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Finding the perfect live stream equipment can be a little daunting, especially if you’re a beginner.
So many options are available on the market, but you also need to figure out what basic equipment you actually need. While you could easily go live with just a PC webcam, you’d be better off at least upgrading to a professional camera made for streaming. You can go further and get a soundboard for effects or even a switcher to streamline your process.
If this already sounds all foreign to you, don’t worry!
We’ll help you take your streaming equipment setup to the next level! This guide shares essential live-streaming equipment you should get, plus we recommend the best products for every skill level and budget. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find something on our list you need for your streaming setup.
What is the Best Equipment for Live Streaming?
Every live streamer will have a slightly different set of streaming equipment, but you should pay attention to a couple of standard pieces you can’t stream without. We’ll introduce some of the gear any live streamer needs and explain how to use each piece. We’ll also provide options for different budgets to help you decide on the best live streaming equipment for your needs.
Video Cameras
You can’t stream high-quality video without a capable streaming camera. Though there are many budget-friendly cameras on the market, we recommend investing the most in this piece of equipment. If you have a limited budget, you can use the built-in camera to record a live stream on your phone or computer. Mobile devices have cameras capable of capturing HD-quality video on the go.
- No to Low Budget Options: Your device’s camera (free), Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam ($79)
- Moderate Budget Option: PANASONIC V770K HD Camcorder Black ($599)
- Big Budget Options: SMTAV PTZ Camera with 3G-SDI, HDMI ($799), NDI 4K UHD Camera, BA20UHD-N ($1499)
Microphone
The microphone is the second most important piece of equipment for live streamers. We suggest a good amount of budget on this piece of equipment. Choosing the correct mic will affect the overall audio quality of your content. Understand microphone polar patterns and the different types of mic outputs before selecting one.
- No to Low Budget Options: Your device’s microphone (free), Rode NT-USB ($169)
- Moderate Budget Options: Shure MV7 ($249), Blue Yeti X ($139)
- Big Budget Option: Neumann TLM 102 ($799)
Mixing Equipment
An audio mixer isn't necessary for every setup: it all depends on your other equipment. If you have external audio equipment that connects directly to your computer, you probably won't need one. Audio interfaces connect equipment like your microphone to your computer to convert audio signals. Mixers act as an external sound card to convert analog sound recorded by your audio equipment into digital signals your computer can understand.
- No to Low Budget Option: Behringer Xenyx 502 ($39)
- Moderate Budget Option: Yamaha MG06 ($136)
- Big Budget Options: Yamaha MG16 ($617), Behringer XR18 Digital Mixer ($699)
Lighting Setup for Live Streaming
Viewers won't see your content clearly if you don't have the correct lighting setup. It can take a bit of trial and error to get things right, so experiment with your lightning. Many streamers use a combination of natural light and studio lights to create the effect they want. Your lighting setup should highlight you as the focus and eliminate any distracting shadows.
- No to Low Budget Options: Natural lighting (free), LimoStudio Rectangular Softbox with Single Socket Complete Kit ($86.39)
- Moderate Budget Options: Neewer 2 Pack Dimmable Bi-color 480 LED Video Light ($219.99)
- Big Budget Option: GVM-50W2 50W High Power Floodlight Bi-Color and High Power RGB Lighting Kit ($399)
Video Switcher
Switchers come in hardware and software forms that let you quickly change between cameras and camera angles with the click of a mouse or push of a button. You may want a video switcher to stream content using multiple cameras. If you want to stream a podcast or interview-based program, this piece of equipment lets you switch camera angles to record different speakers.
- No to Low Budget Options: OBS Studio (Free), Elgato Stream Deck ($149)
- Moderate Budget Option: RGBlink Mini ($279)
- Big Budget Options: ATEM Mini Pro ($495), Roland V-1HD ($595)
Encoders
If your camera doesn't capture video in a format compatible with your streaming service, you’ll need an encoder. Many of the most popular streaming platforms support all major formats, so you should only need one if you use a special camera to capture your content.
Hardware Encoders
This type of encoder frees up your computer’s resources for other tasks. Professional broadcasters and streamers use hardware encoders because they allow them to do more simultaneously on their systems while streaming.
Software Encoders
These encoders help beginners because they’re easy to use and can run in the background while completing other tasks on your system. However, they do use your system’s processing power to operate. Be aware that some software encoders may require capture cards.
