Essential Live Streaming Equipment for Beginners & Pros

Scrolling through live streams has become popular as viewers can consume different kinds of online content quickly and efficiently while engaged in other tasks. Live stream content includes real-time and old, i.e., recorded and live.

Every live streamer has a different mix of the best streaming gear, but a few essential elements are necessary for all live streams. We'll review some of the equipment a live streamer requires and how to use it.

So, let's help you take your live-streaming equipment setup to the next level!

Part 1. Cameras

Whichever live streaming platform you choose, the camera you pick is essential to the overall effectiveness of your live stream. Like selecting a camera for vlogging, choosing the best camera for live streaming that offers excellent audio-visual clarity and detail is in high demand. In general, this eliminates mobile phones (which may have issues with audio and network quality), leaving you with a variety of alternative camera options.

So which camera is ideal for live streaming?

We will be giving you a live stream equipment list of the best cameras to choose from.

Different Types of Cameras:

• Compact Camera

A compact camera for live streaming is a versatile and convenient option for content creators who want to broadcast their videos seamlessly. These cameras are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them easy to set up and carry around. Despite their small size, they offer high-quality video resolution, often in 4K, ensuring that your live streams look professional and sharp.

• Mirrorless or DSLR Cameras

DSLR offers superb video quality, extremely high photo resolutions, and outstanding low-light capabilities. Consider using a mirrorless camera for live broadcast equipment if you want the same image quality as a DSLR with a more miniature camera.

• Camcorders

Our number one camera pick for live videos is a camcorder because they are remarkable for recording videos. The ergonomic form of these cameras makes them perfect for handheld shooting and longer video streams, and they are simple to set up. They generate clear HDMI outputs that deliver the highest visual quality without sacrificing video resolution or frame rates.

• In-Motion Cameras

Creating immersive videos can be a cakewalk using action cam stream equipment. They are perfect for live-streaming action-packed events and sports because, despite their small size, they are powerful enough to create excellent footage. This camera often has a wide-angle lens and provides a first-person perspective.

Factors to consider when choosing a camera:

• High Resolution: A camera's resolution will impact image quality and the ability to crop or enlarge photos. Choose a camera with a resolution that meets your needs, such as for printing large images or for online use.
• Low-light performance: If you plan to shoot in low-quality environments, consider a camera with good low-quality performance, which usually comes from a combination of larger sensor sizes and larger aperture lenses.
• Autofocus: A camera should be fast and accurate autofocus, especially if you plan to shoot fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife. Consider the type of autofocus system, such as phase detection or contrast detection, and how many autofocus points the camera has.
• Stabilization: Built-in image stabilization reduces camera shake and captures sharp photos and videos. Consider the type of stabilization, such as optical or digital, and whether built into the camera body or the lens.
• Frame Rates: If you plan to shoot videos, check the camera's frame rates, which will affect the smoothness and quality of the video. Buy a camera with high frame rates, such as 60fps or higher, for smoother motion.

Examples of popular cameras for live streaming:

• OBSBOT Tail Air: A high-end camera with AI-powered tracking, 4k resolution, and advanced features for professional streamers.
• Elgato Facecam: is a high-end streaming gear explicitly designed for streaming, with 1080p60 resolution and a large sensor for improved image quality.
• Logitech StreamCam: It is a versatile webcam that offers 1080p resolution at 60fps, fast autofocus, and various mounting options.

Camera Recommendation: OBSBOT Tail Air Streaming Camera

However, to get the best live streaming experience, we recommend using the OBSBOT Tail Air. Why? Well, let us see.

• NDI Support: Allows for seamless integration with NDI-enabled devices and software, expanding the possibilities for live broadcasting and video production.
• Intelligent AI Auto Tracking:  Automatically track and follow humans, pets, and objects, ensuring they stay in the frame at all times.
• AI Director Grids: The AI algorithm in OBSBOT efficiently divides the captured video into separate grids in real time. By simply selecting a specific grid, you can instantly assess your live stream by pushing the corresponding video signal on-air with precision and speed.
• 4K Ultra HD Resolution: Provides a high-quality video output with exceptional clarity and detail. It captures footage in stunning 4K resolution, enhancing the visual experience for the audience. 
• Easy-to-use Mobile App: Adjust video parameters on the mobile app easily.

