Best Equipment for a YouTube Streaming Setup

Best Equipment for a YouTube Streaming Setup

Last year YouTube introduced a new gaming hub that has made it easier than ever to start streaming live on their platform.

There’s no better time to start streaming your games on YouTube but you can’t start without first getting the right equipment.

If you’ve been dreaming of starting your own streaming setup for YouTube then get started now. We can help! Check out this complete guide to start your own streaming setup.

Value of the Best Streaming Setup

Anyone can jump into the fray of streaming their games live on YouTube. That’s why the competition is steep. While having the right personality and style help, you also need to have the right setup in order to stand out from the crowd.

It takes a lot of processing power to not only load your game but also to stream it live. Viewers get frustrated if the video freezes or the audio cuts out constantly—meaning they’ll probably stop watching once they lose patience with your video.

If you’ve chosen YouTube as your main streaming platform, then you should know that it tends to work better on Android devices. This means if you plan to stream on your phone, having an Android phone is a plus. This is probably thanks to YouTube being owned by Google.

Can Your PC Handle It?

If you’ve chosen to use your computer to live stream your games, then it will need to have the following recommended capabilities. An Intel Core i5-4670 or the AMD equivalent.

You should also have at least 8GB of RAM, Windows 7 Home Premium or later and a graphics card running DirectX 10 or above. YouTube, unlike Twitch, doesn’t set these as its minimum requirements. However, having the baseline equipment can only help your channel.

To be honest, you may want to invest in better hardware. With the bare minimum mentioned above, you’re not going to be able to even play a AAA title at higher resolutions.

If you’re not prepared to build your own PC, Alienware and Origin are a reliable starting point. Plus, they guarantee their parts are optimized to work well together. You can always opt to upgrade individual components when more power or memory are necessary.

Internet Hook Up

Streaming online doesn’t just rely on the ability of your computer or devices. You also need to have a great internet connection with decent upload speed. The bare minimum for quality is going to be around 3 Mbps, but to stream in HD at a high FPS you’ll need closer to 20+ Mbps.

You can determine what your actual current Internet Service Provider’s speed is by using an online tester like this one to find out. Always aim for higher than the bare minimum requirements, and not that actual speed is often lower than advertised speed.

Capture All the Action

You can’t start streaming without the right equipment to record you playing. That includes a webcam and a quality audio feed. Part of the reason your fans are tuning in is to watch and listen to your candid reactions.

Some computers already have a decent webcam and audio recording. You may not even need to invest in additional devices. It’s worth testing them out with some recordings prior to going live to see if you need an upgrade.

Picture Perfect

If your webcam can use an upgrade then an HD 1080p webcam should do the trick. Especially one that will adjust accordingly to lower light. Some webcams will even blur out the background of the recording and only focus on you.

Crystal-Clear Audio

Viewers won’t miss a word with a separate microphone to capture all of your candid reactions. Some include different modes such as cardioid mode that isolates audio coming from someone directly in front of the mic. It’s specifically designed for gamers.

If you’d rather not waste precious desk space on a whole microphone hook-up you can also opt for a versatile headset. You’ll get the benefits of hearing amped up sounds and also communicate with confidence to all your listeners.

Broadcasting Applications

Now that you have all of your tech ready, you will still need to choose your broadcasting application. A broadcasting app is what takes your gaming stream and sends it to YouTube as it is happening live.

We’d recommend an app like OBS Studio. It is free to use and easy to install.

XSplit Broadcaster is another popular choice by gamers and has some pretty powerful offerings. Keep in mind that it only works on Windows. You can install this app for free. However for video resolutions that are higher than 720p you are required to make monthly payments. Still, it’s known for being easy to use and straightforward when it comes to setup.

Your broadcasting app will allow you to overlay your webcam video, plus audio on top of your game feed. That way your viewers can take in all of the action at once. You can also add a watermark using the apps mentioned above.

This is a great way to label your video content and create brand awareness as you build your audience.

Pros and Console

If you’d prefer to stream from your gaming console, then the setup is simpler. Consoles tend to have their hardware built into the machine itself. It’s easy to set up your video and audio using cameras designed for your specific console.

Plus, Playstation 4 makes it easy to connect by simply using a DualShock 4 controller that has a “Share” button built-in so you can instantly start streaming live once you’ve logged into your computer.

Xbox One players will need a capture card to live stream on YouTube. This allows you to send your stream to a computer first. Typically they opt to stream on Twitch instead, which is much easier for them.

Capture cards such as the Elgato HD 60S, will sit between your console and television. It sends a separate feed to your computer so you can take more control over how your stream looks. You also have the option to take content from another console.

Quality is Key

When it comes to streaming live don’t skimp on your streaming setup. It’s easy to get your channel started with the right tech. Then you can save time for the fun part, gaming with your favorite people.

Looking for more advice and pro tips on live streaming and other insights? Check out our blog for the latest news in the PC gaming world.

by admin

AMD vs Intel Values Compared: Which Processor Is Better for 2020?

