary by card.
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As one model-specific reference, Elgato’s HD60 X system-requirements page, updated October 3, 2023, lists Windows 10 64-bit, a 6th-generation Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 7 or better, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series-or-better GPU, 4 GB RAM, USB 3.0, and internet. Its Mac baseline is macOS 11 Big Sur or later, an M1 or 4th-generation quad-core Intel i5 or comparable processor, 4 GB RAM, USB 3.x, and internet. Elgato notes that third-party software such as Streamlabs OBS has different requirements from its own utility, so treat these as the published HD60 X baseline, not a universal or necessarily current requirement for every card: Elgato HD60 X system requirements.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsConnect the capture card
Use the model’s input, output, and USB ports
For a console setup, the usual signal path is console HDMI output to the card’s HDMI input. If you want to play on a separate display through passthrough, connect the card’s HDMI output to that display. Connect the card to the computer using the USB port and cable specified for that model.
#1 Best Overall
- Seamless Broadcasting and Versatile Streaming: Connect effortlessly to any app such as OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Restream, Zoom, Teams, and stream flawlessly on various platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Discord, Facebook Gaming, etc., providing you with unparalleled flexibility and reach.
- Next-gen capture: Unleash the full potential of your content with cutting-edge 4K resolution, delivering crystal-clear visuals at an impressive 144 frames per second.
- HDMI 2.1 in/out: Elevate your recording capabilities with HDMI 2.1 support, allowing you to document high frame rates up to 240fps in glorious 1080p resolution for an unparalleled viewing experience.
- VRR passthrough: Immerse yourself completely in the gaming experience as our Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) passthrough ensures flawlessly smooth gameplay, eliminating screen tearing for an uninterrupted visual feast.
- Ultra-low latency: Stay in the moment with ultra-low latency powered by USB 3.2 Gen 2, ensuring your broadcast and gameplay remain perfectly synchronized, delivering an immersive and responsive streaming experience.
For the specific Xbox Series X|S setup documented for Elgato 4K X, Elgato calls for two HDMI cables—one is supplied—and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 computer port. USB 3.2 Gen 1 can work at a reduced capture resolution. These are 4K X instructions, not requirements to apply automatically to other Elgato cards. See Elgato’s 4K X Xbox setup guide.
Check for protected output
HDCP-protected video cannot be captured by the 4K X in the documented setup. Elgato states: “Signals protected by HDCP can’t be used.” If a source is protected, changing Streamlabs settings will not make that signal capturable; consult the source device and capture-card documentation for supported uses.
Choose the correct audio path
HDMI game audio should arrive through HDMI when the source sends supported audio. If you use an analog audio connection, connect it to the card’s designated analog input. On the 4K X, Analog Audio In is a line-in, not a microphone port. Do not connect a microphone there expecting it to work as a mic input.
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- Seamless Broadcasting and Versatile Streaming: Connect effortlessly to any app such as OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Restream, Zoom, Teams, and stream flawlessly on various platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Discord, Facebook Gaming, etc., providing you with unparalleled flexibility and reach.
- Unrivaled Gaming Experience: Immerse yourself in pure gameplay at an astounding 8K60 resolution, all while effortlessly capturing the action in stunning 4K60 quality.
- Cutting-Edge Connectivity: Harness the power of HDMI 2.1 in/out to effortlessly record high frame rates, reaching up to an incredible 240fps in pristine 1080p resolution.
- Seamless Visuals: Say goodbye to screen tearing and relish in a flawlessly smooth gaming experience with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) passthrough technology.
- Perfectly Synced Entertainment: Achieve unparalleled synchronization between your broadcast and gameplay, thanks to ultra-low latency that ensures every moment is captured with precision.
Add the Elgato card to Streamlabs Desktop
- Open or create a scene. In Streamlabs Desktop, select the scene where the capture feed should appear, or create a new scene.
- Add a capture source. Add a source and choose Video Capture Device. Name it something identifiable, such as “Elgato Console.” The exact interface wording can vary by Streamlabs release.
- Select the device. Choose the connected Elgato card from the device list. If it is absent, make sure the card is connected and close other capture programs that may be using it.
