{"id":36680,"date":"2024-05-28T11:59:05","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T10:59:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/?p=36680"},"modified":"2026-01-28T16:21:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T16:21:49","slug":"streaming-setup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Build the Perfect Streaming Setup &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#In_a_hurry_Here_are_our_equipment_recommendations\" >In a hurry? Here are our equipment recommendations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Our_guide_to_a_streaming_setup\" >Our guide to a streaming setup<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Camera\" >Camera<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Computer\" >Computer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Streaming_software\" >Streaming software<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Microphones\" >Microphones<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#USB_mics\" >USB mics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#XLR_mics\" >XLR mics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Condenser_mics\" >Condenser mics<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Headphones\" >Headphones<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Audio_interface\" >Audio interface<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Mixer\" >Mixer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Packages\" >Packages<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Which_livestreaming_platform_is_right_for_me\" >Which livestreaming platform is right for me?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#TikTok\" >TikTok<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Twitch\" >Twitch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#YouTube\" >YouTube<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Facebook\" >Facebook<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#X\" >X<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Kickcom\" >Kick.com<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Mixcloud\" >Mixcloud<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#The_best_content_for_streaming\" >The best content for streaming<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Our_top_tips\" >Our top tips<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#1_Be_passionate\" >1. Be passionate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#2_Always_have_new_ideas\" >2. Always have new ideas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#3_Make_sure_people_know_about_it\" >3. Make sure people know about it!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#4_Test_your_equipment\" >4. Test your equipment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#5_Monitor_your_livestream\" >5. Monitor your livestream<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#What_do_you_need_for_a_streaming_setup\" >What do you need for a streaming setup?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#How_much_does_a_full_streaming_setup_cost\" >How much does a full streaming setup cost?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Do_I_need_two_PCs_to_stream\" >Do I need two PCs to stream?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/#Final_thoughts\" >Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Livestreaming is a popular form of content that provides a platform for a huge variety of styles and approaches.<\/p>\n<p>From gaming to music production, educational content to political coverage, and live events to dedicated variety streamers who cover a little bit of everything, there\u2019s something for everyone on streaming platforms. No wonder so many people want to carve out their niche within this space!<\/p>\n<p>So, if you have your eye on streaming, be it Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or a more specific platform, here\u2019s our beginner\u2019s guide to all the equipment you&#8217;ll need for a great\u00a0<strong>streaming setup<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;In a hurry? Here are our equipment recommendations&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_a_hurry_Here_are_our_equipment_recommendations\"><\/span>In a hurry? Here are our equipment recommendations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-204\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-204 tbody-has-connected-cells\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Product<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Link<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td colspan=\"2\" class=\"column-1\"><strong>Camera<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">SubZero OPTYK-10 1080p Full HD USB Webcam<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/SubZero-OPTYK-10-1080p-Full-HD-USB-Webcam\/3SF8\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check the current price<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Zoom Q2n-4k Camera for Musicians<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Zoom-Q2n-4k-Camera-for-Musicians\/2SYQ\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check the current price<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Zoom Q8n-4k Handy Video Recorder<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/Zoom-Q8n-4k-Handy-Video-Recorder\/4OFN\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check the current price<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td colspan=\"2\" class=\"column-1\"><strong>Microphones<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">SubZero SZC-500-USB Condenser Microphone<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/SubZero-SZC-500-USB-Condenser-Microphone\/10GW\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check the current price<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Lewitt RAY Microphone<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/Lewitt-RAY-Microphone\/6B2X\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check the current price<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Electro-Voice-RE20-Dynamic-Cardioid-Microphone\/90V\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check the current price<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td colspan=\"2\" class=\"column-1\"><strong>Headphones<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Sony MDR-7506\/1 Professional Stereo Headphones<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/Sony-MDR-7506-1-Professional-Stereo-Headphones\/26Z8\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check the current price<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/beyerdynamic-DT-770-Pro-Headphones-80-Ohm\/76U\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check the current price<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Audio Technica ATH-M50x Headphones<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Headphones-Black\/X9G\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check the current price<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-204 from cache -->\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Studio-Equipment.html&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP STUDIO EQUIPMENT&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Our guide to a streaming setup Camera&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_guide_to_a_streaming_setup\"><\/span>Our guide to a streaming setup<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Camera\"><\/span>Camera<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-36911 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Zoom-Q8n-4k-Handy-Video-Recorder-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Zoom Q8n-4k Handy Video Recorder\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Zoom-Q8n-4k-Handy-Video-Recorder-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Zoom-Q8n-4k-Handy-Video-Recorder-1-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Zoom-Q8n-4k-Handy-Video-Recorder-1.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>There are many different options for cameras, from handheld recorders to webcams.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019d recommend a high-resolution and high frame rate camera. Even 4k cameras are readily available at a good price nowadays and are well worth investing in. You\u2019ll probably want something that runs at 60 frames per second if possible.<\/p>\n<p>The smoothness of the frames on the camera tends to be more important than your camera resolution, as stream stability is more important than camera resolution.<\/p>\n<p>However, it\u2019s your decision as to what performance you get out of your camera, and 30 frames per second can be a perfectly adequate refresh rate for streaming. We&#8217;d recommend a minimum resolution of 720p.<\/p>\n<p>For outdoor or location shooting, we\u2019d suggest a handheld camera like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/Zoom-Q8n-4k-Handy-Video-Recorder\/4OFN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zoom Q8n-4k<\/a><\/strong>, which already includes a high-quality stereo camera microphone built-in for location-based or outdoor streaming.<\/p>\n<p>If gaming and desk-based streaming setups are more your style, you\u2019re probably better off using a webcam. In this realm, we have the entry-priced <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/SubZero-OPTYK-10-1080p-Full-HD-USB-Webcam\/3SF8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SubZero Optyk-10<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>In between the two, the compact portability of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Zoom-Q2n-4k-Camera-for-Musicians\/2SYQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zoom Q2n-4k<\/a><\/strong> is a great choice for handheld or stand-mounted recording.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Audio_Recorders\/Handheld&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP HANDHELD AUDIO RECORDERS&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Computer &#038; Streaming software&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Computer\"><\/span>Computer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-36920 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Computer-built-for-gaming-and-streaming-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Computer built for gaming and streaming\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Computer-built-for-gaming-and-streaming-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Computer-built-for-gaming-and-streaming-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Computer-built-for-gaming-and-streaming-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Computer-built-for-gaming-and-streaming-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Computer-built-for-gaming-and-streaming-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Computer-built-for-gaming-and-streaming-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Computer-built-for-gaming-and-streaming-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Computer-built-for-gaming-and-streaming-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Computer-built-for-gaming-and-streaming.