My streaming setup is based on a few key things: minimal cords, ease of access, and controls. On my desk, I try to keep as few wires as possible to prevent clutter when live streaming. I typically opt to have as many wireless options — headsets, keyboards, and mice — to assist with this. I also like having control options of my stream to adjust my audio, add effects, and play sound alerts easily. This means using mixers geared towards streamers such as the GoXLR which allows me to do all of these things at once!
Below, check out my streaming setup, complete with cameras, webcams, PC parts, and accessories:
Camera & Webcam:
Sony a6100
I get crystal clear camera quality when working with this Sony camera. Having this over a standard webcam solely has increased the natural look, removed the fuzzy quality, and made me appear in high quality on my streams. I’ve been using this camera for the past year and I love the upgrade.
Another great option would be the Sony Alpha a6400.
Logitech Brio
I like to have different angles while I’m streaming and sometimes use this second camera to add dramatic effect during my live streams. I use the Logitech Brio to get a close-up shot of my face, usually when I’m doing funny reactions, having a laughable moment, and feel like adding a different perspective from the side. Logitech Brio is a 4K ultra HD pro webcam that’s great to have. In addition to this, you can change the filters on the camera from the Logitech G hub software, adjust areas like exposure, focus, and zoom, and control how wide the lens is. The customization combined with the HD camera makes this well worth the purchase.
Elgato Cam Link
In order to use a DSLR camera with your PC for live streams, a Elgato Cam Link is needed. The cam link has quality at 1080p60 and has low latency and is a simple plug-and-play system. Elgato has Game Capture Software that you can use for your captures, or you can simply run it through your streaming software such as OBS (Open Broadcast Software) and xSplit. I use this cam link daily with my Sony a6100, and it has been amazing.
Mixer:
Elgato Stream Deck Keypad With 15 Customizable Keys
The Elgato Stream Deck is an amazing addition to any stream setup. You’re able to customize how your stream runs, what macro key settings you love, as well as a vast number of plugins that can be used outside of streaming. You can use this to control your overlays during live streams, play sound alerts, and even serve as shortcuts and hotkeys inside gaming. With a tool like this, you will have countless possibilities and customization with your Stream Deck.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen 2×2 USB Audio Interface
If you have an XLR microphone or are considering upgrading to one, you will need a USB Audio Mixer for your microphone and your computer. With it, you can easily control the volume and other aspects of the sound. I highly recommend the Focusrite USB Audio Mixer since it has been what I have used for my live streams, and even my professional studio for voiceover work. It is dependable, gets the job done, and has never given me any issues. This makes it a well-priced item you can depend on as a mixer for your XLR microphone.
Mouse:
Logitech G305 Gaming Mouse
This mouse is wireless and comes with adjustable DPI up to 8000 DPI. Even though I don’t plan on ever going that high, it is a great feature to quickly adjust the DPI on my mouse depending on the game I’m playing with programmable buttons. It’s a lightweight mouse and runs up to 250 hours just off one AA battery and I love it.
Keyboard:
Logitech G915 TLK Lightspeed Wireless Keyboard
This keyboard, with its sleek look, 40 hours of battery life, and option between different mechanical switches, is my favorite keyboard. I love having the GL Tactile option of mechanical switches for my keys because I type quickly and I personally don’t like noisy keys. The keys also feel better to me and having that as an option combined with the design and RGB lighting is great.
Monitors:
BenQ Design Vue Designer 27
I have two BenQ monitors that have been a part of my streaming setup for years. The quality has always been clear, I’ve never had any issues, and I’m pleased with the purchase. The screen size is just large enough for gaming, while the other screen is used for seeing chat, stream management, and playing music.
Microphone:
Blue Microphones Bluebird SL Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
Upgrading from my table microphone to an XLR microphone has been amazing. The quality of the microphone is much better, and it picks up my voice across the room. I have had friends that joined me on stream in person and they could be heard clearly by my audience. My favorite feature of this microphone is that it sits a good distance away from me and still picks up quality sound, which prevents the need to be close to it.
Cloudlifter CL-1 Single Channel Mic Activator
I recommend people get a Cloudlifter when working with a microphone with naturally low gain to increase the overall gain for your microphone. If you’re working with a Shure sm7b microphone, I’d highly recommend it.
PC:
Intel Core i9-10900K 3.7GHz Ten-Core Unlocked Desktop Processor
This processor is the next planned processor upgrade for my built PC. This i9 Processor is faster, has more cores, higher clock, and more cache than the previous version (the i7). Intel is currently one of the top choices for gaming when it comes to both streaming and playing video games. Its performance is great and I highly recommend taking a look into Intel when it comes to gaming and building your own streaming setup.
Asus NVIDIA Dual GeForce RTX 2070
Having a powerful graphics card is extremely important when it comes to running PC games at higher qualities. I knew that having at least an Nvidia 2070 would allow me to stream high in games without having to worry too much about it affecting the stream while giving me the best quality in game.
Alongside the processor and graphics card, I also use the AMD X570 AORUS Motherboard — the amount of USB slots that it has is amazing — and I house it all in the MAINGEAR Vybe RGB Tempered Glass ATX Mid-Tower Computer Case.
Feature image via DataDave
