AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini (GC311) Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini (GC311) is a compact and powerful capture card designed for recording and streaming gameplay in Full HD 1080p at 60 frames per second. Featuring zero-lag HDMI pass-through and a built-in H.264 hardware encoder, it ensures a smooth gaming experience without burdening your computer's CPU. Its plug-and-play UVC technology allows for easy setup on Windows and macOS systems without requiring additional driver installations. The GC311 is compatible with a wide range of gaming consoles, including Nintendo Switch, PS4/PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, and supports popular streaming software like RECentral 4, OBS Studio, and Streamlabs OBS.

2. What's in the Box

• AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini (GC311)
• USB Micro to Type-A Cable
• Quick Guide

3. Setup

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini is designed for easy plug-and-play setup. Follow these steps to connect your device:

3.1. Physical Connections

1. Connect your Gaming Console/PC to HDMI IN: Use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI output of your gaming console (e.g., PS5, Xbox, Switch) or gaming PC to the HDMI IN port on the Live Gamer Mini.
   

   Image: Top-down view of the AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini showing the HDMI IN, HDMI OUT, and USB ports. The HDMI IN port is where you connect your gaming source.
2. Connect to your Display via HDMI OUT: Use another HDMI cable to connect the HDMI OUT port on the Live Gamer Mini to the HDMI input of your TV or monitor. This provides zero-lag pass-through for your gameplay.
   

   Image: A gaming setup showing the Live Gamer Mini connected between a console and a monitor, illustrating the zero-lag pass-through feature.

3. Connect to your Computer via USB: Connect the supplied USB Micro to Type-A cable from the USB port on the Live Gamer Mini to an available USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port on your Windows or macOS computer. The device will be automatically detected.
   

   Image: A hand plugging the USB cable from the Live Gamer Mini into a laptop, highlighting the easy setup process.

3.2. Initial Device Recognition

Upon connecting the Live Gamer Mini to your computer, it should be recognized as a standard UVC (USB Video Class) device. No manual driver installation is typically required for basic functionality.

4. Operating the Live Gamer Mini

4.1. Recording and Streaming

The Live Gamer Mini allows you to record or stream your gameplay using compatible software. It supports Full HD 1080p at 60 frames per second.

• Software Compatibility: Use AVerMedia's RECentral 4, OBS Studio, or Streamlabs OBS for recording and live streaming.
• Hardware Encoder: The built-in H.264 hardware encoder handles video and audio processing, reducing the load on your computer's CPU.

Image: A user playing a game on a dual-monitor setup, with the Live Gamer Mini connected, illustrating its capability for live streaming or recording.

4.2. Mobile Gaming Support

The GC311 can also be used to record or stream content from compatible smartphones or tablets (iOS devices recommended).

Image: A person holding a smartphone and playing a game, demonstrating the Live Gamer Mini's support for mobile gaming capture.

5. Software Installation & Usage

While the Live Gamer Mini is plug-and-play, installing AVerMedia's Assist Central and RECentral 4 software provides enhanced features and control over your capture and streaming experience.

5.1. Installing Assist Central

1. Download Assist Central: Visit the official AVerMedia support website (www.avermedia.com/us/support/download) and download "Assist Central". This is a unified tool for drivers, updates, and engines for AVerMedia products.
2. Run Installation: Launch the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Assist Central will detect your Live Gamer Mini and install necessary drivers, firmware updates, and software like RECentral 4 and StreamEngine.

5.2. Using RECentral 4

RECentral 4 is AVerMedia's proprietary software for capturing and streaming. It offers a user-friendly interface with options for recording, streaming, and multi-streaming.

• Capture/Stream Mode: Select between single or multi-stream modes.
• Recording Quality: Adjust video and audio settings for optimal recording.
• Streaming Platforms: Configure settings for various streaming platforms.

5.3. Using OBS Studio with StreamEngine

When using OBS Studio, the AVerMedia StreamEngine provides additional benefits over the standard plug-and-play option:

• Independent Recording: StreamEngine allows you to record your stream independently from OBS, providing a backup or alternative recording.
• Improved Video Formats: Access to YUY2 video format for better picture quality compared to MJPEG.
• Video Configuration: Fine-tune brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, and white balance directly within OBS via the StreamEngine.

To access StreamEngine in OBS: Add a "Video Capture Device" source, then select "Live Gamer Mini StreamEngine" from the device dropdown. Click "Configure Video" to access advanced settings.

6. Latency & Audio Synchronization

The Live Gamer Mini offers near zero-lag pass-through for video. However, when capturing, there might be a slight latency (around 100ms) between video and audio, especially if using an external microphone. This can be adjusted in OBS Studio.

6.1. Adjusting Audio Sync Offset in OBS

1. Open Advanced Audio Properties: In OBS Studio, locate your audio input device (e.g., microphone) in the Audio Mixer panel. Click the gear icon (settings) next to it.
2. Set Sync Offset: Select "Advanced Audio Properties". In the window that appears, find your audio input device and adjust the "Sync Offset" (in milliseconds) to match the video. A common starting point is 100ms.

7. Party Chat Setup (PlayStation & Xbox)

To include party chat audio in your streams or recordings, you may need a party chat adapter and an additional audio input for your PC.

7.1. Using a Party Chat Adapter (for GC311)

1. Prepare Adapter: Obtain a party chat adapter (typically a Y-splitter with a 4-pole 3.5mm male jack and two 3.5mm female jacks for headset and line out).
2. Connect to Controller: Plug the 4-pole 3.5mm male jack of the adapter into your PS4/PS5 or Xbox controller's headset port.
3. Connect Headset: Plug your gaming headset into one of the female 3.5mm ports on the adapter.
4. Connect to PC Line-In: Plug a 3-pole 3.5mm male jack from the other female port of the adapter into your PC's line-in port. This will carry the party chat audio to your streaming software.
5. Add Audio Input in Software: In your streaming software (OBS, RECentral), add a new "Audio Input Capture" source and select your PC's line-in device.

8. Specifications

9. Troubleshooting

Here are solutions to common issues you might encounter:

9.1. No Video Signal

• Check Cables: Ensure all HDMI and USB cables are securely connected.
• HDCP Disabled: For PlayStation consoles (PS4/PS5), ensure HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is disabled in the console's system settings. The Live Gamer Mini cannot capture content with HDCP enabled.
• Resolution Compatibility: Verify that your input resolution is supported by the GC311 (up to 1080p60).

9.2. No Audio or Poor Audio Quality

• Audio Settings in Software: In your recording/streaming software (RECentral, OBS), ensure the correct audio input device is selected for the Live Gamer Mini.
• PC Audio Settings: Check your computer's sound settings to ensure the Live Gamer Mini's audio output is not muted or set too low.
• Audio Sync: If audio is out of sync, refer to Section 6.1 for adjusting the audio sync offset in OBS Studio.

9.3. Device Not Recognized by Computer

• USB Port: Try connecting to a different USB port on your computer. Ensure it's a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port.
• Restart Computer: A simple restart can often resolve recognition issues.
• Reinstall Drivers: Use AVerMedia Assist Central to ensure all necessary drivers are correctly installed and updated.

10. Warranty & Support

AVerMedia products typically come with a limited warranty. Please refer to the Quick Guide included in your package or visit the official AVerMedia website for detailed warranty information specific to your region.

• Online Support: For technical support, FAQs, and driver downloads, visit the AVerMedia support page: www.avermedia.com/us/support
• Product Registration: Register your product on the AVerMedia website to receive updates and support.