With smartphones being as essential as a wallet these days, the diversification of streaming software and applications, streaming is becoming very well-known in recent years. Online streaming is not just for entertainment purposes only, but online streaming is helping businesses and teachers to conduct business meetings, language and music lessons all in real time through the internet.
This time, I am going to introduce some of my favorite recommended items for live streaming. I think that these items will definitely make streaming a lot smoother and easier!
Contents
- Stream with just a smartphone/tablet
- Let’s prepare a more full-on streaming environment (Audio)
- Let’s prepare a more full-on streaming environment (Video)
- For those who want more gadgets
■ Stream with just a smartphone/tablet
In addition to YouTube and Instagram, there are various streaming platforms such as 17LIVE and SHOWROOM, but the best thing about streaming on smartphones is that you can do it anywhere, as long as you have a smartphone. If you want to start live streaming, you can just start it on your smartphone! All you need is a smartphone stand, an external microphone and lighting to enhance the live streaming environment.
BOYA / BY-VG350 Microphone and Lighting Kit for Vlog/Video Recording
As shown in the video, the BY-VG350 is a lighting, condenser microphone, and stand set. Just use these accessories to improve the angle view, brightness, and audio accuracy for streaming.
We have more products that can be useful for streaming on smartphones and tablets. If you are interested, come take a look!
→ List of Smartphone/Tablet Items
■ Let’s prepare a more full-on streaming environment (Audio)
For those who want a more full-on live streaming environment, I recommend using a PC. This way, you can have way more options for recording using external devices as well as the performance of the PC itself. I’m going to mainly show you some mixers, microphones, and other products with audio interface functions.
○ Audio Interfaces for Distribution
FOCUSRITE’s Vocaster series is an audio interface with functions perfect for podcasting. It’s equipped with the Auto Gain feature that optimally sets the microphone input level, so even novice streamers can easily adjust the microphone volume. In addition to the loopback function, the Vocaster Two is equipped with a TRRS jack for smartphones and other useful functions for streaming such as capturing phone calls.
If you are interested in how it works, please take a look at the blog article below.
“[Streaming] In-Depth Review of the FOCUSRITE Vocaster Series Audio Interface for Podcasting!”
○ Mixers with Audio Interface Functions
The YAMAHA AG series mixer is known as a standard model with audio interface functions. As a mixer, this model allows for adjusting the audio input level by hand, but it is also equipped with a loopback function that is necessary when outputting the BGM that is being played on the PC during streaming. If you want to learn more about the loopback function, check out this page.
“Output the Audio in the PC while Streaming - Models with Loopback Function”
This L-8 is excellent as a mixer with audio interface functions, but it also has a top-notch multi-track recorder. This item is recommended for recording podcasts on the go as well as live streaming. You can also add jingles and sound effects on the sound pads and expand the streaming content options with just this L-8.
→ List of Mixers with Audio Interface Functions
○ Microphones for Streaming
*Stand is not included
The SM7B is often used by video streamers. This mic is designed to prevent humming noises and it’s perfect for narration and vocal recordings. Another attractive feature is that you can mount the SM7B onto a desk arm stand and record hands-free.
If you’re interested in the desk arm stand, I recommend combining the SM7B with this CLASSIC PRO stand.
If you are looking for a microphone for streaming instrumental performances, the PDM-57 is a solid microphone. The PDM-57 is relatively inexpensive, yet it achieves high sound quality. I give this model a two thumbs up!
→ List of Microphones for Streaming
○ USB Microphones
Next, I’m going to show a couple of microphones that can be directly connected to a PC without an audio interface. These are recommended for people who want to deliver high-quality sound without taking up a lot of desk space.
The AT2020USB+ is a USB microphone that many people use not only for streaming but also for narration and for home offices. Setting up the mic is very easy; just set up the included tripod and connect the cable to a PC. This mic’s performance is not to be mistaken for a USB microphone. The AT2020USB+’s studio quality way out performs any USB mic. I actually use it and I think that this USB microphone is especially good for voice recordings.
The BY-PM500 is a USB microphone that is recommended for those looking for a clear, high sound quality microphone at a low price. A good selling point is that you can switch between unidirectional and omnidirectional. It can be useful when recording conversations between two or more people in one booth.
Here is an article written by one of my colleagues who has tried out this microphone, so if you’re interested, please check it out.
“I broadcasted a live stream with the USB microphone BY-PM500”
■ Let’s prepare a more full-on streaming environment (Video)
Here, I’m going to list devices that are useful for capturing videos from a camera to a PC that can also switch between multiple videos while streaming.
Blackmagic Design / ATEM Mini Pro
The ATEM Mini Pro is a mid-range camera control unit from the popular video switcher series, ATEM Mini. In addition to capturing videos by connecting multiple cameras to a PC, you can also switch videos and adjust the volume just by pressing buttons on the ATEM Mini Pro. Choose a model from the ATEM Mini Series according to the number of cameras that you plan to connect and the types of controls that you need for streaming. Please check out this special page for more details.
“Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Series” (in Japanese only)
The VR-1HD is a video switcher that supports input from condenser microphones as well as captures videos from the camera as a video mixer. This versatile piece of equipment has everything that you want and need in a video switcher. It is equipped with various functions including HDMI that is also perfect for game streaming. Considering all the bells and whistles that this VR-1HD can do, 130,000 yen (as of April 2024) really is an excellent price for this video switcher.
SONY / VLOGCAM ZV-1G is a digital camera specialized for vlog content and is the successor to the VLOGCAM ZV-1G. This camera has many awesome control features, but one of the best features of this camera is the hand grip accessory that can control zooming in/out and other basic functions by pressing the buttons on the hand grip. Of course, the ZV-1G can also be mounted onto a tripod.
Blackmagic Design / Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
This camera by Blackmagic Design is a slightly higher end model, and it has functions that one would never even imagine just by judging its compact and lightweight body. The Pocket Cinema Camera is recommended for those who want to enjoy 4K high resolution videos.
■ For those who want more gadgets
《 Sound Absorbers 》
I think you mind the unwanted sound reflections or resonances in the room when streaming music performance and recording music and narration. These sound absorbers help to reduce these annoying sounds.
If you’re interested in learning more about sound absorbers, check out this blog post.
“Improving Your Sound Quality! - Recommended Sound Absorbers”
《 Green Screen 》
The CBS3G green screen can be attached to the back of a chair. A nice selling point is that it is foldable and it doesn’t take up space in storage. It is recommended for those streaming using chroma key.
《 Ring Light 》
Lighting equipment with brightness control can dramatically change the mood of the background through the monitor display. I highly recommend having a ring light in your studio.
《 DAW Software/Plug-In Software 》
AVID / Pro Tools Permanent License Edition Package Delivery
The Pro Tools allows you to edit recorded audio waveforms. You can cut and splice audio wherever you want, remove noise using plug-ins, and even apply effects wherever you like. If you want to upload edited recorded audio instead of live streaming like a radio show, you can try this out!
Conclusion
What did you think? This time, I introduced a small part of recommended items for streaming. I’ll be happy to hear that more people will start streaming after reading this article. Sound House has more products and online content that are useful for streaming on our webpage. If you are starting online streaming or aiming for higher quality streaming, please come visit us!
■ List of Streaming Equipment
■ Special Page for Streaming/Podcasting (in Japanese only)
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