AVerMedia GC553G2 4K HDMI 2.1 USB Capture Card Live Gamer User Manual

: June 1, 2024
: AVerMedia

Table of Contents

GC553G2 4K HDMI 2.1 USB Capture Card Live Gamer
Specifications
Product Information
Key Features
Product Usage Instructions
System Requirements
Setting Up RECentral
Audio Settings
Duplicate Audio Fix
RGB Lighting Customization
- FAQ
Q: Can the Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 be used with macOS?
Q: How do I eliminate duplicate audio when recording with Party

GC553G2 4K HDMI 2.1 USB Capture Card Live Gamer

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Specifications

Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10Gbps)
Input & Output (Pass-through): HDMI 2.1
Max Pass-Through Resolution: 2160p144 HDR/VRR, 3440x1440p120
HDR/VRR, 1440p240 HDR/VRR, 1080p360 HDR/VRR

Product Information

The Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC553G2) is a top-of-the-line HDMI 2.1
USB capture card designed for console and PC gamers. It enables
precise capture and stunning clarity, making it ideal for users
with HDMI 2.1 compatible devices looking to unleash the full
potential of modern consoles, GPUs, and monitors while
streaming.

Key Features

Designed for HDMI 2.1 compatible devices
Supports Windows operating system
RECentral Setup for recording quality and audio
customization
RGB lighting customization options

Product Usage Instructions

System Requirements

Note:

For 4K60 MJPEG capture, requires M1 Ultra / M2 Ultra or
above
macOS does not support HDR capture due to the absence of the
required video codec

Setting Up RECentral

Install or update to the latest version of RECentral 4
Adjust recording quality settings
Select audio input with up to 5.1 channels

Audio Settings

Before recording, ensure to switch audio channels to 5.1 in the
audio settings to optimize audio output.

Duplicate Audio Fix

If experiencing duplicate audio while using Party Chat and
recording in 5.1 channel audio, utilize the AVerMedia Gaming
Utility to check the “Remove duplicate audio” option in Device
Audio Settings.

RGB Lighting Customization

You can customize RGB lighting in three ways:

Windows Dynamic Lighting (Windows 11 Build 22631.2338 or
newer)
Third-party RGB lighting software (ASRock, MSI, Gigabyte)
AVerMedia Gaming Utility tool (Refer to user manual for RGB
Control)

FAQ

Q: Can the Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 be used with macOS?

A: No, macOS does not support HDR capture required by the
device.

Q: How do I eliminate duplicate audio when recording with Party

Chat?

A: Use the AVerMedia Gaming Utility to enable the “Remove
duplicate audio” option in Device Audio Settings.

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GC553G2
User Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2 Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC553G2) ……………………………………………………………………………………. 3
Key Features ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 Check Your Devices and Connection ……………………………………………………………………………10 System Requirements …………………………………………………………………………………………………11 Technical Specifications ………………………………………………………………………………………………12 Pass-through and Capture Resolution Chart ……………………………………………………………….13 Capture Capability Breakdown by Video Format ………………………………………………………….14 Product Overview ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….15 Installation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………16 RGB and Status Indicator ……………………………………………………………………………………………16 Contact Us…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17 About AVerMedia…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..17

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Introduction
This document is your user manual for the Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC553G2). We have written this guide to provide you with the information you need to quickly and smoothly use the Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC553G2).
After a quick introduction of the Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 and who this product is intended for, we will dive into its key features, system requirements, and technical specs and show you how to set up and install the device. Lastly, this guide will finish with a link to our technical support team and with some brief information on AVerMedia’s background.
Thank you for taking the time to use and try out our latest capture device, we hope you enjoy using it as much as we enjoyed making it. If you have any questions or suggestions on our products or need any further editorial assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC553G2)
Precise Capture, Stunning Clarity The Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 is the world- leading HDMI 2.1 USB capture card. It is designed primarily for console and PC gamers who possess HDMI 2.1 competible games and devices, such as modern consoles, GPUs and monitors, require an HDMI 2.1 capture card to release the full potential of these games and devices while streaming.
The Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 can pass-through up to 4K144, 1440p240, 1080p360 HDR/VRR powered by HDMI 2.1 for you to enjoy an immersive gameplay while streaming. It also supports up to 4K144 capture via RECentral on Windows and 4K60 capture on macOS to give you a breathtaking game visuals in clarity like never before. With support for a variety of resolutions, including ultrawide, we ensure that every gamer, regardless of their setup, can enjoy seamless and high-quality capture experiences. In addition, the built-in party chat feature allows you to record party chat and live commentary simultaneously without the need for extra cable and microphone. Moreover, you can add your unique style into your gaming setup by customizing RGB lighting. The Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 is certified for Windows Dynamic Lighting now, and still sync up with the major RGB ecosystems to give you more options for expressing your personality.

