Your first streaming setup

Use what you already have

Your PC or console already streams. OBS is free. You don’t need a capture card to stream PC games. Spend money where people notice it.

The order: audio, light, camera

Audio first. Webcam mics are weak. PCMag calls the MX Brio’s mic “mediocre,” and that’s a premium camera. A USB mic like the JLab Talk Pro has onboard gain and a mute button, and PCMag says it gives a crisp signal. Set it to cardioid so it picks up you, not your keyboard.

Light second. Face a window or put a lamp behind your monitor. Never sit with a bright window behind you.

Camera third. The StreamCam does 1080p at 60 fps and comes with a monitor clip and a tripod mount. PCMag notes that Logitech’s Capture app can’t stream, so you’ll run it through OBS.

Set up OBS before you go live

1. Add your game, mic and camera as sources.
2. Set the mic’s gain so your voice sits high in the yellow and only touches red when you get loud (OBS audio mixer guide).
3. Add a Noise Suppression filter to the mic (OBS filters guide).
4. Record 30 seconds and listen back before you go live. OBS recommends the same.

Mistakes to skip

• Buying a 4K camera and talking through its built-in mic.
• Open-back headphones. Your game audio leaks into the mic.
• Switching the Talk Pro’s pickup pattern while live. PCMag says it can make a loud noise.

JLab Talk Pro USB Microphone

USB-C condenser mic with four pickup patterns and its own tripod.

Check price at Amazon↗Check price at JLab↗