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>The most important thing for streaming is a very strong internet connection. To stay live and avoid dropouts, you want a high-quality connection. For help with this, it may be worth seeing if you can use a wired ethernet connection with your computer.<\/p>\n<p>You need to consider your budget and whether you want a laptop or a desktop. Usually, a desktop is more configurable and you can upgrade parts as you go and get better specs, but laptops are portable, often more affordable, and save on space if your streaming room is smaller.<\/p>\n<p>Next, look at your streaming software and a few core contemporary games you want to stream or programs you want to use on-stream. Look up their minimum system requirements and opt for something that offers at the very least those specs, but preferably a little above them, so you can get a more stable performance.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll also need to pick your operating system: Windows or Mac are the two main options. If you\u2019re gaming, Windows will probably have the best options, as most games are designed for Windows. However, for artists, graphic designers, musicians, and music producers, Macs tend to be preferred.<\/p>\n<p>When you\u2019re looking at CPUs, or Central Processing Units, you want to consider the number of cores available. The higher the cores, the better the performance, so try to get the largest number of cores available within your budget if you can. Your CPU essentially dictates how many programs you can run at once, and to what intensity.<\/p>\n<p>Graphics cards or GPUs can vary heavily. These cards are key to the graphical fidelity on your display and are key for art and gaming especially. Reputable companies like Nvidia, ASUS, MSI, and AMD Radeon are all good choices. I would recommend something enabled with Nvidia GeForce, which most modern graphics cards are.<\/p>\n<p>RAM, or Random Access Memory is Daft Punk\u2019s final album. It\u2019s also the memory your computer uses to load up programs and boot itself up. How quickly things run is determined by your RAM. We\u2019d recommend a minimum of 16 GB, but more may be beneficial.<\/p>\n<p>Computer storage is pretty self-explanatory. There are two main forms nowadays, Solid State Drives (SSDs), and Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). SSDs are much faster to load files or games from, and generally more efficient, but often come with a lower capacity and are more expensive. HDDs are more affordable, and whilst slightly slower, they have a larger capacity for the price.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Streaming_software\"><\/span>Streaming software<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Most streaming software is free, which is a great user-friendly thing to have access to. Especially given the cost of the PC. Your choice of software dictates the control you have over your stream, how things are arranged and presented visually, your graphical settings, stream overlays, and even some visual effects.<\/p>\n<p>The most popular two are <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/obsproject.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OBS Project<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/streamlabs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Streamlabs<\/a><\/strong>. Generally speaking, Streamlabs is a little more user-friendly and easy to navigate but offers less depth of control than OBS does. OBS is extremely deep and complex, by comparison, but it lets you achieve the exact look and layout you want. Technically, both are built on the same engine.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019d recommend Streamlabs for hobbyists and beginners as it\u2019s a good place to start and learn the basics. For more experienced streamers and tech heads or anyone willing to throw themselves in the deep end, OBS is a great option!<\/p>\n<p>If you can\u2019t get along with OBS or Streamlabs, there are plenty of other options &#8211; both free and paid, like XSplit, Vmix, and Lightstream. It may also be worth investing in video editing software like Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas, or Blackmagic Designs\u2019 free DaVinci Resolve to edit your streams into videos and shorts to gain traction on other platforms.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Music-Software.html&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP SOFTWARE&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Microphones&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Microphones\"><\/span>Microphones<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>So, you have your camera, PC, and streaming software all picked out. It\u2019s time for the audio gear. Let\u2019s start with the key element: microphones. There are three main types of microphones you\u2019ll see in streaming setups: USB, XLR, and condensers.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"USB_mics\"><\/span>USB mics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-36912 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/SubZero-SZC-500-USB-Condenser-Microphone-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"SubZero SZC-500-USB Condenser Microphone\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/SubZero-SZC-500-USB-Condenser-Microphone-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/SubZero-SZC-500-USB-Condenser-Microphone-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/SubZero-SZC-500-USB-Condenser-Microphone-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/SubZero-SZC-500-USB-Condenser-Microphone-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/SubZero-SZC-500-USB-Condenser-Microphone-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/SubZero-SZC-500-USB-Condenser-Microphone-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/SubZero-SZC-500-USB-Condenser-Microphone-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/SubZero-SZC-500-USB-Condenser-Microphone.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>USB mics are often affordable, entry-level microphones, although they\u2019ve come a long way in the past ten years! Their main benefit is that they forgo the need for additional audio gear aside from headphones. When streaming, if you have a USB microphone that you like, an audio interface or mixer often isn\u2019t necessary.<\/p>\n<p>This convenience is great for those starting out and working in smaller spaces, but the more experienced might want multiple mic inputs for guests and friends, as well as the effects, samples, computer sound loopback functionality, and audio routing options.<\/p>\n<p>USB mics may also not be great for running simultaneously, as some of them require drivers or software mixing, and different models might not communicate as easily with one another.<\/p>\n<p>For USB functionality, we recommend the <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/SubZero-SZC-500-USB-Condenser-Microphone\/10GW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SubZero SZC-500-USB<\/a><\/strong>. This USB condenser microphone has a detailed sound and includes a shock mount, which reduces the unwanted pickup of noise from desk rattling or mic stand movement. It&#8217;s entirely no-frills: no software, no mixer or effects, just plug it in and stream!<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"XLR_mics\"><\/span>XLR mics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>XLR microphones will need some kind of interface or mixer. We\u2019ll get to these and the distinctions between them later, but for now, just know that these act as a converter from the XLR connection that is typical of professional-grade microphones, letting your computer and software recognise the signal.<\/p>\n<p>Our first pick is a dynamic microphone. These microphones are big, durable, and are capable of handling louder sounds. There&#8217;s a huge range of these available, but today we\u2019re recommending the <strong><a href=\"\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Electro-Voice-RE20-Dynamic-Cardioid-Microphone\/90V\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Electro-Voice RE20<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This is a common alternative to the SM7B, which sees a huge amount of studio use on vocals, drums, and guitar amps and offers a smooth, full sound.<\/p>\n<p>The RE20\u2019s main selling point is also very useful for streamers. Its Variable-D technology means you can move around the mic without exaggerating low frequencies or suffering off-axis colouration (where your sound changes due to movement away from the optimal position). You can be as animated as you want and you\u2019ll still sound consistent so long as you\u2019re somewhere in front of the mic.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Condenser_mics\"><\/span>Condenser mics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Condenser microphones are more sensitive, clear, and detailed-sounding, usually owing to some extra high-frequency response and a more responsive capsule.<\/p>\n<p>These microphones rely on phantom power, which you&#8217;ll need from an interface or mixer. This boosts the signal of a condenser to audible levels since, by default, they\u2019re so quiet and sensitive that you can\u2019t hear it. Condensers are an equally great choice for streaming and whilst they may not have the popularity of dynamic mics for streaming, they sound fantastic in their own right.<\/p>\n<p>Our recommended condenser is the <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Lewitt-RAY-Microphone\/6B2X\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lewitt RAY<\/a><\/strong>. This innovative microphone uses AURA sensors to keep track of your distance from it and automatically adjusts its volume and tone to keep your sound the same, no matter how far you move from the mic.<\/p>\n<p>You can also mute by distance, cutting your signal when you walk away from the desk, or swing your microphone arm away from your face. The RAY includes a magnetic pop filter to prevent harsh plosives and sibilance, as well as a shock mount to avoid noise from the desk or microphone handling.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36913 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Lewitt-Ray-Microphone.jpg\" alt=\"Lewitt Ray Microphone\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Lewitt-Ray-Microphone.jpg 1330w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Lewitt-Ray-Microphone-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Lewitt-Ray-Microphone-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Lewitt-Ray-Microphone-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Lewitt-Ray-Microphone-1080x540.