Setting up streaming: Our recommendations

With an increase in the number of local professional gamers, we have also seen a rise in professional streamers in the country. If you are a beginner, setting up live streaming can be a stressful ordeal, owing to the number of equipment needed to be set up and ready. However, with time, the process is bound to get easier. If you're thinking about taking up professional streaming, here are our recommendations on some important software and hardware to consider. 

Software

Before everything else, make sure you know what kind of content you want to stream. Whether it be video games, pop culture reviews or talk shows, the software you end up using will differ. Nonetheless, there are some crucial apps that you should definitely consider if you want to start streaming professionally. 

OBS Studio

A go-to recording option for both beginner and professional streamers, OBS Studio is a full-on pro software that needs a bit of time and tweaking around to get used to. However, it does pay off in the end. It is packed with features that allow you to screen record, mix and match audio, take different clips and add text - making all your videos look as professional as possible. 

Streamlabs OBS

Streamlabs OBS is more of an alternative to OBS Studio, but built with user-friendliness in mind. Based on the same platform, this software is much easier to use, lacking any overly complicated features. It has the same functions as OBS Studio and is recommended for beginners over professionals. Many opt to use Streamlabs to get used to streaming, before moving on to OBS Studio. 

Hardware

While recording apps are crucial for streaming, it is often easy to forget how important the right choice in hardware is as well. A good choice in hardware is needed to communicate with the audience and keep them glued to your stream. Before you do your first stream, make sure you have the right blend of microphone, camera and lights to jazz up the recording. 

Microphone

Razer Seiren V2

When it comes to microphones the Razer Seiren V2 does not disappoint. Much like an actual siren, it lives up to the name. The audio recording quality is top-notch, with a built-in gain limiter that reduces background noises and focuses on the primary sound input. This results in clear audio with no background noise. Another great part about this microphone is the USB type A to C connection. Without the hassles of the usual audio wiring, this plugs into the computer with a USB.

Price: Tk. 9,900/- to Tk. 9,700/-

Store: Tech Land BD, Star Tech

Redragon GM300

With simplicity being its selling point, the GM300 is all about plug and play. It is pretty straightforward with a USB cable to plug into. The mic unit is fairly large being 16mm and the omnidirectional sound pick-up allows it to catch sound pretty clearly.

Price: Tk. 5,750/- to Tk. 5,500/-

Store: Star Tech, Ryans Computers

Cameras

Asus C3

The Asus C3 is a full HD webcam that can record at 1980x1060 MP resolution at 30 fps (frames per second). This is a good choice for live streaming, especially for beginners, as it is easy to use. It does the job well in focusing on the streamer while recording and not adding blurs or grains to the videos.

Price: Tk. 5,500/-

 Store: Electronics Mart, Star Tech, Tech Land BD

Logitech C920 HD Pro

The Logitech C920 HD Pro is now a popular choice owing to its moderately affordable range and brilliant picture quality. Despite being another 1960x1080 MP camera, the picture quality is crisp. Other than live streaming video games or movies, it does a good job at being a full-fledged camera substitute for home-based talk shows.

Price: Tk. 8,900/- to Tk. 11,300/-

Store: Computer Village, Ryans Computers

Video Lighting

Ye 12-inch LED ring light

Ring lights are the most affordable and most used light set-up, with the Ye 12-inch ring light being a popular choice nowadays. The set-up comes with a stand and has a mount for phones or any small device. With a bit of adjustment, even the webcam can be mounted in the middle of the light for better viewing.

Price: Tk. 1,500/-

Store: Camera Store

Godox LED 170

Despite being small in size, the Godox LED 170 is a powerful, professional light. It can also be used on the go which is perfect for vlogging. Its mobility is enhanced thanks to its use of 8 AA batteries. But those who don't wish to use batteries can power it up with an adapter. It is easy to use with brightness adjustability.

Price: Tk. 4,000/-

Store: Camera Store

Headphones

Asus ROG Strix Go 2.4 Wireless Headset

A good choice for gaming headphones, Asus ROG Strix Go 2.4 wireless headset comes with 2.4 GHz wireless connection, Type C dongle and virtual 7.1 surround sound. Its audio quality is enhanced by its 40mm Asus Essence Neodymium drivers and an AI-controlled noise cancelling feature. It also has a 3.5 mm cable which lets the headphones be used wired as well as wirelessly. 

Price: Tk. 15,000 to Tk. 16,000/-

Store: Star Tech and Tech Land BD

Blon BL-03

Blon BL-03 is a great pick for in-ear earphones that comes with 10 mm carbon diaphragm dynamic drivers for enhanced audio quality. As for wires, these earphones feature detachable two-pin wire with 3.5 mm jack head and built-in mic with stock wires, with the option of upgrading the detachable wires for better ones for improved performance. Still, the stock wires offer good midrange sound imaging and clarity, with 32 Ω impedance. 

Price: Tk. 2,100 to Tk. 2,500 depending on colour

Store: Gadget Monkey BD