Encoding Lag while recording multiple sources

[Kavitiez]

Perhaps I'm being too greedy for what my Mac can handle, but I'm sure this must be possible.

Want:
Record the following simultaneously while streaming (1080p60 for streaming and recording):

• Gameplay source
• Camera source
• Stream source

Issue:
I'm seeing Skipped frames due to encoding lag in the 90+% range.

• I understand this is the GPU screaming out. But all tests of encoders, rate control and bitrate/quality aren't fixing this.
• Please let me know which part of the log I should upload

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Hardware:

• M1 macbook pro (2021, 16GB)

Software:

• OBS 29.1.3 (64 bit)
• Source Record Plugin (Here)

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Latest attempt settings here.

Streaming (Youtube):

• Apple HEVC Hardware Encoder
• CBR = 10,000 Kbps
• Keyframe = 2
• Profile = main
• No B-Frames

Recording:
*Using the same setting for EACH source. So these for the game capture, camera capture and stream.

• Apple HEVC Hardware Encoder
• CBR = 20,000 Kbps
• Keyframe = 2
• Profile = main
• No B-Frames

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I can get this setup to work with JUST streaming and recording. And it looks great.
But I need the camera and raw game sources for my content

Thank you to anybody that can help
--> Let me know if the log or anything will help

 

[Kavitiez]

Update: My current solution has been to use BOTH my software and hardware encoders

HEVC - for streaming and recording the stream
x264 - for recording my camera and gameplay source

So...
Streaming: HEVC, CBR = 10Mbps
Stream Record: HEVC, CRF = 70 (this is not a normal CRF range, it goes 0-100, higher =better), High
Game Record: x264, CRF = 20 (this is the typical 0-51, lower =better)
Face Record: x264, CRF = 20

Doing this give me no lag what so ever. Zero frames dropped or skipped.
Comes at the price of CPU%: During streaming, recording and 20s replay buffer I hover around 35-40%

For reference:
1min game video = 100MB
1min stream video = 230MB

I'm currently tweaking the qualities until I get them to match and find the golden ratio.