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Lewitt-Ray-Microphone-1280x640.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Lewitt-Ray-Microphone-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Lewitt-Ray-Microphone-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1330px) 100vw, 1330px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Studio-Equipment\/Microphones&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP MICROPHONES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Headphones&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Headphones\"><\/span>Headphones<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-36921 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Headphones-Black-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Audio Technica ATH-M50x Headphones, Black\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Headphones-Black-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Headphones-Black-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Headphones-Black-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Headphones-Black-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Headphones-Black-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Headphones-Black-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Headphones-Black-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Headphones-Black.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Headphones are a lot less complicated to pick. You need closed-back headphones. No question. Open-back headphones leak sound, and for most streaming setups, your microphone will be very close to you, which will cause feedback or echoes with your monitoring mix. So, what do we recommend?<\/p>\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Sony-MDR-7506-1-Professional-Stereo-Headphones\/26Z8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sony MDR-7506\/1<\/a><\/strong> may not have the catchiest name, but they are an undisputed classic. Unchanged since 1991, these headphones have been a standard for recording, mixing, mastering, and broadcast monitoring.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019re comfortable, have a neutral, even sound, a full frequency response, and fold down when on the go. Truly a no-nonsense set of headphones.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Headphones-Black\/X9G\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Audio Technica ATH-M50x<\/a><\/strong> are another popular choice for streamers. Also used by producers and DJs, the comfort of these headphones means they\u2019re great for long streams, they isolate external sound extremely well, and their extended frequency response provides plenty of detail in the high frequencies without sounding harsh.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/beyerdynamic-DT-770-Pro-Headphones-80-Ohm\/76U\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">beyerdynamic DT770 Pro<\/a><\/strong> are another standard for music production. They sound excellent and are commonly used for mixing and mastering, with bass reflex drivers for a little extra low-end and a shockingly extended frequency range from 5 Hz to 35 kHz to bring all of the information you need.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, their velour earcups are one of the most comfortable things you can wear for long-term monitoring.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Headphones\/Types.html&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP HEADPHONES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Audio interface&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Audio_interface\"><\/span>Audio interface<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-50229 alignright size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Fender-Quantum-LT-2-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Fender Quantum LT 2\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Fender-Quantum-LT-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Fender-Quantum-LT-2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Fender-Quantum-LT-2-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Fender-Quantum-LT-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Fender-Quantum-LT-2-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Fender-Quantum-LT-2-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Fender-Quantum-LT-2-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Fender-Quantum-LT-2-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Fender-Quantum-LT-2.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>If you\u2019re using an XLR-based microphone to run your audio, you\u2019ll need either an audio interface or a mixer. Audio interfaces convert analogue electrical signals that come from microphones into digital ones that can be read by computers. This makes them necessary if you decide against a USB microphone.<\/p>\n<p>Audio interfaces also include microphone preamps, phantom power, audio outputs and volume control for monitor speakers, a headphone amp, and potentially one or multiple instrument inputs.<\/p>\n<p>There may be extra features like software mixing, built-in effects, switchable preamp modes, and some even offer auto-gain to set the perfect volume for your source without distorting.<\/p>\n<p>Our first pick is the <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/SubZero-AI1-2-Channel-USB-Audio-Interface\/5X3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SubZero AI1<\/a><\/strong>. This two-channel audio interface has all of the fundamental features we mentioned, making it a great way to get all of the utility of an audio interface at a great cost.<\/p>\n<p>A single microphone preamp, phantom power for condenser mics, a mono instrument input for a guitar, a headphone amp, and monitor outputs give you all the utility you need for a single-mic stream setup.<\/p>\n<p>Next, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/Fender-Quantum-LT-2-Audio-Interface\/7PYE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fender Quantum LT 2<\/a><\/strong> is an audio interface with custom low-latency drivers, meaning that headphone monitoring won\u2019t come through delayed. The Quantum LT 2 has a MAX-HD microphone preamp with phantom power on tap, a headphone amp, and a Fender-designed instrument input for quality guitar and bass sounds. Plus, for anyone into music, it comes with Fender Studio Pro and Universal Control software.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, the classic <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Focusrite-Scarlett-2i2-4th-Gen-Audio-Interface\/5O8G\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen<\/a><\/strong>. You\u2019ll have seen these crimson metal boxes all over streaming and musician setups. With good reason, too! Building on the success of the ubiquitous 3rd Gen, this new series of Scarlett interfaces offers the same two neutral mic preamps, phantom power, and Air mode for a subtle high-frequency lift that\u2019s made these units so popular, with a few improvements.<\/p>\n<p>The 4th Gen now adds Auto Gain and loopback functionality to mix computer audio from games or software into your streaming software. It also has two instrument inputs, so you could run a guitar and a microphone together, or just a stereo keyboard.<\/p>\n<p>The 2i2 is great for musically-inclined streamers and gives you the ability to run two mics at once, so you can include a guest. If you don\u2019t feel the need for a guest, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-4th-Gen-Audio-Interface\/5O8C\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Solo<\/a><\/strong> may be up your alley. If you\u2019re anticipating more guests than just one, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/Focusrite-Scarlett-4i4-4th-Gen-Audio-Interface\/5O8K\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">4i4<\/a><\/strong> expands mic inputs to four, for up to three guests or more instruments.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Audio-Interfaces.html&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP AUDIO INTERFACES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Mixer&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mixer\"><\/span>Mixer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-35781 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/04\/Rode-podcasting-setup-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Rode podcasting setup\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/04\/Rode-podcasting-setup-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/04\/Rode-podcasting-setup-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/04\/Rode-podcasting-setup-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/04\/Rode-podcasting-setup-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/04\/Rode-podcasting-setup-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/04\/Rode-podcasting-setup-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/04\/Rode-podcasting-setup-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/04\/Rode-podcasting-setup-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/04\/Rode-podcasting-setup.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Mixers are another good option for streamers. They&#8217;re usually larger and have more capabilities than an interface, offering more flexible audio routing options, effects, and sample pads.<\/p>\n<p>Despite being bulkier, they can fit into streaming setups really well, especially if you\u2019re into messing around with sound &#8211; which is great for music-focused streamers.<\/p>\n<p>Obviously, for streaming, you\u2019ll need a mixer with USB capabilities, so all our recommendations have some kind of USB connectivity.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Rode-RodeCaster-Duo-with-Free-NTH-100-Headphones\/6D1B\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rode RodeCaster Duo<\/a><\/strong> comes in a large format, offering two preamps and two headphone outputs, which makes it a great choice for podcasting and streaming with a guest. Its four faders give you additional channels for USB audio like system audio, music, and voice calls, as well as eight pads for sample playback.<\/p>\n<p>It also has built-in effects like an exciter, noise gate, various filters and EQs, and compression.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Zoom-LiveTrak-L-6-Compact-Mixer-and-Multitrack-Recorder\/6QLA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zoom LiveTrak L-6<\/a><\/strong> is another great option for streaming. This is a compact digital mixer and multitrack recorder designed to provide professional-grade audio for streaming, recording, and live use.<\/p>\n<p>With 10 tracks of high-quality recording and individual channel strips featuring a 3-band mid-sweepable EQ, pan control, and effects, it offers extensive flexibility for shaping your sound. Plus, if you&#8217;re working on the go and setting up in small spaces, the compact, portable size is perfect.