I was recently asked to make a video about how to build a live-stream broadcast studio from scratch. Like a studio in a small room, such as a spare bedroom, or the begging of a larger studio but in one room, and so this is the script that I will work my video from.
We are going to talk about the equipment, software and more.
Cameras
Switcher
Audio Mixer
Microphones
Lighting
Computer
Network
Supporting Equipment – Tripods etc
Live-stream vs Upload
Videos and Photography, Softwares
Video Editing Software
Streaming Software vs Streaming straight from the switcher.
First off, when looking to build a studio to broadcast live-stream videos to internet platforms such as You Tube, Rumble, Facebook, or whatever, we need to understand the differences between…
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A Podcast – Primarily Audio
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A Live-stream – Live, in real time, Video and Audio
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A Vlog – Recorded Video and Audio, Edited, and Uploaded.
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Building a podcast-live stream studio
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Building a channel or channels
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Building a business/Building the first two into a business
There are people that say, set up a business first, and build your studio and platform on that business. However, in my experience, if you do this, and you fail to make a profit after 3 years, you will lose your ability to maintain a “Business license, an LLC: etc with the state in which you establish such. Therefore, it might just be better to build your studio, create your content, and build your following and community that you will interact with. And when that blossoms into a demand for generating money, then you can file and establish a business. However you do it, WHEN you file and establish what you are doing as a business, you can begin to use your purchases to build your studio, as overhead, and write off the cost of your purchases when filing your taxes. * I am not a professional financial advisor or accountant, nor am I professional to give legal advice. That is simply my experience, and to get proper and accurate information you should find a professional tax and or legal advisor that knows what the world they are doing…. and good luck with all of that.
I am not a big famous influencer, or well known on any platform, but I did start my live-stream channels and studio from scratch, never having done this before. So I will be coming at this topic from my own experience.
But before we get into the studio itself…
You need to ask the question, will I maintain a website where viewers can access the information given in my channel? I suggest that you do.
Will the information from your broadcasting be in white paper form, article form or perhaps blog form? I suggest you do one or all of them.
I also suggest you do all of this with building a community around you and your branding, not just a following, but a community. That means bring value for others right away, and interacting with those who follow you.
There are various platforms and ways to accomplish getting your website up and running. Whatever you choose, be sure to own your own Domain/URL and not some www.whatever.com/yourwebsite. You can get hosting and a URL on your own, or use a platform like square space or wix.
As for the genre or niche or niche’s that you want to cover, pick your primary niche and develop your push around that. For other unrelated niche’s, build seperate channels, seperate blogs, seperate everything. That way, people know what they are involved with, and you don’t have to sort through it all guessing what people are responding to. It will also be easier to chart what topics go well and what do not, and what is needed to get the desired growth.
Having said all of that let’s get into building out a live stream studio setup.
Keep in mind the benefits of building an eco-system, Which is a work flow of hardware equipment and software, that is designed to plug and play from beginning to end, that is from shooting to editing, to delivery or upload. Black Magic design is one such company that has designed what I think is the absolute best eco-system work flow that incorporates everything you need. The Black Magic Design “Eco-System” will allow you to start building out with your most basic needs of a live-stream studio and expand right into full size network broadcasting event switching and live streaming with all of the necessary excellent software to tie it altogether and make it happen.
Davinci Resolve, Black Magic designs video editing is second to none and is actually used in all kind of video editing projects from weddings to network sitcoms to Hollywood feature movies. The Davinici Resolve software starts out with a fully functional free version that is feature rich and includes everything you need to get started in creating videos and animations. It reflects the companies working motto. That is, to help the creative start creating, help them build and you will have a customer for life.
This motto is indeed reflected in and through the entire line of Black Magic design products and solutions. With Davinci Resolve you get video cutting, video editing, coloring graphics animation and layering and audio recording and editing, all for one price, one time, no subscription. I know this sounds like a sales pitch and it is. It is selling the concept.
There are other software that I will mention for photography design and animation.
Acquiring the best equipment you can afford that will create the best quality with the least effort for your end goal is best way to go.
Before we get into the equipment, …..
So Lets talk about the space your going to call your studio, and how you are going to fill it with what will be your set. Or, will you be needing a “studio on wheels,”l such as a campervan, RV etc.
Do you want to sit at a desk, as in an equipment review setting, or a table like a newscast? Do you want to be in front of the camera’s in a chair? Will you have a guest or two on a regular basis?
