The Best PC Streaming Equipment: Get Ready for Top-Notch Performance.
Streaming your PC gaming sessions isn’t hard, but it does require the right equipment. The good news is that there are plenty of options available, ranging from basic webcams and entry-level capture cards to more complex setups designed for professionals.
No matter your budget, we’re here to help you find the best PC streaming equipment for your streaming needs. Stick around as we guide you through the essentials so that you can start streaming like a pro in no time.
What Equipment Do You Need for PC Streaming?
When it comes to streaming your favorite PC games, there are a few essential pieces of equipment that you’ll need to get started. Here’s a quick overview:
1. Capture Card: A capture card captures video and audio signals from your gaming PC and sends them to your streaming software in a format that’s compatible with streaming platforms. There are a variety of capture cards on the market, ranging from internal cards to external ones.
2. Streaming Software: You’ll need to select the right streaming software to use with your capture card. Popular software includes OBS Studio, XSplit, and Streamlabs OBS.
3. Camera: A camera is an optional piece of equipment, but it can make a big difference in the overall quality of your streaming sessions. You’ll need an HD webcam with at least 1080p resolution for streaming on popular platforms such as Twitch and YouTube.
4. Microphone: An adjustable gaming microphone is essential for streaming PC games. Not only will it improve the audio quality of your broadcasts, but it will also make it easier for you to communicate with viewers and interact with your audience more effectively.
5. Lighting: Good lighting is essential for clear video streaming, especially if you’re using a webcam. Without proper lighting, your viewers may not be able to make out your face. Different lighting kits can be used to make sure that your video streams come out looking great.
6. Auxiliary Equipment: Depending on your preferences, you may want to consider investing in additional pieces of equipment, such as green screens, headsets, and audio interfaces.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these items so that you can make a more informed decision when it comes to purchasing the best streaming equipment for your needs.
Capture Cards: Recording Video and Audio with Ease
Capture cards are an essential piece of equipment for any streamer, providing an easy way to record video and audio from your gaming PC for streaming. Capture cards come in both internal and external variants, depending on what you need.
Internal capture cards are installed directly onto your PC via a PCI-e slot, making them a great choice for customization-focused streamers. On the downside, internal cards are slightly more expensive than their external counterparts and can be more difficult to install.
External capture cards, on the other hand, come with convenient plug-and-play installation and provide an affordable alternative for streamers with limited budgets. External cards are typically USB-based, although some models may provide Thunderbolt connectivity for faster transfer speeds.
No matter which type of capture card you choose, you’ll need to make sure that it’s compatible with your streaming software. Most capture cards can be used with popular streaming platforms such as OBS, XSplit, and Streamlabs OBS.
Streaming Software: Choose the Right Platform for Your Needs
When it comes to streaming your favorite PC games, the software you use will be just as important as the hardware you have. Fortunately, there are plenty of streaming platforms available for streamers of all levels, ranging from basic free programs to more advanced software designed for professionals.
The two most popular streaming programs are OBS Studio and XSplit. Both provide an array of features that make streaming easy, including scene transitions, custom overlays, and advanced audio settings. Both platforms are relatively straightforward to set up and use, and they can be used with any capture card.
Streamlabs OBS is another popular streaming platform that offers some unique features that set it apart from other streaming programs. Streamlabs OBS includes stream management tools such as donation alerts and tip jars, as well as support for Discord and Twitch chat and various overlays.
Camera: More Than Just a Pretty Face
A webcam isn’t a necessity for streaming PC games, but it can make a big difference in both the quality and clarity of your broadcasts. If you’re looking for an HD camera for streaming, you’ll need to invest in an HD webcam with at least 1080p resolution.
Aside from the resolution, you’ll also want to pay attention to the frame rate of your camera. While the standard frame rate for streaming is 30 FPS, some streamers may benefit from higher frame rates platforms, such as 60 FPS or even 120 FPS. Higher frame rates allow viewers to see your movements in greater detail, making it easier for them to follow the action.
Finally, take some time to experiment with different types of lenses and settings. Some streamers prefer wide-angle lenses, while others prefer lenses with more zoom. Messing around with the settings can really help you find the right camera setup for your needs.
Microphone: Clear Audio Quality is Essential
You can’t have a successful streaming session without decent audio. While some streamers are content with the built-in microphone on their gaming headset, investing in an adjustable gaming microphone can make a big difference in the overall sound quality of your broadcasts.
Adjustable gaming mics allow you to adjust the position of the microphone so that it’s closer to your mouth, and they often come with features such as pop filters and background noise reduction. This helps ensure that your audio comes out crystal clear, and makes it easier for viewers to understand what you’re saying.
When choosing a gaming microphone, look for models with high-quality components and large diaphragms. This will help ensure that the audio is clear and crisp, resulting in a better streaming experience for your viewers.
Lighting: The Key to a Great Video Stream
Streaming with insufficient lighting can ruin the quality of your video stream. Poor lighting can make it difficult for viewers to make out your face, and it can also make it harder to showcase details such as graphics and textures.
The good news is that there are plenty of lighting solutions available to streamers, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right setup for your needs. Some streamers prefer LED lighting, while others opt for more traditional solutions such as softboxes and umbrellas.
No matter which type of lighting you choose, make sure to invest in adjustable models that can be easily adjusted to fit your specifications. This will help ensure that your lighting is never too bright or too dull, resulting in a clean and professional-looking video stream.
Auxiliary Equipment: Invest in Extras for a Professional Setup
If you’re looking for the ultimate streaming setup, you may want to consider investing in additional pieces of equipment. Here are some of the most popular pieces of auxiliary equipment for streamers:
1. Green screen: A green screen can make your stream look more professional and provides a great way to engage with your viewers. Setting up a green screen isn’t hard, and it can be done with relative ease.
2. Headset: Investing in a good gaming headset will make it easier to hear your game audio, and it can also give you a better feel for your broadcasting environment.
3. Audio interface: An audio interface is an optional piece of equipment that can make a big difference in the overall quality of your audio. It provides a low-noise connection between your microphone and computer, resulting in a clearer sound.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for the perfect streaming setup or just a few basic pieces of equipment to get started, providing the right PC streaming equipment is essential for any aspiring streamer. With the right gear in hand, you can start broadcasting like a pro in no time.
We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of the essential components needed for streaming PC games, and how to get the best bang for your buck. With that in mind, why not get started and start streaming today?
Image Credit: Pexels