Recording Video with vMix

vMix is a comprehensive solution for live production and live streaming. It also has powerful recording capabilities and can create numerous types of high-quality video files. Some users employ vMix mainly for the recording options. “Live to tape” productions are produced like a live show but recorded a broadcast in the future. Live event producers can record a high-quality file for backup, create other productions from recorded footage, or offer viewers an on-demand version after an event.

record button

All editions of vMix offer numerous recording options. Still, with 4K and Pro, the functionality is expanded with options like MultiCorder, ISO recording of individual inputs, and instant replay.

Storage Space

One critical thing to keep in mind is that recording can use an enormous amount of disk space. It is an important consideration as you consider the type, quality, and length of the recording you will be doing. Be sure you have plenty of disk space, preferable on an SSD (Solid State Drive). Or investigate the external recording options that are possible with vMix. You can also setup additional computers to record outputs using NDI.

The main factors affecting recording files sizes are the format you choose and the bitrate you select. Some “lossless” video recording codecs such as AVI, create very large files. AVI and vMix AVI are the highest quality codecs and require the most storage space. MP4, WMV, and FFMPEG all allow you to adjust the bitrate to reduce the file size. By far the most popular codec is MP4. When you choose MP4, you can select the resolution, frame rate and bitrate. I have found that between 8-12 Mbps is great choice for quality and file size. Those who care very much about quality may increase the bitrates to 50-100 Mbps.

Pro Tip: vMix AVI is fault tolerant meaning that if you lose power you can still recover your video recordings.

Testing

It is also essential to test everything multiple times. This is especially crucial if you are working with new settings, recording multiple outputs, or recording and streaming at the same time.

Recording Options

Recording Options

To see the many options available for recording, click on the gear icon next to the record button on the bottom left of the screen. Down the left-hand side, you will see the various file formats available to you. There are pros and cons to each file type. You will want to do some research to see what file type works best for your available resources and what you intend to do with the recording.

If you are not sure, or just want somewhere to start, MP4 is a widely popular option. It offers high-quality recording with reasonable file sizes. MP4 files can also be uploaded directly to video sites like YouTube or Facebook, with no conversion necessary. Even better, if you have a newer NVIDIA video card, the encoding can be done via the graphics card to free up some resources from your CPU. You  can enable hardware encoding with the check box next to your recording profile.

Recording Settings

Once you have selected your filetype, you will see the multiple settings for the file. You can choose a location and name the file, choose the resolution, and set the bitrate. Below that, you can select the profile, which is especially critical if you are going to use your GPU for encoding. You will need to be sure the profile will work with your specific graphics card.

Further down, you can choose the audio source that will be recorded with the video. If you are unsure, leave this set to master. You can also set a delay for the audio if you need to do so to get it in sync and set the bitrate for the audio.

At the bottom, there are two important options. One allows you to start a new recording at a set interval of minutes. This is helpful if you are creating a long production and want more manageable files to work with. To the far left is the WAV File Record button. This will create a separate WAV audio file of your entire recoding. This is perfect is you just want an audio backup or intend to use standalone audio for a podcast or other audio medium.

Once you have all your recording options set, it is as easy as clicking on the Record button at the bottom. You can also connect this to any triggers, shortcuts, or manual buttons you want to use. The record button will turn red, and you will see a red REC indicator at the top of the screen. When you are done, just click the Record button again to end the recording.

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