More than ever these days, musicians are streaming live from their homes. To make your own stand out from the crowd, you need more than just good performance - you need to optimize the technology you use so that your derivatives have a high level of quality. Here are ten tips to help you create a live streaming production that you will be proud of!
1. Choose the right platform
All the top social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter etc.) offer live streaming options. Your choice will probably be the one where you have the most followers or where the style of music suits you best. But there are other factors to consider. For example, YouTube allows you to stream live from a mobile device only if you have a channel with thousands or more followers. (However, there is no minimum requirement for followers if you are streaming from a computer.)
YouTube also requires a 24-hour wait period after your account has been verified (a relatively quick process involving entering your phone number) before you can start live streaming.
On Instagram Live it is easy to start live streaming but your content only stays for 24 hours. If you want your work to be available all the time, you need to record it and upload it again to Instagram or YouTube. Take a look at these links for more details on some media policies : YouTube, Instagram Live, Facebook Live.
2. Improve the quality of your sound
Live streaming, in its most basic version, takes place if you stand in front of your smartphone's microphone and use the built-in camera and microphone to capture what you want. It's easy and fast, but it does not offer the best results, especially in terms of sound. This is because the built-in microphones on the phones are generally monophonic and do not have very good fidelity - this is not surprising, since they are mainly designed for making phone calls. In addition, you need to position yourself in such a way that the voice and the instrument are recorded correctly. This usually requires you to move your mouth close to the microphone, which means moving your face close to the camera, resulting in less flattering close-ups with possible distortion.
Whether you are streaming live from your phone or computer, you can connect higher quality audio devices, such as USB microphones or a separate audio console. The latter (Audio Console) allows the use of professional quality external microphones (placed exactly where you want) and also allows you to combine multiple sources at the same time. They also allow you to create a stereo mix before the sound is sent to your computer software. (See tip # 8 below.)
A good starting point would be one of the great Yamaha AG series mixers, which are ideal for live streaming and podcasts, with features like built-in effects and USB / iPad connections.
Yamaha AG03 mixer
If you need more inputs and extra flexibility, take a look at the Yamaha MG Series or MGP Series, which come in a variety of sizes and offer USB output, making them suitable for live streaming applications.
The Yamaha MG10XU mixer offers plenty of channels and a USB output.
YAMAHA MG-10-XU USB
If you are playing music and singing at the same time, you should consider using a voice microphone like the one you use on stage, as well as a second microphone (or a DI connection) for your instrument. If there are more than one person, more inputs on your console are necessary for a good result.
If you use your camera phone, you can connect USB consoles to it using a cheap and readily available adapter cable. For iOS devices, you will need the Apple Lightning-to-USB camera adapter. for Android ™, an OTG cable.
3. Create an attractive visual environment
You want to make your graphics as attractive as possible, so finding the best spot in your home or apartment for your live streaming is crucial. You probably want the background to be as simple as possible - a full room will distract your viewers. Light curtains create a good background. If you do not have one, you can always hang some fabric on the wall behind you.Alternatively, consider creating a "green frame" - a fabric backdrop in a specific shade of green compatible with the color used by your software. This is a great way to start, as it allows you to use all kinds of images as a background, giving you many visual options.
4. Check your lighting
You will also need decent lighting. If you do not intend to do your live streaming during the day (and if you assume that you have a place with good natural light), you should use artificial lighting of some type. You may be able to get started with existing lighting in your home, but you should consider buying a small set of special lighting for video, as professional lighting will help eliminate facial shadows and other visual imperfections. Their products and prices vary quite a bit, but you should be able to get something that is reliable.
Daylight can work in your favor
5. Use a tripod or stand
Whether you are using your phone camera or a separate camcorder, you will need a stand or a tripod. Obviously, you can't hold a camera and play music or sing at the same time. Even if you have someone in your home who can handle it for you, you want the shot to be stable, not shaky, as it would be if the camera did not have a solid base.
A fixed camera will offer a much more professional look and help you keep your viewers longer.
6.Consider using multiple cameras
If you are ambitious and have the money to invest in it, you can use more than one camera for your livestreaming. To do this, you will need some image hardware or software, and a video capture card. You will also need someone to operate the switch during your live streaming. The result is of course much more exciting, as the viewer will not watch the broadcast from the same camera angle from start to finish.
7. Improve your internet connection
Fixed internet connection gives a huge advantage in terms of live streaming. If the Wi-Fi in your home is unstable, it may not always allow your results to be the best visually or aurally. However, if you operate where the signal is weak or unstable, your transmission will temporarily stop and freeze, which could ruin the effect for your viewers. In general, you will get the best results if you do your live streaming in the same room as your router (or with the Wi-Fi repeater, if you have one). If possible, connect your router or repeater to an Ethernet cable (rather than a wireless one) and you will definitely get better results - and possibly faster - service.
8. Choose the right coding software
To combine audio and video sources for streaming, you need to install broadcast software on your computer. Fortunately, you do not have to spend money to do this. Two of the top free software applications are OBS Studio (OBS stands for "Open Broadcaster Software") and Stream labs. Other software packages that offer more features are also available.
These apps let you format video and audio inputs and stream your content directly to YouTube, Facebook, Periscope (Twitter streaming service) and Twitch, among others. (However, only one at a time. If you want to stream to multiple sources, you will have to pay for a subscription to a multi-streaming platform, such as CASTR, Restream or Switchboard.)
9. Play original music
Legally, you do not have the right to play a song online unless you have arranged a license through an agent such as The Harry Fox Agency. If you play a song without permission, your live streaming (or the recording you post) could be removed from Facebook, YouTube or any platform to which you transferred it.
OBS Studio
10.Test Test Test!
Before doing live streaming in the world, you must try your settings extensively. Check how your background looks, how the lighting works, if your sound passes with sufficient fidelity, and how your internet connection is maintained. Do several tests before any public appearance. If you have decided to use YouTube, you can do a trial live streaming that has been recorded but which only you can access. For other platforms, you can create a separate account that you use solely for testing purposes and do not publish them. In addition, most OBS software packages offer an easy registration option. Just use the same settings you plan to use for your livestreaming, then record a rehearsal at your local drive to see a preview of how it will look and sound.
Above all, remember Murphy's Law.
Whatever can go wrong will go wrong!
The only way to deal with it is to be properly prepared.
Good streaming!