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Key Features
· 4K144 Pass-Through Now you can finally experience the full visual specs when streaming gameplay with your modern consoles (4K120 pass through) and PCs (4K144 pass through). The ultra low latency keeps you in perfect sync and ensures not a single frame is missed to have an impressive gaming experience in clarity and fluidity.
*To fully utilize the performance of Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1, please refer to page 10 to check your hardware devices in advance.
· 4K144 Capture with RECentral on Windows Our HDMI 2.1 USB capture card Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 empowers you to capture your gameplay and content in up to 4K144 quality when paired with the RECentral software. Experience the thrill of near-zero frame drop videos and showcase ultra-smooth gameplay to your audience. Activate 4K144 capture in RECentral: Install/Update the latest version of RECentral 4 Setting Device 4K144, click “On” to switch to 4K144 before recording.

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· 4K60 Capture on macOS Take your game capture to the next level! Catch every victory and intense moment in up to 4K60 quality via OBS on macOS and share your adventures with remarkable clarity to your audience. For 4K60 MJPEG capture, it requires M1 Ultra/M2 Ultra or above.
· 5.1 Multi-Channel Audio Support Experience enhanced audio immersion with stunning *5.1 channel surround sound audio capture and pass-through with RECentral or OBS plugin.

Available for Windows only
RECentral Setup Install/Update the latest version of RECentral 4 Add Recording Quality Audio Select 5.1 channels

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OBS Plugin Setup Install OBS Plugin AVerMedia Multichannel Audio, then it will be shown on OBS.
Remember to switch audio channels to 5.1 in the audio setting before recording.

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Duplicate Audio When recording 5.1 channel audio while using Party Chat, there might be instances of duplicate audio depending on how you set up the Party Chat. In such cases, please use the latest AVerMedia Gaming Utility to check the box “Remove duplicate audio” in Device Audio Settings to eliminate the duplicate audio.

· Ultrawide resolutions support With ultrawide resolution support of 3440×1440 and 2560×1080, you can now game and create content in an immersive field of view that gives you an enhanced experience!

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· Live Commentary and Party Chat The built-in party chat feature lets you effortlessly record party chat and live commentary through one headset at the same time, without extra party chat cable and microphone needed. Stay interactive with your teammates and audience while seamlessly capturing voice chats together with your gameplay.

· RGB Lighting Customization The Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 is certified for Windows Dynamic Lighting, enabling effortless control directly through the Windows system. Also, you have the extra flexibility to sync with major gaming RGB ecosystems.
There are three ways to customize RGB lighting: 1. Using Windows Dynamic Lighting (Requires Windows 11 Build 22631.2338 or newer. For detailed instructions, please see here.) 2. Using third-party RGB lighting software (ASRock, MSI, and Gigabyte) 3. Using AVerMedia Gaming Utility tool (Please refer to the user manual for RGB Control)

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· Variable Refresh Rate Immerse yourself in a world of smooth, stutter free visuals and ensure you never miss a crucial moment in your gameplay.
· Captivating Color Box Design Inspired by the spectrum grating of the Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1, our color box design showcases a stunning rainbow neon display with every pull of the color sleeve, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadows. Enjoy your unboxing with our ingenious design, where form meets function in a dance of light and shadow.