Will you be operating the equipment yourself, while doing your live-stream, or will you have another person switching camera angles, and managing the graphics, insets, and or interview windows for call-in guests? Figuring out how you will do all of this will help you in the design of your creative space, your studio.
So, if you are going to have a news desk set, and will be doing all of the producing work yourself, you can have your laptop, switcher, monitors, etc on your news-desk, with the camera’s in the mix. You might be able to put a computer or equipment on a work desk to one side or the other. You will also need a light, or lights, to get a good image of you on camera, and you will also need a microphone for yourself, and in studio guests, as well as a good way to get that audio in and mixed into your broadcast.
If you will have someone else controlling the switching of the cameras, and the audio, then you can have a seperate desk or space for your Computer, Switcher, and Audio Mixer.
As for the lighting……
Lights.
One = equals flat lighting, usually directly in front of you and very near or just over the camera.
Two= One at the 10 o’clock position and one at the 2 o’clock position, one 3 times or so more intense than the other. The more intense is your primary light, the less intense is the fill light. The fill light is also at a slightly lower angle than the primary.
If you are going to have a one or two chair set, where you are in a lounge style of envirnment for your studio, then you will design your studio differently, and once again you will need to consider whether you are are going to control everything yourself from the chair, or if someone else is going to do this.
All of this should be designed around your “calling” and your goals, however, Just start with what you have if money is in fact an issue. If you have to start with your smart phone…. then do it! Get it done!
What I am going to first list the equipement that I have put my studio together with. Then I will list options to start looking at if you decide you want to go in a different direction.
My Equipment-Livestream
Camera
In going with the Black Magic Eco-system, the Blackmagic Design Micro Studio Camera 4K G2 with used lenses.
I have two of two of these cameras in my studio, and they are absolutely fantastic cameras and are very affordable.
https://adorama.rfvk.net/NkWJzv
Lens for Black Magic
I prefer the following the Panasonic/Lumix Micro Four Thirds lens below.
https://adorama.rfvk.net/q49v25
I also have this Olympus Lens, and it works fine, though I like the Panasonic lens above this lense.
https://adorama.rfvk.net/9gDZEW
Audio
Mixer with Mics and Accessories
Rode RODECaster Pro II Studio Console, w/2x TAP300 Mics and 2x H&A Broadcast Arm
https://adorama.rfvk.net/oqDvXn
with a cover for the RodeCaster mixer….. Rode RODECover 2 Polycarbonate Cover for RODECaster Pro II
https://adorama.rfvk.net/baJKDP
Lighting
Others people use other flat panel lights that are good options also. I have two. A main light and a fill light. They come with wireless remotes, and you can split the channels and control the lights independantly. I use the….
Godox ES45 E-Sports LED Light Kit
https://adorama.rfvk.net/AWeQmx
Teleprompter
If you think that you might need a teleprompter, there are a variety of options out there. You don’t need a teleprompter to start. You can simply create “show-notes” aka a script or outline with bullet points, or both, and use paper as you broadcast. I did this for awhile. Even with a teleprompter, I still have the paper, just incase I want to write on it, change things up, or in case the technology fails.
In any case, for a teleprompter, I have the… Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Shuttle HD Recorder and Player
https://adorama.rfvk.net/LXB1nL
This is a versatile little unit, that can record video and audio from your ATEM switcher, play back videos, like a channel ID stinger, and be used as a teleprompter. You can get it for nearly half price on black friday sale, through new years sales. At least I did.
Monitors
You will need a program out monitor and a control monitor for your ATEM switcher. Cheap HD TV’s or cheap computer monitors from Walmart or Best Buy will do. They just need to have HDMI inputs, because you will come out of the ATEM as HDMI.
You can also use a seperate monitor with HDMI input coming out of your laptop or computer if you have an HDMI output. This way you can have options as to where your computer or laptop is located, and yet maintain a view in front of you.
Keep in mind, you want all views up and around your cameras, so that your facing your cameras for the majority of the time that you are broadcasting and recording.
Computer
The computer you use does not have to be the best of the best. However, it does need to be able to stream your content, and it does not to be able to edit video… and the higher quality video the better. If you can edit 4k video or higher quality, great! And this computer can be a laptop. I like windows machines, because you can tech them much easier than a mac when they go down.
