---
# System prepended metadata

title: DJ Setup Instructions

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# DJ Setup Instructions
Documentation for MSP Waves Radio

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## 1 Pre-Requisits to Broadcasting on MSP Waves Radio
### 1.1 DJ Commitment
- Uphold the values outlined in the MSP Waves Mission Statement:
>"This is the duty, mission, and honor of MSP Waves Radio and all of our associated personnel.  To HELP PEOPLE: whomever, whenever, wherever and however we are able. The ideals which guide us to serve this community are Kindness, Care, Servitude, as well as the virtues of Benevolence, and Generosity. Fueled by Gratitude, we seek every opportunity to benefit the community to the best of our ability.
>
>These fundamental principles align with those of our parent organization, The Peace, Abundance & Liberty Network(PAL). Our participation as the broadcast component of the Minnow Support Project reflects the values of the MSP Waves Radio crew and the creed of the Minnow Support Project."
- Regularly check mentions on the <a href="https://discord.gg/8xG4nGy">MSP Waves Operations Discord Server</a> for updates.
- Be reliable for at least 1, ideally 2-3, hours of content once a week.


### 1.2 Required DJ Equipment
- A computer running either Windows, OS X, or Linux with 8GB RAM, 1TB or greater HDD, i3 or better processeor

- Headphones
    - A Must have item to prevent prevent audio loops, feedback, and echoes.
   
    - A value pair of headphones will suffice. Wear headphones that you can afford, are reliable, and are comfortable. (This is to prevent your mic from picking up your other sounds, which causes audio problems)

- - Microphone / Headset
    - Blue Yeti, Snowball, or other Podcast quality mics preferred.
    - A Quality Headset Mic can work.
    - Internal PC/tablet Microphones are discouraged.
    - Other Professional DJ / Sound Mixer Setups Allowed.
 

### 1.3 DJ Responsiblities
- Reliability, Consistency, Preparedness
## 2 Installing and Configuring the Software
### 2.1 Discord
#### 2.1.1 Installation
- <a href="https://discordapp.com/download">Download</a> the application appropriate for your system
- Follow on-screen instructions to install
#### 2.1.2 Configuation
- Open Discord
- Sign in to existing account or make a new one and consider matching your HIVE name
- Join the <a href="https://discord.gg/zGxEeBE"> PALnet Discord server</a>
---

### 2.2 OBS
#### 2.2.1 Installation
- <a href="https://obsproject.com/">Download</a> the application appropriate for your system
- Follow on-screen instructions to install
- If any problems arise, installation help can be found <a href="https://obsproject.com/wiki/install-instructions">here</a>
- After completing installation, open OBS and cancel the Auto-Configuration Wizard
#### 2.2.2 Scenes 
Scenes are groups of "Sources" (see 2.2.3). 
Sources are combined into a Scene for a video feed that is broadcast in OBS.
You will want **one** scene for each unique show you host.
<sup><b>Note:</b> Most DJs will only need one scene containing different sources</sup>
- Use the + button under the "Scenes" box to add scenes for more than one show
- Name the scene/s "Your Show Name"
#### 2.2.3 Sources 
The sources list comprises the separate parts of the broadcast output. This is the meat and potatoes of the live stream. Add personalized images, Discord widgets, devices, and media. Visual sources can be dragged and resized in the Broadcast Preview area. Make sure to fill the screen and minimize empty space.

Below are the available sources for all OSes. Only a few of these will be needed for a bare-bones broadcasting setup.
<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmfR5r4CgADSkjJ2nP2sLAFtmfdyndJJk4ofrUfYnMXAk5/obs-source-lists.png">
##### 2.2.3.1 Add Image Source/s
- Click the <b>+</b> button under the Sources box
- Click "Image"
- Rename appropriately to easily find later
- Browse and select the image to stream
- Repeat until all images necessary are added i.e. MSP Waves logo, Show logo, etc
##### 2.2.3.2 Add Browser Source/s (Discord Widgets)
Discord widgets such as a chat feed, server status, and voice can provide context about audience engagement for recorded shows or live viewers unable to chat in the discord. 
>Linux users click and install this first--> https://github.com/bazukas/obs-linuxbrowser