Part 2. Audio Equipment

The highest level of sound quality is an essential part of any streaming equipment. Remember that a sizable portion of video content seen today is while wearing headphones, so great sound is vital. Poor sound content being blasted directly into your head in these circumstances is the most unpleasant thing ever!

Viewers may only view a video if the sound is adequate since it degrades its quality.

Different types of microphones used for live streaming:

• Multi-Pattern Mics

Multi-pattern mics offer different directional patterns, such as cardioid or omnidirectional, allowing you to adjust the microphone's sensitivity to different sound sources and environments.

• Bass Mics:

These mics pick up low-frequency sounds, such as bass guitars or drums, with greater clarity and accuracy than others.

• Shotgun Mics

Shotgun directional mics are often used in film and TV production but can also be helpful for live streaming. They have a long, narrow shape and are highly directional, picking up sound primarily from the front of the mic.

• Boundary Mics

These mics are placed on a surface, like a table or a wall, to pick up sound from all directions. They are often handy in conference rooms or other settings where multiple people need to communicate.

• USB Mics

These mics have a built-in analog-to-digital converter and connect to your computer via USB, making them easy to set up and use for live streaming.

• Lapel Mics

Also known as lavalier mics, these are small, clip-on mics that attach to clothing near the mouth. They offer hands-free operation and can be helpful for live-streaming events where the speaker needs to move around.

Factors to consider when choosing a microphone:

• Audio transparency: A microphone must accurately capture the sound without coloring or distorting it so the recording sounds natural and unaltered.
• Frequency-independent directionality: Choose a microphone with a consistent directional pattern across all frequencies so the recording doesn't sound muffled or distorted in specific frequency ranges.
• Easy to EQ: Select a microphone that you can quickly equalize, meaning its frequency response is adjustable to match the recording environment or personal preference.
• High sound pressure level (SPL): Choose a mic that handles high sound pressure levels without distorting or clipping, especially if you plan to record drums or guitar amps.
• Clarity: A good microphone streaming equipment should offer clear and articulate sound, with a good separation of instruments or voices.

Examples of popular microphones for live streaming include:

• Shure SM57/SM58: The SM57 is a versatile, dynamic microphone commonly used as streaming equipment for PC instruments such as guitar amps and drums. The SM58 is similar but with a tailored frequency response for vocals, making it a popular choice for streaming live vocals.
• Audio-Technica 2020USB: This USB condenser microphone is a simple, affordable live-stream solution with plug-and-play functionality and high-quality sound.
• Behringer C1: A budget-friendly condenser microphone that offers precise and crisp sound, low self-noise, and a cardioid polar pattern, making it a popular choice for streaming vocals and acoustic instruments.

Part 3. Lighting Equipment

Setting priorities for adequate lighting for streaming is essential for streamers. It improves the stream's quality, adding effect and making it more engaging. People like being in a dry environment, and good lighting can enhance the appeal of a live stream. You can use a variety of light colors to generate a specific look.

Good lighting equipment creates an atmosphere and keeps viewers returning to your streams. This streaming gear is an investment worth making because it can provide the desired effect or make you look more presentable.

Different types of lighting setups used for live streaming:

• Natural Light

Use natural light sources such as windows or doors for illumination during a live stream. It can provide a soft and natural-looking light but can be unpredictable depending on weather conditions and the time of day.

• Ring Light

This circular light is mounted around the camera lens and provides even illumination with minimal shadows, making it a popular choice for vloggers, beauty and makeup content creators, and live streamers.

• Soft boxes

These large boxes house a diffused light source, creating a soft and even illumination often used for portrait photography and product shots.

• Lighting Schemes

This refers to the arrangement of lights to create a specific look or mood. Typical schemes include three-point lighting (key, fill, and backlight), high-key lighting (bright and even illumination), and low-key lighting (dramatic shadows and contrast).

• LED Panels

These versatile lights are helpful for live streaming setups. They can be mounted on stands or attached to cameras, providing adjustable brightness and color temperature for customized illumination.

