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Connection guides / How to set up a capture card in OBS

How to set up a capture card in OBS

Connect your console or camera, the capture card and your computer, add the card’s picture and sound in OBS, then check a test recording.

Updated October 10, 2026

Connect the source and computer

Connect the console, second PC or camera HDMI output to HDMI IN on the capture card. If the card has passthrough, connect HDMI OUT to the display you play on. Connect the card’s USB data cable to a computer port that meets its requirements; an internal card uses its specified PCIe slot.

Start with a capture mode your card and computer both support. The display’s passthrough mode is a separate setting. If you are still choosing hardware, the best capture card guide owns that decision.

Add the video source in OBS

In the scene you will use, add a Video Capture Device source and select the capture card by name. Close other applications using it. Set the resolution and frame rate to a supported capture mode instead of assuming that OBS receives the display’s highest mode.

If the picture is black, check the selected input, HDMI direction and source protection before adding another copy of the source. The capture-card black-screen checks separate those causes.

Add the sound once

Watch the mixer while the source plays sound. Choose the card’s intended HDMI or analogue input, and check that the source is not muted. If another routing application already sends its audio to OBS, remove the duplicate direct path.

Party chat can use a different output from game sound. Follow the console party-chat route rather than treating a working game-audio meter as proof that chat is captured.

Check the recorded output

Make a local recording with movement, game sound and your microphone. Stop it and listen in a player. Check the recording separately from the passthrough display and headphones.

If video works but audio is missing, use the capture-card audio checks. If the two arrive at different times, measure the sync offset before changing it.

Equipment for these connections

Start with the kind of gear you’re missing, and read its full profile before adding it to your setup.

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