Streaming your games can be a thrilling experience. Whether you are doing it for yourself or with the aim of creating a community of dedicated viewers, streaming can become the ultimate hobby or even a full-time career.
To stand out from the crowd you’ll need the right video and audio gear. Below, you will find some of our best options to level up your gaming.
Gaming Monitor
Every gamer needs the right screen to have the full experience upfront. Speed, power and quality are essential features for a gaming monitor. Our recommendation would be the LG 27″ Gaming Monitor that is built with an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel, which provides you with wide viewing angles and vivid colours.
Thanks to AMD Radeon FreeSync technology, which helps to reduce screen tearing, stuttering, and ghosting, you’ll be able to enjoy a fluid gaming experience. Additionally, it syncs your graphics card with the screen to offer you the best overall performance. You can also customise your game mode to leave you with the most optimal viewing settings for FPS and RTS games.
- Gaming monitor or streaming screen
- sRGB 98% colour gamut
- 300 cd/m² brightness rating
- 3840 x 2160 4K UHD resolution
- 5 ms Response time (GtG)
- 1000:1 Static contrast ratio
Hard Drive
Internal hard drives are mostly used for gaming but external hard drives are a great addition to provide that extra backup you need to save videos or to free up space on your internal drive. This ensures your PC does not slow down.
The Western Digital 4TB Elements Worldwide Portable Hard Drive provides a fast and secure storage solution for streamers. It’s compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices for optimal data transfers.
- 4TB hard drive
- Lightweight design
- 5400 RPM
- Universal connectivity (USB cable)
- NTFS file format system
Sound Equipment
As a skilled gamer, the delivery of your gameplay is an important part of making viewers dedicated to your community. Quality audio will take you a long way and differentiate you from the pack.
There are a few options regarding audio. You could use the computer or headset audio but the quality might not make a big impact. To improve the audio quality drastically, we would recommend one of these two RODE microphones that features a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range:
RODE X XCM-50 Compact USB-C Microphone
Create clear sound with no distracting echoes or delays thanks to the zero-latency monitor with the RODE X XCM-50 USB-C Microphone. The built-in DSP and high-gain preamp, with the featured cardioid polar pattern, focuses audio to the front of the mic and away from the back or side. Thanks to the UNIFY software you can combine up to four microphones and six virtual audio devices like games or music.
- Advanced DSP for Streaming & Gaming
- Highly Detailed Voice Reproduction
- Headphone Jack with Volume Knob & Mute
- 24-Bit / 48 kHz A/D Conversion
- 360° Swivel Swing Mount
RODE X XDM-100 Professional USB-C Microphone
The RODE X XDM-100 Microphone is created to offer gamers professional audio that will put them right in the middle of the action while connecting directly to your computer. It’s optimised to produce detailed voice reproduction while minimising background noise like sounds from a keyboard or mouse through the premium condenser capsule and cardioid polar pattern. It also has a mute button that comes in handy when you’re live.
Boasting an internal pop shield and capture shock mount for clear audio. To further enhance your voice, you can adjust the sound with a compressor for additional smoothness, high-pass filter for definition, APHEX® Aural Exciter™ for sparkle and Big Bottom™ for depth.
- Advanced DSP for Streaming & Gaming
- Highly Detailed Voice Reproduction
- Cardioid Pattern for Focused Pickup
- 24-Bit / 48 kHz A/D Conversion
- Built-In High-Gain Revolution Preamp
RODE PodMic Dynamic Podcasting Microphone
The RODE PodMic is a broadcast-quality dynamic microphone optimised for speech and broadcast, making it ideal for streaming your game on applications such as YouTube.
It offers a rich, balanced sound, with an internal pop filter to minimise plosives and internal shock mounting to reduce vibration. Combined with the RODE Al-1 Audio Interface, the extended 60dB worth of gain will deliver exceptional results for gamers and streamers.