Factors to consider when choosing a lighting setup:

• Temperature: The temperature of the lighting refers to the color tone of the light source measured in Kelvin (K), with lower values indicating a warm, yellowish light and higher values indicating a cooler, bluish light. Consider the look you want and choose a light temperature that suits it.
• Ambient: It is essential to balance the intensity and color of the light with the natural and artificial light in the room to avoid color casts and unwanted shadows.
• Brightness: The brightness of the lighting setup should be appropriate for the desired look and camera settings. Measure the distance between the origin of light and subject, the light diffusion, and the camera's ISO setting to ensure the right brightness level.
• Color: The lighting setup should be consistent and match the look and mood of the live stream. So, avoid color casts, where one part of the scene appears different from the rest, and ensure the color is appropriate for skin tones and any props or background elements.

Examples of popular lighting setups for live streaming include:

• Three-Point Lighting Setup: A classic lighting setup consists of a key light, a fill light, and a backlight. It provides even illumination and creates depth and dimension for the subject.
• Loop Lighting or Two Lights Setup: This streaming equipment setup consists of a key light and a fill light, with the fill light placed on the opposite portion of the key light to create a loop-shaped shadow on one side of the subject's face.
• One Point Lighting Setup: It uses a single light source, typically a ring light or LED panel, to provide even illumination and reduce shadows.

Part 4. Software and Accessories

The appealing feature of streaming equipment lies in its great degree of content and quality customization. A great, fluid, high-quality picture can be streamed using advanced streaming software. The hardware (in this case, the computer) that streaming software is operating on, however, is largely responsible for its output quality limitations. 

Different types of software and accessories used for live streaming:

• Encoders (Hardware and Software)

Encoders convert the video and audio data from your camera and microphone into a format for online streaming. Hardware encoders are standalone devices, while software encoders are applications that run on a computer.

• PC/Laptop

A computer encodes and streams the video and audio data. It should have enough processing power and memory to handle the encoding and other tasks during the stream.

• Live Streaming Platform

A platform is needed to host and distribute the stream. Popular live streaming platforms include Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live.

• Greenscreen

A greenscreen creates a chroma key effect, allowing the streamer to replace the background behind them with any image or video.

• Audio tools

These tools enhance the audio quality of the stream, e.g., Voicemeter, Pretzel, Monstercat, or Soundstripe. Voicemeter is used for routing and mixing audio inputs and outputs, while Pretzel, Monstercat, and Soundstripe are royalty-free music libraries.

• Live video hosting tools

These hosting services allow you to distribute and monetize your live streams, e.g., Wave video Hosting, Dacast, JW Player, Livestream (Vimeo), and Brightcove.

• Mixing Equipment

Mixing equipment, such as audio mixers and switchers, combine and switch between video and audio sources during the stream.

Factors to consider when choosing software and accessories:

• Budget and available pricing plans: Check the cost of the software or accessories, and choose an option that fits your budget.
• Live Mixing Abilities: Software or an accessory that supports live mixing is a must for mixing different media sources in real-time.
• Local Recording of Your Stream: Save your stream locally with software or an accessory that allows local stream recording.
• Ability to Include Guests: If you plan to have guests on your stream, choose software or an accessory that allows for easy integration of guest appearances.
• Supported Operating Systems: Consider the operating system of your computer or device, and choose a software or accessory that is compatible with your OS.

Examples of popular software and accessories for live streaming:

• Wave video: Wave video is a marketing platform offering various features for creating, hosting, and sharing videos, including live streaming capabilities.
• Zoom: Zoom is a video conferencing software that can also be useful for live-streaming webinars and virtual events.
• OBS Studio: OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a free and open-source video recording and live streaming equipment.

These are some popular examples of live video streaming software.

Conclusion

Thus, we saw that you need the best streaming equipment, especially regarding your live streaming setup, since viewers will only stick around if the audio and video are engaging.

The basic streaming equipment for beginners includes a camera, microphone, streaming software, and a high-speed internet connection, while more accessories, if added, can boost the streaming quality.

So, ensure everything is operational by testing your streaming settings and equipment before going live and picking the best streaming gear, like OBSBOT Tail Air. Use this opportunity to prepare for the task mentally.