Plenty of gamers have been doing live streaming of their gameplay on YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms. It has not only become a fun time for gamers, but some of them have also taken up streaming as a full-time job.
When you think of game streaming, the things that would pop up in your mind would be something like fun experiences, tons of viewers, long hours of communication with fans, and make a fortune đź’°.
Yes, these all are possible, it takes time, but with the help of the right equipment, it’s achievable!
What is a basic setup for game streaming?
The first and foremost thing that you need is a device to stream on. The most popular choice among gamers is a PC or Mac. The device would depend on the type of content you are streaming. You can even go for streaming from a smartphone or console. Secondly, you need to have a reliable and speedy internet connection to transmit your live game streaming sessions on the streaming platforms.
There are many devices involved in streaming. Ex – audio, video, switchers, LED rings, light source, tripod, camera, etc.
Let’s quickly find some of the basic things to keep in mind for audio and video source devices.
Audio Source
The audio source is nothing but microphones. Based on the connection type and sound quality, three different microphones are available in the market. As per multiple sources, it has been proved that sound is more important than a picture. This is the reason why your topmost priority should be investments in sound.
The most popular microphone choice among gamers for live streaming is the USB microphone. It has the capability to connect with your PC directly and also provides better sound quality. A USB microphone is considered a cheaper option as there is no requirement for any additional devices. On the other hand, if you wish to use an XLR microphone, you need first to purchase a dedicated audio mixer. If you are giving more importance to audio, then you must definitely go with the XLR microphone.
- The built-in microphones offer the lowest quality sound.
- The USB microphones are relatively cheaper and provide relatively better quality sound.
- The XLR microphones are durable and offer the highest quality sound, but it is an expensive option. You also need to purchase an audio mixer for using it.
Video Source
A professional video camera would attract more people to your stream, and it would also portray your commitment towards gaming streams. There are 4 main types of video cameras for live streaming:
Webcams
If you are thinking of developing a basic live streaming setup that is affordable, then a webcam would be your first thought. Webcams would be easily connecting to your PCs, are perfect for gaming streams and live streams, have built-in microphones, and much more. Modern webcams can offer at least 720p resolution of the video, and they are considered the most affordable option for gamers to perform live streams.
DSLR Cameras
If you are ready to stretch a bit more on a video source budget, you can go with a DSLR camera for better video quality. A more compact version of the DSLR camera is the mirrorless camera. The mirrorless camera offers ultra-high image resolution and excellent video quality. Along with a DSLR camera or mirrorless camera, you need to purchase a video encoder to transmit your videos on different streaming platforms.
Camcorders
A camcorder is considered the perfect option if you have the budget to commit yourself to live game streaming completely. Camcorders can produce crystal-clear HDMI outputs and 4K resolution that is preferred by professional gamers and streamers.
Action Cameras
Action cameras are compact and compelling video cameras that have been designed for capturing action-packed scenes. These cameras are an ideal option for live streaming sports games.
Accessories
The last thing that you need is some additional streaming equipment, no matter what your budget is. Some of the additional equipment required is a tripod for holding your camera, a green screen for changing your backgrounds, light stands, LED rings, an arm for keeping your microphone stable, and different types of cables for connecting all your audio and video sources.
Let’s explore the gear ⚙️…
Microphones 🎤 for Gamers
HyperX QuadCast
If you are looking for a fully-featured standalone microphone for live streaming games, then you must have a look at the HyperX QuadCast microphone. The microphone also possesses an anti-vibration shock mount to isolate the mic. It helps in suppressing ambient sounds with the help of elastic rope suspension.
There would be no more audio accidents because you can use the simplistic tap-to-mute functionality. The LED mic status indicator helps in determining whether the microphone is muted or not. The active status of the mic is determined when the light is on, while the mic is mute when the light is off.
HyperX QuadCast supports four polar patterns for improving the audio while streaming. Stereo, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Bi-directional are the four solar patterns made available in this mic. The mic allows you to optimize your broadcast setup and focus more on the sounds you want your viewers to hear. All four polar patterns need to be understood for using it fluently.
You can easily adjust the sensitivity of your mic by using the dial provided at the bottom. Whether you are connecting it with your PC, Mac, or any other console, your sound would be heard loud and clear. The QuadCast mic has been certified by TeamSpeak and Discord. You can even monitor your sound in real-time by plugging in the 3.5 mm headphone jack.
By using the HyperX NGenuity software, you can completely customize the RGB lighting for personalizing the mic. You could sync the radiant and dynamic effects of the mic with your other gaming gear.