Your computer needs to have the highest rated CPU and the most RAM for your money, as well as a good amount of storage hard drive space. MORE IMPORTANT than all of that is that the GRAPHICS CARD should be the latest and most powerful NVIDIA Graphics card with the most Video RAM that you can afford, and it should be able to run the NVIDIA STUDIO drivers. The reason for this being so important is that modern day video tasks and video editing utilize the GPU far more than they do the CPU. You can have less CPU if you have MORE NVIDIA GPU.
Your computer needs to have an Ethernet card and port. The higher speed the better. Preferably a 10GB ethernet port, for upward growth.
It is also good to have a thunderbolt port, because they are multi-functional. If your on a laptop and your ethernet option is only a 1GB port, your thunderbolt port can be used as a 2.5 GB option with a thunberbolt to 2.5GB ethernet adapter. Also a lot of various USB ports are good to have.
And finally, it is good to have an HDMI out also, so that you can put your computer anywhere, and attach another monitor in front of you to keep you looking towards the camera.
I personally have a tower system that I bought used off of my son for $600. It has an older RTX 1060 NVIDIA GPU in it, and it handles quite abit of what I ask it to do.
My laptop is a RAZOR Gaming laptop with a i7 CPU, a good bit of RAM, and a RTX 3080 GPU in it, a 17 inch screen, and with all of the fix’ns that I have already listed. This laptop is a powerhouse. But you don’t need this much to start live-streaming. One thing that you do want to do, is research the requirements that are necessary to run the equipement and software that you intend to acquire.
Editing Video
As mentioned, I editing completely with Black Magic’s Davinci Resolve. I started out for over a year with their free version, and then eventually moved to their Studio Version. In fact, I purchased their Speed Editor, which comes with the Studio Version of Davinci Resolve Editing Software.
Speed Editor https://adorama.rfvk.net/PyEg6z
There are benefits to Davinci Resolve, which go beyond editing video.
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You PAY ONCE! No subscriptions, just pay once and you get updates for life.
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The software includes just about everything you will need to editing video, audio, and create incredible graphics.
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It integrates seamlessly with Black Magics Mini ATEM Series of Camera Switchers. The ATEM switchers actually create Davinci Resolve project files, that open up right after broadcasting so you can continue to create new content with the content you just broadcasted, providing you remembered to hit the record button.
Other Software
Creating Titles and Thumbnails for your video’s is very important. There is a photo editing software that is free called GIMP. It works but I have found it to be cumbersome. So I use a Software Suite called AFFINITY…. Affinity Photo, Affinity Design, and Affinity Publishing. You can purchase the individual applications, but for the money it pays to purchase the entire suite, and you will have amazing capabilities at your finger tips. Again, pay once, and get lifetime updates, no subscriptions.
GIMP, It’s free https://www.gimp.org/
Affinity https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/
Black Magic Design https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/ https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products
The Stream Itself
If you are going to stream to only one platform, the ATEM can do that without the need for other software. For even more options you can look at the free software OBS. Some have had great luck with OBS, yet I have not. I have not been able to get OBS to even recognize my ATEM as a web cam. I had to go and purhase Vmix. The good thing with Vmix is, you can try it for free before spending the money on it, and I did just that. If you buy the lower priced version, you can stream to three different platforms at one time. I stream to You Tube, Rumble and Facebook. The other nice thing is, Vmix is a one time, lifetime cost as well, no subscription.
If you go with the Sprolink, the streaming is build into the unit.
Building a Mobile Streaming Setup
Camera-a mirrorless-hybrid camera for video and photos is the best way to go if you are going to be taking pictures and shooting video, other than for your live-stream. And your most likely going to need to take photos along the way, for your thumbnails and titles.
I recomment the Lumix S52X kit with a lense. The 20-60 kit lense is a great quality lense and covers a good number of senerios and needs.
I do not recommend Canon or Sony, while they are fine cameras, I think that Lumix fits the bill the best for versatility and budget. It is the best system for the money, and has the best color science out right now. In the recent past, both the Canon and the Sony Hybrid cameras have had over heating issues, and I personally don’t care how great the specs are on a camera, if it is shutting down after 5 or 10 minutes of use, then it is useless. And, while those reports are not coming in near as much, I still see people complaining about this overheating. Therefore, I would stay away from these cameras.
https://adorama.rfvk.net/JzXA2R
When I ordered my Lumix S5 cameras, they come with a Lumix Battery and Charger. I would settle for nothing less when buying, so pay attention to what is included when purchasing.