AMD vs Intel Values Compared: Which Processor Is Better for 2020?

According to the Steam Hardware Survey, around 80 percent of gaming PCs run Intel CPUs. For years, Intel and Nvidia were the way to go. But now, with the new Ryzen 3000-series CPUs, people are starting to question Intel’s value.

Going into 2020, you’d be right to wonder which CPU truly offers the best value. For the first time in years, AMD is outselling Intel CPUs. The Ryzen 5 3600 alone is selling more than the entire line of Intel CPUs.

Is now the right time to make the jump? In this article, we’re going to compare AMD and Intel value and let you know which CPU belongs in your new machine.

Ready to find out which CPU should be part of your streaming equipment? Then read on!

Intel vs AMD: Price and Power

Speaking generally, AMD offers superb power to those on a budget.

The AMD Ryzen 7 3700X undercuts Intel’s value dramatically. The AMD processor offers twice as many processing threads and the MSRP cost is $50 less than its competitor, the i7-9700K.

If you need to use your processor for CPU intensive activities like rendering, AMD CPUs generally offer far more cores than Intel. The 12-core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is available for just $499 MSRP, yet it competes with Intel’s $1199 i9-9920X.

If you’re after budget power, AMD will typically beat Intel on value. However, there are some exceptions.

Single-Core Performance

In terms of single-core performance, Intel stomps AMD. This isn’t an issue for a lot of applications, but there will be some which will run better on Intel than AMD.

If single-core power is a top priority of yours, the i9-9900K will smash an AMD Threadripper 2970WX.

Graphics

Pitting integrated graphics against a dedicated GPU would have gotten you laughed out of the room in the past. For example, if you were to look at Intel HD Graphics vs Nvidia GPUs, the GPUs would have humiliated them.

Perhaps not for much longer.

Intel value is up with Ice Lake. These processors, which are designed for ultrabooks, offer integrated graphics on par with a low/medium-spec graphics card. For example, if you want to play Fortnite, you can!

AMD Ryzen CPUs have been offering a decent graphical solution for budget gamers, but Intel could have them beaten soon. This is particularly the case with all Intel CPUs featuring onboard graphics, while only certain AMD CPUs do.

Overclocking Capabilities

One of my best gaming PCs ran an i5-3750K, overclocked to 4.5 GHz. Back then, AMD wasn’t even in the running. Today, AMD tends to offer better value to overclockers.

You can overclock a whole host of AMD CPUs. Only select Intel CPUs (those whose model numbers end in a K) can be overclocked.

It’s true that Intel CPUs can usually run faster with their Turbo Boost technology, however. The i9-9900K can go up to 5 GHz from a base speed of 3.6, compared to the Ryzen 7 3800’s max speed of 4.5 GHz from a base of 3.9.

If you’re looking for a great budget gaming solution, which you can overclock to your heart’s content, AMD is the company for you. They are dominating the overclocking market and crushing Intel’s value.

True Value: AMD and the Decline of Intel Value

If value is important to you, AMD is the clear winner here.

Sure, Intel’s value is better for single-core performance but AMD’s included goodies just help edge it out.

For example, if you buy a Ryzen 3 3200G, you also get a 1200 MHz Vega GPU. This APU is cooled by a Wraith Stealth cooler. Go for the Ryzen 5 3400G and you get a Wraith Spire cooler.

The Wraith coolers are fantastic value and far better than most stock heatsinks. You don’t get anything like as good a heatsink on Intel CPUs.

They are a better proposition for gamers too. The number of cores on some of the Ryzen CPUs is insane and will help you hit high framerates in any game you care to name. The clock speeds may not be as high, but you’ll barely notice.

Hardware Compatibility

One area where AMD does come a cropper is with hardware compatibility. Due to Intel’s market dominance, AMD motherboards and heatsinks can be tricky to find.

Some heatsinks will require you to purchase an AM4 bracket to fit them to a Ryzen. A lot of motherboards will not fit AM4 chipsets at all. You’re going to have to shop around if you want to find top quality tech components that are compatible with AMD.

The Verdict

AMD used to be something of a laughing stock. Not anymore. Today, their combination of sheer value has smashed Intel’s value as a gaming CPU into the dust.

They are powerful, cheap, and feature enough cores for anything you could care to do. If you’re building a new gaming PC, there is no alternative: the Ryzen is where it’s at.

AMD and Intel FAQs

We’ve reached a verdict, but we’re sure you have questions. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the most common ones.

I’m Not Comfortable Overclocking: Which is Better Value?

If you don’t want to overclock your CPU, Intel CPUs are not worth it. AMD CPUs offer a lower price point and sufficient power for your needs.

Is AMD Better for Streaming?

This is a definite yes. If you’re going to be streaming, AMD’s increased number of cores will help you multitask more efficiently.

Can I Pair an AMD CPU and an Nvidia GPU?