- Optimised for broadcasting & streaming
- Dynamic capsule minimises room noise
- End-address, XLR mic tailored for speech
- Internal pop filter reduces plosives
RODE NT-USB Mini USB Microphone
High-quality podcast recording and streaming are possible with this USB microphone. The RODE NT-USB Mini allows you to record audio straight to your computer over USB, foregoing the usual audio interface, mixer, or high-priced recording equipment. And zero-latency headphone monitoring eliminates distracting echoes.
- Records audio at 24-bit / 48 kHz
- Directional cardioid polar pattern
- Internal pop filter reduces plosives
- Integrated 360-degree swing mount
RODE PSA1 Studio Boom Arm
The RODE PSA1 boom arm is the perfect partner to give you added flexibility to position the RODE microphone exactly where you want it. It lets you adjust to the action in a moment and gives you space to focus your movements on the game as the microphone is out of your way.
- 820mm horizontal reach
- 840mm vertical reach
- Touch-fastener cable
- Wraps desk-clamp included
Rode AI-1 Audio Interface
The Rode AI-1 Studio-Quality Audio Interface features a studio-grade preamp and a high-quality Neutrik combo jack that connects any microphone or high-power headphone amplifier into your Mac or Windows computer. It can handle any microphone, even the lowest output dynamic mics.
Its single input and streamlined controls let you record in no time. The AI-1 contains a single, combo XLR-1/4″ input with phantom power, two balanced 1/4″ monitor outputs, and a single, studio-quality headphone output and level control.
- High-speed USB-C audio interface
- Upgraded 60dB worth of gain
- Phantom power for condenser microphones
- Zero-latency monitoring
Headphones
Now that you’ve got a quality microphone, you’ll need headphones to match. To avoid echo and unwanted noise, you’ll require one that doesn’t have a built-in microphone.
The RODE NTH-100 Professional Headphones is crafted to leave you with exceptional performance, unmatched comfort and style, as well as functionality needed for game streaming. It has a sound signature akin to open-backs, yet the advantage of closed-backs that includes passive isolation from external sounds and no leakage into your room or microphones. You also have the option to add the fully-detachable boom arm microphone with broadcast-grade audio that is optimised for superior plosive rejection either on the right or left side of the earcups.
The earpads are designed with revolutionary CoolTechTM gel that forms part of the cushions to absorb and dissipates heat, keeping your ears cool and reducing wearing fatigue. It also has a bi-directional adjustment system and memory foam cushions to ensure sound isolation and a custom-fit feel for your head, even when wearing glasses. The headband is made from premium Alcantara® fabric and is fully adjustable, featuring a FitLokTM locking system. This makes it great for long hours of gaming.
- 40mm Custom-matched dynamic drivers
- 5Hz-35kHz Frequency response
- Over-ear sound-isolating design
- Dual-sided cable attachments
The Mackie MC-250 are closed-back, over-ear reference headphones that offer passive noise isolation and extended low-frequency reproduction. Padded earcups and an adjustable headband ensure comfortable wearing for long periods while gaming. This is a great addition to start streaming professionally.
- 50mm Dynamic drivers
- 10Hz-20kHz Frequency response
- Over-ear closed-back design
- Passive noise isolation
LED Lights
Another game-changer is continuous lighting. This ensures you get continuous lighting that can be adjusted to give you the ideal setting.
Godox Litemons RGB Pocket-Sized Video LED Light
The Litemons RGB Pocket-Size LED Video Light from Godox is an on-camera LED light you can take and mount virtually anywhere to add just the right amount of light or colour to your video. This is due to its magnetic design that lets you place it on any metal surface.
- RGB & 3200 to 6500K colour temperature
- 0 to 100% brightness dimming
- Integrated 1800mAh lithium battery
- 13x Light effect modes
Godox LEDP120C
The Godox LEDP120C serves as an extra light source when you need it. It offers brightness control and convenient operation for video recording setups.
- 3300 to 5600K variable colour dial
- 10 to 100% brightness dimming
- Angle-adjustable L-type bracket
- Supports cold shoe mounting
Godox LR-160 LED Ring Light
Achieve a soft and shadowless light effect while streaming with the Godox LR-160 LED Ring Light. It will allow you to adjust your colour temperature and light brightness to adapt to your need.
