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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To use an Elgato capture card in Streamlabs Desktop, connect your console, camera, or other source to the card’s HDMI input, connect the card to your computer, then add it to a scene as a Video Capture Device. Select a capture mode supported by both the source and card, and check game audio separately if it does not appear automatically. Exact ports, supported modes, and menu labels vary by card model and software version.
Before you connect anything
Check the model name on your Elgato card and identify the source device, the computer’s operating system, and the resolution and frame rate the source will output. These details determine the required USB connection, supported capture modes, and audio wiring. Do not assume that a setup instruction for one Elgato model applies to another.
Check the computer requirements for your model
As a model-specific reference, Elgato’s HD60 X 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 10xx-or-better GPU, 4 GB RAM, USB 3.0, and an internet connection. Its Mac baseline lists 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 universal or necessarily current requirements for every card and Streamlabs Desktop build. Elgato HD60 X system requirements
Connect the capture card
For a typical HDMI source, the signal path is source to capture card to computer. If you want passthrough to a separate display, connect the card’s HDMI output to that display as well. Follow the port and cable requirements for your exact 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.
Example: Elgato 4K X with an Xbox Series X|S
- Connect the Xbox’s HDMI output to the 4K X’s HDMI In.
- If using passthrough, connect the card’s HDMI Out to the TV or monitor.
- Connect the card’s USB-C output to a computer USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. Elgato says USB 3.2 Gen 1 can work at reduced capture resolution.
- Use two HDMI cables for this documented setup; Elgato says one is supplied.
These cable and USB details are specific to Elgato’s 4K X Xbox setup, not a general requirement for every Elgato card. Elgato also states that “Signals protected by HDCP can’t be used.” An HDCP-protected source therefore cannot be captured in this example. The card’s Analog Audio In is a line input, not a microphone port. Elgato 4K X Xbox Series X|S setup
Add the Elgato card in Streamlabs Desktop
- Open Streamlabs Desktop and select an existing scene or create a new one.
- Add a source and choose Video Capture Device. Name the source if you want to distinguish it from other video inputs.
- In the device selector, choose the connected Elgato capture card—not a built-in webcam or another capture device.
- Choose an available resolution and frame rate supported by both the incoming signal and the card. If the source outputs 1080p, do not ask the software to capture a higher input mode such as 4K.
- Check the preview. Confirm that the picture is present, correctly sized, and updating before you start a recording or stream.
Elgato’s 4K X guide lists Streamlabs Desktop among the software options. Elgato’s older HD60 S+ guide documents a similar Video Capture Device workflow and says many steps also apply to Streamlabs OBS; that guide is marked legacy/EOL, so use it as general orientation rather than a guarantee of current labels in every release. Elgato HD60 S+ OBS setup (legacy/EOL guide)
Rank #2
- 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.
Set up and verify game audio
Video and game audio may not arrive in Streamlabs as one automatically working source. First check whether audio from the capture card is reaching the Streamlabs mixer. If it is not, add or select the card as an audio input source and choose the correct audio path for your wiring.
- HDMI audio: Use the HDMI input path when game sound travels over the source’s HDMI connection.
- Analog audio: Use the analog input path only when your setup routes sound through a compatible analog connection, such as an applicable Chat Link arrangement.
- Commentary microphone: Keep your microphone as a separate source so you can see and adjust its meter independently from game audio.
Elgato’s general audio guidance says its capture devices support stereo 2.0 PCM, but not bitstream formats such as Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS, or Dolby Atmos. Set the source device to stereo PCM when available. On supported devices using macOS, Elgato describes adding a separate Audio Input Capture source for the card. The exact menus and available audio paths depend on the card, operating system, and current Streamlabs build. Elgato troubleshooting for no game sound
Rank #3
- 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
Troubleshoot a missing picture, wrong size, or missing sound
Streamlabs shows no signal or a black preview
- Confirm that the source is connected to the card’s HDMI In and is outputting video.
- Check that Streamlabs has the correct Elgato device selected and that the capture mode matches the source’s actual output.
- Close other capture software that may be using the card. If the card works in the manufacturer’s utility, close that utility before returning to Streamlabs.
- Deactivate and reactivate the source. If that does not help, remove the source and add it again.
- Check whether the source is HDCP-protected; protected signals cannot be captured with the documented 4K X setup.
The deactivate/reactivate and recreate steps are documented in Elgato’s legacy HD60 S+ guide, so the precise controls may differ by model and software version. Elgato HD60 S+ OBS setup (legacy/EOL guide)
The image is the wrong size or shape
Reset the source transform or fit the source to the scene. Preserve its aspect ratio where possible; stretching to fill the scene can distort the picture. If the source is cropped, check both the transform and the source’s output resolution.
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.
Streamlabs reports an incompatible resolution
Set the capture mode to the incoming signal’s resolution or a lower mode supported by the card. Elgato gives 1080p input combined with a 4K software setting as an example of an incompatible configuration. The cited resolution page is marked legacy/EOL, so check the current guide for your specific card before relying on model-specific mode limits. Elgato incompatible output resolution
Game audio is missing
- In the audio source settings, select HDMI or analog according to how the sound is connected.
- If audio is not included automatically, add the capture card as an audio input and check its mixer meter.
- Set the console or source device to stereo PCM rather than an unsupported bitstream format.
- Check the capture card audio meter separately from the microphone meter to identify which source is silent.
Video stutters or lags
Try another suitable USB port and verify that the card is connected at the USB generation required for your intended capture mode. A slower connection can reduce available capture resolution on some models. Elgato’s legacy HD60 S+ guide also recommends trying another USB 3.0 port for choppy video; check your card’s own requirements before applying that advice.
Keep the capture setup and a 24/7 YouTube stream separate
Streamlabs Desktop and an Elgato capture card are for bringing a live source—such as gameplay—into a computer scene. If your goal is instead to keep uploaded videos looping as a YouTube live stream while your computer is off, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a camera feed, and streams to YouTube only.
Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams your uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
Quick Recap
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