- Make sure Discord is **open** with an account signed in
- Go to the [Discord Streamkit Overlay site](https://streamkit.discordapp.com/overlay)
- Click "Install for OBS"
- "Chat Widget" tab 
    - Select "Peace, Abundance, Liberty" as the Server
    - Select "mspwaves-audience" as the Channel
    - Copy link found under the preview
    - Go to OBS>Sources>Add(<b>+</b>)>Browser
    - Name "Chat Widget"
    - Paste link from Discord Streamkit Overlay site in URL box
    - Adjust Height/Width to corresponding numbers found next to the generated URL on the Discord Streamkit Overlay site
- Optional Voice Widget tab (For guests/co-hosts) 
    - Select "Peace, Abundance, Liberty" as the Server
    - Select "MSP Waves On-Air" as the Voice Channel
    - Adjust preferences as desired
    - Copy link found under the preview
    - Go to OBS>Sources>Add(<b>+</b>)>Browser
    - Name "Voice Widget"
    - Paste link from Discord Streamkit Overlay site in URL box
    - Adjust Height/Width to corresponding numbers found next to the generated URL on the Discord Streamkit Overlay site
##### 2.2.3.3 Add Audio Sources
>Mac users, follow <a href="https://steemit.com/mspwaves/@rodeo670/how-to-set-up-your-obs-audio-output-on-mac-os-x-msp-waves-broadcasting-setup-guide-by-dj-damashii">this guide </a>instead of step 2.2.3.3 
- Input (Microphone)
    - Click the <b>+</b> button under the Sources box
    - Click  Audio Input Capture, Choose your Microphone Source
- Output
    - Click the <b>+</b> button under the Sources box
    - Click  Audio Output Source, Choose your Speakers
    - Audio sources can be added through OBS Settings>Audio or individual sources within scenes. It important that either one method or the other is used, but not really sure if we need a one-size fits all solution or if we should weigh the pros/cons of both approaches and let the DJ decide.
    - Output Audio is also Called the Desktop Audio on some versions of OBS.
    



#### 2.2.4 Fine Tuning Settings
>If broadcasting videos, webcams, or other higher resolution setups, skip this step and see MSP DJ onboarding staff before moving to 2.2.5

Go to OBS>Settings>
- Output tab
    - Change Video Bitrate: 400
    - Change Audio Bitrate: 256
- Video tab
    - Change Output (Scaled) Resolution: 6<sub>xx</sub>X3<sub>xx</sub> (i.e. 640x360)
    - Change FPS: 30
#### 2.2.5 Creating an OBS Test Stream Profile (OPTIONAL)
A twitch.tv account is a way to test the show stream A/V before going live on mspwaves.com. Create a free twitch account and then complete the steps below. This allows streaming to twitch.tv/YOURuserNAME with a selectable OBS profile.
- Go to OBS
- Click Profile>New
    - Name the Profile "Twitch Test Stream" and click OK
- Go to Settings>Stream tab
- Next to Stream Type, select "Streaming Services"
- Open twitch.tv/YOURuserNAME/dashboard/streamkey in a web browser and copy the Stream Key found there.
<sub> ***Warning:*** Never reveal yor streamkey to a third party.</sub>
- Go back to OBS Stream Settings, paste the key in the Stream Key box, and click OK

## 3 Testing and Tweaking the Stream
### 3.1 Broadcasting to twitch
- Go to OBS
- Ensure "Twitch Test Stream" is checked on the Profile drop-down menu
- Click "Start Streaming" <div class="pull-right"><img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmdBSQ2GZcFjHgRxrz9rhXVrVtdgDyjRf7BgZMGKn8UVok/Selection_999(666).png"></div>
- Go to Twitch.tv/YOURuserNAME and confirm "live" icon appears on the (possibly black) video screen 
- If the stream is live, find a member of the MSP Waves team or a fellow DJ in the #mspwaves-djs PAL Discord channel to watch and listen to the test stream while adjusting the audio levels (3.2) and setting up the scene (3.3)  
- If it doesn't appear to be live after 30-60 secs, review 2.2.5 for any steps that were missed.
### 3.2 Adjusting Audio Levels
- Audio Levels can be adjusted at EVERY Source, which means:
    Your overall PC Volume and Each Source of Audio Must be turned up in their own unique places, such as volume and settings in each app or media player in order to be heard on the stream.
<div class="pull-right"><img src="https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/343470405350195201/357447977608151040/Selection_021.png"></div>
- Start by Turning up for your own PC Master Volume to about 95%. We do this to not over Overdrive the audio at 100%, which can cause distortion.

- In OBS, your audio levels can now be changed within OBS itself using the volume sliders in your mixer. You should have one for each "Source" in your OBS Scene, and can adjust as needed. You should be able to see your green levels bouncing in OBS to see your audio levels when you speak or play any audio. You want to be averaging your sound level somewhere in the yellow at a regular speaking voice. Red still sounds fine, but over red is where it gets distorted. If your average sound level is below yellow it may sound quiet for the audience. 