<\/p>\n<p>This mixer can record up to 10 discrete tracks plus a stereo mix directly onto microSD cards up to 2TB. It also includes 32-bit float technology, ensuring your recordings are crystal clear and free from clipping, even with fluctuating audio levels.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Audio_Mixers\/Types.html&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP AUDIO MIXERS&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Packages&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Packages\"><\/span>Packages<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-36923 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Focusrite-Vocaster-Two-Studio-setup-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Focusrite Vocaster Two Studio setup\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Focusrite-Vocaster-Two-Studio-setup-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Focusrite-Vocaster-Two-Studio-setup-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Focusrite-Vocaster-Two-Studio-setup-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Focusrite-Vocaster-Two-Studio-setup-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Focusrite-Vocaster-Two-Studio-setup-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Focusrite-Vocaster-Two-Studio-setup-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Focusrite-Vocaster-Two-Studio-setup-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Focusrite-Vocaster-Two-Studio-setup.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>So, while we\u2019ve recommended some individual components, sometimes it\u2019s easier and more cost-effective to get an all-in-one package that covers everything. Unless you have very specific needs and wants for your stream and you have something in mind that\u2019s tailored towards that, a package might be the right choice for you.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Rode-NT1-Signature-Vocal-and-Podcasting-Set\/6E76\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rode NT1 Signature Vocal and Podcasting Set<\/a><\/strong> consists of Rode\u2019s NT1 Signature Series &#8211; an excellent-sounding and ultra-low noise condenser microphone, complete with a shock mount, pop filter, and cable. Check out my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/rode-nt1-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NT1 Signature Series in-depth review<\/a><\/strong> if you want to learn more about the mic.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/Presonus-Revelator-io44-Streaming-Pack\/6CXD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Presonus Revelator io44 Pack<\/a><\/strong> fills the role of a compact audio interface with Loopback, an onboard mixer, PreSonus\u2019 studio-quality Fat Channel processing for studio sound, and a single mic preamp. With this pack, you can choose the headphones, microphone, mic arm, and cable you&#8217;d like with it.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Focusrite-Vocaster-Two-Studio\/4UI8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Focusrite Vocaster Two Studio<\/a><\/strong> is another full package, with Focusrite\u2019s new podcasting and streaming-focused interface the Vocaster Two, the Vocaster DM14v dynamic microphone, and a pair of closed-back headphones.<\/p>\n<p>The Vocaster Two has the all-important loopback, and four sound presets to dial up pre-designed sounds to fit your voice.<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t need depth and like the option of a second mic preamp for guests, this package is ideal.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Rode-RodeCaster-Duo-Solo-Podcasting-Bundle\/69RQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rode RodeCaster Duo Solo Podcasting Bundle<\/a><\/strong> is billed for podcasting, but it\u2019s just as great for streaming. Consisting of the Rodecaster Duo mixer, the Rode PodMic dynamic microphone, and the Rode NTH-100 studio headphones for monitoring, this package is a little more premium than the other two but it\u2019s a comfortable and reliable set for starting streamers, and still offers a second mic preamp for guests.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Which livestreaming platform is right for me?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_livestreaming_platform_is_right_for_me\"><\/span>Which livestreaming platform is right for me?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There&#8217;s a huge range of streaming platforms out there, and the increasing popularity of streaming has brought many other social media sites to add streaming features themselves. So, where should you go? Let\u2019s take a look.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TikTok\"><\/span>TikTok<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Whilst primarily seen as a place for short-form video content, TikTok has had a very strong livestreaming scene ever since the feature was added to the platform. Here, there&#8217;s a vast array of streaming styles, whether it\u2019s just going live to occasionally engage with your audience or dedicated TikTok-based streamers doing some pretty unique things that you won\u2019t see elsewhere.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Twitch\"><\/span>Twitch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Twitch is primarily designed for gaming but has plenty of strong communities for creative, variety, and real-life streaming. This is the place to go if you want to do long, consistent weekly streams and build a career.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"YouTube\"><\/span>YouTube<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>YouTube is, of course, a great platform for long-form content. It\u2019s had streaming functions for a very long time, but some recent refreshes have made YouTube Live an excellent choice for longevity, variety, and building a strong audience.<\/p>\n<p>Twitch and YouTube allow for dual-streaming now (with some restrictions, make sure you check and follow those at all times!). YouTube\u2019s ability to instantly archive past streams to your channel also means it\u2019s easy to create a permanent and rewatchable archive of your streams and build a similarly long career in streaming with well-thought-out content.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Facebook\"><\/span>Facebook<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Facebook Live is a little more niche, but many have seen success with it. The target audience tends to be a little older than the other platforms and seems to be best for promotion and businesses if you already have a Facebook following.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"X\"><\/span>X<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>X (formerly Twitter) Live is a newly-implemented feature, which offers a lot of potential for growth and carving out your own space. Whilst the intent is for generalised content, it seems to be mostly informational, news, and political streaming that do the best on there currently.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kickcom\"><\/span>Kick.com<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Kick.com is a new gaming platform. Trying to compete with Twitch, Kick is currently less competitive than its rival due to how recent it is, which makes it a good time to try and get your foot in the door. Offering a better split of monetisation than most other platforms also makes it very potentially lucrative if you can gain traction.<\/p>\n<p>However, it does seem very much focused on gaming content over anything else, so if that\u2019s not your thing, you may want to look elsewhere.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mixcloud\"><\/span>Mixcloud<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Finally, Mixcloud is a dedicated streaming platform for musical performances. Thanks to licensing agreements with big record labels, you won\u2019t have to worry about running afoul of copyright issues. The potential of this platform for live DJ sets, even band performances whilst being interactive with your audience is something not many others can deliver!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36917 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/A-woman-livestreaming-with-a-pair-of-Shure-headphones.jpg\" alt=\"A woman livestreaming with a pair of Shure headphones\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/A-woman-livestreaming-with-a-pair-of-Shure-headphones.jpg 1330w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/A-woman-livestreaming-with-a-pair-of-Shure-headphones-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/A-woman-livestreaming-with-a-pair-of-Shure-headphones-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/A-woman-livestreaming-with-a-pair-of-Shure-headphones-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/A-woman-livestreaming-with-a-pair-of-Shure-headphones-1080x540.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/A-woman-livestreaming-with-a-pair-of-Shure-headphones-1280x640.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/A-woman-livestreaming-with-a-pair-of-Shure-headphones-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/A-woman-livestreaming-with-a-pair-of-Shure-headphones-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1330px) 100vw, 1330px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;The best content for streaming&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_best_content_for_streaming\"><\/span>The best content for streaming<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>So, what should you stream? Anything, really. So long as you\u2019re genuinely passionate about it, and can make it fun to watch, you can let your creativity run wild. A lot of variety streamers have found popularity by implementing some pretty unique ideas that find success and eventually become a format used by other streamers.<\/p>\n<p>Watch out for trending ideas, see what does well, and come up with your own twists if you want to stay ahead of the curve.<\/p>\n<p>Gaming is a consistently high performer on all streaming platforms. It can be as simple or complex as you want to make it and lets your personality and showmanship become the focus of the stream. Whether it\u2019s gaming challenges, full playthroughs, speed runs, or e-sports depends on what you\u2019re most interested in and excited by, but these are all popular niches.<\/p>\n<p>Some independent game developers even stream themselves working on their games.<\/p>\n<p>Art and music streams also tend to do well, and many artists and musicians have seen significant success in livestreaming themselves in the midst of their own creative projects or challenges on a regular basis. Even full live performances have found themselves doing well, ever since those popular &#8220;lockdown gigs&#8221;!