Computer and audio requirements

The minimum tier is the planning reference for captions only with a small model. The recommended tier is for captions with translation. GPU memory and system memory are separate requirements on the NVIDIA rigs.

These examples come from the product requirements, not a completed hardware benchmark. A matching model name is not a measured performance guarantee. We will confirm the tiers before the beta; no automated compatibility verdict is offered before that evaluation.

CPU-only computers, AMD or Intel GPUs and Intel Macs are not supported in the version 1.0 plan. A machine running Windows, Linux or macOS is not sufficient by itself: the graphics hardware matters.

The LCS Box is a planned hardware-plus-license option for venues that want a dedicated unit. Its final specification and price are not confirmed. Tell us what you need on the Box interest list.

Don’t want to build a PC? → LCS Box

Live Caption Studio needs a clean speech feed: the microphone routed directly from your sound console (a post-fader aux or matrix), not the room or the music mix. We make no accuracy promise for speech over a music bed.

Use a dedicated bus for speech microphones, excluding playback, instruments, ambient microphones and effects returns. A post-fader send follows the channel fader and mute, which helps keep private stage conversations out of the caption feed. Check the routing at the console before a show.

For best results

1. Keep music out of the dedicated speech feed; check the routing before the show.
2. Make sure speech is loud enough. Set gain so normal speech sits around the console’s nominal level, without clipping.
3. Keep the microphone close and steady. Watch for speakers who lower their voice or step away.
4. Use one voice at a time: overlapping speakers reduce recognition accuracy. Interpreters should wait for a pause; on panels, keep one microphone open at a time where possible.

Read the clean speech feed guide

Console USB audio or an audio interface can carry the dedicated speech bus to the computer. Choose the intended device and channel; confirm the speech microphones reach it and music does not.

The planned ATEM linear key output needs two available HDMI outputs: one for fill and one for key. Reserve those outputs when planning the computer and the rest of the booth displays. Phone viewing and browser overlays use different output paths.

The application is built to run without internet at show time. Free needs no activation and works offline indefinitely. One-time licenses work offline indefinitely on the purchased major version after a single activation (online, or by file from another device). Subscriptions renew once a month, online or by license file, with a 7-day grace; without renewal, the installation then continues as Free. Optional YouTube captions send caption text, never audio, to YouTube and need that online destination.

In the beta form, tell us your operating system, exact GPU or Mac chip, memory and audio route. Include whether you need translation and ATEM fill/key so we can understand the complete setup.