PreSonus Revelator
The PreSonus Revelator is a professional microphone useful for gaming, live streaming, podcasting, and much more. Revelator has been designed for delivering professional and polished sound with ease. It is a perfect streaming gear that gamers look for before starting as a streamer.
The mic offers different voice effects for polishing the sound, but you can even completely transform it. The available presets are found to be pretty useful for different scenarios. Revelator has an aesthetic design that would look elegant and professional when you are shooting an important video on camera. With the help of an onboard headphone amplifier, you can listen to all your performances and streams in real-time.
Suppose you are beginning with your solo live stream while gaming; you must start the Cardioid Mode so that the mic only picks up sounds that you want it to pick up. If you are using it for a conference, you should switch to the Omnidirectional Mode for picking up sounds from anywhere around the mic. The Figure 8 Mode is helpful during interviews where you can utilize one side of the mic while the guest utilizes the other size.
The Loopback audio feature blends the audio from multiple applications while you are live streaming. It provides two dedicated channels to make the entire process much simpler on both Windows and macOS. It allows you to record two applications from your device and your voice simultaneously.
PreSonus Revelator comes with professional software to tweak your voice as you like it.
Shure MV7
The Shure MV7 is a dynamic microphone with both XLR and USB outputs for using it with both computers and professional interfaces. The microphone comes with a Voice Isolation Technology to give you the feeling of a professional recording and leave out the ambient noises.
You can utilize the built-in 3.5 mm headphone jack to monitor your sound and adjust the monitor mix, headphone volume, and mic gain. Everything could be handled with the help of the built-in touch panel. It is not only USB compatible, but you can also use this professional dynamic microphone in professional recording environments via XLR technology.
Before performing your next live stream, you can completely configure and customize your voice using the ShurePlus MOTIV app. You can go with the Auto Mode if you wish the app to perform all the work, or you can also go with the Manual Mode for handling all the features by yourself.
While performing live gaming streams, you would be a bit far from the microphone. But, there is no need to worry because you can switch to the “far” mic position preset, and it would catch your voice with enhanced clarity. Even if you wish to sound like the one on a radio, you can customize it with the help of the application.
Cameras đź“ą for Gamers
Logitech C922 Pro
Whenever you live for streaming on YouTube and Twitch, go with superior video quality with the Logitech C922 Pro HD Stream Webcam. Now, you can continue live streaming with Full 1080p at 30 FPS or even go with the hyperfast 720p at 60 FPS. The camera consists of a glass lens and an autofocus feature, and a 78° diagonal field of view.
If you are into serious gaming, an essential thing is the hyperfast frame rate for the smooth functioning of the video. The C922 delivers 60 FPS at 720p for a smooth live stream with no issues of lag or distortion. Every detail is captured with bright and natural colors.
The Auto light correction and HD autofocus feature work perfectly to improve your lighting conditions and produce high-definition video. Even if you are sitting in a dark lighting environment, the video on your live stream would be crystal-clear because of auto light correction.
The camera has been fitted with two omnidirectional microphones for capturing realistic sound from different angles. While streaming, your sound would seem natural and clear. The Capture app allows you to zoom, edit, pan, and customize your streams for adding better transitions and text overlays.
If you are looking for a professional video source to capture your live gaming streams, then C922 is definitely worth it.
Razer Kiyo
Once you mount the Razer Kiyo webcam, you will feel like your friends and fans are only a single click away from you. It’s considered an excellent one for video calls and live streaming because of the full HD capability and studio-like lighting. The firmware updates of Razer Kiyo are made to make it an ideal one for gaming and streaming.
You can completely customize the camera by switching between Auto and Manual Focus. It also allows you to adjust white balance, contrast, saturation, and brightness. There are different image presets made available for enhanced customization. You can even create different profiles for different purposes and save them in Razer Synapse 3.
With the Razer Kiyo webcam, there is no need to set up different lights for on-camera illumination. The camera maintains the amount of light and also eliminates any harsh shadows. With the help of adjustable brightness levels, it becomes pretty easy to set the light.
Your fans would get smoother and sharper video results while you stream with 720p at 60 FPS. You can also stream in 1080p resolution at 30 FPS for Full HD to immerse your fans in your streams. Mount up this excellent camera to start with your streaming journey and build a strong community of dedicated viewers.
Logitech Brio
If you are looking for a premium 4K webcam that supports HDR, then the best option is the Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam. It is known to be the most advanced business webcam that offers an enticing experience of ultra 4K HD video. No matter what the lighting environment around you is, you would look best due to HDR technology.
