If you’re just starting out, you might not be sure which setup is most suitable for your creative needs in terms of equipment. There are various options to consider, whether you’re familiar with the software and hardware, or not at all.
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Although live streaming is now second nature to so many creators around the world, going live for the first time can still be a daunting prospect. Learning everything from using OBS to designing the graphic overlays for your show can be overwhelming for newbie streamers. But the good news is we’re here to simplify the process for you. To help you go live, we’ve put together a list of the most popular setups and considerations. These are based on common gear recommendations that we’ve seen used on Mixcloud.
First things first, you’ll need a laptop and a stable internet connection to start live streaming.
If you’re a beginner and planning to use Mixcloud Live studio, this is all you’ll need.But if you want to upgrade your stream, there’s more hardware to consider.
We recommend this extra gear for optimising your live streaming experience and audio quality:
An audio interface or soundcard (routed to your music-playing device like a CDJ controller or instrument)
Camera (in-built webcam or external)
Headphones
Speakers (a.k.a Monitors)
Microphone
Mixer
If you’re playing music, an audio interface will help ensure that you’re streaming higher-quality audio. Also known as a soundcard, this device mediates between your monitors, music-playing devices, and your computer. Having a separate device processing your audio (rather than relying on your laptop's in-built sound card) also safeguards your computer from overheating and your stream from glitching.
This setup will give you everything you need to start your live streaming DJ set:
- Laptop/Computer
- A DJ controller, CDJ and mixer or turntable or mixer
- Camera (in-built webcam or external)
- An audio interface
- Headphones
- Monitors (left and right speakers)
If it’s your first time, you can go live directly from your browser using Mixcloud Live studio. This will save you time so you don’t need to download third party software like OBS.
You’ll also need a camera. This could be the in-built webcam of your computer, a phone, or - if you can afford it - an external device. Some cost-effective ones we recommend are the Aukey FHD Webcam and Logitech c920 webcam.
Finally the most important piece of gear is your DJ controller. This is a DJ’s setup after all, so the quality of your audio matters. In light of this, we suggest you purchase a separate sound card (from the one in your laptop) to ensure your audio is processed through its own device.
If you’re thinking of starting a talk show, this is the setup for you:
- Camera (in-built webcam or external)
- An audio interface
- Microphone
- Headphones
- A mixer
If you’re opting for a condenser mic, we recommend that you use an interface which will help connect the microphone to your desktop. Try Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. If you don’t have a soundcard you can opt for a more affordable USB microphone like Blue Yeti.
What’s more, streaming with Mixcloud means that your audio quality will always be retained with our high fidelity streaming, perfect for you to turn those shows into a top quality podcast series.
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Take your visuals to the next level and incorporate a green screen. This setup works well for DJs too, including Basement Tapes who live-stream audio-visual experiences:
- DSLR Camera
- Green Screen
- Video Capture Card
The green screen will provide a nice canvas for you to add all your graphics, illustrations, photos or video montages in the background. Just add them in a third party software like OBS like you would your graphic overlays. The video capture card functions similarly to a soundcard, essentially allowing your computer to recognise your external camera.
This one favours more advanced live streamers that are looking to level up their streaming experience as a whole. Along with the gear mentioned above, add these elements:
- Camera Switcher
- Lighting (e.g sound reactive LED or ring light) Firstly, multiply your cameras.
We’ve seen Mixcloud streamers use up to four cameras each at different angles, highlighting a different aspect of their space. For instance, DJs can have one close up shot on your decks, one front-facing shot, and then one above you. Using different cameras also requires a snazzy bit of kit to aid smooth transitions - if you’re looking to purchase indulgences we recommend the Blackmagic ATEM Mini PRO Camera Switcher.
Secondly, lighting. If you’re streaming at an advanced level and can afford professional level lighting. We recommend Elgato products that are specifically made for streamers.
Experiment with different kinds of lights to get the ambience how you like it. Invest in a key light to spotlight the most important part of the stream - you! Or purchase some sound reactive LED lights so that your lights are on beat and ready for those drops.
👋 Post a welcome message in the chat. You may not be able to read through the chat continually but it's best to post a message welcoming your followers and maybe giving an introduction for those who stumble across your stream.
🎙️ Pick up the mic. If you've never spoken during a show before, now is the time. Whether it's saying hi to a follower, giving detail about what you're playing or just having a chat, your viewers will appreciate it.
📝 Plan what you're going to do before you go live and how long you'll be live for. This will help with publicising the stream and to manage the expectations of your followers.
Mixcloud is different. It is purpose-built for music, uses fingerprinting technology to identify tracks, and pays royalties accordingly on your behalf. When you stream on Mixcloud, you can use any music you like and the artists played get paid.
We launched “Mixcloud Live Studio” for this reason: to make live streaming more accessible for beginner creators who are unfamiliar with the process. With Mixcloud Live studio, you can stream with one click, with all the settings ready to go, directly from your web browser.
