Beginner Streaming Setup: Equipment, Tips and Costs (2023)

Interested in going live?pennantBut you don't know where to start? The first step you need to take is building a good streaming setup.

The right equipment can give your career a boost as it gives your audience the best experience without much effort.

But what types of gear should you include in a stream setup? How to choose them and how much do they cost?

This article will answer those questions, so let's read!

What does a good streaming setup consist of?

A basic Streamer installation consists of the following:

• A computer
• headphones
• A microphone
• A camera
• relief
• Streamingsoftware
• A reliable internet connection

In the following we explain what you should pay attention to when choosing the individual streaming setups. Also, there are some gear recommendations for you.

Computer

You need a device to stream, and most live streamers prefer a computer. Not only because of the superior capabilities of PC compared to mobile devices, but also because it gives you access to more streaming platforms.

You can even use a computer to stream on platforms that are more geared toward mobile users, like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. It just requires the right software and camera selection, which we will talk about later.

What should you look for in a streaming computer? Let's break it down below:

• Model
  The streaming setup gives you the freedom to choose between a desktop or a laptop. For some streamers, desktops work better because they don't have to worry about battery life. In addition, desktops offer more flexibility for hardware upgrades and more USB slots to make it easier to set up other streamers.

  However, a laptop might be a better choice if portability is important to you. It works well if you frequently move from one place to another while having a routine streaming schedule.

  However, if you decide to use a laptop for streaming, make sure you choose a high-spec laptop. This way you don't have to constantly buy a new laptop to get better performance.

• specifications
  A computer's specifications typically include four components: the processor, memory, storage, and graphics card. The higher the specifications, the better your computer will perform.

  However, depending on the type of content you want to stream, getting the highest specs for your streaming setup isn't essential.

  If you only want to chat with the audience during live streams, a computer with an Intel Core i5 processor, 1TB SSD storage, 8GB DDR4 storage and any standard graphics card will do. These specs allow your PC to run popular streaming software like OBS Studio without lag.

  A more powerful laptop or desktop is only required if you want to stream video games. Such computers typically use an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i7 processor, 1TB SSD storage, 16GB DDR5 storage, and at least a Radeon RX 6650 XT or GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card.

• operating system
  When it comes to operating systems or operating systems, Windows is often the first choice for streaming setup due to its broad software and hardware support.

  However, your choice depends on the streaming app you want to use and its compatibility. For example, OBS supports Windows, MacOS and Linux.

  The compatibility of the programs or games you want to stream will also affect your choice of operating system. So, be sure to read the minimum requirements before deciding on a streaming computer.

  (Video) BEST Streamer Gear Upgrades For Beginners! - Twitch Streamer Guide

Now that you know the criteria of a good PC for a streaming setup, let's look at some recommendations below:

headphones

Audio output hardware, despite its importance, doesn't usually get much attention when discussing setting up streaming devices. With the right gear, you can reduce ear fatigue and fulfill your streaming preferences.

First off, you don't want to use speakers for live streaming. This allows your microphone to pick up computer noise such as notifications, game audio, and audience voice. However, headphones are the best choice.

There are a few things to consider when looking for streaming headphones.The designis what you should think about first.

There are at least three headphone designs: over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear. They all work well in a streaming setup. But depending on your preferences, comfort is more important.

To better understand this, read the description of each headphone design below:

• Am Ohr
  The kind that sits on the ear, hence the name. It may not be comfortable to wear for long periods of time and may not fully isolate incoming and outgoing noise. Nevertheless, it is usually lighter than over the ears.

• Over the ear
  The kind that covers your ears and the areas around them. It's generally more comfortable than on-ears because the earcup sits around your ear, although it can be heavier. Also, it has better sound isolation compared to on-ears for most users.

• In the ear
  The kind you put in your ears. It offers the best portability and soundproofing, but may be the most uncomfortable to wear over time depending on its shape.

Keep in mind that every headphone design has different shapes, which is especially true for in-ears. Therefore, being able to try each design before settling on a streaming setup will help your purchasing decision.

Another aspect of headphones to consider isthe connection type. Bothwired and wireless headsetsare great for streaming, but you should know their pros and cons.

Wired headphones offer very low latency, so you hear sounds in the computer immediately. This is especially important in highly competitive gameplay like first-person shooters, where lagging sounds can lead to defeat.

Because wired headphones use your computer as their power source, you don't have to worry about running out of battery and having to charge it before every streaming session.

However, the cord on these headphones can limit your freedom of movement and make your streaming setup look a bit messy. For this reason, wired headphones are not suitable if you move around a lot during live streams.

With wireless headphones, on the other hand, it is possible to move within the specified working distance. Nevertheless, you should pay attention to the battery life.