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Check Your Devices and Connection

Note: · Use the original cables provided with your devices. · Make sure your streaming PC or laptop’s Type-C port supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 or above. (USB 3.2 Gen 1 usage will result in lower capture resolution.) · Check that both your display and console (PS5, PS4 Pro, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X) support HDMI 2.1 connection. · If your monitor supports built-in DSC (Display Stream Compression), be aware that the maximum supported video pass-through might be 4K120.
We also took a video to talk about the things you should know at AVerMedia Content Creator YouTube channel. Click the photo to watch the video now:

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System Requirements
Windows® 10 x64 / 11 x64 or later · Desktop: Intel® CoreTM i5-6XXX / AMD RyzenTM 3 XXX or above +
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 / AMD RX 5700 or above · Laptop: Intel® CoreTM i7-7700HQ + NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050Ti or above · 8 GB RAM recommended (Dual- channel) · For 4K144 MJPEG capture: Intel® CoreTM i5-12XXX or above +
NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3060 or above + 16GB RAM
macOS 13 / 14 or later · Apple M1 or 3.6 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 · Apple M1 integrated graphics or Radeon Pro 555 with 2 GB of VRAM · 16 GB of 2400 MHz DDR4 memory
Note: 1. For 4K60 MJPEG capture, requires M1 Ultra / M2 Ultra or above 2. Please note that macOS does not support HDR capture due to the absence of the
required video codec.

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Technical Specifications

Interface Input & Output (Pass-through)
Max Pass-Through Resolution

USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10Gbps) HDMI 2.1 2160p144 HDR/VRR, 3440x1440p120 HDR/VRR, 1440p240 HDR/VRR, 1080p360 HDR/VRR

Max Recording Resolution

2160p144 (Windows), 2160p60 (macOS) With RECentral

Supported Resolution

2160p, 3440x1440p, 1440p, 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 576i, 480p, 480i

Video Format Audio Input & Output (Headset and Gamepad)

YUY2, NV12, RGB24, P010(HDR), MJPEG 4-Pole 3.5mm Jack

Dimension (W x D x H) Weight

120 x 70 x 27.6 mm (4.72 x 2.76 x 1.09 in.) 115 g (4.06 oz.)

What’s in the Box

LIVE GAMER ULTRA 2.1 (GC553G2) HDMI 2.1 Cable USB Type C to Type C Cable 4-Pole 3.5mm Audio Cable Quick Start Guide *Recommend using the attached cables for connection

Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Please visit AVerMedia official website for

the latest information.

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Pass-through and Capture Resolution Chart
: Can be captured in SDR : Can be captured in SDR or HDR

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Capture Capability Breakdown by Video Format

Capture Resolution

Video Format

USB 3.2 Gen2

USB 3.2 Gen1

(10Gbps)

(5Gbps)

3840×2160

MJPEG

144/120/60

NV12

60

30

YUY2

50

–

RGB24

30*

–

P010 (HDR)

30

–

3440×1440

MJPEG

144/120/60

(Ultra-wide)

NV12

60

–

YUY2

60

–

RGB24

–

P010 (HDR)

–

2560×1440

MJPEG

144/120/60

NV12

144/120/60

60

YUY2

60

50

RGB24

60

30

P010 (HDR)

60

30

1920×1080

MJPEG

240/120/60

NV12

240/120/60

120/60

YUY2

120/60

60

RGB24

120/60

60

P010 (HDR)

120/60

60

*4K30 RGB24 Capture: Please switch to HDMI 2.0 option in Gaming Utility

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Product Overview
Front View

RGB Lighting

Rear View
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Port

4-Pole 3.5mm Jack for Headset

4-Pole 3.5mm Jack for Gamepad

HDMI 2.1 Output HDMI 2.1 Input

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Installation

RGB and Status Indicator

Blue Comet Rainbow Wave Flashing Blue Solid Red Flashing Red Flashing Orange

Detecting Device Ready Updating Firmware Error: No Device Detected Error: Device Anomaly Error: Device Connected to USB 2.0

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Contact Us
Please contact us here should you have any questions or suggestions.
About AVerMedia
AVerMedia Technologies specializes in digital video and audio technology. We provide cutting-edge, high-quality audio and video peripherals, professional capturing and streaming solutions, Edge AI technology, video collaboration solutions, and more. Our mission is to provide an enriched user experience and effective communication in education, content creation, and video communication via innovative and eco-friendly solutions.
AVerMedia is guided by a philosophy of contributing to society- whether through products that change customers’ lives for the better or by ensuring our operations are socially responsible.
Connect with AVerMedia: Website: https://www.avermedia.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avermedia-technologies

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