Your computer’s CPU and GPU run independently of each other. There is no need to run an AMD CPU with a Radeon GPU.

Final Thoughts

Intel’s value is under severe attack by AMD, and that’s a fantastic thing. Competition is good for business, and we, as consumers, can get a far better deal.

For those looking to build a futureproofed computer, AMD is the answer. It may run slightly slower in terms of single-core performance, but that’s not going to trouble many. We wholeheartedly recommend grabbing an AMD chip for your new build.

by admin

The Top 5 Best Headset Microphones

The Top 5 Best Headset Microphones

If you’re interested in either streaming or chatting with your friends while gaming, then in addition to decent streaming software, you’ll need to get a good microphone.

Below, we’ll show you what the top 5 best headset microphones are.

 

Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

1. Astro Gaming A10 Headset

Astro Gaming is one of the big names in high-end gaming sets. So you’d expect the A10 headset to be pricey as well.

However, you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you see its MSRP price tag is just around $60. In fact, this is Astro Gaming’s first attempt at a sub-$100 headset, so it’s sure to be high-quality.

This is a wired headset that has stereo sound. When you compare it to any other headset in this price range, it outperforms them by far.

There’s a boom mic that’s attached to the headset and it has some piping on it. It’s permanently attached; when you flip it up, it automatically mutes. The mic is also very sensitive, which means whatever you say will be sound crisp.

The headset is very ergonomic, as it has felt-wrapped earpads and plush headband padding. If you’re used to having long gaming sessions, then these will feel great on your head.

2. HyperX Cloud Mix Headset

Bluetooth is a technology that’s heavily underused, especially in gaming. If you have a computer with Bluetooth capabilities but have nothing to pair it with, here’s an option: the HyperX Cloud Mix headset.

While it functions normally as a wired headset, you can also use it as a wireless one by syncing up the Bluetooth.

The boom mic comes with a connector, which means if you want, you can disconnect it and hook it up to your computer for recording if you don’t want to use your headset at any time.

Sound quality for the microphone is better when you use the headset in the wired mode; this is because it uses the boom mic. When you switch to Bluetooth, the headset uses a pinhole mic that’s in the left earcup. As a result, the sound quality isn’t as good, although it’s still clear.

The HyperX Cloud Mix costs around $200 MSRP, which makes it one of the most expensive headsets by HyperX. However, when compared to other higher-end headsets, this isn’t a bad price at all.

3. Logitech G Pro X Gaming Headset

If you’ve been gaming for a while, then you’re probably familiar with this brand name. Even if you haven’t, you probably recognize Logitech since they make many electronics for computers.

The Logitech G Pro X gaming headset is a good midrange one that has just the right amount of features. This is an upgraded version of their older model, the G Pro. It comes with a detachable boom mic that has an inline mic mute switch.

The greatest feature of this headset is all the microphone menu options it has with Blue Microphones’ Blue Voice. You can adjust things like the gain and sidetone to create the perfect settings to record in.

You can also create some presets for easy recording. Another feature is the esports pro presets. As you can tell, this Logitech headset has unprecedented customizability that other headsets don’t have.

The only issue with the mic on this headset is there may be some problems with sibilance when using the default Broadcast settings. However, you can adjust the settings and reposition your mic to easily remedy this issue.

This Logitech headset retails at around $130 MSRP, which makes it a reasonably priced one.

4. PDP LVL50 Wireless Headset

Not a fan of cords? But don’t have the budget to shell out three figures for a wireless headset? Don’t worry; we’ve got you.

The PDP LVL50 wireless headset is exactly what you need. It comes in at just $80 MSRP, which makes it one of the best budget wireless headsets around.

On the left earcup, you’ll find the boom mic, which is covered in foam. You flip it down to broadcast and flip it up to mute.

When in use, the mic is good enough for your teammates to hear what you’re saying. But overall, it’s a bit fuzzy, which means it’s not the ideal microphone to use for streaming.

However, considering it’s a budget wireless headset, it’s pretty good. Especially when you consider it’s only $80. So if you only need your headset for talking with friends and teammates, this headset should be good enough.

5. SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Headset

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the SteelSeries Arctis Pro wireless headset. As you can guess, this headset costs a pretty penny; it costs around $330 MSRP.

One of the key features of this headset is its dedicated transmitter where you can adjust different sound elements, all without having to use your computer. You won’t need to charge it either, as it’s powered by batteries.

Like the other headsets, the Arctis Pro has a boom mic. However, whenever you’re not using it, it retracts into the left earcup. There’s also a mute button on that side.

You’ll be pleased to know that although this headset is wireless, the microphone is very good. You won’t have problems with sibilance.

Get the Best Headset Microphone to Improve Your Gaming

With the best headset microphone in your gaming setup, you’ll have a great time communicating with your friends in-game and creating fun videos for your Twitch channel.

As you can see from our list, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality headset microphone. So get to shopping and improve your gaming experience now!