RTMP-Enabled Encoders
These encoders help live streamers integrate easily with streaming platforms that use real-time messaging protocols. These encoders use RTMP ingest technology to transmit high-quality video content to your streaming service quickly.
- No to Low Budget Options: OBS Studio (Free)
- Moderate Budget Options: Blackmagic Design Web Presenter ($495), Wirecast ($599-$799)
- Big Budget Option: Live Streaming IPTV Encoder | VECASTER HD ($995)
Beginner Streaming Equipment Setup
We’ve compiled a list of the best streaming gear for beginners based on price and ease of use. Our recommendations are to create a studio you can begin streaming from in no time.
Camera
- Price: $69
- Resolution: 1080p HD
- Frame Rate: 60 fps
Microphone
- Price: $169
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Connectivity: USB
Mixing Equipment
- Price: $136
- Hardware/Software: Hardware
- Number of channels: 6
Lighting
LimoStudio Rectangular Softbox with Single Socket Complete Kit
- Price: $86.39
What’s Included:
- 2 Photography Softbox Light Reflectors
- 2 86" Light Stands
- 2 65W Photo Light Bulbs
Video Switcher
- Price: $149
- Inputs: Unlimited digital inputs
- Outputs: USB
Encoder
- Price: Free
- Video/Audio Encoding: Both
- Video Output Quality: 1080p
Intermediate Streaming Equipment Setup
Use our equipment suggestions to take your streaming setup to the next level! We’ve selected this equipment based on price and the features and accessories included with each piece. Follow the included links to learn more about any piece of equipment.
Camera
- Price: $399.99
- Resolution: 1080p HD
- Frame Rate: 60 fps
Microphone
- Price: $249
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Connectivity: USB and XLR
Mixing Equipment
- Price: $39
- Hardware/Software: Software
- Number of channels: 1-4
Lighting
Interfit F5 3-Head Fluorescent Lighting Kit
- Price: $230.99
What’s Included:
- 3 F5 Heads
- 15 32W Fluorescent Lamps
- 3 AC Power Cables
- 3 20" x 28" Softboxes with diffusers
- 2 7'6" Light Stands
- 1 10' Light Stand
- 1 Boom arm with a grip head
- 1 Counterweight bag
Video Switcher
- Price: $279
- Inputs: 4 HDMI video inputs, 3.5mm audio jack
- Outputs: 1 HDMI output, 1 USB output, 3.5mm audio jack
Encoder
- Price: Free
- Video/Audio Encoding: Both
- Video Output Quality: 1080p
Advanced Streaming Equipment Setup
Below is a list of equipment you can use to up your game from intermediate user to pro streamer. Though the equipment in this section is pricey, this gear is a good investment if you plan on streaming professionally.
Camera
PANASONIC V770K HD Camcorder Black
- Price: $599.99
- Resolution: 1080p HD
- Frame Rate: 240 fps
Microphone
- Price: $799
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Connectivity: XLR
Mixing Equipment
- Price: $617
- Hardware/Software: Hardware
- Number of channels: 16
Lighting
GVM-50W2 50W High Power Floodlight Bi-Color and High Power RGB Lighting Kit
- Price: $399
What’s Included:
- 2 GVM RGB 50RS Video Lights
- 2 Light stands
- 2 Soft filters
- 2 Bracket filters
- 2 AC adapters
- 2 Power cables
- 2 Barn-doors
- 1 Handbag
Video Switcher
- Price: $495
- Inputs: 4 HDMI video inputs, 2 3.5mm audio jacks
- Outputs: HDMI output
Encoder
Live Streaming IPTV Encoder | VECASTER HD
- Price: $995
- Video/Audio Encoding: Both
- Video Output Quality: 1080p
What’s the Right Streaming Platform for Me?
Before choosing a live streaming platform, know your budget and clearly understand where your target audience goes to view the type of content you create. Many platforms allow you to get set up and easily start streaming for free quickly. Other platforms, like Twitch, are geared towards niche live streamers and have specialized features these creators find helpful. We’ve highlighted five features any good streaming platform should have.
Five Key Features for Your Live Streaming Platform
Choosing the right live streaming platform ensures your content performs well. Be sure the platform you choose has the features you need, and do some research to see which platforms viewers use to access content like yours.