<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Just Chatting&#8221; formats are also very popular. Whilst some of these may just be lowkey personality-based streams with little production, there\u2019s a lot more variety to be had here. There are a lot of styles and subjects to choose from or float around. This one\u2019s commonly used for variety streamers struggling to come up with a good label for their concept.<\/p>\n<p>Real-life, also commonly referred to as IRL, streaming is another good option. This can vary wildly but can consist of outdoor activities, walking tours of areas or points of interest, comedic game shows, and plenty more.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36918 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Gaming-streaming-setup.jpg\" alt=\"Gaming streaming setup\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Gaming-streaming-setup.jpg 1330w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Gaming-streaming-setup-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Gaming-streaming-setup-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Gaming-streaming-setup-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Gaming-streaming-setup-1080x540.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Gaming-streaming-setup-1280x640.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Gaming-streaming-setup-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Gaming-streaming-setup-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1330px) 100vw, 1330px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Our top tips&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_top_tips\"><\/span>Our top tips<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Be_passionate\"><\/span>1. Be passionate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Above all, be passionate and genuine. During your stream, you&#8217;ll need to be entertaining, so be as true to yourself as you can be.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Always_have_new_ideas\"><\/span>2. Always have new ideas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Make sure you keep your ideas fresh. Watch what other streamers do to keep up on trending stream ideas, keep an eye on popular games, or inspire yourself to come up with a wholly unique format. You should also be aware of people whose popularity and viewership spiked suddenly. Ask yourself what you can learn from their ideas, how you would execute them differently, and any fun twists you can put on them.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Make_sure_people_know_about_it\"><\/span>3. Make sure people know about it!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Try to promote your streams however you can. You could archive your old streams &#8211; platforms like Twitch and YouTube have plenty of functionality for this. Recording and cross-uploading your streams to multiple places will help you survive shocks from sudden platform changes, copyright strikes, and other curveballs.<\/p>\n<p>It may even do well to cut down streams into videos and upload those to a YouTube channel for faster-paced content. This will drive more viewers to your streams if they like what they see.<\/p>\n<p>Save clips of highlights to upload to YouTube Shorts, put them on the front page of your Twitch channel when you\u2019re not live, and upload them as TikTok and Instagram Reels. Announce your streams on social media. Reach out to other creators and build relationships, maybe get some collaborations started!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Test_your_equipment\"><\/span>4. Test your equipment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>It&#8217;s a good idea to test your equipment before every stream to make sure you don\u2019t get caught unaware by sudden technical difficulties. Nobody wants to watch two hours of bad mic quality or jittery gameplay! Run a dummy stream before you go live to make sure everything&#8217;s working.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Monitor_your_livestream\"><\/span>5. Monitor your livestream<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>It\u2019s advisable to have at least a second monitor whilst streaming. This can let you keep analytics and indicators up, like bitrate, keyframe intervals, FPS, and your selected video codec to make sure everything\u2019s running as it should. It\u2019s also a good place to keep your live chat up to respond to questions and spark discussion.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36915 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Rode-RodeCaster-Duo-Solo-Podcasting-Bundle.jpg\" alt=\"Rode RodeCaster Duo Solo Podcasting Bundle\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Rode-RodeCaster-Duo-Solo-Podcasting-Bundle.jpg 1330w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Rode-RodeCaster-Duo-Solo-Podcasting-Bundle-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Rode-RodeCaster-Duo-Solo-Podcasting-Bundle-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Rode-RodeCaster-Duo-Solo-Podcasting-Bundle-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Rode-RodeCaster-Duo-Solo-Podcasting-Bundle-1080x540.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Rode-RodeCaster-Duo-Solo-Podcasting-Bundle-1280x640.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Rode-RodeCaster-Duo-Solo-Podcasting-Bundle-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Rode-RodeCaster-Duo-Solo-Podcasting-Bundle-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1330px) 100vw, 1330px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;FAQs&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_you_need_for_a_streaming_setup\"><\/span>What do you need for a streaming setup?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>A streaming setup requires a computer, webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection. Additionally, streaming software, lighting, and a capture card enhance the quality. Good audio and video equipment are crucial for a professional stream, and consider ergonomic furniture for comfort.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_a_full_streaming_setup_cost\"><\/span>How much does a full streaming setup cost?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>A full streaming setup typically costs between \u00a3500 to \u00a32000, depending on equipment quality. Budget setups can start at \u00a3500, including a basic computer, webcam, and microphone. High-end setups with advanced cameras, microphones, and lighting can exceed \u00a32000, offering superior quality.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_two_PCs_to_stream\"><\/span>Do I need two PCs to stream?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Two PCs are not necessary to stream but can improve performance. Using one PC for gaming and another for streaming reduces the load on a single machine. However, a powerful single PC can handle both tasks if it has sufficient processing power and RAM.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Final thoughts&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_thoughts\"><\/span>Final thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Streaming can be a difficult and fast-paced hobby to get into, and a lot of very different skills go into putting an entertaining stream together. But it can be fun and gratifying as well.<\/p>\n<p>With a little practice and our advice, hopefully, you feel more confident in knowing which <strong>streaming setup<\/strong> is right for you and what to do when you go live. Good luck and enjoy your streams!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Studio-Equipment.html&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP STUDIO EQUIPMENT&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/category\/studio-production\/studio-guides\/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;READ MORE STUDIO GUIDES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From gaming to music production, educational content to political coverage, and live events to dedicated variety streamers who cover a little bit of everything, there\u2019s something for everyone on streaming platforms. No wonder so many people want to carve out their niche within this space!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":36907,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p>Livestreaming is a popular form of content that provides a platform for a huge variety of styles and approaches.<\/p><p>From gaming to music production, educational content to political coverage, and live events to dedicated variety streamers who cover a little bit of everything, there\u2019s something for everyone on streaming platforms. No wonder so many people want to carve out their niche within this space!<\/p><p>So, if you have your eye on streaming, be it Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or a more specific platform, here\u2019s our beginner\u2019s guide to all the equipment you'll need for a great\u00a0<strong>streaming setup<\/strong>.<\/p><hr \/><h3>In a hurry? Here are our equipment recommendations<\/h3><p>[table id=204 \/]<\/p><hr \/><h3>Our guide to a streaming setup<\/h3><h4>Camera<\/h4><p><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-36911 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Zoom-Q8n-4k-Handy-Video-Recorder-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Zoom Q8n-4k Handy Video Recorder\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>There are many different options for cameras, from handheld recorders to webcams.<\/p><p>We\u2019d recommend a high-resolution and high frame rate camera. Even 4k cameras are readily available at a good price nowadays and are well worth investing in. You\u2019ll probably want something that runs at 60 frames per second if at all possible.<\/p><p>The smoothness of the frames on the camera tends to be more important than your camera resolution, as stream stability is more important than camera resolution.<\/p><p>However, it\u2019s your decision as to what performance you get out of your camera, and 30 frames per second can be a perfectly adequate refresh rate for streaming. We'd recommend a minimum resolution of 720p.<\/p><p>For outdoor or location shooting, we\u2019d suggest a handheld camera like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/Zoom-Q8n-4k-Handy-Video-Recorder\/4OFN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zoom Q8n-4k<\/a><\/strong>, which already includes a high-quality stereo camera microphone built-in for location-based or outdoor streaming.<\/p><p>If gaming and desk-based streaming setups are more your style, you\u2019re probably better off using a webcam. In this realm, we have the entry-priced <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/SubZero-OPTYK-10-1080p-Full-HD-USB-Webcam\/3SF8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SubZero Optyk-10<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p><p>In between the two, the compact portability of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Zoom-Q2n-4k-Camera-for-Musicians\/2SYQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zoom Q2n-4k<\/a><\/strong> is a great choice for handheld or stand-mounted recording.