Want to learn more about becoming a great streamer? Then check out the equipment we recommend to buy to make your stream more professional!

by admin

Best Value Hardware: Top VR Headsets for 2020

Best Value Hardware: Top VR Headsets for 2020

Are you looking for the best VR hardware for your PC setup?

While previously unattainable to the average gamer because of the cost and complexity, virtual reality setups are popular among most PC users today. Most companies even produce easy-to-understand setups for novice users.

VR rigs have also seen an explosion in their popularity in streaming platforms. This is because a lot of popular gaming franchises are getting VR ports. With their viewers demanding to see them play it, looking for the best value hardware became one of their priorities.

If you’re looking for the same hardware, give what we’ve prepared below a read. We’ll talk about the top VR headsets that will prove to be your money’s worth.

 

Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

1. Oculus Rift S

Despite having the Oculus Quest released a few months after it, the Oculus Rift S is still the better choice for those looking to pair a VR setup with a PC. It is also easy to link up to your streaming setup. This makes it the most popular VR headset for 2019 for gamers and streamers.

Its LCD screens also help sell these products. It boasts 1280 by 1440 pixels for each of its screens. It also has a refresh rate of 80 Hz refresh rate.

This means you won’t experience any screen tearing on your headset, the PC’s mirrored display, or for your stream viewers.

Another great aspect of the Oculus Rift S is that it removes the need for external sensors. It has an Insight Tracking feature that helps you stay inside the boundaries of your area. This reduces the setup difficulties most people have with other VR setups.

This feature also makes way for better stream lighting. You won’t have to worry about blocking any sensors with your lights with the Oculus Rift S.

2. HTC Vive Pro

This VR headset is the most underrated and overlooked product in the market today. This is because most people find their price tag unfavorable. This is many times more powerful than the Oculus Rift S, though.

It comes down to the specs of the HTC Vive Pro. The headset has a higher pixel-per-eye resolution compared to the Oculus Rift S. It also has a higher refresh rate to help with the greater display.

You also don’t have to worry about knocking into things with the HTC Vive Pro. This setup has a larger tracking area for you to play in. As long as you have a big room, you’ll use the HTC Vive Pro to its fullest potential.

It’s also lighter than the Oculus Rift S. This helps you avoid dropping it from a sudden head movement. It also has a gesture control feature that lets you perform more movements and signals with your hands while you’re logged in.

Having the Vive Pro doesn’t mean you have to pick from a small pool of games. You have a library of games that’s said to rival that of Steam. This will ensure your stream doesn’t go stale playing the same games.

3. Sony PlayStation VR

If you enjoy streaming more console games than PC games, then the Sony PlayStation VR is for you. This headset is easy to port to your PS4 and will also be easy to port to your streaming setup.

You won’t even need a PC to help you stream with the Sony VR headset. This is because the PlayStation still has a clunky relationship with PCs. This makes removing the PC from being a factor in console streaming Sony’s only choice to keep up with the streamer trend.

Don’t despair, though, the PlayStation VR is the best headset for console gamers today. It has a lower pixel-per-eye display than other high-end headsets available. This isn’t a problem as console games have lower graphical requirements.

It makes up for this with a 120 Hz refresh rate. This is the highest refresh rate in the market. This is for those who use their virtual reality headsets for other applications such as watching movies in 4k resolution or exploring areas with armchair tourism.

4. Valve Index

Being the latest product in the market, the Valve Index is the best value hardware today. Valve understands gamers and you can expect to get the best experience when you get this headset. Their partnership with HTC in the past also gives them insight into how VR headsets work.

You’ll notice that the headset itself is heavier the moment you put it on. This is because of the high-quality construction that went into the hardware. It provides you with comfortable cushions and built-in speakers.

With fasteners in the right places to support the headset, it provides you with a comfortable and immersive experience while you are gaming and/or streaming.

Speaking of immersion, you’ll find more of that once you handle the Valve Index’s controllers. They have a different feel from other controllers because you can adjust them to fit your hands. The LCD panels are also worth your investment on their own.

These panels offer different refresh rates to choose from. This means you can have any processor with the Valve Index. You can choose a fitting refresh rate for the current setup you have.

These panels also have high resolutions display for your stream viewers to enjoy. The Index also has a USB expansion slot on the front of the headset. This means you can expect further updates to apply the current headset you have.

It makes the Valve Index a potential candidate as a long-term investment. This makes it a good first choice for your first VR headset.

Grab the Best Value Hardware Today

VR setups are trending today in the streaming business. Getting a high-end headset allows you to expand your stream and appeal to more viewers. Grab the best value hardware and set up your VR stream today!

Looking to keep yourself updated on the latest streaming trends and news? Check our The Builder Blog, your go-to source for gaming product information, trends, and advice.

by admin

Best Graphics Cards for 2020. Plus How Long Do Graphic Cards Last?