Brio is a remarkable webcam for producing crystal-clear videos while you stream your favorite games. It offers 5x HD zoom, autofocus, superb resolution with enhanced details and colors, and an excellent frame rate. It delivers HD 720p at 30, 60, or even 90 FPS for amazing clarity and smoothness, Full HD 1080p at 30 or 60 FPS, and 4K Ultra HD at 30 FPS.
You get to choose from three different fields of view to create a perfect frame for your video. You can either select 65°, 78°, or 90° diagonal as per your convenience. The camera also possesses dual omnidirectional microphones that have noise-cancellation technology. The audio would be completely clear without any ambient noises being picked up.
If you are working with Windows 10, the Brio camera would be handy for you. Its secure and accurate facial recognition for Windows wouldn’t require you to type a password for Windows. All you need to do is look at the lens for logging in. The Logi Tune Desktop app is useful to make all the necessary customizations and test out different presets for uninterrupted video collaboration.
Due to the high frame rate offered by Brio in every lighting condition, there would be no lag or distortions during your live gaming streams.
Accessories for Live Streaming
When it comes to additional accessories, you also need to look for gaming headsets and other useful equipment for enhancing your gameplay.
Elgato Light
Lighting is essential for recording and performing professional live streams. The Elgato Key Light Air would make your gaming streams look professional, and you will also like to use it for every recording purpose. The industrial-grade LEDs work with the same intensity for long hours while keeping you cool.
The Elgato light has been made with 80 premium OSRAM LEDs, of which 40 are warm, and 40 are cold. Unlike the studio lighting, it would be pretty gentle on your eyes. You will receive ultra-soft illumination due to the multi-layer diffusion technology that has been coupled with the edge-lit LED architecture.
The Key Light Air has a compact design to fit into any setup and match its aesthetics. You can lock the swivel mount at the perfect beam angle while the telescopic pole allows you to adjust the height with precision and accuracy.
You can connect it wirelessly with your Android device, Mac, PC, and iPhone. This makes it pretty easy to control the brightness and color of the lighting with the Control Center app and also receive real-time feedback on your screen. So, you get complete control of the lighting at your fingertips.
It is also compatible with stream decks for performing different functions. You can easily adjust the brightness levels, color temperature and even turn the light ON or OFF by using the Streaming Deck.
Buy on Amazon today.
Magnus Tripod
If you are looking for a stable and sturdy video tripod, then the Magnus Tripod System is a perfect choice. It is a durable and long-lasting tripod. The fluid drag head allows you to pan and tilt the camera so that there are no issues with distorted images or videos.
It has a 2-stage leg design that allows you to adjust the tripod’s height as per your requirements from 27.6″ to 59″. The middle spreader would hold the tripod legs in a locked position for enhanced stability. Whether you wish to use it for your indoor live game streaming purpose or any other outdoor shoot purpose, the Magnus Tripod can handle both works.
The ground spikes come in handy during outdoor recording, while the rubber feet are pretty useful during the indoor recordings and live game streams.
Elgato Green Screen
The Elgato Collapsible Green Screen is a pop-up tech that only needs to be flipped open from its aluminum case. It is an ideal one, even for pretty small gaming areas. You will receive a chroma-green surface that is wrinkle-free. All you need to do is turn on some lights and work some creative magic to improve your background with the green screen.
If you are a professional gamer and perform daily live streams, it is preferable to have a customized background for your streams. The best thing is that you can easily change the background and need it with a single click. There is no need to depend upon your empty walls when you can work your creativity with the Elgato Green Screen.
Elgato Stream Deck
Get a chance to completely focus on your audience while live streaming on YouTube and Twitch with the latest technology of Elgato. The Elgato Stream Deck allows you to be more creative while streaming your favorite games. If you are serious about live streaming, then you must consider purchasing it.
You can take control of your streams with the 15 LCD keys that have been provided on the deck. It allows you to perform different actions so that you don’t have to remember keyboard shortcuts. You can adjust audio, launch media, switch scenes, and much more while streaming at your fingertips. The visual feedback would be confirming that the command has been executed.
You can easily integrate your favorite streaming platforms with the stream deck to control every action with a quick tap of the key. The customization of the streaming deck is pretty simple, where you only need to drag and drop a few actions. You get the opportunity to create customized icons and save dedicated profiles for different games.
You can deploy your signature intros and outros with a single tap to take your streaming to the next level.
Conclusion
If you are serious about live game streaming and thinking about building a career in it, you need to upgrade your gear. The quality of video and the gear you use would impact a lot on your streaming business. So, go ahead, get a gaming desk, gaming chair, and above cool streaming gears to level up your streaming career.
Next, find out some of the best game recording software to record gameplay.