- C3300 to 8000K colour temperature
- 10 to 100% brightness dimming
- Weighs merely 1.21 kg
- Mirror and smartphone holder included
Godox ES45 E-Sport LED Light Kit
The Godox ES45 E-Sport LED Light outputs soft light especially flattering to skin tones and complexions which makes it perfect for live streaming and online activities. Colour, brightness, and remote control options make the E-Sports ES45 a great choice.
- 2800 to 6500K colour temperature
- AC Adaptor, onboard battery
- 10 to 100% brightness dimming
- iOS/Android control, detachable remote
Camera
To show your commitment to game streaming and attract more people to your channel, a camera will improve your video streaming setup immensely. A pro-camera is not necessary but you will need one that can record well and seamlessly connect to your PC.
You can also use these cameras with OBS software which converts the camera into a webcam. The software is free and you will be able to add visual filters as well.
Canon EOS M50 Mark II Mirrorless Digital Camera Kit
Aimed for live streamers, the EOS M50 Mark II enables you to shoot superb videos and live stream from wherever there’s Wi-Fi. It features a clean HDMI output and microphone connection while giving you YouTube live streaming support.
- 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 8 image processor
- UHD 4K and HD 720p120 video recording
- Dual pixel CMOS AF with eye detect
GoPro HERO10 Black Camera
The GoPro HERO10 Black Camera’s versatility has you covered, whether it’s outside or virtual online action-adventure.
With powerful webcam capabilities, live streaming just became your friend. Its revolutionary new GP2 chip shoots 5.3K video with double the frame rate, 23MP photos, enhanced low-light performance and bar-shattering HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilisation in all modes. To simplify things, HERO10 is cloud-connected; so the moment you charge it, your footage is automatically uploaded to the cloud.
- 5.3K60 / 4K120 + 1080p live streaming
- 23MP, superphoto & HDR
- Webcam mode + scheduled capture
- 8x slow-motion + liveburst
Support
To support gear such as the camera and LED lights, you will need a tripod that can position it correctly. It will also be important to keep your space in mind. If you don’t have a lot of space in your room or on your desk, the tripod needs to be flexible and as small as possible.
The GorillaPod 1K Flexible Mini-Tripod with Ball Head Kit from Joby is a flexible and versatile support system that easily works around your desk setup. You can precisely control the direction and angle of your equipment and then lock that position in place for easy use. This kit is ideal for compact mirrorless cameras, LED lights, flashes, or any other gear weighing up to 1kg. There is also a 3K and 5K option if you opt for heavier gear.
- Jointed legs for diverse support options
- Rubberized joint rings and feet for grip
- Full 360° panning and 90° tilt
- Standard 1/4″-20 mount for equipment
Backdrop
A backdrop in game streaming can be a great addition to eliminate unwanted background visuals (like that poster in the background or a spiderman sheet) and add a desirable one. It is a once-off payment that will comfortably fit in an office or bedroom.
The GPB 2.85x5m Muslin Backdrop has a green screen that will eliminate your background or allow you to adjust it to your need. An alternative is using XSplit Vcom which will digitally exclude your background but you will have a monthly payment plan.
- Length: 2.85 x 5m
- Sewn-in him for support rod
- Useful for creating visual effects on-location
- Use to add complex background elements
Live Stream Switcher
A live stream switcher is not an essential tool but can give you more control. With the Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro, you can adjust your audio and switch between the picture on picture and game view at the touch of a button. This also allows you to remove pressure from your computer so that it functions at its optimal level.
- 4-Channel live stream HDMI switcher
- Simultaneous recording to USB drives
- Live tally, stream and record status
- Record button, channel preview multiview
Conclusion
Gaming continues to be one of the biggest means of entertainment with revenue reaching over 2 trillion rand a year and showing a steady increase. There is a huge demand for joining a community, upping your skills and showcasing your ability within the gaming industry. With the right audio and video gear setup, streaming your game will not only be satisfying but can also give you a voice in the game streaming business.
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