Best Graphics Cards for 2020. Plus How Long Do Graphic Cards Last?

With the cryptocurrency mining rig shortage of 2017 fading into rearview, it’s no longer a blood-letting to purchase a graphics card. The downside of this boom in availability is now you have to make a real decision on what card to slot into your rig.

Adding to this difficulty is the question, “how long do graphics cards last?” Should you ride how a sub-par card for a price drop or upgrade now. Buyers remorse and the grass is always greener hit hard with every decrease you push in quality settings.

Graphic card choice also suffers from what is good enough to what is worth it for the near future. Especially as AMD and Nvidia fight to achieve that coveted real-time ray tracing power.

This guide offers some nuts and bolts advice on how to choose a card and what to look for in performance and longevity. If you want the TLDR, our overall choice for perfomance is the RTX 2080TI.

Jump to Graphics Card Recommendations →

Jump to Graphics Card Life Expectancy →

Breaking Down GPU by Features

One of the easiest mistakes in buying a graphics card is to just grab something because it’s expensive. The idea that high price means high performance has its roots, but it misses the point of every other thing component you put in a gaming rig.

You want components that provide the performance you need, and that work well together. Rig building is every bit as much about nuance and knowledge as souping-up a car. Balance and knowledge are key.

Know what you want in each of these areas to pick up a GPU that will deliver without breaking the rest of your build.

Ray Tracing

Many cards claim to have the ability to perform real-time ray tracing. Outside of the newer RTX cards and the AMD Navi, what you get is upscaled rasterization. There’s nothing wrong with sticking with rasterization for another couple of years as long as the specs let you hit your target quality.

Video Memory Type

The first place to think about longevity, in particular, is with the VRAM. Your GTX 1000 line uses DDR5, the pinch point for that aforementioned mining snafu. The newer RTX cards are looking at GDDR6 or going into the HBM2 realm with Navi and 7nm Vega 2.

The thing to be concerned about is the speed of your processor and how it handles RAM. Running a GTX 2080 through an i5th gen or lower chip will bottleneck your performance severely.

Display Ports

The next most common error in purchasing a top of the line card is not accounting for the display ports. Most new GPU support display input or HDMI. It’s getting harder to find a card with DVI-D and almost nothing covers VGA.

An adapter will at least let you use an older monitor, but you lose a lot of quality in doing so.

Size

The card needs to fit in your case, not break the slot off your board, and not ram into your fans. Measure your case and pay attention to the height and length of any new card to avoid this embarrassing error.

Heat and Noise

Water cooling GPUs is still a newer thing, it saves you some noise but tests are iffy on if it saves you much in the way of centigrade. Blower-style cards have some great temp control but are not the option for an on top of the desk rig.

Remember that coil whine, while annoying, isn’t detrimental to your card and can happen to any card of any manufacture.

Best in Power

 

Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

To get the best in 4k ready, UWHD performance for the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 or next evolution in CoD you need a serious card.

This means you are looking to pick up an Nvidia 2080 Super or the RTX 2080 Ti. If you are an AMD fan or are interested to see how well the Radeon RX 5700 XT stacks up, the answer is a bit murky. The next line of AMD CPUs will play nicer with the Radeon cards and are outpacing their Intel counterparts.

If you are pushing for extra power for streaming, consider swapping to a second PC setup with a better capture card to bridge performance gaps.

Best in Price

 

Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

For the budget-minded shopper, the GTX 1660 Super ($300 range) and the Radeon RX 590 ($200) will get you to a 1080p experience fast.

For a bit more you can look for the RX 5500 early in 2020 which also upgrades to DDR6 VRAM.

Best for Space

 

Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

If you have a micro ATX build that needs a GPU to fit in a small form case, the GTX 1650 comes in a variety of smaller units. Though if you are going really small, the RX 570 has a few manufacturers that come in under 11 by 8.

For a budget card for a small case, the GTX 1050 Ti has a few low-profile options that make for a solid travel machine.

How Long Do Graphics Cards Last?

Obviously, in asking this question you are asking about a full-load and at 8+ hours a day. If you game once a week on Sunday to get to and from church, then you have no business buying your own components, j/k.

The thing is, a card will last you longer than you care for it to last. Even at full load, a GPU has a five-year lifecycle. That’s before the heat starts to get to it and it starts to suffer from decreases in performance. Fans or other cooling may give out sooner, depending on friction and vibrations.

A five-year-old card still functions perfectly well. And you might have fun pulling some old GT750s out of some rig somewhere bought used, but that card isn’t going to run a 3D FPS in 2020.

Sadly, three years is the most you can expect to get out of a card to maintain enough power to run a newer game at even medium settings.

Build Yours

That should do you on an upload of information for selecting your next best GPU for an upgrade or new build. Since the GPU still costs almost half of a solid gaming build budget, asking how long do graphics cards last remains an important question.

