Planning on running a live virtual event soon?
Before you turn on the camera and say hello to the world, make sure you have the best broadcasting equipment. Gain the assurance that your next broadcast will showcase the highest possible video and audio quality by using the right gear.
Don’t panic if you don’t know where to begin. We’ve got your back by providing a list below to help you get started. Read our guide here to know which broadcasting equipment you need to invest in:
The Right Camera
Your camera is going to be the main crucible of your broadcasting equipment. A bad camera can make or break the experience for you and your viewers.
Start by looking for a camera that can record video in the highest possible resolution and at a good framerate. For consistency, look for something that can record 4K resolution videos at a constant 30 fps. If you can’t find or afford one, at least go for a camera that can take videos in 1080p.
However, you may want to supplement your basic camera with an action camera. You won’t need it unless your virtual event involves the outdoors. If you do need one, you can’t go wrong with something like a GoPro.
Good Mic
Some people can forgive bad visuals as long as the audio makes up for it. There’s no point in broadcasting live events if the audience can’t understand what you say.
The obvious solution is to get a great microphone.
If you’re the only one broadcasting, a single-direction condenser mic is a good starting point. Only buy multidirectional microphones if you need to capture sound from multiple people or an external source, such as a concert or ongoing event in the background. A shotgun mic is a good choice if you want to keep it mounted on top of your camera.
Do you plan to interview people during the broadcast? Lavalier mics are the go-to equipment for that.
Additional Audio Equipment
You’ll likely use a PC or laptop to broadcast your video to platforms like Facebook, YouTube, or Twitch. However, you can’t connect multiple microphones to a single PC. You’ll need some gear like an audio mixer with a USB output to connect it to your laptop.
Don’t stop there.
To keep the audio clean, you’ll always want pop filters and soundproof walls or pads to prevent the sounds from echoing. Some people also use apps like voice changers to alter how their voice sounds during a broadcast.
Lighting Livestream Equipment
A good camera can only get you so far. You won’t look good in your broadcast without the right lighting.
Start by getting a bright key light. This is your main light and will determine the mood and direction of your lighting scheme. It’s best to get a diffuser so you can control how harsh or soft the light hits you.
A backlight and some background artificial lighting will help control the shadows on your face. At the same time, they’ll boost the tone and mood your lighting scheme is going for. If you’re running a live event or broadcast indoors, try to minimize all the natural light by using blackout curtains to cover all the windows.
Virtual Broadcast Gear
You can’t host virtual events with only a camera and microphone. You’ll need an encoder and a dashboard to help you manage the different panels, visual assets, and sounds.
Apple products like the Mac come with their own encoder. For people using Windows or any other OS, it’s often a better solution to use tools like OBS. OBS is a free software encoder but it’s up to you to add the assets for your live broadcast.
The good news is a lot of platforms like Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube support OBS. It’s easy to get a keycode to link your OBS setup to your Facebook Live dashboard, for example.
Useful Accessories
If you want to look professional, avoid using placards. People will notice your eyes veering away from the camera to look at your script. Instead, using TV presenter gear like a teleprompter. Of course, you’ll need software for a teleprompter too, ensuring the text scrolls at a comfortable pace.
Never ditch using tripods. Those are some of the most essential gear to keep your video broadcast stable. If you want to push your camera in and keep it moving, make sure to invest in tracks and wheels.
If you’re going to do a single-person broadcast and you can’t get a lot of lighting, work with your lamps, indoor lights, LED lights, fairy lights, and a ring light. Although basic, these are sometimes decent enough to make your broadcast more presentable. Again, avoid using natural light coming through the windows because daylight intensity changes constantly.
Getting Connected Online
Don’t forget that you won’t achieve anything unless you get online. If you’re using a laptop or desktop PC, prioritize getting LAN cables to guarantee a secure and stable internet connection. People broadcasting from a phone might have no other option but to rely on a stable WiFi connection.
At the very least, you need a strong upload speed. Download speed is important if you watch your broadcast live.
Use a platform you know and trust. For example, people broadcasting things to sell can do better on Instagram or Facebook Live. Video game professionals will do better on Facebook, Twitch, or YouTube.
Get the Best Broadcasting Equipment Today
Make your next virtual event the best by getting the right broadcasting equipment. Follow this list and you won’t stray far. Prioritize a UHD 4K camera, a good mic, and the right accessories to ensure everything goes well.
But why stop with this equipment guide?
We have a lot more to offer so don’t hesitate to check out our library of lists and guides. Learn how to set up your audio or use tools like OBS by reading more of our in-depth tech guides today.
