Connect a Magewell Ultra Stream or Director to Upstream
Magewell's Ultra Stream encoders and Director switchers stream to an RTMP server and can test the connection before you go live. Add Upstream as that server, and Upstream sends the stream to up to 10 platforms.
The Ultra Stream is set up in the Ultra Stream app, the Director Mini and Director One in a browser. One Ultra Stream detail catches people out: it streams its sub stream by default, so change the settings of the stream it actually sends.
- Ultra Stream, Director Mini, Director One
- Built-in connection test
Before you start
- An Upstream account (the free plan is enough to test)
- A Magewell Ultra Stream (HDMI or SDI), Director Mini or Director One
- The platforms you want to go live on
Step 1
Get your server URL and stream key from Upstream
In Upstream, press Create stream, choose Multistream from OBS (it works for any RTMP app or device) and add your platforms, up to 10. The stream opens in Live Studio with the RTMP input on. For a stream you already have, open Live Studio, Source and set Live Source to RTMP.
- RTMP Server URL
rtmp://ingest.upstream.so:1935/live- Stream Key
- Unique to each stream. Copy it from Upstream and keep it private.
Step 2
Add Upstream as an RTMP server
Ultra Stream (app): tap your device, then SETTINGS,
Streaming Server, + Add Server and RTMP. Choose
rtmp, paste the RTMP Server URL into URL, keeping the /live at the
end, and the Stream Key into Stream Key. Press Test. Go live from
REMOTE, LIVE.
Director Mini or Director One (browser): on the Stream page, click Configure next to RTMP Server, or Add Server. Give it a Name, pick an Encode scheme, paste the RTMP Server URL into URL and the Stream Key into Stream Key, press Test and save.
Step 3
Check the encoding
On a Director, set these on the Encode page, in the scheme your RTMP server uses. On an Ultra Stream, they are under SETTINGS, Encoding Parameters, Live Stream.
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Codec | H.264 The video format Upstream takes in. Directors also offer H.265. |
| Resolution | 1080p 1080p is a starting point. Upstream input follows the resolution selected on your stream, up to 4K on a plan that includes it. |
| Frame rate | 30 Or 60 if your Upstream stream is set to 60 fps (paid plans). Otherwise Upstream converts 60 to 30. |
Each platform also caps bitrate and stream length on its side. See the live streaming limits for YouTube, Twitch, Kick and more.
Step 4
Start the stream, then go live
Start the stream in Upstream first, then start streaming from the Magewell encoder. Live Studio switches from Not connected to Excellent, Good or Poor connection when the feed arrives, and Upstream sends it to every platform on the stream.
Troubleshooting
The Ultra Stream connects but Upstream gets no video
Keep the full address, including /live, in URL. Magewell allows shorter addresses for
some servers, but Upstream needs the whole path. Then run Test again.
I changed the Ultra Stream settings but nothing changed
Live streaming uses the sub stream by default. Check which stream is selected under Encoding Parameters, Live Stream and change that one.
My Director uses the wrong settings
Each RTMP server points at an Encode scheme. Check that its Encode choice is the scheme you edited.
For connection problems that aren't specific to the Magewell encoder, such as Not connected, a poor connection or a leaked key, see the full RTMP troubleshooting list.
FAQ
Does the setup differ between Ultra Stream HDMI and SDI?
No. Both use the Ultra Stream app and the same Streaming Server steps. Only the video input differs.
Can my stream key contain a slash?
Magewell doesn't accept a "/" in the Stream Key field. Upstream keys don't contain one, so paste it as it is.
Checked against Ultra Stream app manual, Director web UI manual and the Upstream app, October 2026.
Set it up now
The free plan includes 24 hours of streaming a month and up to 10 of 30+ supported platforms.