For more reviews or information on the builds used by your favorite streamers, check out our knowledge base on the PC specs of top Mixer and top Twitch streamers.

by admin

How to Make Money on Mixer

How to Make Money on Mixer

Mixer is a streaming service platform that aims to rival Twitch and YouTube. It’s now attracting top talents like the popular Twitch streamer, Cory “King Gothalion” Michael, who jumped ship recently.

The platform has been slowly gaining traction in the streaming community. This means it has the potential to be as big (or even bigger) as the two.

If you’re considering this platform for your channel, you must be wondering how to make money on Mixer. Let’s get right on that; keep on reading to know how you can create income from the platform.

1. Ask for Donations

One of the most straightforward ways to earn money on Mixer is to ask your followers to give you money. You’ll have to use a third-party service for accepting donations, though. As of this writing, the platform doesn’t limit what you want to do to raise money.

You can, for example, use Patreon to accept a certain amount of money each month. Of course, you must have something to give to your patrons in exchange for their goodwill.

Many streamers upload exclusive content that’s only available for the patrons. They can also get access to things like your private group chat, movie nights, and Q&A sessions. Recognition, merchandise, and such are also common rewards.

You can implement a tier system, in which a patron gets more access the more they donate. You can also choose to get monthly donations or a one-time fundraising event instead.

The key here is offering some sort of additional value to your stream, and then reminding them of the perks. You aren’t directly asking for donations on stream, but instead offering perks to supporters.

2. Get Sponsorship Offers

Many streams would argue that the best money comes from sponsorships. It works as you would expect – companies give you money to promote their product. It’s that simple, but the process to get sponsorships isn’t.

Sometimes, if you’re an exceptional streamer, you’ll eventually get the eye of an interested party. They’ll reach out to you and you discuss the deal.

If you’re only starting, however, you may have to work to get a deal. You’ll have to be the one to reach out to companies. You’ll have to pitch your channel and convince them that you can give them results.

3. Become a Mixer Partner

Becoming a partner on the platform opens up the opportunity for you to earn through ad revenue. In other words, it works like the YouTube Partner Program that monetizes your content.

Mixer says, though, that its partnership program is something more than a way to gain income. It’s also about nurturing the relationship between the partner and the platform.

Partners get perks like emotes and free Pro status. They can even give away free codes for Pro and subscription to whomever they want once every month. They get dual streaming, priority support, priority feedback, and more.

You do have to fit the requirements to even get reviewed. You need to have at least 2,000 followers on an account at least two months old. You must also have at least 12 streams per month amounting to 25 hours or more of streaming.

Once you pass these requirements, you still have to pass Mixer’s quality review. The platform says it focuses on Uniqueness, Professionalism, and Community Building. Still, it looks at other things to form a final decision.

If you’re already established on another platform, like Twitch or YouTube, you can reach out to the team for special consideration.

4. Activate the Direct Purchase Program

Streamers can now earn money by promoting the game they’re playing. Announced in 2018, the Direct Purchase program lets viewers buy whatever the user is streaming through a button at the top of the page, alongside the channel name.

The whole purchasing process happens right on the page, so you don’t need to open a new tab to complete it. Once you’ve successfully bought the game, it goes right into your Xbox or Windows 10 game library. This also means only the games in the Microsoft Store are available via Direct Purchase.

Streamers can earn 5% of every game bought via their channel. They can also choose which to promote: the base game, any other edition, or the DLC.

It also seems Mixer allows any stream to active the program, whereas Twitch only makes it available to its partners.

5. Get Your Viewers to Use Skills

Skills are something that viewers “buy” to be able to send stickers, gifs, and other effects on a stream. Each time a viewer uses a skill, the streamer gets a financial benefit. Although that financial benefit is small and the streamer has to be a partner, the money you get from this method can add up.

Viewers can also support a streamer financially using sparks. They earn this “currency” by watching streams. They can then spend it on skills. They can also use it to help partnered streamers reach milestones for small cash payouts.

6. Build a Following

Learning how to make money on Mixer is one thing, but making actual money is another. The only time you can earn big bucks via the methods above, though, is after you’ve established your channel.

Think about it – if you only have a few followers, you only get a small chance of getting patrons, you can’t become a partner, you won’t get a sponsor, and you won’t have enough viewers to take advantage of the Direct Purchase program.

To build a huge following, you must have good content. Find your niche and then stick to it; you’ll be more likely to build a tight-knit community that way. Make sure your streams are high-quality by using good equipment, including a green screen.

Interact with your followers, even if they’re still a small bunch. Viewers like watching someone they think they can be friends with. Appreciate each one of them and you’ll get more of them in no time.

Learn More About How to Make Money on Mixer

If you’re serious about creating an income by streaming, you must focus on building a loyal following by finding your niche. Once you’ve found it, focus on making your stream more professional by upgrading your equipment.

