Analog Audio to Ethernet to OBS

[VSW]

Hi All,

We are looking to take our analog audio from our mixer to OSB using ethernet for live-streaming only (no gaming). We are also moving to using PTZ cameras with NDI or NDI/HX depending upon choice of cameras (Panasonic, PTZOptics, Birddog at 30x zoom). We are currently using an audio interface card that gives us USB output to our computer, but we want to move everything over the network as our computer will be located quite some distance from our mixer. So we are hoping for some feedback on the following:

1. suggestions for hardware to convert the analog/digital audio to the network (either with PoE or separate power)

2. I have seen some basic Dante systems such as as the Audinate ADP-DAI-AU-2X0, but not sure if that would integrate with OBS and looking for suggestions/comments on that system and audio interface device

3. suggestions for PTZ cameras over NDI

If anyone has any suggestions or recommendations, that would be helpful.

Thanks.

 

[jthorup]

We are building out our production space in a similar fashion. NDI Sources for Laptops and NDI PTZ cameras.
My issue is injecting audio into an all network workflow for OBS. I might have to pull traditional xlr cables if I can't find a good solution.

We are probably going with the Birddog P4K PTZ cameras because of the larger 1" sensor and additional outputs.

Good luck on finding the audio solution.

 

[Lawrence_SoCal]

I'm placing our OBS PC in our sound closet with the mixer, so I can take mixer's existing USB output direct into PC. Then I'll set up a 'KVM' station up in a loft above with a cable run length of approx. 40ft. I'll run a single DisplayPort MST cable for dual monitor support (one at 1440p, the other at 1200p). I also have a long USB cable w/ powered USB repeater (if required), and 3.5mm audio cable (for headphones). There are other options, including KVM over Ethernet, etc. to leave PC with mixer, and control from elsewhere. just mentioning as it is an option to move control seating monitor location, and not move PC

Currently, I'm taking audio out of mixer as analog and with adapters running into PC using 3.5mm TRRS jack. works ok. I'm looking forward to running DAW s/w on OBS PC and having direct access to each channel so livestream mix can be adjusted on the fly as needed. FYI , we have Presonus AR12 USB
Sorry, I haven't worked with any USB to Ethernet bridges, so can't comment there. But what is 'quite some distance'. With right cables (not cheapest, etc), certainly possible to run certain analog signals hundreds of feet ... if you are careful, and have the right knowledge to setup and test (example with quality XLR cables). I take it that your current audio mixer has no digital output option?

I chose Panasonic AW-HN38 NDI 22x optical PTZ last fall, as similar price to PTZOptics, and though I didn't do a side-by-side comparison, for same price I'm hoping/suspecting better quality (especially PTZ motion, and low-light image quality), from Panasonic. Sony NDI PTZ cameras are a lot more expensive, and when I asked vendors who sold both, if in our use case and specific 1080p models, I'd notice a visual difference, I was told no, and they'd recommend the Panasonics (which also had better availability)... so no brainer for me
Is your camera to subject distance over 75ft?

Not sure about Sony, but Panasonic has a free Virtual USB driver that connects to their NDI camera and makes it appear as locally attached USB camera... super simple, avoided adding OBS plugin, etc. and exact same image quality (NDI HX). There may be a reason NOT to do this, but I haven't come across it yet. I have only used the Panasonic NDI PTZ camera, so just sharing my experience. I didn't and can't compare hands-on. Also, be aware of processing power required to un-compress NDI HX traffic (it is not 0)

 

[jthorup]

On the audio side of things it looks like we are going with a dante audio solution to inject any analog sources for microphones ect.