# Multi-Camera Facebook Page Livestreaming with OBS Studio on MacBook M2

Your desired setup faces **critical compatibility limitations** with the iPad A1474 (2013 iPad Air) that significantly restricts wireless audio options and some camera apps. This guide provides complete instructions while addressing these constraints and offering practical alternatives.

## Hardware compatibility assessment

**The iPad A1474 presents major limitations:**
- Maximum iOS version: 12.5.7 (discontinued support)
- **Most wireless microphone apps require iOS 13+ and are incompatible**
- Limited camera app options due to outdated iOS
- **Recommendation**: Use Samsung Galaxy A25 as wireless microphone source instead

**MacBook M2 performance constraints:**
- **USB bandwidth limitation**: Maximum 2-3 cameras simultaneously due to USB root hub constraints
- Thermal throttling during extended streaming sessions
- **Hardware acceleration essential** for multi-camera performance

## Facebook Page streaming requirements

**Current Facebook specifications (2025):**
- **Page eligibility**: Minimum 100 followers and account 60+ days old
- **Maximum resolution**: 720p (1280×720) - Facebook does not support 1080p streaming
- **Maximum bitrate**: 4,000 Kbps video, 128 Kbps audio
- **Stream protocol**: RTMPS (encrypted) via Meta Business Suite

## Step 1: Facebook Page setup and stream key generation

1. **Access Meta Business Suite**
   - Navigate to your Facebook Page
   - Click "Create" → "Live Video"
   - Select "Streaming Software" as video source

2. **Configure stream settings**
   - **Server URL**: `rtmps://live-api-s.facebook.com:443/rtmp/`
   - Copy the unique **Stream Key** (regenerates each session unless you enable persistent keys)
   - Set stream title, description, and audience targeting
   - **Enable persistent stream key** for reuse across sessions

3. **Verify eligibility requirements**
   - Confirm page has 100+ followers
   - Ensure account is 60+ days old
   - Check admin/editor access to target page

## Step 2: Essential software installation

**Required Mac software:**
1. **OBS Studio** (latest version with Apple Silicon support)
2. **BlackHole audio driver** (free) - Download from existential.audio/blackhole
3. **DroidCam OBS plugin** - Download from droidcam.app/obs

**Mobile device apps:**
- **Samsung Galaxy A25**: DroidCam app (recommended) or SonoBus for wireless audio
- **iPad A1474**: Camera for OBS Studio ($15.99) - one of few iOS 12-compatible options

## Step 3: Camera configuration

### Samsung Galaxy A25 setup (primary camera)

**Option A: Wired connection (lowest latency)**
1. Enable **Developer Options** on Galaxy A25:
   - Go to Settings → About Phone → Tap "Build Number" 7 times
   - Enable "USB Debugging" in Developer Options
2. Connect via USB-C to USB-C cable (3m cable)
3. Launch DroidCam app, select "USB" mode
4. In OBS: Add source → DroidCam OBS → Select USB connection

**Option B: Wireless connection**
1. Connect Galaxy A25 and MacBook to same Wi-Fi network
2. Launch DroidCam app, note IP address and port
3. In OBS: Add source → DroidCam OBS → Enter IP and port
4. **Recommended settings**: 1080p @ 30fps for balance of quality and bandwidth

**Expected performance:**
- **Wired latency**: 20-50ms
- **Wireless latency**: 50-150ms  
- **Maximum quality**: 4K @ 30fps (though limited by Facebook's 720p maximum)

### iPad A1474 setup (secondary camera - limited options)

**Compatible camera app: Camera for OBS Studio**
1. Purchase and install "Camera for OBS Studio" ($15.99) - verified iOS 12 compatibility
2. **Wired setup** (recommended):
   - Connect iPad to MacBook using Lightning to USB-C cable
   - Launch Camera for OBS Studio app
   - In OBS: Add source → iOS Camera → Select iPad from device list
3. **Expected quality**: 1080p rear camera, 720p front camera @ 30fps

**Alternative: Basic wireless option**
- Very limited due to iOS 12.5.7 constraints
- Most modern camera apps incompatible
- **Fallback**: Use iPad for static shots rather than primary streaming camera