Top equipment to consider or upgrade, in order of priority:

  1. Choosing a quality webcam
  2. Using a capture card to reduce strain on your gaming PC
  3. Upgrading your lighting
  4. Adding a green screen

by admin

The Top Video Game Streaming Equipment Necessary for Twitch

The Top Video Game Streaming Equipment Necessary for Twitch or Mixer

Twitch has exploded in popularity in recent years due to streamers like Ninja, Dr. Disrespect, and Shroud bringing the platform into the spotlight.

But, you don’t have to have millions of followers (or thousands of dollars in equipment) in order to start streaming your own gaming sessions. However, there are some bare necessities that you’ll need in order to provide a quality experience for your viewers.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about what video game streaming equipment you need.

A High-Quality Microphone

A built-in microphone on a laptop or external webcam isn’t going to cut it if you want to achieve a professional level of quality while streaming. Instead, you’ll need to invest in an actual microphone.

‘High-quality’ here doesn’t have to mean ‘expensive,’ though. There are plenty of affordable microphones suitable for streaming that you can connect to your computer or laptop through its USB port.

If you want top-tier quality, though, you’ll have to take an extra step past a USB connection, as studio-quality microphones require an audio interface in order to use them with your computer.

For those with an extensive setup budget, this is the best route to take if you don’t mind configuring an extra device. If not, a USB microphone will do just fine (especially in the era of your Twitch streaming).

Check out our top microphone recommendations here.

A Pop Filter or Windscreen

Ever seen someone mount a circular, mesh-looking device in front of their microphone? This is known as a pop filter, and its function is crucial to facilitating quality recordings.

When we say words that have a ‘B’ or ‘P’ in them, the puff of air that our mouths produce causes the volume of the recording to briefly spike, resulting in a low-quality, popping sound. You may have noticed this while watching other streamers or during interviews where the speaker uses a bare microphone.

A windscreen is a foam covering you often see on microphones during news reports, and it serves a similar purpose.

While a windscreen is easier to set up (you simply slip it on over the microphone), it can cut off the higher frequencies of your voice, which may result in a slightly muffled sound while you’re speaking.

Regardless, it will prevent you from spiking the audio during your streaming sessions. If you’re looking for a top choice, we recommend this universally fitting windscreen by Dragonpad. 

A Microphone Suspension Stand

Placing your microphone on your desk in front of you isn’t an ideal way to record your audio.

If you don’t want to continually hunch over while you speak into the mic, you’ll need to turn up the gain value (this controls how sensitive the microphone is).

While it’s great to be able to sit up straight and speak, a microphone with the gain cranked all the way up is sure to pick up plenty of white noise. These include things like AC units, passing cars, and even people’s voices in other rooms.

Additionally, a microphone with a high gain setting that picks up loud noises (like a dog barking or door slamming) can cause a drastic spike in audio that your viewers won’t appreciate.

Instead, you’ll want a microphone stand that you can mount to the side of your desk or another nearby surface. This will allow you to adjust your microphone to an ideal distance from your head while you speak.

If you prefer, you can even extend the arm of the stand over your head and mount your mic upside-down, allowing you to record without the microphone in the frame or your video recording.

Our recommendation is this microphone suspension boom by FIFINE, it even comes with a windscreen.

Speaking of video, you’ll also need…

A Webcam

Your viewers not only want to see who you are, but they also want to see how you react to different situations while you play. It’s in your best interest to get an external webcam to record yourself, as built-in cameras are often notorious for their poor quality.

Many webcams on the market are designed with streaming in mind, allowing you to record at 30 FPS in 1080p quality. While you could take things a step further and record in 4K quality, only viewers with a monitor that can display 4K resolution will benefit from this.

So, 1080p will be just fine for your streaming sessions, as all standard displays can handle this quality.

Read our review on the best webcams for streaming here.

A Capture Card

If you’re playing PC games while you stream, you won’t need this device. You’ll be able to use software to record your screen while you play so that your audience can watch.

If you plan on streaming console games, though, you’re going to need a capture card.

Luckily, there are cards you can connect to your computer’s USB port to make the process as simple as possible. From here, you can connect both your computer and your TV to the HDMI port.

This will allow you to stream your gameplay in high-quality resolution even while you’re playing a device like a Gamecube or Xbox One.

Stronger capture cards require installation in your machine, so those who want to avoid this scenario or use a laptop for streaming are better off with external capture cards.

Read our review on the top capture cards for the highest quality stream.

Twitch Video Game Streaming Equipment: Final Thoughts

Since you have the potential to make money off of your Twitch streams, consider this video game streaming equipment an investment.

From here, you can focus on growing your following and providing the best experience possible for your viewers.

Want to learn more about how to grow your Twitch channel? This article has plenty of useful info.

by admin

How Do Capture Cards Work?

How Do Capture Cards Work?

To maintain FPS and stream quality, capture cards are almost always a necessity for streaming. While widely known as a product, the specifics of how capture cards work can be a mystery. While they appear to be a complicated piece of technology, these cards are actually more simple than you might think. 

