What is vMix?
Written by Paul Richards on October 26, 2020
vMix is live video production software that can turn a regular Windows computer into a professional video production studio. It allows you to mix together video and audio sources into a production which can be recorded, streamed and connected to many popular workflows. The output of vMix can be set up in standard definition (SD), high definition (HD), and even 4K. All you need is a PC desktop or laptop with Windows 10 and a DirectX10 compatible graphics card.
More specific system requirements are available at https://www.vmix.com/software/supported-hardware.aspx.
The layout of vMix is designed to create the look and feel of a professional broadcast studio with both preview and output windows set side by side during operation. Some users may feel a bit overwhelmed at first but will quickly find the interface both intuitive and powerful.
vMix accepts inputs in multiple formats, including cameras, capture devices, NDI (Network Device Integration) sources, video files, and even more advanced input sources such as SRT and RTSP live video streams. vMix then allows users to mix together inputs to produce a live production with multiple outputs can used for live streaming, recording, image magnification, IP workflows and much more.
How Does Vmix Compare to Other Solutions in the Market?
There are several options for video production software, but vMix hits the sweet spot of features and value for many users and organizations using Windows computers. It has a unique pricing strategy that allows users with different budgets and needs to choose the best option. It comes in five editions Basic, Basic HD, HD, 4K, and Pro, ranging in price from free to $1,200.
Many of the best core features are included in even the lowest-priced editions. The lowest-priced paid option, which is $60, offers HD resolution, three camera inputs, overlays, built-in animated titles, scoreboards, and tickers. All versions allow the user to record and send up to three simultaneous live streams to destinations such as YouTube and Facebook Live. One of the greatest features of vMix is its ability to grow with you. New streamers can purchase a license for what they need at the time and quickly upgrade, adding more features without having to learn a new software environment.
For this reason it’s a great choice for many users because it isn’t likely you will have to stop your learning process and switch to another software because of a technical limitation. vMix is used for simple productions and advanced solutions everyday all around the world. In fact, if you keep an eye out, you will find the world’s top broadcast professionals using vMix in even the most mission critical situations.
What are the best features of vMix?
A few key features that make vMix unique include: best in class NDI support. vMix’s has supported NDI for many years. The auto-discovery of NDI sources on the network is intuitive and reliable. The output sections of vMix, allows you to configure up to 4 NDI outputs with advanced features you are unlikely to find in other solutions. vMix’s overlay and multi-view features make it very easy to mix together multiple sources into a production that matches what you have seen on TV. The built-in animated titles make displaying information a breeze but more importantly the ability to get dynamic content into vMix is very impressive. You can use vMix’s vMix Social Tool which can integrate titles with social media sources such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube but you can also pull in Data Sources. Data Sources allow you to map data into titles via RSS, XML, JSON, Text Files and even Google Sheets. Among other amazing features, vMix Call is one that many people enjoy. vMix call allows you to bring video callers directly into vMix to host talk shows and interviews. Forget about mix-minus audio mixing or complicated virtual cables in and out of Skype or Zoom. vMix call just works, and it’s an easy as adding a vMix call to your production and sending your guest a link.
For all of these reasons and many more (including advanced color corrections that our show could not live without), users rant and rave about vMix. The user groups and forums are a testament to this amazing software. With that, I suggest you check it out and give the free 60 day trial a go. O yeah, and if you want to get started off on the right foot, download our free Unofficial Guide to vMix today, and jump start your next live streaming project with the power of vMix. This book is also available via a paperback version on Amazon here.
Also check out our post OBS vs vMix here.
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