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Computer<\/h4><p><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-36920 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Computer-built-for-gaming-and-streaming-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Computer built for gaming and streaming\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>The most important thing for streaming is a very strong internet connection. To stay live and avoid dropouts, you want a high-quality connection. For help with this, it may be worth seeing if you can use a wired ethernet connection with your computer.<\/p><p>You need to consider your budget and whether you want a laptop or a desktop. Usually, a desktop is more configurable and you can upgrade parts as you go and get better specs, but laptops are portable, often more affordable, and save on space if your streaming room is smaller.<\/p><p>Next, look at your streaming software and a few core contemporary games you want to stream or programs you want to use on-stream. Look up their minimum system requirements and opt for something that offers at the very least those specs, but preferably a little above them, so you can get a more stable performance.<\/p><p>You'll also need to pick your operating system: Windows or Mac are the two main options. If you\u2019re gaming, Windows will probably have the best options, as most games are designed for Windows. However, for artists, graphic designers, musicians, and music producers, Macs tend to be preferred.<\/p><p>When you\u2019re looking at CPUs, or Central Processing Units, you want to consider the number of cores available. The higher the cores, the better the performance, so try to get the largest number of cores available within your budget if you can. Your CPU essentially dictates how many programs you can run at once, and to what intensity.<\/p><p>Graphics cards or GPUs can vary heavily. These cards are key to the graphical fidelity on your display and are key for art and gaming especially. Reputable companies like Nvidia, ASUS, MSI, and AMD Radeon are all good choices. I would recommend something enabled with Nvidia GeForce, which most modern graphics cards are.<\/p><p>RAM, or Random Access Memory is Daft Punk\u2019s final album. It\u2019s also the memory your computer uses to load up programs and boot itself up. How quickly things run is determined by your RAM. We\u2019d recommend a minimum of 16 GB, but more may be beneficial.<\/p><p>Computer storage is pretty self-explanatory. There are two main forms nowadays, Solid State Drives (SSDs), and Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). SSDs are much faster to load files or games from, and generally more efficient, but often come with a lower capacity and are more expensive. HDDs are more affordable, and whilst slightly slower, they have a larger capacity for the price.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Streaming software<\/h4><p>Most streaming software is free, which is a great user-friendly thing to have access to. Especially given the cost of the PC. Your choice of software dictates the control you have over your stream, how things are arranged and presented visually, your graphical settings, stream overlays, and even some visual effects.<\/p><p>The most popular two are <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/obsproject.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OBS Project<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/streamlabs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Streamlabs<\/a><\/strong>. Generally speaking, Streamlabs is a little more user-friendly and easy to navigate but offers less depth of control than OBS does. OBS is extremely deep and complex, by comparison, but it lets you achieve the exact look and layout you want. Technically, both are built on the same engine.<\/p><p>We\u2019d recommend Streamlabs for hobbyists and beginners as it\u2019s a good place to start and learn the basics. For more experienced streamers and tech heads or anyone willing to throw themselves in the deep end, OBS is a great option!<\/p><p>If you can\u2019t get along with OBS or Streamlabs, there are plenty of other options - both free and paid, like XSplit, Vmix, and Lightstream. It may also be worth investing in video editing software like Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas, or Blackmagic Designs\u2019 free DaVinci Resolve to edit your streams into videos and shorts to gain traction on other platforms.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Microphones<\/h4><p>So, you have your camera, PC, and streaming software all picked out. It\u2019s time for the audio gear. Let\u2019s start with the key element: microphones. There are three main types of microphones you\u2019ll see in streaming setups: USB, XLR, and condensers.<\/p><h5>USB mics<\/h5><p><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-36912 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/SubZero-SZC-500-USB-Condenser-Microphone-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"SubZero SZC-500-USB Condenser Microphone\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>USB mics are often affordable, entry-level microphones, although they\u2019ve come a long way in the past ten years! Their main benefit is that they forgo the need for additional audio gear aside from headphones. When streaming, if you have a USB microphone that you like, an audio interface or mixer often isn\u2019t necessary.<\/p><p>This convenience is great for those starting out and working in smaller spaces, but the more experienced might want multiple mic inputs for guests and friends, as well as the effects, samples, computer sound loopback functionality, and audio routing options.<\/p><p>USB mics may also not be great for running simultaneously, as some of them require drivers or software mixing, and different models might not communicate as easily with one another.<\/p><p>For USB functionality, we recommend the <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/SubZero-SZC-500-USB-Condenser-Microphone\/10GW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SubZero SZC-500-USB<\/a><\/strong>. This USB condenser microphone has a detailed sound and includes a shock mount, which reduces the unwanted pickup of noise from desk rattling or mic stand movement. It's entirely no-frills: no software, no mixer or effects, just plug it in and stream!<\/p><h5>XLR mics<\/h5><p>XLR microphones will need some kind of interface or mixer. We\u2019ll get to these and the distinctions between them later, but for now, just know that these act as a converter from the XLR connection that is typical of professional-grade microphones, letting your computer and software recognise the signal.<\/p><p>Our first pick is a dynamic microphone. These microphones are big, durable, and are capable of handling louder sounds. There's a huge range of these available, but today we\u2019re recommending the <strong><a href=\"\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Electro-Voice-RE20-Dynamic-Cardioid-Microphone\/90V\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Electro-Voice RE20<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p><p>This is a common alternative to the SM7B, which sees a huge amount of studio use on vocals, drums, and guitar amps and offers a smooth, full sound.<\/p><p>The RE20\u2019s main selling point is also very useful for streamers. Its Variable-D technology means that you can move around the mic without exaggerating low frequencies or suffering off-axis colouration (where your sound changes due to movement away from the optimal position). You can be as animated as you want and you\u2019ll still sound consistent so long as you\u2019re somewhere in front of the mic.<\/p><h5>Condenser mics<\/h5><p>Condenser microphones are more sensitive, clear, and detailed-sounding, usually owing to some extra high-frequency response and a more responsive capsule.<\/p><p>These microphones rely on phantom power, which you'll need from an interface or mixer. This boosts the signal of a condenser to audible levels since, by default, they\u2019re so quiet and sensitive that you can\u2019t hear it. Condensers are an equally great choice for streaming and whilst they may not have the popularity of dynamic mics for streaming, they sound fantastic in their own right.<\/p><p>Our recommended condenser is the <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Lewitt-RAY-Microphone\/6B2X\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lewitt RAY<\/a><\/strong>. This innovative microphone uses AURA sensors to keep track of your distance from it and automatically adjusts its volume and tone to keep your sound the same, no matter how far you move from the mic.<\/p><p>You can also mute by distance, cutting your signal when you walk away from the desk, or swing your microphone arm away from your face. The RAY includes a magnetic pop filter to prevent harsh plosives and sibilance, as well as a shock mount to avoid noise from the desk or microphone handling.<\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36913 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Lewitt-Ray-Microphone.jpg\" alt=\"Lewitt Ray Microphone\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h4>Headphones<\/h4><p><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-36921 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Headphones-Black-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Audio Technica ATH-M50x Headphones, Black\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Headphones are a lot less complicated to pick. You need closed-back headphones. No question. Open-back headphones leak sound, and for most streaming setups, your microphone will be very close to you, which will cause feedback or echoes with your monitoring mix. So, what do we recommend?<\/p><p>The <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Sony-MDR-7506-1-Professional-Stereo-Headphones\/26Z8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sony MDR-7506\/1<\/a><\/strong> may not have the catchiest name, but they are an undisputed classic. Unchanged since 1991, these headphones have been a standard for recording, mixing, mastering, and broadcast monitoring.<\/p><p>They\u2019re comfortable, have a neutral, even sound, a full frequency response, and fold down when on the go. Truly a no-nonsense set of headphones.<\/p><p>The <strong><a href=\"\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Headphones-Black\/X9G\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Audio Technica ATH-M50x<\/a><\/strong> are another popular choice for streamers. Also used by producers and DJs, the comfort of these headphones means they\u2019re great for long streams, they isolate external sound extremely well, and their extended frequency response provides plenty of detail in the high frequencies without sounding harsh.