How to use vMix Call

Using vMix Call

With vMix call, you can invite guests from nearly anywhere to join your live production. All your guest needs is a quality internet connection, the latest version of Google Chrome and a webcam. vMix takes care of everything else. You don’t need to worry about extra equipment or common issues like echo or feedback. vMix Call is available with the HD edition with one caller. 4K increases that to 4 callers, and up to eight are available with Pro.

Pro Tip: If your far end guest is using vMix, try using a vMix to vMix connection.

vMix Call

Getting Started with vMix Call

To get started, open your vMix interface and head to the input menu in the lower left. Select Video Call at the bottom of the list. You will see two options: Host a Call and Connect a Call. Connect a call allows you to connect to another vMix production by sending your vMix output. But, for now, try hosting a call.

Guest Connection Information

Next, you will see the password box with an automatically generated password for your guest. Your guest can connect simply by going to vmixcall.com and entering their name and that password. You can also send your guest the link in the box below for a direct connection. Just be sure the guest is using Google Chrome on their computer.

Settings

Below that, you will see settings for the return feed. This will control what you guest will see when they log onto the call. You can choose the video source, but it will default to your primary video output which is most likely what you will want your guest to see. If you have the 4K or Pro editions of vMix, you can also choose to send any of the three additional outputs.

Below that, you can choose the bandwidth of the video you send to your guest. This defaults to 720p to 1200 kbps. However, if there are any bandwidth limitations for you or your guest, reducing this will not reduce the bandwidth of your production, just what your guest sees.

vMix Call Guest Experience

Finally, you can choose what audio mix you want to send to your guest. By default, you can send either the master audio or the mix for your headphones. With both, mix-minus is automatically taken care of, meaning your guest will not hear themselves echoing back through the connection. You can also set up custom audio buses to send audio to your guest. However, keep in mind, in those cases, you will need to take care of your own mix-minus.

The box right below that allows you to choose only peer to peer connections. Usually, there is an automatic fallback to a server if you can connect directly to your guest. If you are trying to troubleshoot a direct peer to peer connection, it may be useful to check this box. Now, just click the OK button. 

The Guest Interface

When your guest connects via the address and password you provided, they will have a reasonably simple interface. It allows them to control what they see and chat with the producer on the other end.

vMix Call in Browser 2

One final tip. You may want to go into the settings for your newly created input and, under general, untick the “Automatically mix audio” checkbox. That way, you can manually control your guest’s audio and not have it automatically turn on or off as you move their video into the output window.

Start Learning vMix

• What is vMix. Learn here
• Getting Started with the vMix interface here
• Learn how to work with vMix inputs here
• Mixing Inputs Together with vMix Multiview here
• Learn about vMix titles here
• Learn how to mix Audio in vMix here
• Learn how to use VST3 audio plugins with vMix here
• Learn all about vMix settings here
• Learn about how to use vMix Full Screen and Multiview here
• Learn how to record video with vMix here
• Learn how to live stream with vMix here
• Learn how to use vMix video overlay channels here
• Learn how to make Stinger Transitions in vMix here
• Learn how to use social media comments in your live stream with vMix Social here
• Learn how to use vMix shortcuts here
• Learn how to use GT Title Editor to make custom vMix titles here
• How to use vMix Call to bring guests in your live stream here
• How to control vMix remotely with the web controller here
• How to use vMix color correction tools here
• How to use virtual sets with vMix here
• How to use NDI with vMix here
• How to control PTZ cameras in vMix here
• Learn how to connect vMix with Zoom using the virtual webcam output here
• Learn how to use automated playlists with vMix here
• Learn how to use data sources with vMix here
• Learn how to use vMix triggers here