Stream Setup Checklist
Having a proper stream or video setup is important when you want to start streaming. This does not mean you need to have the best setup, and depending on the success of your stream, you can always upgrade. However, having a bad setup will make it harder to gain a following. Three factors I’ve noticed that can make or break a stream are recording, sound quality, and gameplay. Having a decent headset or microphone is a must – it doesn’t need to be top of the line, but the built in microphones on some laptops pick up a lot of background noise and ruin the quality of the stream. Depending on the type of laptop or computer you are running and the heavy load of the game, most decent computers should be able to handle your stream. Below are some of the software’s and merchandise you can get to help setup or improve your streams and videos. You might not need all these products to start your stream – so check off the ones you already have.
Gear for PC:
Streaming/Recording Software
OBS and Xsplit are some software’s that will capture your window or monitor and stream it for you. You can even record and not stream with these software’s. OBS is a free to use Open Broadcast Software where Xsplit has a free trial for beginners and has subscriptions for more features. If you’re just starting out, the free versions work just fine.
OBS - https://obsproject.com/download
Xsplit - https://www.xsplit.com/#broadcaster
Capture Card
A capture card is not necessary while playing on the computer, in fact, if you are using a single computer to stream, a capture card doesn’t really do much. The point of a capture card on the PC is to be used on your second computer that is dedicated to streaming to take heavy CPU usage from the first computer, or the gaming computer.
If you would like a capture card for your stream, check out these brands:
Headphones
Depending on your stream, you might want to use headphones, a microphone, or both. Having a way to communicate to your audience is really beneficial to the success of your stream. If you’re going to be using the built in microphone on your computer, you will want to have a set of headphones so the sound does not feedback into your stream. Keep in mind that some computers have really poor microphones, so make sure to check the quality of yours before streaming.
ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless Dolby Gaming Headset
Plantronics GameCom 788 Surround Sound
Razer ManO'War 7.1 Surround Sound
Microphone
A nice microphone can help improve your stream, but it is not necessary. Check out the following microphones you can buy for your stream and videos.
Razer Seiren Elite - Professional-Grade High-Definition Studio Sound USB Digital Microphone
Mouse
A basic mouse will do. If you play some more hardcore games, you might want to look into a new mouse for extra game abilities.
HAVIT HV-MS735 MMO Gaming Mouse Wired 12000DPI 19 Programmable Button Optical Sensor Pixart PMW3360
Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury FPS Gaming Mouse
Razer DeathAdder Chroma - Multi-Color Ergonomic Gaming Mouse
Keyboard
Any keyboard will do to stream. Some people like the sound of the mechanical keyboard, and some do not. It will really depends on your audience.
Corsair Gaming K55 RGB Keyboard, Backlit RGB LED
Corsair Gaming K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE Mechanical Keyboard
Gear for Console:
Some of the gear for consoles is the same as the PC. Below are some of the software’s and merchandise you can get to help setup or improve your console streams and videos. You might not need all these products to start your stream – so check off the ones you already have. Also, with the new consoles like the Xbox One and Playstation 4, you do not need a capture card as you can stream directly off the Twitch app. You will need a capture card if you do not use Twitch or if you do not want to use their app.
Capture Card
A capture card is required to capture the content from your consoles. Alternatively, you can use the Twitch app on the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 if you are new to streaming and have these consoles. Some good capture cards to use include:
Controller
Here are some controllers that you can buy. A normal controller will do just fine for streaming.
POWER A FUSION Pro Controller for Xbox One
A lot of the items on this list you may already have. You will most likely need to download some sort of recording software, purchase a capture card, and/or purchase some headphones. If you have the basic forms of everything else, then you are fine. There is no need to pour money into something unless you are confident it will work out. There are plenty of successful streamers who use the basic materials to stream and create videos. Start by using the free software's first and upgrade from there.
I compiled this list from my own experience from streaming, gaming, and watching other streamers. A lot of streamers are very open about what products they use to stream. If you have a streamer you like and you like there setup, feel free to see if they are willing to share their setup with you.