PC Gaming: The Ultimate Setup to Stream Like a Pro
Streaming games is becoming increasingly popular as more and more gamers look to turn their passion into a job. Whether you’re a professional streamer or just getting into the streaming game, having the right PC gaming streaming equipment is key to providing your viewers with the best experience possible.
From the streaming platform of choice to the gaming hardware and software, setting up the perfect streaming experience requires careful consideration. This guide will provide you with the comprehensive knowledge of what PC gaming streaming equipment you should look for when setting up your streaming rig.
What is PC Gaming Streaming Equipment?
As the name suggests, PC gaming streaming equipment refers to the hardware and software you need to stream games from your PC. This includes software like streaming platforms such as Twitch, hardware like a capture card and microphone, and plenty more.
To put it at its simplest, this is the equipment you need to have a successful stream. In this guide, we’ll be going into the nitty-gritty of the different components you should look at when deciding on the ideal setup.
The Best Streaming Platform
The first piece of PC gaming streaming equipment you should think about is the streaming platform. This is the service you’ll be using to reach your audience and provides a place for them to come together to watch and interact with you as you stream.
The most popular platform to use right now is Twitch. tv. Twitch is the preferred platform of choice for many streamers due to its wider reach and the tools that it offers.
Starting a Twitch channel is easy, to begin with you’ll just need to set up your channel and configure it with your streaming software. In addition to this, it’s also important to think about how you’re going to interact with your viewers and how you’ll use the built-in tools that Twitch provides.
However, it’s important to note that Twitch isn’t the only streaming platform out there. YouTube Gaming, Facebook Gaming, and many other services are also available and offer their own unique features and benefits.
Choosing the Right Capture Card
The next item on the list of PC gaming streaming equipment is a capture card. This is an internal or external device that captures the video from your gaming PC and sends it directly to your streaming platform of choice.
The primary benefit of a capture card over streaming software alone is that it can save your computer from the strain of having to handle the encoding of the video itself. This will free up your computer’s resources to run the game and keep your stream looking smooth and clear.
When looking for a capture card for streaming purposes, you should be looking for one that supports the resolution and frame rate you’ll be wanting to stream at. 1080p/30fps or 60fps is usually recommended, but slower frame rates can be achieved if needed.
Getting Your Audio Right
Audio is an incredibly important part of PC gaming streaming equipment as it’s one of the most important aspects of giving your stream a professional and engaging feel.
For this reason, you should invest in one of the following when producing your audio setup:
1. Audio interface – For capturing high-quality audio from your mic and instruments
2. Microphone – Condenser and Dynamic types are best for streaming
3. Headphones – To monitor your audio and prevent feedback
Headphones are not only great for monitoring your audio, but they can also be useful for playing games. Using a good set of headphones will give you a more immersive experience and more accurate sound than speakers will.
Streaming and Video Editing Software
Another important part of your PC gaming streaming equipment is the software you’ll use for streaming and video editing.
The two most popular streaming software are OBS and XSplit. OBS is free and open-source and is therefore the choice of many streamers. XSplit is a more advanced program with a paid version available and offers many more features and flexibility.
When it comes to editing your videos and clips after the fact, there are many options available. Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most popular video editing software packages, and comes with many features that make it suitable for streamers, such as its support for royalty-free music and sound effects.
Best PC Gaming Gear & Accessories
Finally, it’s time to look at the things that will be interacting with you as you stream. This includes your chair and desk, keyboard and mouse, and even what type of webcam you should use.
The first two are pretty straightforward – you should look for a chair and desk that provide you with solid support and comfort as you stream, as well as good quality gaming accessories that make your streaming experience easier.
For webcams, you’ll want something with at least 1080p resolution, but 4K is even better if you can afford it. Many webcams also come with useful features such as built-in hardware for reducing background noise and adjustable focus.
Conclusion
Streaming your gaming experience is becoming increasingly more popular as a way to share your passion with the world, and having an optimised streaming setup can make or break your streaming career. Having the right PC gaming streaming equipment is essential for giving your viewers the best experience possible and giving yourself a chance to make it as a professional.
If you carefully consider the important factors such as streaming platforms, capture cards, audio equipment and software, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful streamer. Good luck!
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