Tips & Reviews

Cameras & Accessories

The most obvious first step to any streaming station is a camera setup that can stand up to the content needs. Most video game streamers and new vloggers can use a decent webcam to get quality footage, and some webcams even remove the background to drop the streamer into whatever game is being played. More detailed livestreams and advanced vloggers might opt for a DSLR camera for optimal quality, while on-the-go streamers can use mobile phones with a motorized gimbal. Software like Elgato, XSplice, OBS, and Audacity help to combine video feeds with audio to allow for smooth livestreaming of high-value content, while accessories can help optimize the media quality.

Microphones

Less-than-perfect video is tolerable for some livestreams, but poor audio is like nails on a chalkboard. Choosing the proper mic depends on the style of content created and how much mobility is needed. Video game streamers will often opt for a headset mic for mobility, while podcasters and musicians will want a high-quality dedicated mic, often mounted on a boom arm. The ability to fine tune the audio feed is also important to ensure a quality stream.

Headphones

Gamers need a fully-immersive experience to perform at the highest caliber, and capturing commentary over the blare of game sounds on speakers isn't the best setup. Gaming headsets can be used to capture both commentary and play audio, but for podcasters or vloggers with a single audio source high-end headphones are a better choice for monitoring sound.