vMix has a built-in tally system. It works well — but only for devices on the same local WiFi network. The moment your talent walks off that network, or a remote guest joins via Zoom, the tally goes dark. This guide covers three ways to get vMix tally signals to anyone, anywhere.
The core problem: vMix's tally uses a local broadcast that doesn't cross network boundaries. It's designed for a studio where everything is hardwired on the same switch. Modern production — remote guests, multi-site venues, talent on cellular — breaks this assumption entirely.
Method 1 — Browser Tally Alongside vMix (Easiest)
Run Cue Light alongside vMix
Keep Cue Light open in a browser tab next to vMix. When you cut to a camera in vMix, tap the corresponding state in Cue Light. All connected displays update instantly — over the internet, no local network required.
- Setup: open cuelight.io/app, share QR or display link
- Works over internet: yes
- Automatic from vMix: no — director taps manually
- Remote guests: yes — paste the display link in Zoom chat
- Cost: free
This is the right approach for most productions. The manual tap adds under a second of overhead per camera cut, and keyboard shortcuts (1 = Live, 2 = Preview, 3 = Standby) make it fast enough that it doesn't interfere with the natural switching rhythm.
Method 2 — Tally Arbiter with vMix Integration
Tally Arbiter bridges vMix to browser displays
Tally Arbiter connects to vMix via its HTTP API and automatically reads the tally state — no manual tapping. But it requires running a Node.js server on a local machine that must stay awake, and it's still LAN-only unless you add a VPN or cloud relay.
- Setup: install Node.js, configure Tally Arbiter, point it at vMix IP
- Works over internet: only with ngrok or VPN tunnel
- Automatic from vMix: yes
- Remote guests: requires additional tunneling
- Cost: free (self-hosted)
Method 3 — vMix Web Controller (Limited)
vMix includes a web controller accessible via browser on your local network. It shows tally state but isn't designed as a display for talent — it's a control surface. It also doesn't work over the internet without port forwarding, which introduces security risks on production equipment.
Which Method for Which Scenario?
Remote guest on Zoom or Teams
Use Cue Light. It's the only option that works natively over the internet without any tunneling. Paste the display link in the Zoom chat — your guest opens it in a browser tab and sees the tally signal in real time.
Permanent studio, all devices on same network
Either Cue Light or Tally Arbiter works. If you want automatic signals from vMix without manual taps, invest the 1–2 hours in Tally Arbiter. If you want simplicity and don't mind a manual tap per cut, Cue Light is faster to set up and easier to maintain.
Event production at unfamiliar venues
Use Cue Light. You can't depend on venue network infrastructure, and cellular as a fallback is critical. Cue Light runs on any internet connection — venue WiFi, hotspot, or cellular — without any configuration changes.
Multi-camera shoots with roaming talent
Use Cue Light. Talent moving around the venue may cross WiFi dead zones — cellular keeps their display connected regardless.
Add internet tally to your vMix setup
Open alongside vMix. Share the QR. Tap Live when you cut. Done.
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