- Choose a supported mode. Select a resolution and frame rate the card supports and that match the incoming signal. Do not set capture to a resolution higher than the source is actually outputting. There is no single best resolution or frame rate for every Elgato model and source.
- Check the preview. Confirm that the picture appears, fits the canvas, and updates as expected before you record or go live.
Elgato’s current 4K X setup guide lists Streamlabs Desktop among the software options. Its step-by-step source guidance for HD60 S+ is a legacy/EOL guide, so use it only as general orientation rather than assuming every current Streamlabs version has identical labels or behavior: Elgato HD60 S+ OBS Studio setup.
Set up and verify game audio
Watch the Streamlabs mixer while the source is making sound. If the capture source does not deliver audio automatically, add or select the Elgato as an audio input and check that the mixer meter responds. Keep microphone commentary on its own input so you can confirm game audio and voice separately.
Elgato’s audio troubleshooting guide says its supported capture devices handle stereo 2.0 PCM, but not bitstream formats such as Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS, or Dolby Atmos. Set the source device’s audio output to stereo PCM when available. For HDMI game sound, use the HDMI audio path; for a compatible Chat Link or other analog route, select analog input. On supported devices using macOS, Elgato describes adding a separate Audio Input Capture source. Follow the instructions for your exact card and operating system: Elgato game-sound troubleshooting.
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- Turn Your Camera into a Pro Webcam: Connect your DSLR or mirrorless camera to any computer and go live in stunning quality
- Stunning quality: Stream and record in 1080p60 or even 4K60 for razor-sharp detail (Requires a compatible camera and the latest Cam Link 4K model)
- Connect More Than Just Cameras: Use a camcorder, action cam, or even your iPhone to level up your content
- No Lag, No Delays: Ultra-low latency keeps your video and audio perfectly in sync, just like it should be
- Your iPad, Now a Pro Field Monitor: Preview your shots in real time on an iPad with USB-C
Fix common capture problems
Streamlabs shows no signal or a black preview
- Confirm the source is connected to HDMI In, not HDMI Out, and that the card is connected to the computer using a suitable port.
- Check that the source device is outputting a video mode supported by the card. Protected HDCP output cannot be captured by the 4K X in the documented setup.
- Close other software that could be holding the capture card. If you tested it in Elgato’s utility, close that utility before reopening Streamlabs.
- In Streamlabs, deactivate and reactivate the source; if needed, remove it and add a fresh Video Capture Device source.
Elgato documents the software-release and source-recreation steps for HD60 S+ in its legacy guide; exact behavior can differ by model and current software version.
The resolution is incompatible
Set the capture mode to the actual incoming resolution or a lower mode supported by the card. Elgato’s example of an incompatible setting is a 1080p input paired with 4K capture in software. That guidance is on a page marked legacy/EOL, so verify the supported modes for your current model: Elgato incompatible output resolution.
The picture is stretched, cropped, or the wrong size
Reset the source transform or resize it to fit the scene. Preserve the source’s aspect ratio where possible; stretching to fill can distort the image. Elgato’s legacy HD60 S+ guide describes resetting the transform or fitting the source to the scene.
Rank #4
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
There is picture but no game sound
- Check that the card’s audio input is set to HDMI or analog to match the wiring.
- If audio is not included automatically with the video source, add the capture card as a separate audio input and select the correct device in the mixer.
- Set the console or source audio output to stereo PCM instead of a bitstream format the capture device does not support.
The video stutters or lags
Try another suitable USB port and confirm the card is connected at the USB generation required for the capture mode. USB bandwidth and model requirements affect available modes; for example, Elgato permits USB 3.2 Gen 1 with 4K X in its Xbox setup but specifies reduced capture resolution. The legacy HD60 S+ guide also recommends trying another USB 3.0 port for choppy video.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep uploaded videos looping as a 24/7 YouTube live stream, that is different from capturing a live console, camera, or computer feed in Streamlabs Desktop. StreamNeo is a YouTube-only cloud service for uploaded videos: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; each slot streams the upload at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price, and the service automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free day.
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