Gaming Streamer’s Guide to Gear

Remember the first time you built a PC? Having to sort through all the incomprehensible names while simultaneously looking at performance specs was an absolute pain. Building a livestreaming rig can sometimes feel like that, but it doesn’t have to. At Sweetwater, we have more than 40 years of audio and visual gear experience under our belt. We know what kind of gear makes a livestream run smoothly. We also know what microphones best suit the voice and setup in which they operate. So, we decided to pool our collective knowledge into this quick guide to gear. It’s aimed directly at gaming streamers, so you won’t have to spend tons of time sifting through extra sections about equipment for yoga and cooking streamers.

With this guide, Sweetwater will expand your knowledge of gear and what’s needed to help deliver a show-stopping stream. It’ll also suggest rock-solid equipment to get you started. We’ll review the ins and outs of microphones before covering interfaces, headsets, cameras, lighting, and more. Whether you’re new to livestreaming or a seasoned veteran looking to upgrade your setup, you’ll find the advice and products you need here.

Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!

MicrophonesStreaming InterfacesHeadsetsCamerasLightingAccessories

Microphones

Capture your voice in all its glory

Your audience can watch anyone. They’ll come back to you because they want to hear you interact with the chat, crack jokes, and react to what you’re playing. Investing in a high-quality streaming microphone is an easy way to treat your viewers to better vocal captures.

Before we dive in, we need to talk about microphone types. There are two main types of microphones: dynamic microphones and condenser microphones. Most gaming streamers choose dynamic microphones because they pick up less ambient sounds, like the AC rumble and keyboard clacking in your room or the passing cars outside your window. A dynamic mic ensures viewers only hear your voice. By contrast, condenser microphones will tend to pick up everything — the good and the bad.

The first consideration is deciding how you get the mic output into your streaming PC. Microphones come with one of two output options: XLR or USB. An XLR mic is a microphone that comes with an analog XLR output. XLR mics require an audio interface or streaming interface to amplify the signal and convert it to digital for your computer. A USB microphone, by contrast, comes with a USB output. USB mics are super simple to use and require no external hardware — a major plus for people with small desks. Be aware, though, that USB microphones add a few milliseconds of latency (delay) that you’ll have to compensate for within your streaming software. It’s a very small delay, but milliseconds count for gamers, so that may be a factor in your decision.

Pro tip: Make sure you’re talking into the front of the microphone for the best sound. For some mics (such as a Shure SM7B cardioid dynamic vocal microphone), you speak into the end, and for some others (such as the Audio-Technica AT2020 cardioid medium-diaphragm condenser microphone), you speak into the side. Make sure you get the right mic for the look you prefer.

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Guide to USB Microphones

Studio Microphone Buying Guide

Streaming Interfaces

Control your audio, video, and more — all at once

How do you get the sound of the mic into your computer? If you’re using a USB microphone, then just plug it into a USB port. If you use an XLR mic, then you’ll need a streaming interface. In years past, gaming streamers used audio interfaces designed for musicians and studio professionals. But now, streaming interfaces are tricked out specifically for the needs of gaming streamers and other content creators. Gaming streamers in the market for a streaming interface should look for interfaces with HDMI, XLR, and USB I/O capability.

Most streaming interfaces available at Sweetwater handle the audio signal from your game, your vocals, and your video in one streamlined package. Some even have redundant USB ports to communicate with gaming and streaming PCs. Others feature fully programmable LEDs to match the rest of the gear in your setup. Still, other models come with performance pads that you can use to change camera angles and trigger visual effects or sounds.

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Headsets

Simple, practical audio for your livestream

You don’t necessarily have to invest in a good pair of headphones, a microphone, and an audio interface to run your livestream. Headsets combine headphones and microphones into one piece of gear. And they plug right into your headphone jack. Ta-da! Easy, compelling audio. Don’t have extra headphone outputs on your gaming PC? No problem. The most popular streaming headsets have USB adapters to plug into your USB hub.

