VCamUse a phone webcam with a separate microphone on Windows
Set up VCam video and headset or USB microphone audio separately. Check device selection, echo and recording synchronization before a call or stream.
EDDY · VCam developer · · 3 min read
The current VCam release sends video only. Choose two inputs in your calling application: VCam for the camera and a separate microphone for sound. An existing headset or computer microphone is enough for an initial test.
Check each signal separately
Get live video in the Windows receiver. In your calling app, select VCam and verify a moving preview. Then choose a microphone and check whether its level meter responds to speech. Allowing camera access on the phone does not grant microphone permission on Windows.
A “Default” audio device may change when you connect a Bluetooth headset or USB microphone. Before an important call, check the name of the active input rather than assuming it stayed the same.
In Zoom, Teams and Discord
Camera and microphone selection are separate controls. Teams exposes device settings; Discord uses Voice & Video. Use an available built-in test. The Discord guide covers camera selection and video preview; check microphone activity or a recording separately.
If you hear echo, first rule out two active call devices in the same room. Avoid playing the same meeting through both laptop speakers and a phone. A headset helps keep the other person's voice out of the microphone, but still test your setup.
In OBS
Add VCam as a Video Capture Device. Add the microphone separately as an audio input or configure it in OBS audio settings. Make sure the same microphone is not captured twice.
Record a short spoken clip and clap your hands in frame. Compare the visible contact with the sound. If they differ noticeably, first make sure the video is stable and you are evaluating the correct recording. Do not copy a universal delay from another setup: the useful adjustment depends on your equipment and camera mode.
Before a stream or call
- Confirm moving video in both VCam and the destination application.
- Check the selected microphone's speech level.
- Listen for doubled sound or echo in a recording.
- Assess synchronization from recorded output, not only the preview.
- Keep the phone unlocked with its camera page visible.
If video works but sound is absent, pairing VCam again will not add an audio input. Check the computer's microphone and permissions. For picture problems, use the troubleshooter.