## Step 4: Wireless microphone configuration

**Critical limitation**: iPad A1474 cannot run modern wireless microphone apps due to iOS version constraints.

**Recommended solution: Samsung Galaxy A25 as wireless microphone**

### SonoBus setup (FOSS option - recommended)
1. **Install SonoBus** on Galaxy A25 and MacBook M2
2. **Create audio room**: Launch SonoBus on Mac → Create new room → Note room code  
3. **Connect mobile device**: Launch SonoBus on Galaxy A25 → Join room using code
4. **Audio routing**: Route SonoBus output through BlackHole to OBS

### Alternative: WO Mic setup
1. **Install WO Mic** client on MacBook M2 and app on Galaxy A25
2. **Connect via Wi-Fi**: Both devices on same network
3. **Configure OBS**: Set WO Mic Virtual Device as audio input source

**Expected audio quality:**
- **SonoBus**: Uncompressed PCM up to 48kHz/24-bit
- **WO Mic**: 48kHz/16-bit compressed
- **Typical latency**: 100-300ms (acceptable for standard streaming)

## Step 5: OBS Studio configuration

### Basic OBS setup for Facebook streaming

1. **Stream configuration**:
   - Settings → Stream → Service: Facebook Live
   - Server: `rtmps://live-api-s.facebook.com:443/rtmp/`
   - Stream Key: Paste from Meta Business Suite

2. **Video settings optimized for MacBook M2**:
   - **Base Resolution**: 1280×720 (Facebook maximum)
   - **Output Resolution**: 1280×720
   - **FPS**: 30 (recommended for multi-camera stability)

3. **Advanced output settings**:
   - **Encoder**: Apple VT H264 Hardware Encoder (essential for M2 performance)
   - **Rate Control**: CBR
   - **Bitrate**: 4000 Kbps (Facebook maximum)
   - **Keyframe Interval**: 2 seconds
   - **Profile**: High
   - **CPU Usage Preset**: Above Normal

### Multi-camera scene management

1. **Create separate scenes**:
   - "Main Camera" (Galaxy A25)
   - "Secondary Camera" (iPad A1474)  
   - "Picture-in-Picture"
   - "Audio Only"

2. **Set up transitions**:
   - Use "Fade" transitions (200-500ms duration) for smooth switching
   - Assign hotkeys: F1, F2, F3, F4 for quick scene switching

3. **Audio configuration**:
   - **Desktop Audio**: Disabled (use BlackHole routing instead)
   - **Mic/Auxiliary Audio**: Set to wireless microphone source
   - **Advanced Audio Properties**: Adjust sync offset if needed (typically 100-200ms for wireless sources)

## Step 6: Audio routing with BlackHole

### BlackHole virtual audio setup

1. **Create Multi-Output Device**:
   - Open Audio MIDI Setup (Applications → Utilities)
   - Click "+" → Create Multi-Output Device
   - Add "BlackHole 2ch" and "Built-in Output"
   - Set Built-in Output as master device

2. **System audio routing**:
   - System Preferences → Sound → Output → Select Multi-Output Device
   - This allows you to hear audio while routing to OBS

3. **OBS audio source configuration**:
   - Add Audio Input Capture → Select BlackHole 2ch
   - Route wireless microphone app output to BlackHole
   - Monitor audio levels and adjust sync offset as needed

## Step 7: Performance optimization for MacBook M2

### Essential optimizations

1. **Hardware acceleration**: Use Apple VT H264 encoder (not x264)
2. **Process priority**: Set OBS to "Above Normal" in Activity Monitor
3. **USB management**: Connect cameras to separate USB-C ports, avoid hubs when possible
4. **Thermal management**: Use external cooling pad for extended sessions
5. **Network**: Use wired Ethernet connection, disable Wi-Fi for primary internet

### Monitoring and troubleshooting

**Performance indicators to watch:**
- **CPU usage**: Keep below 70% in OBS Stats
- **Dropped frames**: Should remain at 0% or minimal
- **Network**: Stable upload speed of 6+ Mbps