<\/p><p>The <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/beyerdynamic-DT-770-Pro-Headphones-80-Ohm\/76U\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">beyerdynamic DT770 Pro<\/a><\/strong> are another standard for music production. They sound excellent and are commonly used for mixing and mastering, with bass reflex drivers for a little extra low-end and a shockingly extended frequency range from 5 Hz to 35 kHz to bring all of the information you need.<\/p><p>Plus, their velour earcups are one of the most comfortable things you can wear for long-term monitoring.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Audio interface<\/h4><p><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-36922 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/PreSonus-Quantum-ES2-Audio-Interface-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"PreSonus Quantum ES2 Audio Interface\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>If you\u2019re using an XLR-based microphone to run your audio, you\u2019ll need either an audio interface or a mixer. Audio interfaces convert analogue electrical signals that come from microphones into digital ones that can be read by computers. This makes them necessary if you decide against a USB microphone.<\/p><p>Audio interfaces also include microphone preamps, phantom power, audio outputs and volume control for monitor speakers, a headphone amp, and potentially one or multiple instrument inputs.<\/p><p>There may be extra features like software mixing, built-in effects, switchable preamp modes, and some even offer auto-gain to set the perfect volume for your source without distorting.<\/p><p>Our first pick is the <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/SubZero-AI1-2-Channel-USB-Audio-Interface\/5X3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SubZero AI1<\/a><\/strong>. This two-channel audio interface has all of the fundamental features we mentioned, making it a great way to get all of the utility of an audio interface at a great cost.<\/p><p>A single microphone preamp, phantom power for condenser mics, a mono instrument input for a guitar, a headphone amp, and monitor outputs give you all the utility you need for a single-mic stream setup.<\/p><p>Next, the <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/PreSonus-Quantum-ES2-Audio-Interface\/6BUI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PreSonus Quantum ES2<\/a><\/strong> is a two-channel audio interface with very low latency, meaning that headphone monitoring won\u2019t come through delayed. The Quantum ES2 has two MAX-HD microphone preamps with phantom power on tap, a headphone amp, and an instrument input designed alongside Fender for quality guitar and bass sounds.<\/p><p>The Quantum also has Auto Gain, which automatically sets an ideal volume for mics or instruments that won\u2019t distort no matter what changes in the signal. Plus, for anyone into music, it comes with six free months of Studio One+.<\/p><p>Finally, the classic <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Focusrite-Scarlett-2i2-4th-Gen-Audio-Interface\/5O8G\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen<\/a><\/strong>. You\u2019ll have seen these crimson metal boxes all over streaming and musician setups. With good reason, too! Building on the success of the ubiquitous 3rd Gen, this new series of Scarlett interfaces offers the same two neutral mic preamps, phantom power, and Air mode for a subtle high-frequency lift that\u2019s made these units so popular, with a few improvements.<\/p><p>The 4th Gen now adds Auto Gain and loopback functionality to mix computer audio from games or software into your streaming software. It also has two instrument inputs, so you could run a guitar and a microphone together, or just a stereo keyboard.<\/p><p>The 2i2 is great for musically-inclined streamers and gives you the ability to run two mics at once, so you can include a guest. If you don\u2019t feel the need for a guest, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-4th-Gen-Audio-Interface\/5O8C\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Solo<\/a><\/strong> may be up your alley. If you\u2019re anticipating more guests than just one, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/Focusrite-Scarlett-4i4-4th-Gen-Audio-Interface\/5O8K\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">4i4<\/a><\/strong> expands mic inputs to four, for up to three guests or more instruments.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Mixer<\/h4><p><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-35781 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/04\/Rode-podcasting-setup-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Rode podcasting setup\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Mixers are another good option for streamers. They're usually larger and have more capabilities than an interface, offering more flexible audio routing options, effects, and sample pads.<\/p><p>Despite being bulkier, they can fit into streaming setups really well, especially if you\u2019re into messing around with sound - which is great for music-focused streamers.<\/p><p>Obviously, for streaming, you\u2019ll need a mixer with USB capabilities, so all our recommendations have some kind of USB connectivity.<\/p><p>The <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Rode-RodeCaster-Duo-with-Free-NTH-100-Headphones\/6D1B\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rode RodeCaster Duo<\/a><\/strong> comes in a large format, offering two preamps and two headphone outputs, which makes it a great choice for podcasting and streaming with a guest. Its four faders give you additional channels for USB audio like system audio, music, and voice calls, as well as eight pads for sample playback.<\/p><p>It also has built-in effects like an exciter, noise gate, various filters and EQs, and compression.<\/p><p>A little more of an unconventional choice, we have the <strong><a href=\"\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Mackie-ProFX10v3and-Analog-Mixer\/6521\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mackie ProFX10v3+<\/a><\/strong>. This is a traditional analog mixer that would usually be used for studio and live sound - with a twist, it includes USB. With this format, it may take up more space on your desk or room than usual, but you get a lot of extras for the expanded size.<\/p><p>Whilst a board like this looks like it should be in a studio or venue, Mackie really did design it with streamers and home-recording musicians in mind. Four microphone preamps, up to ten line inputs for instruments, and three-band EQ on every channel, panning control, and an effects engine for reverbs and delays sit at the core of this mixer.<\/p><p>It also provides outputs for sending signals to other devices, and a 3.5mm jack input and stereo Bluetooth input for connecting to a phone or laptop. This means that you can connect four microphones at once, as well as at least two mono or stereo instruments simultaneously.<\/p><p>This kind of mixer is perfect for music-based or variety streamers - if you\u2019re gaming one day, chatting with a group of friends or guests the next, and making music another, the ProFX10v3+ is a great choice.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Packages<\/h4><p><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-36923 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Focusrite-Vocaster-Two-Studio-setup-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Focusrite Vocaster Two Studio setup\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>So, while we\u2019ve recommended some individual components, sometimes it\u2019s easier and more cost-effective to get an all-in-one package that covers everything. Unless you have very specific needs and wants for your stream and you have something in mind that\u2019s tailored towards that, a package might be the right choice for you.<\/p><p>The <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Rode-NT1-Signature-Vocal-and-Podcasting-Set\/6E76\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rode NT1 Signature Vocal and Podcasting Set<\/a><\/strong> consists of Rode\u2019s NT1 Signature Series - an excellent-sounding and ultra-low noise condenser microphone, complete with a shock mount, pop filter, and cable. Check out my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/rode-nt1-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NT1 Signature Series in-depth review<\/a><\/strong> if you want to learn more about the mic.<\/p><p>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Recording-and-Computers\/Presonus-Revelator-io44-Streaming-Pack\/6CXD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Presonus Revelator io44 Pack<\/a><\/strong> fills the role of a compact audio interface with Loopback, an onboard mixer, PreSonus\u2019 studio-quality Fat Channel processing for studio sound, and a single mic preamp. With this pack, you can choose the headphones, microphone, mic arm, and cable you'd like with it.<\/p><p>The <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Focusrite-Vocaster-Two-Studio\/4UI8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Focusrite Vocaster Two Studio<\/a><\/strong> is another full package, with Focusrite\u2019s new podcasting and streaming-focused interface the Vocaster Two, the Vocaster DM14v dynamic microphone, and a pair of closed-back headphones.<\/p><p>The Vocaster Two has the all-important loopback, and four sound presets to dial up pre-designed sounds to fit your voice.<\/p><p>If you don\u2019t need depth and like the option of a second mic preamp for guests, this package is ideal.<\/p><p>The <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Rode-RodeCaster-Duo-Solo-Podcasting-Bundle\/69RQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rode RodeCaster Duo Solo Podcasting Bundle<\/a><\/strong> is billed for podcasting, but it\u2019s just as great for streaming. Consisting of the Rodecaster Duo mixer, the Rode PodMic dynamic microphone, and the Rode NTH-100 studio headphones for monitoring, this package is a little more premium than the other two but it\u2019s a comfortable and reliable set for starting streamers, and still offers a second mic preamp for guests.<\/p><hr \/><h3>Which livestreaming platform is right for me?<\/h3><p>There's a huge range of streaming platforms out there, and the increasing popularity of streaming has brought many other social media sites to add streaming features themselves. So, where should you go? Let\u2019s take a look.<\/p><hr \/><h4>TikTok<\/h4><p>Whilst primarily seen as a place for short-form video content, TikTok has had a very strong livestreaming scene ever since the feature was added to the platform. Here, there's a vast array of streaming styles, whether it\u2019s just going live to occasionally engage with your audience or dedicated TikTok-based streamers doing some pretty unique things that you won\u2019t see elsewhere.