The Lumix S5iiX with both the 20-60mm kit lense and with a 50mm f1.8 fixed focal lense, good for low light photography and video.
https://adorama.rfvk.net/y2AvmV
Audio
Microphones
Audio 1 wireless lav, Rode Go2, or DJI wireless system for vlogging and 2 people recording in the field.
Rode Wireless GO II Compact Microphone System with 2x Transmitters and 1x Receiver
https://adorama.rfvk.net/R5qoOa
Diety Duo Pro for a small on-cmera shotgun mic for vlogging and behind the camera narration and interviews. The Deity Duo has three options. There is the forward facing microphone, and the rear facing microphone. You can include both, or select front or back. Or, you can plug in a wireless reciever also. It is therefore one of the most versatile mics for Vlogging on the market today.
Deity Microphones V-Mic D4 DUO Dual Cardioid Camera Microphone
https://adorama.rfvk.net/KjmGqA
In Studio Podcast Mic system. I recomment checking out the Audio (2 Level) Rode Caster Pro II or Duo with mic package from Adorama, such as listed below.
This is the package that I chose for a two person gig. They also have packages with more mics.
Rode RODECaster Pro II Studio Console, w/2x TAP300 Mics and 2x H&A Broadcast Arm
https://adorama.rfvk.net/oqDvXn
You will need a tripod or desk mount for your camera.
Tripod or desk clamp with ¼ inch tripod screw to mount the camera.
If you go with a Mirrorless-hybrid Camera, such as the Lumix S5 that I have suggested, you might want to get a light weight travel or hiking type of tripod, such as the K&F Concept SA254M2 4-Section Aluminum Tripod
https://adorama.rfvk.net/JzXAOE
or the K&F Concept SA255C1 5-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod/Tripod
https://adorama.rfvk.net/4P0Ago
When looking at travel tripods, look at the weight they can hold, the height they can get to, and how much they weigh for carrying, and how big and bulky they will be folded up and strapped to your backpack system. Back to the actual streaming topic.
Mobile Switching and Streaming, Other than the ATEM system.
For mobile switching and streaming, I created a mobile box out of a waterproof tool box from Harbor Freight. It is big enough to have air moving through it, and has a patch poass-through panel for the cables.
Some us the YoloBox as their solution. I have never used the Yolo Box myself, but have watched you tube videos on it. The Sprolink below is what I would be inclined to go for if I was not working a Blackmagic Eco-system.
I have not personally used the SPROLINK NeoLive R2 Plus Video Switcher, but have watched differnet reviews on it, and if you are not concerned about an eco-system, or want a solid mobile unit, this might be a good option for you to consider.
SPROLINK NeoLive R2 Plus Video Switcher for Live Streaming Video Mixer Audio Mixer hdmi Switcher 4 Channel Mixer Audio Switcher Live Streaming Equipment Video Switcher Mixer
https://adorama.rfvk.net/PyEgrX
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9CY34TZ?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_JJMY00W2X55YP8BJETKX
For audio in the field, you can use the same setup as you do in the studio, or add wireless lavs and shotgun mics, and mics wired through the cameras that are connected to your switcher.
Also to consider when putting together your live-stream studio is what you will buy to network everything together.
Level 1
The first network you put together can be 1GB but should be no slower than that. But if you build into wanting to do server storage or NAS Storage, which means Network Attached Storage, and you plan on editing video directly from that storage solution,then you need to plan on building a Level 2 network which will be 10GB or faster. That is 1GB or 10 GB per second.
Other things to keep in mind. All in all, I wish you the best in your endevors and hope that this helps you in either small or big ways.
Keep your own calling in mind.
What are you designed for?
Channel-Name-Niche
Create separate channels for each category of content that you plan to create.
NOTE:
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The links from Adorama are affiliate links. I purchase a lot of my equipement from Adorama, as they are professional, easy to work with, and very helpful in putting together my studio.
Other places I purchase are B& H Photo and Amazon.
I hope that this write-up helps you, whether a little or a lot. Go create and Get it done!
Tim!
Keep your own calling in mind.
What are you designed for?
Channel-Name-Niche
Create separate channels for each category of content that you plan to create.
NOTE:
-
The links from Adorama are affiliate links. I purchase a lot of my equipement from Adorama, as they are professional, easy to work with, and very helpful in putting together my studio.
Other places I purchase are B& H Photo and Amazon.