A Completed Setup for Your Live Stream

Just as Netflix replaced Blockbuster for movies and shows, live streaming is slowly making TV obsolete, as more and more studies show that viewers prefer it over TV. Seeing its rapid growth from a past time that few indulged in, to a multi-billion-dollar industry, many people may want to start streaming themselves. In this article, we'll go over the necessary setup equipment for your live stream i.e., camera, recording mic, encoders, and other accessories.

Camera

Whether you're streaming a live tutorial, a video game, music, or even a vlog, you need a camera to show your viewers what you’re doing. If you are on a budget and have a laptop you can just use its built-in microphone. If you want a more professional-looking live stream, you can invest in a mid-range webcam or an HD camera. For webcams, one of the best options is the Logitech C922 Pro Stream, capable of streaming at 1080p 30fps, or 720p 60fps, and coming at an affordable price of $99.99. There are also higher-end webcams such as the Logitech Brio or Lumina webcam that can stream at 4k, but if you're spending that much money it'd be wiser to invest in a camera instead. An excellent choice for that is the tried and tested, all-time popular Canon EOS 80D.

Microphone

Another essential part of a streaming setup is a recording mic. A good mic is so essential that studies show clear and crisp audio is more important to viewers than a high-definition video. Keeping that in mind, getting one of the best mics for streaming should be your top priority. There are many good options for recording mics, but which one is the best for you depends on your requirements. If you want an easy-to-use mic with no hassle, opt for a USB microphone such as the Ergopixel Condenser Microphone, one of the best mics for streaming, or the Elgato Wave 3, or HyperX QuadCast; all excellent microphones for windows. If, however, you want to make no compromises on audio quality, go for an XLR mic such as the Audio-Technica AT2020, as they sound more professional. Be warned though, because you can’t connect them directly to your computer and may need an audio interface.

Encoders

Encoders transmit audio and video from your mic and camera to streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. They also help reduce file size and buffering times. There are many encoders available, however, the most commonly used and extensive one is OBS, and the best part about it is that it’s completely free. You can also choose a hardware encoder however software encoders are usually much more user friendly.

Accessories

Once you have the essentials, you should consider investing in accessories such as tripods, lighting equipment, or even a green screen. These things will help your live stream stand out from others.

If you’ve read this far then you have all the information you need to complete your setup and start live streaming!