Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 Accurate Color Setup for sRGB 4:4:4 Capturing

This guide will help you set up your Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 for precise colors by using a custom EDID file and configuring various settings in NVIDIA Control Panel and Windows Color Management.

Background

The most common issue that users encounter with the Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 while recording in OBS is related to color inaccuracies when capturing. This often arises due to the Elgato OBS driver having the "Video Proc Amp" default set to 127 instead of a neutral 128. Additionally, there's a mismatch in the default color space which causes additional inconsistencies in color representation. Elgato should really address and fix their OBS driver's default settings to prevent these discrepancies and provide users with more accurate color representation out of the box.

Disclaimer: This setup has only been tested with NVIDIA drivers and is meant for capturing 4K 60hz SDR. Ensure that Elgato 4K Capture Utility is closed before using OBS!

Part 1: Setup Custom EDID in the Elgato 4K Capture Utility

1. Download Custom EDID File:

   • Download the custom EDID file made using AW EDID Editor with the correct X, Y chromaticity, and gamma for sRGB from here.

2. Configure 4K Capture Utility:

   • Open the 4K Capture Utility software.
   • Press and hold the CTRL key on your keyboard, and while doing so, click on the preferences button at the top right of the 4K Capture Utility.
   • Release the CTRL key.
   • In the preferences window, click on the Device tab.
   • Select the 4K60 Pro MK.2, change the Input EDID Mode to Internal.
   • From the EDID (Internal) dropdown, select Custom, then select the "2.2 srgb.bin" file you just downloaded.
   • The dropdown should now say 2.2 srgb.
   • Configure Settings as Below:
     • Input EDID Mode: Internal
     • EDID (Internal): 2.2 srgb
     • HDMI Color Range: Bypass (Same as input)
   • Uncheck both HDR options.
   • Click OK to confirm, your capture card will now restart, and display may flicker.

Part 2: Change Display Setting in NVIDIA Control Panel

1. Open NVIDIA Control Panel, click on Change Resolution, select the 3840x2160 CVT monitor.
2. Select Use NVIDIA color settings, ensure Output color format is RGB, and Output dynamic range is Full.
3. Click OK to confirm, your display may flicker.

Part 3: Change Windows Color Management Settings

1. Open Start Menu, search "Color Management", and open it.
2. Under Devices, select the "Generic Monitor (3840x2160 CVT)" from the dropdown.
3. Click on the "Add..." button, select "sRGB IEC1966 2.1" then click OK.
4. Set the "sRGB IEC1966 2.1" profile as the Default Profile.

Part 4: OBS Video Capture Device Settings

1. Open OBS and ensure the Elgato 4K Capture Utility is closed.
2. While the device is selected and Activated, in Property for 'Video Capture Device', Click on Configure Video.

3. In the Property popup, ensure Output Color Range is Bypass (Default).
4. Very Important: Go to the Video Proc Amp tab, click on Default to reset settings and make sure every setting is at 128 to ensure neutral color representation.

5. Configure the following settings in the Property for 'Video Capture Device':
   • Resolution/FPS Type: Custom
   • Resolution: 3840x2160
   • FPS: Highest FPS
   • Video Format: XRGB
   • Color Space: Default (very important to avoid any mismatch in color space)
   • Color Range: Full
   • Buffering: Disable

Final Notes

This setup should mitigate the color discrepancies and aid in achieving a more accurate color representation through the Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2. Compare the colors on the screen with the captured colors meticulously to ensure accuracy, and contact Elgato to express the need for rectifying the default settings in their OBS driver to circumvent such issues in the future.