So, what are the reasons to have a headset? If you’re new to livestreaming, then know that a headset is a fantastic way to lower costs. A headset allows you to budget more cash for your camera and lighting without sacrificing audio quality. Console streamers can get tons of mileage out of a headset, too, since most PlayStation and Xbox consoles can stream directly to Twitch. If you’re playing team-based games, then you can use both a headset and an external microphone — use the headset for party chat and the microphone for the stream. The final benefit of using a headset is the fixed mic placement. You can move your head around without worrying about speaking into the mic. That simple reason is why most TV commentators use headsets.

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Cameras

Capture everything in detail

Choosing a video camera can be a balancing act between features, price points, and form factors. Let’s start with the basics. Choosing between a webcam and a mirrorless camera is up to you. A webcam will likely be easier to set up, operate, and control. And they’re small. Just clip it onto your computer monitor, plug it in, and get going.

On the other hand, a mirrorless video camera generally offers the best picture and definition. You can also choose what frame rate you want to shoot at. So, if your computer can handle streaming and recording in 4K, then a full-size camera can do that and more — no questions asked.

You must also think about what sort of livestream you’re doing. As a gaming streamer, you’ll spend plenty of time in the lower third of your stream, letting your gaming skills do the talking. However, you will be front and center when you’re in the lobby before your next game of Valorant or Fortnite. A webcam can do the trick if it offers high enough frame rates and resolution. What about if you’re streaming tabletop games? Then, you may need extra definition and frame rates. That’s where a mirrorless camera excels.

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Lighting

Good lighting makes a big impact

How do all of the top streams look so good all the time? The secret is in the lighting. There are two main lighting types that you should consider when designing your streaming room: talent lighting and background lighting. Most successful gaming streamers on Twitch have migrated toward panel lighting for their faces. By using a panel light, you eliminate awkward shadows caused by overhead lighting and help your face jump off the screen. Of course, you don’t have to use a panel light to illuminate your face and torso. Ring lights work perfectly well, too. It’s a matter of personal preference.

Once you’ve chosen a way to illuminate your face, it’s time to consider the lighting elsewhere in your room. Adding extra bar lights or wash fixtures helps you add some much-needed color to your space. A few simple RBG lights can help you turn the beige wall behind you into an impactful background that matches the tone and vibe of your livestream. Additionally, most of the lights used for background shots are fully controllable, so you can change your color scheme anytime. A word of advice about backgrounds: a static and not overly busy background works best. Big flashing movements can cause loss of detail, and compression artifacts can detract from the visual appeal of your screen.

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Accessories

Helpful items that make your life easier

Now that we have the necessary gear covered, it’s time to talk accessories. This gear isn’t necessary, but it significantly improves your quality of life. Let’s start with the most common streamer accessory: the green screen. For gaming streamers, a green screen lets you erase your background so viewers can see the game better. You can also use a green screen to change the theme of your background based on the seasons, holidays, and more. Other accessories, such as the ubiquitous broadcast-style mic boom, help ensure your microphone is always perfectly positioned.

Do you hate searching through your windows to find what you’re looking for? Would life be easier if you could hit a button and pull up your live chat? Then, you’ll need a desktop streaming console. These popular accessories put all your most used controls and features at your fingertips. And finally, if you’re creating content, then you should have a secure backup. By getting a good external drive, you won’t have to worry about losing your highlights, memorable moments, and more.

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Outfit Your Streaming Rig with Sweetwater Today

The most successful streamers are experts at creating engaging content on their chosen topics. But you don’t have to be an expert in audiovisual gear to achieve a stream that sounds as good as it looks. That’s where Sweetwater comes in. Our massive team of trained Sweetwater Sales Engineers obsesses over audio and visual gear like no one else. Give us a call at (800) 222-4700, and your personal Sweetwater Sales Engineer can hook you up with an entire rig in no time.

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