Also, even the most expensive wireless headphones still have higher latency than their wired counterparts. Therefore, these headphones are more suitable for non-gaming purposes.

Now that you know what to look for in headphones for a streaming setup, here are some recommendations for wired and wireless headphones:

microphone

Your streaming setup may already have a built-in microphone in the laptop or headphones. When it comes to sound quality, however, nothing beats a dedicated microphone.

Most specialty microphones can produce better clarity. In addition, you can equip them with a pop filter that reduces plosives and hisses when speaking. Both of these traits are detrimental to your audience's comfort and experience while watching your show.

That being said, more expensive stand mics usually offer excellent noise cancellation. That means they can block out most of the ambient noise that can ruin your stream.

Benefits aside, not all mics are created equal. If you are planning to buy one for your streaming setup, consider the following criteria:

• Typ
  There are two types of microphones: dynamic and condenser microphones. Dynamic microphones are not very sensitive, but they can handle loud noises. Therefore, they are more suitable for live streamers who tend to yell or talk loudly.

  Condenser microphones, on the other hand, are very sensitive. This allows them to easily pick up sensitive sounds. Live streamers who don't need to speak out loud and ASMR artists prefer this type of microphone for its characteristics.

• Polar pattern
  A polar pattern indicates the direction in which a microphone can pick up sound. There are three polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional.

  Cardioid microphones are more sensitive to noise coming from the front, making them a good choice for a streaming setup.

  Bi-directional and omni-directional are not very common for live streaming as they pick up the sound from multiple directions. Still, they can work in a quiet room for live streaming interviews.

• connection type
  Microphones come in two types of connectors: XLR and USB. XLRs require an audio mixer to operate, but they produce better sound quality than USB.

  USB mics may not be as good as XLR mics, but are easier to set up because they don't require an audio mixer.

Below are some recommended microphones you may need for an entry-level streaming setup:

Camera

Whether you're using a desktop PC or a laptop for the streaming setup, don't settle for the built-in webcam. This type of camera is most likely blurry, doesn't work well in low light, and has a fixed focus.

Instead, you should get a dedicated webcam that offers far better features. Or, if you're willing to shell out hundreds of dollars, a mirrorless device or oneDSLR camera for streamingcan provide more customization options.

Whatever you decide, there are a few things to consider, including:

• Solution
  Resolution is measured in pixels and affects the clarity of the video. The higher the resolution of your camera, the sharper your video can be.

  The highest resolution supported by streaming platforms today is 1080p. Don't worry if your camera maxes out at 720p resolution though, as that's still sharp enough.

  Some people might advise you to buy a 4K camera for a streaming setup, but that's not necessary since streaming platforms compress your video to 1080p.

• frame rate
  Frame rate is measured in fps and affects the smoothness of your video. A higher frame rate results in smoother motion and animation.

  Many cameras offer the ability to record at 30 frames per second, which is a good frame rate for most situations. However, 60fps is better if you want to stream fast action like dancing.

  Your streaming setup may include a webcam that offers a variable frame rate. Note, however, that an increase in frame rate may be limited to a lower resolution. For example, you can shoot at 60fps but only at 720p resolution, while at 1080p resolution you can shoot at 30fps.

• field of view
  As you can imagine, field of view indicates how much of a scene can be captured by a camera. Webcam field of view typically ranges from 60 to 120 degrees and you should choose the one that suits your streaming preferences.

  If you just want to show the head and shoulders, 60 degrees will do. Meanwhile, 70 to 90 degrees is good for showing more of your surroundings, which is good for content types like cooking, dancing, and crafting. Anything beyond that is only necessary if you want to feature multiple people in the video.

That means what isthe best webcam for streaming? Below are some of the recommended options for your streaming setup:

relief

Some streamers may take lighting for granted. However, when you have adequate light, your camera can better focus on your face, resulting in sharper video.

In addition, the right lighting in a streaming setup improves the look of your video. Here are some things to look out for when it comes to lighting:

• light type
  There are three types of light: key light, fill light, and ring light. The main light serves as the main lighting source, while the fill light serves as a secondary light to reduce harsh shadows. Ringlight, on the other hand, creates a flat look desirable for makeup tutorials and vlogs.

  To give your streams a professional look, having at least one main light and one fill light in a streaming setup is enough. Still, you can play with more combinations if you like.

• Heller Ton
  There are generally two light shades: warm and cool. Simply put, warm light has a light yellow hue and cool light has a light blue hue.

  If you stream frequently during the day and use a natural light source, such as sunlight from an open window, warm light is a good choice because it blends well with the surrounding light.

  However, if you're streaming from a dark room with no ambient light, add a cool light to your streaming setup as it can add visual flair to your video.

