[Updated 11/12/2021]
In a variety of live-streamed events, we gather the OptiChannel sales & marketing community to hear from business leaders in many industries. The goal is to learn from hands-on practitioners who use OptiChannel strategies and tactics to find and engage their audience on their optimal channels.
We broadcast these events on Zoom, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and enjoy the company of thousands of commercial printers, agencies, and b2b/b2c brands from around the world.
Over the past few months, we’ve invested in improving all aspects of the stream, and a question we keep getting is “What kind of equipment are you using?“
So, I figured it’s time to publish the list and see if we can help others engage their community in the same way. We’ll keep this post updated as we make subsequent improvements, and we’re happy to answer *any* questions you have about how to enhance your live stream’s quality in the comments below.
No question is off-limits 🙂
Equipment List
Here are the major components of what we’re using in the studio. As you’ve probably heard me say a few times, if you’re just getting started, you don’t need all of this equipment. You can create and distribute content on virtually any budget these days.
Each of the items below includes an affiliate link where you can learn more and/or purchase the product if it’s helpful to you.
And if you have questions about what you need, how to set it up, and budgeting for your own live stream, find me in the comments and let’s chat.
Here goes!
PS: As an Amazon affiliate, all of the links in this article may earn us a small commission (usually, a handful of pennies!) when readers purchase products through these links. This doesn’t affect which products we include in this article. I selected each of the items listed below simply based on personal needs.
QSC TouchMix-8 Compact Digital Mixer
This is what the Heil PR-40 (our mic of choice) is plugged into, and it dramatically improves the quality of our audio. However, I probably wouldn’t get this device if I were starting over. Before you purchase this, let’s talk in the comments and make sure it’s right for you.
Heil Sound PR 40 Dynamic Cardioid Studio Microphone
We have a few of these mics, and use them for video and audio production. They’re wonderful and the quality is great! Learn more about them on Amazon here.
For many. years, I used a MacBook Pro, but live streaming required more computational power. After some research, I settled on the Mac M1 Mini, and am very happy. While the MacBook Pro used to sound like a jet engine warming up, the Mac M1 Mini is remarkable and keeps everything running without issue.
Here’s the exact configuration I choose:
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 16GB unified memory
- Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU, 8‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Engine
- 2TB SSD storage
Since the Mac M1 Mini doesn’t come with a keyboard or trackpad, I also purchased these:
Elgato Stream Deck XL – Advanced Stream Control with 32 customizable LCD Keys
This is a device that’s very helpful for producing a livestream. You can program any of the buttons to do things you need during the event, like switching cameras, controlling Zoom, bringing up documents, and so on. You can get one (if they’re in stock) here!
This is the camera we use for all live streams. It has worked very well so far. Takes a little time to configure, but once you get through those hoops, you’re pretty much plug-n-play. It connects to the computer via the Elgato Cam Link (below). See more on Amazon here.
This is a capture card that takes the camera’s output (Micro HMDI to HDMI cord is here) into the Elgato Cam Link, and then into the computer. It allows your computer to recognize the camera as a webcam.
Lights
I currently use an Elgato Key Light, Elgato Ring Light, and Elgato Lightstrip.
Zoom
This is what we use for most of our live events. I’m sure you’re familiar with it!
Restream.io
When we go live, we also publish a stream to restream.io, which in turn simulcasts to Facebook and LinkedIn.
Things I’m Considering
The above items are the major components of the studio. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments.
Next, let me show you some of the things I’m currently evaluating. If you’re using any of these, let me know!
Glide Gear TMP 750 17″ Professional Teleprompter
The Glide Gear TMP 750 is what I’ll like most likely acquire next, but I am considering the Glide Gear TMP 100 too. Bear in mind that the Teleprompter also needs a monitor or iPad, which isn’t included.
Hey everyone! We plan to keep this post updated … both with new equipment as we add it, as well as answers to your questions. So if you’re reading this, and you’d like to know more, don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you!
Do you have a picture of your equipment set up? It would help to see your lighting distances etc.
Hey Mark, this would be a great improvement to the post. Let me see if we can make some updates (as a few other things have been refactored, too), and get back to you. Thank you!