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SermonWave needs to hear the pastor's microphone to translate it. The thing that listens is called a device. This article compares the three kinds so you can choose the right one for your sound booth.
Who it's for#
Anyone setting up SermonWave for the first time, or adding a second location.
Before you start#
- Find out where the pastor's microphone ends up: usually a sound board in the booth.
- Check whether your church already streams with OBS Studio.
- Know your plan. The free trial covers one device of any kind. See Plans and your free trial.
The three options#
| Web device | SW1 box | OBS plugin (Beta) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A browser tab on a laptop or tablet | A small box we ship to you | A plugin for OBS Studio |
| Install | Nothing | Plug in power, network and audio | Install the plugin on the OBS computer |
| Computer needed on Sunday | Yes, with the tab open | No | Yes, the OBS computer |
| Starting translation | Press Start, or turn on Auto-start | Starts on its own when the pastor speaks | Starts with your stream, or from the dock |
| Network | The computer's Wi-Fi or cable | Network cable | The OBS computer's network |
| Plan | Web plan | SW1 hardware plan | Web plan (counts as a web device) |
| Price | $100/month, extras $25/month | $150/month with hardware, extras $75/month | Same as a web device |
| Ready to use | In two minutes | When the box arrives | After installing and pairing |
Web device: the quickest start#
A Web device turns a browser into a translation device. Connect a cable from the sound board to the computer, or use a USB microphone, and open the device in a browser tab.
Choose it if:
- you want to try SermonWave today,
- there's a laptop or desktop in your sound booth,
- you're waiting for an SW1 to arrive.
Keep in mind: someone has to open the tab before the service and keep it open. If the computer sleeps or the tab closes, translation stops.
Set it up: Set up a Web device.
SW1 box: set it and forget it#
The SW1 is a small box that stays plugged into your sound board. It turns on with the power and gets ready on its own. With voice-activated start, it begins translating when the pastor speaks. No one needs to remember a laptop on Sunday morning.
Choose it if:
- you want the same reliable setup every week,
- volunteers change often, or nobody wants to run a computer,
- you have a spare output on your sound board and a network port nearby.
Keep in mind:
- The SW1 comes with the SW1 hardware plan. We ship it to your church after you choose the plan. Shipping is available to the United States and Canada.
- For now, the box connects with a network cable. Joining Wi-Fi is planned.
Set it up: Set up your SW1 box.
OBS plugin: for churches that already stream#
If you already livestream with OBS Studio, the SermonWave plugin uses the audio OBS already has. You pick the pastor's mic source, so music on other sources stays out of the translation. You pair it with your church by entering a short code on the Connect OBS page in your dashboard.
Choose it if:
- your stream computer already runs OBS Studio on Windows or Mac,
- you want translation to start and stop with your stream,
- you want captions or a translated audio track in your stream.
Keep in mind: the OBS computer must be on and running OBS during the service. A paired OBS uses one web device spot on your plan.
Set it up: Install the OBS plugin, then Pair OBS with your church. For a translated stream, see Translated stream from OBS.
Still not sure?#
Start with a Web device. It costs nothing extra to try during your trial, and you can switch later. Devices aren't locked in: you can add an SW1 or OBS later from the Devices screen and remove the web device. Your past recordings stay in your archive either way.
Troubleshooting#
"Your trial includes 1 device." The trial covers one device. To try a second type, delete the first device, or choose a plan. Deleting a device keeps its past recordings.
"Your plan doesn't include another device." Your plan's device spots are full. Add an extra device on Manage → Plan & Billing.
I want an SW1, but we're outside the US and Canada. The SW1 can't ship there yet. Use a Web device or the OBS plugin, and contact support.
FAQ#
Can I use more than one kind of device?#
Yes. Plans stack, so you can combine Web and SW1 hardware plans on one account. For example, an SW1 in the main sanctuary and a Web device in the youth room. See Multiple campuses.
Do listeners notice which device I use?#
No. Listeners get the same captions and translated audio on the listener page whatever the device.
What about the Video plan?#
The Video plan includes a video web device. Video capture is coming soon. For audio translation today, choose one of the options above.