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UK Team in London
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Streaming is no longer just a trend – it has become a firmly established part of the online world. Especially during the pandemic, live streaming has gained significant importance across social networks. Solo musicians, bands, podcasters and influencers use platforms such as YouTube, Twitch or Instagram to distribute their content. For beginners, the question arises: What equipment is required for live streaming? In this guide, you will learn what you need to consider when getting started with live streaming.
Although streaming is now a widely used term, not everyone fully understands what it means. When people talk about streaming, they usually refer to “on-demand streaming” or “live streaming”.
With “on-demand streaming”, video or audio files are streamed to computers, smartphones, tablets or TVs via the internet or dedicated apps, while the actual files remain stored elsewhere. Unlike a download, the content can be viewed or listened to immediately. However, streamed content cannot be used offline, as it is not stored permanently on the device – only temporarily in the device’s memory.
In addition to on-demand streaming, there is also “live streaming”, where an event is broadcast in real time. Besides sports and gaming, live streaming is frequently used for press conferences, online training, seminars or digital events of all kinds.
The pandemic has also made “live streaming concerts” a popular alternative to traditional concerts. Increasingly, national and international bands, solo artists and DJs are moving their performances online. After major metal and EDM festivals were cancelled, organisers created digital festival editions that brought the festival experience directly into people’s homes.
Thanks to many high-quality live streamed concerts, fans can still enjoy live music online and experience their favourite artists in their living rooms. For lesser-known bands and artists in particular, live streaming offers the chance to reach an audience far larger than at a regular concert.
A crucial factor for streaming is a stable and fast internet connection. Anyone planning to stream outdoors or via Wi-Fi should be aware that bandwidth fluctuations can occur. Although part of the media stream is buffered, a slow or unstable connection will result in loading times, interruptions or poor audio/video quality. For a smooth and reliable stream, an upload speed of at least 6–10 Mbit/s is recommended. Remember: the higher the bitrate, the better the stream quality!
YouTube and platforms such as Facebook Live, Twitch or Instagram allow live streams to reach a large number of viewers.
YouTube
YouTube, with over 2 billion users, is the world’s largest video platform and the second biggest search engine. This makes it ideal for achieving a broad reach with live streams. Before going live, you can adjust camera and microphone settings, set a title and description, and choose the type of visibility. Interaction with viewers through the comment function is also possible. However, to earn revenue through the YouTube Partner Programme, certain requirements must be met, including a minimum of 1,000 subscribers. YouTube also supports 360° video streaming.
Live streams can be saved and viewed later. YouTube supports audio streaming at 128 kbit/s. Unlike Facebook or Instagram, viewers do not need an account to watch streams.
Facebook Live
Launched in 2015, Facebook Live is a built-in streaming tool within Facebook. Streaming is initiated with a click on “Live Video”. Streams are visible only to users with a Facebook account. Viewers can interact via likes and comments, and videos can also be saved after the broadcast.
Twitch
Originally known for gaming content, Twitch is increasingly popular among musicians, particularly DJs. With at least 50 followers, users can apply for the partner programme to earn revenue through ads or donations. Only account holders can comment, but watching streams is possible without an account. Past broadcasts remain available for 14 to 16 days.
Instagram Live
Currently, Instagram Live streams can only be started from a smartphone, making the platform suitable mainly for spontaneous broadcasts of up to one hour. Viewers need an Instagram account and can watch only via the mobile app. The advantage is the high degree of interaction via direct comments. Streams can be saved and remain available for 24 hours before disappearing.
Platforms suited especially for musicians or bands – Stageit and Stagetasy
Stageit serves as a virtual concert venue for solo musicians, DJs or bands, enabling paid live performances. The platform allows for rapid reach expansion via social media. After registration on Stagetasy, artists enter their concert details and confirm their date, after which a dedicated channel is activated. Viewers can support artists either voluntarily or by purchasing a ticket.
The video feed is a crucial part of communication between streamer and viewer and should not be underestimated. While live streaming via smartphone or webcam is possible, high-quality streams require a good camera. The camera sends its signal to an interface where all video sources converge. A video mixer determines which signal is shown at which time. Effects like fades, picture-in-picture or graphics overlays are also controlled here. Common manufacturers include Blackmagic Design, Roland and RGBLink.
The Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini models offer extensive features while remaining affordable for semi-professionals. The ATEM Mini and ATEM Mini Pro allow up to four HDMI inputs. All incoming signals can be synchronised and enhanced with effects. Finally, audio-video synchronisation is achieved by adjusting the audio delay. The mixer connects to a PC via USB, and its output is processed as a webcam feed in streaming software such as OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, Wirecast or X-Split.
To offer a varied viewing experience or to properly capture a band’s performance, multiple camera angles are recommended. For live concerts, cameras can be placed to show angles that would otherwise be difficult to achieve – for example, viewing a drummer’s fills or a keyboard player’s solos from up close. The ATEM Mini Extreme with eight HDMI inputs is ideal for such setups.
Equally important is proper lighting. Today, there is a wide range of lighting fixtures designed specifically for live streams. For small setups, products by Elgato are highly recommended.
For larger live streams, more powerful lighting is required. Panel lights from Eurolite, Chauvet or Showtec are ideal.
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Traditional theatre spotlights can also be used for lighting. Background accents are important as well, so using coloured lighting in the background is recommended.
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Clear audio is essential for streamers. A good microphone is therefore an important part of the setup. While a headset mic can be used, it will compromise audio quality. A solid microphone is affordable and significantly improves the overall stream.
In a live streaming concert, instruments can be captured directly or via microphones. The audio then goes into a mixer or audio interface, is processed, sent to the video mixer and merged with the video signal. It is then embedded into the video stream, converted into the required format, and transmitted to the chosen platform.
The basic setup of microphones and DI boxes is similar to that of a regular live concert – up until the signal reaches the mixer. However, it must be ensured that every instrument heard in the room is also captured by the mixer or interface, as there is no PA system providing room sound for adjustment.
Unlike a live venue, only the captured signal will be heard by the audience. If possible, the mixing position should be acoustically isolated from the room sound to ensure accurate monitoring. The band can perform a normal soundcheck, levels can be adjusted, and monitor mixes set accordingly.
Instrument spill should be minimised wherever possible. This is especially important as many viewers will watch on smartphones or laptops. As in studio environments, any phase issues are far more noticeable in such listening situations than during conventional live performances.