- You can also change audio levels from each sources original program settings/volume, such as Discord, or any media player.

- Be aware that you should strive to always maintain a Consistent, Clear, & slightly Amplified voice on the radio, to ensure excellent audio quality.
- Voice excitment can drastically alter your microphone levels, as can microphone placement, so be aware of your setup each time you go live.

<a href="https://peakd.com/hive-181335/@msp-waves/qrpmhzft">Here's a good how-to video on managing audio for your show.</a>
 

### 3.3 Organizing the Sources in the OBS Scene
Use the images and widgets from 2.2.3 in the Sources list to create the final product your audience will see. The top source in the list is at the foreground, and the bottom source is the background. Sources can be dragged within the list to reorder as needed.
#### 3.3.1 Position

- Each visual source item in your scene can be manually moved around the scene preview using your mouse. We prefer the MSP Waves Logos stay at the top of the scene when possible. 

#### 3.3.2 Resize Sources
- Each source item in your preview will have a red box around it when clicked. You can then alter and resize each item by clicking the edges/corners and stretching or shrinking them manually with your mouse.
- You can also right click on the source, go to preferences, and manually type in the sizes you want.
#### 3.3.3 Scene Creativity and Space Usage
-  The MSP Waves/Show Logos should at the top of your scenes
-  Try to use 100% of your space in the scene with Images, Text, Chat, etc
-  Use your own creativity to create unique scene backgrounds!
-  Try putting images behind the chat widget, such as the black MSP Waves gif. If done right it can have a neat effect while still able to read the chat text
-  OPS Team may request you change your scene if deemed inappropriate or unacceptable.

Here's an example of well done basic setup with a voice widget for multiple hosts/guests:
<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmYA4Ro5oB2nwzYDdn72q7bxRngzFufGwim2HTDsuWBV6o/Selection_999(706).png">
It can get much more complex than this, with webcams, greenscreens, music player widgets, window captures, with the sky as the limit, but at the very min this should be what you should aim for.
<hr>

# **Important:** Do not continue to next step until you have completed audio/video testing with one of the Ops team. All settings need to be fine tuned before copying them to another profile.

<hr>

## 4. Create 2nd Profile for Backup MSP Waves Stream
>This profile will be used in cases where the Master OBS feed is down. DJs will be notified before their shows if they need to broadcast with this profile.

- Go to OBS>Profile and makes sure "Twitch Test Stream" is checked
- Click "Duplicate" and name this Profile "Backup"
- Go to Settings>Stream tab
- Stream Type: Custom Streaming Server
- URL: rtmp://178.63.128.13/live
- Stream Key: (given by Ops team)
<div class="pull-right">
    <img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmTwNAs28DeeKfyU6Xuk9EA7LvteSABw6PGgYA3AkCLpa1/obs-profile-list.png">
</div>

## 5. Create 3rd Profile for MSP Waves Stream
>This will be your profile for streaming your show/s on the MSP Waves website unless told otherwise.
- Go to OBS>Profile and makes sure "Backup" is checked
- Click "Duplicate" and name this Profile "MSP Waves Stream"
- Go to Settings>Stream tab
- Stream Type: Custom Streaming Server
- URL: rtmp://195.201.8.153/live
- Stream Key: (given by Ops team)



## 6. First Live Show, DJ Growth, Promotion
-    You will have scheduled your show, setup and tested your audio, tested your stream, created your show display, prepared some notes and practiced before your first live show begins. 
-    Once you are ready, you will be LIVE on MSPWaves! Be sure to do a show about things you are passionate about. Your show will reflect the effort you are putting in to it, so take the time to PREPARE and PREP for your show each week using notes. Also, PRACTICE! (That's why we made you the test Twitch channel above) 
-    It's fun to practice talking on the air. It will help you once it's time to go LIVE. 
-    Work on reducing your UMMMS and UUHHHS when you speak. It's often best to just pause a moment and collect your thoughts, rather than stretch your words along just to fill the gaps. Take your time when speaking live on the air and try not to rush yourself.
-    Once your show has aired and is deemed acceptable by The OPS Team, Show Posts and other promotional social media posts may be created to help you promote your show and the station. 
-    Future DJ and Performance Reviews may occur. The content of your show will be reviewed to ensure it is supporting the mission statement of MSP Waves. 
-    Always ask Questions... NEVER ASSUME YOUR KNOW THE ANSWER if it pertains to rules or procedures. Contact an OPS Member first. We want to help you succeed on the air!  



