USB Streaming vs. Direct Streaming
This guide covers two different ways to stream with Roland products: direct streaming with the LAN port, and USB streaming with the USB port. It also covers USB and direct recording.
FEATURE COMPARISON
| USB Streaming | Direct Streaming |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What is RTMP? Ever notice how a website link sometimes starts with the letters HTTP? RTMP is like the streaming version of that.
RTMP adds delay to the stream, so audience interaction is limited to chat, but the video quality is better than conferencing.
COMPATIBLE PRODUCTS
| USB Streaming and Recording |
Direct Streaming | Direct Recording |
|
|
|
- VR-3, VR-3EX, VR-5, and VR-50HD are discontinued products that also have a USB video output.
USB STREAMING
Connect the USB Stream port on the back of the Roland product directly to a USB port on your computer. Avoid using any cable extenders or USB hubs, if possible.
Examples of cable connector types
A USB cable is not included with most models. Only UVC-01 and UVC-02 include a cable.
The following cables are recommended:
The product will appear as a selectable USB video and USB audio source in compatible software.
Streaming Software Guides
Windows
-
Roland Live Streamer: How to Set Up and Use this Free Software to Stream
- Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- Compatible with Windows 10/11 and Roland streaming hardware
- Requires Intel i5 or higher with Quick Sync, i3 and Celeron may not work
- AMD processors are not compatible
Windows and Mac
-
Roland Switchers: How to Customize Live Streams With OBS
- Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and all capture devices
-
Roland Switchers: How to Stream to Zoom Directly
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and all capture devices
If you have any issues with USB video and audio, please use these troubleshooting guides:
- V-02HD MK 2: Troubleshooting USB Video and Audio Output
- V-4EX: Troubleshooting USB Video and Audio Output
-
V-160HD: Troubleshooting USB Video and Audio Output
- VR-1HD: Troubleshooting USB Video and Audio Output
- VR-4HD: Troubleshooting USB Video and Audio Output
- VR-50HD: Troubleshooting USB Video and Audio Output [MK I & II]
-
VR-120HD: Troubleshooting USB Video and Audio Output
- UVC and V Series: USB Video Quality Issue with Zoom and Teams
DIRECT STREAMING
The following models have Direct Streaming:
- SR-20HD
- VR-6HD
- VR-120HD
AeroCaster has direct streaming, but does not use the web app.
If using AeroCaster, connect to a Wi-Fi network that is connected to the internet. You can also use a wired connection.
If using a Roland switcher, connect a network cable between the Direct Stream port on the back of the Roland product and a network port on a Wi-Fi router or network switch that is connected to the internet.
- A network cable is not included. Most any network cable that's CAT 5e or higher will work.
You can also log in directly to YouTube, Facebook Live, and Twitch to link your account.
- AeroCaster does this within the AeroCaster Live app
- Roland switchers generate a QR code and short URL to log in with a web browser and send the stream information back to the switcher
- How to Stream to Facebook with the "Use Web App" Setting
- How to Stream to YouTube with the "Use Web App" Setting
- How to Stream to Twitch with the "Use Web App" Setting
- How to Stream to any platform with the "Use Web App" Setting
The following list contains important information on streaming platforms. This information is subject to change at any time. Please refer to the platform's support articles for the latest information.
Services that Support Direct Login
Facebook Live: There are no account restrictions for 30 FPS streams and you can stream to your Timeline, Pages, or Groups either publicly or privately.
- Requirements for Facebook Live videos
- About HD streaming on Facebook Gaming
- How to join the Facebook Gaming Level Up program
Twitch: There are no account restrictions, but private and test streams are not possible, all streams are public.
YouTube: There are account requirements before you can stream directly via login, most require no action from you.
- Most importantly, you have to verify your channel using a mobile phone number and wait up to 24 hours, using this link: youtube.com/verify
These are the requirements, please click here for more information. Note that these are YouTube's requirements and are subject to change at any time:
- Restricted Streaming: Requires 50 followers, no account restrictions in the last 90 days, a verified channel (requires a mobile phone number), and up to a 24 hour waiting period for mobile streaming. There is a limit on viewers (number of followers +25) and archived streams default to private.
- Unrestricted Streaming: In addition to the above requirements it requires 1000 followers and the waiting period may be longer than 24 hours for mobile streaming without restrictions.
-
If you do not meet these requirements: You can connect by setting up Custom RTMP in the menu.
- Log into your YouTube account in a web browser, enter YouTube Studio, and look for the RTMP URL and Stream Key.
Services that Support Custom RTMP
For all other services, set them up as a Custom RTMP in the menu.
Some services listed below may require a paid monthly subscription and some do not support streaming outside of their dedicated mobile app, please see below for additional details.
The following information is subject to change at any time. Please refer to the platform's support articles for the latest information.
BoxCast: Set up as a Custom RTMP service.
More information is in this guide.
Crowdcast: Set up a Custom RTMP service.
More information on Crowdcast's RTMP Studio is in this guide.
Dacast: Set up a Custom RTMP service.
More information is in this guide.
Instagram: Instagram now provides RTMP information to set up a Custom RTMP service.
More information is in this guide.
LinkedIn: There are account requirements before you can stream. You will need 150 followers or connections, a history of posting original content, and no community guideline violations.
Once your account is activated for streaming, set up a Custom RTMP service.
More information in this guide.
Patreon: This platform uses Crowdcast, please scroll up for more information.
Restream: Set up a Custom RTMP service.
More information in this guide.
If you want to stream AeroCaster to Restream Studio, you need a company plan.
More information in this guide.
Snapchat: This platform does not appear to support livestreaming at this time.
TikTok: There are account requirements before you can start a stream with the TikTok app. There may be additional requirements to get a RTMP URL and Stream Key.
Direct mobile streaming from outside the TikTok app is not supported, but you can set up a Custom RTMP service by setting up the stream in the TikTok app to get the RTMP URL and Stream Key.
Twitter: Set up a Custom RTMP service.
More information on Twitter's Media Studio Producer in this guide.
Vimeo: Set up a Custom RTMP service.
More information is in this guide.
USB AND DIRECT RECORDING
| USB Recording | Direct Recording |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Here are some software guides:
Windows
-
Roland Live Recorder: How to Set Up and Use this Free Software to Record Video
- Compatible with Windows 10/11 and Roland streaming hardware
- Requires Intel i5 or higher with Quick Sync, i3 and Celeron may not work
- AMD processors are not compatible
- Compatible with Windows 10/11 and Roland streaming hardware
Windows and Mac
-
Roland Video Capture for VR
- Compatible with Windows, Mac (Intel & M1), and all capture devices
- Roland Switchers: M1 Mac Compatibility Information