Quickchannel supports live ingesting using RTMP video and will work with any encoder capable of streaming via RTMP. However, if your encoder is not on the recommended list below, we suggest running a test broadcast before going live to ensure compatibility and stable output. You can find examples on how to use a few different encoders in the Streaming to a live channel article.

For best results with any encoder, we recommend using fixed bitrate and fixed framerate settings. Variable bitrate encoders — particularly under heavy processing load — can produce significant bitrate spikes that cause buffering, quality degradation, or signal drops on live transmissions.

In practice Quickchannel recommends the following encoders:

• Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)
• Quickchannel iPhone and iPad App
• mimoLive
• Telestream Wirecast
• Teradek
• Epiphan Pearl — including Pearl, Pearl-2, Pearl Mini, Pearl Nano, and Pearl Nexus. All variants support RTMP output and are well suited for multichannel and lecture capture workflows.
• Blackmagic ATEM — ATEM Mini, ATEM Mini Pro, ATEM Mini Extreme and their ISO variants support direct RTMP streaming. Note: some ATEM models are documented to be prone to overheating under sustained load, which can degrade stream quality or cause unexpected stops. Ensure adequate ventilation and monitor unit temperature during long broadcasts.

Regarding NewTek TriCaster / Vizrt: TriCaster is technically compatible with Quickchannel via RTMP, but we recommend caution. NewTek was acquired by Vizrt in 2022 and the TriCaster line continues under that brand. The platform's variable bitrate behavior can be aggressive, causing signal drops on live-mirror transmissions. If you use TriCaster, always configure a fixed bitrate, fixed framerate and disable B-frames in the streaming output settings. This applies especially in multi-destination or mirrored stream configurations.