• lamp type
  You can find different types of light bulbs on the market, including compact fluorescent lamps, halogen lamps and LEDs. Of all, LED is the most recommended for its energy efficiency.

  In addition, some LED lights offer a tone switch. That means you can use them in both dark and bright environments.

So what lighting options should you add to your streaming setup? Here are some of them:

Streamingsoftware

Once you have all of the gear listed above, your basic streaming setup is complete. However, you cannot transfer videos without this featureStreaming-Software.

There are numerous software options to choose from, so you may be confused. However, observing the following criteria can help you make the best choice:

• learning curve
  Any streaming app requires your dedication to get used to. However, what sets them apart is the learning curve.

  In general, you want to choose software that is easy to learn. However, once you are familiar with the different features, you can look at other software that suits your preferences.

• Supported Operating Systems
  When choosing software for a streaming installation, you should check the supported operating systems. Some options are only compatible with Windows computers, while others can also be used on macOS and Linux.

  You can also find a browser-based streaming app like StreamYard. This software is useful if you frequently switch between PCs running different operating systems.

• Compatible streaming platforms
  Where are you planning to stream? Pull out? Facebook? youtube? Whatever it is, make sure you choose a streaming app that's compatible with the platform.

If you're not sure which software to choose for your streaming setup, consider one of the following:

Good internet connection

In addition to a streaming setup, you need a reliable internet connection. If your network speed is low, your live stream may be slow or even stop at times. Such incidents should be avoided if you want to build strong branding as a streamer.

The slowest internet connection you can use to stream is 5 Mbps. With this speed, you can easily stream a video output up to 1080p.

Of course, streaming multiple outputs like videos and games requires a faster connection. You need at least 30 Mbit/s for this.

More importantly, you should use a wired connection instead of WiFi. This is because a dedicated internet connection is more stable, which is essential for your stream to run smoothly.

Additional equipment for streaming setup

Aside from the mandatory stream settings listed above, you may or may not need additional equipment depending on your needs. They include:

Capture-Karte

A capture card is the device that allows you to stream video and audio from sources outside of a streaming PC. This includes game consoles, DVD or Blu-ray players and camcorders.

With this in mind, there is no need for a capture card as long as you just stream your videos or play games on the computer. Additionally, certain streaming apps allow you to broadcast PlayStation and Xbox gameplay without setting up a capture card.

Audiomixer

The audio mixer is a device that you use to adjust the audio levels within the streaming setup. However, you can use it to control the volume of the microphone, computer programs, and background music.

While some streamers prefer an analog audio mixer for its tactile controls, its importance has declined as many streaming apps already have a built-in digital mixer.

Still, as mentioned when we talked about microphones, your streamer setup must include an analog audio mixer in order to use an XLR microphone.

green screen

As you can imagine, a green screen is a blank green sheet that you can use as a studio background. This gear is an important part of streaming setups when you want to have a virtual backdrop.

A green screen is also useful when you want to show your video without distracting objects over the gameplay. This way you can offer your audience an immersive experience.

However, keep in mind that to use a virtual background, you must choose streaming software and a camera that supports the chroma key feature. This feature allows you to exclude the video background and replace it with another image.

Stream Ten

A stream deck is a physical control panel with multiple buttons that you can program to perform various tasks, including changing the camera angle, sending a message to chat, and adding a sound effect.

However, in a streaming setup, a stream deck makes it easier to interact with the audience while you go about your main activity. However, it is not a mandatory entry-level streaming device. Especially if you don't need to do a lot of multitasking while streaming.

HD-Monitor

Most entry-level twitch streaming devices already come with a monitor, especially if you decide to use a laptop. In most cases, this default screen gives you a comfortable viewing experience.

However, your streaming setup may require an HD monitor for gaming. Not only does it offer a sharper image, but it also has a higher refresh rate, which makes animations look smoother.

Ergonomic chair

You can use any chair to get started, as long as you feel comfortable in it for a longer period of time.

However, if you want to upgrade your streaming setup for entry-level users, it's better to go for a more ergonomic option, such as a gaming or office chair. This type of chairs offers not only a professional look but also customization options. Therefore, they can be more comfortable than a stationary chair.

Let's prepare your streaming setup

In this article, we've covered all the gear needed for a basic stream setup. This may include, but is not limited to, a computer, microphone, and streaming software.

The good thing is that you can start small and get an affordable option for each of the devices mentioned. After all, they offer everything you need for a successful live stream. Only if you need more specific features should you switch to an expensive streamer setup.

We hope this article helps you find the right streaming setup for beginners. If you want more insights into live streaming and content creation, be sure to subscribe to our blog!