Below are five essential features you should pay attention to when selecting a platform for your live content.
High-Quality Video
Check the video quality capabilities of the platforms to ensure you can deliver quality content to your followers. The platform you choose should support full HD 1080p and cloud transcoding so viewers can view your content from any type of device. Make sure viewers with better connections can access HD-quality video and that those with poor connections can still view your content in lower quality.
Engagement Opportunities
Your viewers and followers are essential for your success, so make sure you interact with your audience during live streams. Engagement options are different for every platform and include live polls, live chat, gift-giving, and live video chat. Be aware of how you’ll engage your viewers during your live streams so you can create content that includes and encourages audience participation.
Security and Privacy
Make sure your content will be secure on the platform you choose and research any customization options you have for setting privacy restrictions for your content. Pay special attention to any embedding restrictions the platforms you’re considering may have.
Simulcasting Capabilities
You want your content to get to as many people as possible. Some platforms provide opportunities for you to live stream your content simultaneously across multiple streaming sites. Facebook and Instagram are two closely related platforms and give you the ability to stream on both simultaneously with just a couple of taps.
All-In-One
Seek out an all-in-one streaming content creation platform where you can record, edit, and stream the content you make all from one place. This will save you time and energy for production and post-production work, and you won’t have to spend money on additional editing software. The best streaming platforms provide you with a set of tools that let you do everything you need with your content from start to finish.
Five Streaming Channels for Your Video
Are you still unsure which live streaming platform is the best for your content? For your content to be successful, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the platform’s capabilities you choose and how viewers access the content. Below, we’ve reviewed some of the best streaming platforms so you can get a better idea of how they work. Keep reading to find out where your live streaming content will perform best.
YouTube Live
Price: Free
YouTube is used by people worldwide to access all types of content. The platform offers monetization options, which can be lucrative since the service has such a far reach. YouTube is highly secure, and once you have more than 1,000 subscribers, you can begin using the platform’s live video stream features.
Facebook Live
Price: Free
Facebook Live is a great place to stream your content if you already have a page on Facebook with a following. Any followers on Facebook will act as a built-in audience and receive notifications when you live stream new content. Viewers can easily access Facebook Live using the Facebook app on any desktop or mobile device.
Instagram Live
Price: Free
Many live stream broadcasters choose Instagram Live because it provides many ways to simultaneously interact with audience members across Facebook and Instagram. Live chat and video chat features make it easy to pull viewers directly into your content for unique interactions. You can stream from anywhere using your phone as a webcam and the Instagram mobile app.
Twitch
Price: Free, subscriptions cost anywhere from $4.99/mo to $24.99/mo
Do you plan to live stream gaming content? Twitch is the top platform for streaming content related to video games. The streaming service has a large user base and provides streamers with lucrative monetization opportunities. There’s no question you should host your content on Twitch if you plan to be a content creator in the video game niche.
Vimeo
Price: Free, Plans range from $7/mo to $75/mo
Vimeo’s target audience is professionals and professional organizations to create and manage their content on a single platform. The platform’s Premium and Enterprise plans offer advanced tools for live streaming you can use for anything from a podcast interview to a live music event.
Live streaming in top-quality with Riverside
Beginner or pro, Riverside offers you a seamless live streaming experience with high-quality audio and video, plus easy automated tools. With Riverside you can multistream to various platforms at once, all from one software.
Riverside offers:
- High-quality recordings at up to 4K video and 48kHz audio resolution
- Live streaming to YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, or any custom RTMP
- Separate audio, video and screen track recordings to give you more post-production control
- Streams with up to remote 8 co-hosts no matter where they are
- Audience live call-ins that you can engage authentically with your viewers
- Media board for live editing and sound effects
- Producer mode so you can invite behind-the-scenes assistance without worrying about accidentally capturing them in your stream
- Text-based video editor to repurpose your stream into shareable content after going live
- Mobile app so you can turn your phone into a secondary webcam or a fully equipped live streaming device.
To start experiencing all this and more, start streaming on Riverside.
Streaming Gear For Every Budget
Regardless of your budget or level of experience, you can find excellent live stream equipment to create an effective setup for content creation. We recommend investing most of your budget in your camera and microphone as they will have the biggest impact on your audio and video quality. Be sure to do plenty of research on live streaming equipment and platforms before making any purchases.
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