Understanding how capture cards work requires a basic understanding of how video game graphics work. Games render their animation in real-time, by sending signals to the GPU which then turn those signals into the visuals you see on your screen. These real-time visuals differ from the pre-rendered files that are used for most videos. As most modern games are generally GPU intensive, your GPU can struggle to both render your game graphics and also encode them into video footage for streaming. This is where capture cards come into play.

Internal vs External Capture Cards

There are two types of capture cards, internal and external. While they have different methods of installation, the basics of how they work are largely the same. An internal capture card will be installed directly into the computer, while an external card will be connected through USB or other similar means. 

An internal card simply needs to be installed in the PC you are playing games on, and the video and audio signals will be sent directly from the card to your streaming PC for encoding. For PC’s, the internal card is installed directly onto the motherboard of the Gaming PC via one of the PCI slots. 

An external card connects to the device you are using to play games on, and the device you are going to record/stream the footage on. 

How the Card Works

The capture card works as a sort of “bridge” between whatever device you are gaming on and the computer used to upload the footage. The gaming device can range from another PC to consoles like an Xbox One or even a Switch. 

Due to the density of the data, most capture cards will end up creating a small amount of lag between the gaming device and streaming device. Better quality capture cards will reduce this lag considerably. If you’re simply saving this video file for later use, such as uploading gameplay footage to YouTube, this footage will be stored on the streaming PC.

The resulting file will likely be encoded in an H.264 format, which is the standard format used for almost all video files. If you’re going to be streaming the footage through Twitch, Mixer, or other streaming sites, the video file will be encoded and sent directly out to your viewers. 

It is important to note that the capture card does NOT do the encoding itself; that will still be done by your streaming PC. A common misconception is that capture cards will both capture and then encode the video files, which would lead to some offloading of processing from your computer to the capture card. Many consumers tend to be disappointed when a capture card does not end up lightening the processing load of their streaming PC, but this is simply not something most capture cards are capable of doing. 

Some capture cards are capable of performing some encoding, but this is typically a process for only the highest end cards. Throughout the whole transfer process, most capture cards will do little more than transmit data from one device to another. 

Not all capture cards are created equal, so it’s extremely important to do your research on top capture cards. Some capture cards aren’t able to simultaneously receive and send out data, making streaming impossible. These capture cards will still be able to store the recorded files for use onto an external drive, making them work fine for recording gameplay footage for reviews or Let’s Plays. 

No matter how you plan to use a capture card, it should be able to get you your footage cleanly and easily. If you’re planning on entering the world of streaming, or just want to learn more about it, understanding the mechanics of these important devices can prove invaluable.

by admin

SIEFE

SIEFE's Custom PC Build

Bio:

Real Name: Siefe Awade

Most Streamed Game: Call of Duty Franchise

Mixer | Twitter

SIEFE is a Mixer streamer who primarily plays FPS games, including Assassins Creed, Call of Duty, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six Siege.

SIEFE’s PC Specs:

SIEFE games on a pre-built Origin PC –  an Origin MILLENNIUM.

Processor: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

Graphics card: 16GB AMD Radeon VII

Motherboard: MSI X399 Pro Carbon

Ram: 32GB 2933Hz Origin Specifc DDR4

Case: Custom Millennium case

Power Supply: 1000W EVGA SuperNOVA G3

CPU Cooler: Frostbyte 360 AIO Cooler

Hard Drives: 500GB Seagate BarraCuda SSD, 1TB Seagate BarraCuda SSD

 

Peripherals:

Keyboard:  Corsair K70 RGB White

Mouse: Corsair Harpoon RGB

Mousepad: Corsair MM350

Monitor: SIEFE uses a BenQ monitor as his main display, but the specific model isn’t known

Microphone: Shure SM7B

Webcam: Unknown

Headset: Turtle Beach Elite Pro 2 – White

by admin

JaredFPS

JaredFPS's Custom PC Build

Bio:

Real Name: Jared (Last unknown)

Most Streamed Game: Fortnite

Mixer | Twitter

JaredFPS is a Mixer streamer most known for playing Fortnite. However, he tends to branch out and play FPS games like Call of Duty far more frequently than your average Fornite streamer.

JaredFPS’s PC Specs:

Processor: Intel i9 9900K

Graphics card: Founder’s Edition RTX 2080Ti

Motherboard: Unknown

Ram: G.SKILL TridentZ 3600 MHz 32Gb (4 x 8gb)

Case: NZXT H710i

Power Supply: Unknown

CPU Cooler: Unknown

Hard Drives: Unknown

 

Peripherals:

Keyboard:  Logitech G915

Mouse: FinalMouse Capetown, Logitech G Pro

Monitors: Acer Predator 27in 240Hz, Acer Predator 24.5in 240 Hz, Samsung 4k 28in 60hz, Dell 24in 60hz

Microphone: Unknown

Webcam: Logitech Brio

Headset: Astro Gaming A50

by admin