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Twitch<\/h4><p>Twitch is primarily designed for gaming but has plenty of strong communities for creative, variety, and real-life streaming. This is the place to go if you want to do long, consistent weekly streams and build a career.<\/p><hr \/><h4>YouTube<\/h4><p>YouTube is, of course, a great platform for long-form content. It\u2019s had streaming functions for a very long time, but some recent refreshes have made YouTube Live an excellent choice for longevity, variety, and building a strong audience.<\/p><p>Twitch and YouTube allow for dual-streaming now (with some restrictions, make sure you check and follow those at all times!). YouTube\u2019s ability to instantly archive past streams to your channel also means it\u2019s easy to create a permanent and rewatchable archive of your streams and build a similarly long career in streaming with well-thought-out content.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Facebook<\/h4><p>Facebook Live is a little more niche, but many have seen success with it. The target audience tends to be a little older than the other platforms and seems to be best for promotion and businesses if you already have a Facebook following.<\/p><hr \/><h4>X<\/h4><p>X (formerly Twitter) Live is a newly-implemented feature, which offers a lot of potential for growth and carving out your own space. Whilst the intent is for generalised content, it seems to be mostly informational, news, and political streaming that do the best on there currently.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Kick.com<\/h4><p>Kick.com is a new gaming platform. Trying to compete with Twitch, Kick is currently less competitive than its rival due to how recent it is, which makes it a good time to try and get your foot in the door. Offering a better split of monetisation than most other platforms also makes it very potentially lucrative if you can gain traction.<\/p><p>However, it does seem very much focused on gaming content over anything else, so if that\u2019s not your thing, you may want to look elsewhere.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Mixcloud<\/h4><p>Finally, Mixcloud is a dedicated streaming platform for musical performances. Thanks to licensing agreements with big record labels, you won\u2019t have to worry about running afoul of copyright issues. The potential of this platform for live DJ sets, even band performances whilst being interactive with your audience is something not many others can deliver!<\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36917 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/A-woman-livestreaming-with-a-pair-of-Shure-headphones.jpg\" alt=\"A woman livestreaming with a pair of Shure headphones\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h3>The best content for streaming<\/h3><p>So, what should you stream? Anything, really. So long as you\u2019re genuinely passionate about it, and can make it fun to watch, you can let your creativity run wild. A lot of variety streamers have found popularity by implementing some pretty unique ideas that find success and eventually become a format used by other streamers.<\/p><p>Watch out for trending ideas, see what does well, and come up with your own twists if you want to stay ahead of the curve.<\/p><p>Gaming is a consistently high performer on all streaming platforms. It can be as simple or complex as you want to make it and lets your personality and showmanship become the focus of the stream. Whether it\u2019s gaming challenges, full playthroughs, speed runs, or e-sports depends on what you\u2019re most interested in and excited by, but these are all popular niches.<\/p><p>Some independent game developers even stream themselves working on their games.<\/p><p>Art and music streams also tend to do well, and many artists and musicians have seen significant success in livestreaming themselves in the midst of their own creative projects or challenges on a regular basis. Even full live performances have found themselves doing well, ever since those popular \"lockdown gigs\"!<\/p><p>\"Just Chatting\" formats are also very popular. Whilst some of these may just be lowkey personality-based streams with little production, there\u2019s a lot more variety to be had here. There are a lot of styles and subjects to choose from or float around. This one\u2019s commonly used for variety streamers struggling to come up with a good label for their concept.<\/p><p>Real-life, also commonly referred to as IRL, streaming is another good option. This can vary wildly but can consist of outdoor activities, walking tours of areas or points of interest, comedic game shows, and plenty more.<\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36918 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Gaming-streaming-setup.jpg\" alt=\"Gaming streaming setup\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h3>Our top tips<\/h3><h4>1. Be passionate<\/h4><p>Above all, be passionate and genuine. During your stream, you'll need to be entertaining, so be as true to yourself as you can be.<\/p><hr \/><h4>2. Always have new ideas<\/h4><p>Make sure you keep your ideas fresh. Watch what other streamers do to keep up on trending stream ideas, keep an eye on popular games, or inspire yourself to come up with a wholly unique format. You should also be aware of people whose popularity and viewership spiked suddenly. Ask yourself what you can learn from their ideas, how you would execute them differently, and any fun twists you can put on them.<\/p><hr \/><h4>3. Make sure people know about it!<\/h4><p>Try to promote your streams however you can. You could archive your old streams - platforms like Twitch and YouTube have plenty of functionality for this. Recording and cross-uploading your streams to multiple places will help you survive shocks from sudden platform changes, copyright strikes, and other curveballs.<\/p><p>It may even do well to cut down streams into videos and upload those to a YouTube channel for faster-paced content. This will drive more viewers to your streams if they like what they see.<\/p><p>Save clips of highlights to upload to YouTube Shorts, put them on the front page of your Twitch channel when you\u2019re not live, and upload them as TikTok and Instagram Reels. Announce your streams on social media. Reach out to other creators and build relationships, maybe get some collaborations started!<\/p><hr \/><h4>4. Test your equipment<\/h4><p>It's a good idea to test your equipment before every stream to make sure you don\u2019t get caught unaware by sudden technical difficulties. Nobody wants to watch two hours of bad mic quality or jittery gameplay! Run a dummy stream before you go live to make sure everything's working.<\/p><hr \/><h4>5. Monitor your livestream<\/h4><p>It\u2019s advisable to have at least a second monitor whilst streaming. This can let you keep analytics and indicators up, like bitrate, keyframe intervals, FPS, and your selected video codec to make sure everything\u2019s running as it should. It\u2019s also a good place to keep your live chat up to respond to questions and spark discussion.<\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36915 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Rode-RodeCaster-Duo-Solo-Podcasting-Bundle.jpg\" alt=\"Rode RodeCaster Duo Solo Podcasting Bundle\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h3>FAQs<\/h3><h4>What do you need for a streaming setup?<\/h4><p>A streaming setup requires a computer, webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection. Additionally, streaming software, lighting, and a capture card enhance the quality. Good audio and video equipment are crucial for a professional stream, and consider ergonomic furniture for comfort.<\/p><hr \/><h4>How much does a full streaming setup cost?<\/h4><p>A full streaming setup typically costs between \u00a3500 to \u00a32000, depending on equipment quality. Budget setups can start at \u00a3500, including a basic computer, webcam, and microphone. High-end setups with advanced cameras, microphones, and lighting can exceed \u00a32000, offering superior quality.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Do I need two PCs to stream?<\/h4><p>Two PCs are not necessary to stream but can improve performance. Using one PC for gaming and another for streaming reduces the load on a single machine. However, a powerful single PC can handle both tasks if it has sufficient processing power and RAM.<\/p><hr \/><h3>Final thoughts<\/h3><p>Streaming can be a difficult and fast-paced hobby to get into, and a lot of very different skills go into putting an entertaining stream together. But it can be fun and gratifying as well.<\/p><p>With a little practice and our advice, hopefully, you feel more confident in knowing which <strong>streaming setup<\/strong> is right for you and what to do when you go live. Good luck and enjoy your streams!<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[247,121],"tags":[107,685,104],"class_list":["post-36680","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studio-guides","category-studio-production","tag-guitars","tag-streaming","tag-studio-production"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Build the Perfect Streaming Setup | Gear4music<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you have your eye on streaming, here\u2019s our beginner\u2019s guide to all the equipment you&#039;ll need for a great\u00a0streaming setup.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Build the Perfect Streaming Setup | Gear4music\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you have your eye on streaming, here\u2019s our beginner\u2019s guide to all the equipment you&#039;ll need for a great\u00a0streaming setup.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/streaming-setup\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gear4music Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Gear4music\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-05-28T10:59:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-28T16:21:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/05\/Featured-image-Streaming-Equipment.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1330\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"665\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Callum\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gear4music\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gear4music\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Callum\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"21 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/streaming-setup\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/streaming-setup\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Callum\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/434cc9082be6716206a1861b0c698f9a\"},\"headline\":\"How to Build the Perfect Streaming Setup &#8211; 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