**Common issues and solutions:**
- **Black screen from second camera**: USB bandwidth limitation - try different ports
- **Audio sync drift**: Use Sync Offset in Advanced Audio Properties (typically +150-250ms for wireless)
- **High CPU usage**: Lower resolution to 720p, reduce frame rate, close unnecessary apps

## Step 8: Alternative solutions for easier setup

Given the hardware limitations, consider these alternatives:

### Streamlabs or Restream Studio
- **Browser-based streaming** eliminates software compatibility issues
- **Built-in multi-camera support** with simpler setup
- **Cloud processing** reduces MacBook M2 performance demands
- **Monthly subscription** required for full features

### Professional wireless microphone system
- **Physical wireless microphone** with Lightning adapter for iPad A1474
- **Eliminates app compatibility issues** entirely  
- **Lower latency** than app-based solutions
- **Higher initial cost** ($200-800) but more reliable

### Upgrade path recommendation
**iPad A1474 replacement**: Consider iPad (9th generation) or newer for full app compatibility
**Camera upgrade**: Dedicated USB webcams (Logitech C920s) for consistent performance
**Audio interface**: Physical audio mixer for professional audio control

## Bandwidth and quality considerations

**Network requirements:**
- **Minimum upload**: 5 Mbps
- **Recommended**: 8+ Mbps for stable multi-camera streaming
- **Per-camera bandwidth**: Does not multiply (OBS encodes final output only)

**Quality recommendations:**
- **720p @ 30fps**: Optimal for Facebook streaming and hardware limitations
- **4000 Kbps video bitrate**: Facebook maximum
- **128 Kbps audio bitrate**: Standard for voice content

## Pre-stream checklist

**Hardware verification:**
- [ ] Facebook Page meets 100+ follower requirement
- [ ] All cables connected and devices charged
- [ ] Wi-Fi network stable (both devices connected)
- [ ] MacBook M2 connected via Ethernet when possible

**Software testing:**
- [ ] Fresh stream key generated in Meta Business Suite
- [ ] All cameras showing video feed in OBS
- [ ] Wireless microphone connected and audio levels visible
- [ ] Scene transitions working smoothly
- [ ] Network speed test confirms 6+ Mbps upload

**Go-live process:**
1. Start wireless microphone app first
2. Launch camera apps on mobile devices  
3. Open OBS and verify all sources active
4. Test scene switching and audio levels
5. Click "Start Streaming" in OBS
6. Monitor stream health in Meta Business Suite

## Final recommendations (Updated for iPhone 6+)

**Most reliable configuration with iPhone 6+:**

**Setup Option A** (iPhone as wireless mic):
1. **Samsung Galaxy A25** as primary camera (wired USB-C connection)
2. **iPhone 6+** as wireless microphone (SonoBus or WO Mic)
3. **iPhone 6+** as secondary camera when not used for audio
4. **720p @ 30fps** output to Facebook Page

**Setup Option B** (Galaxy A25 as wireless mic):
1. **Samsung Galaxy A25** as wireless microphone source (SonoBus or WO Mic)
2. **iPhone 6+** as primary wireless camera (Camera for OBS Studio)
3. **Samsung Galaxy A25** as secondary camera (wired when not used for audio)
4. **720p @ 30fps** output to Facebook Page

**Recommended choice**: **Setup Option A** provides better overall performance since the Galaxy A25 typically has superior camera hardware and the iPhone excels at audio processing.

**Budget-conscious FOSS alternatives:**
- SonoBus for wireless audio (completely free, iPhone 6s+ only)
- OBS Camera app for iPhone (completely free)
- DroidCam for cross-platform compatibility (free with watermark)
- BlackHole for audio routing (free)

**Key advantages of iPhone 6+ over iPad A1474:**
- Full modern app compatibility (iPhone 6s+)
- Better camera quality and low-light performance
- More flexible positioning due to smaller size
- Superior wireless microphone capabilities
- Longer battery life for extended streaming sessions

This iPhone-based configuration provides **significantly more flexibility and reliability** compared to the iPad A1474 setup, with multiple viable app options and much better wireless microphone capabilities.