Especially since TWITCH is a fairly NEW platform, they’re in the stage of ACQUIRING customers, not turning a profit. I mean even YOUTUBE isn’t exactly super profitable at this point, they’re still in the stage of acquiring customers and keeping them on the platform. But for some bizarre reason Twitch seems to want people to LEAVE the. OBS Studio has a cult following and is revered among the online community.
Home
Categories
Setting Up Your Stream
Live Learning
Setting Up Your Stream
Choosing the right hardware to stream can seem overwhelming, so we’ve gathered a list of recommended hardware and materials to help you get started.
Computer
To create a great stream, you need a computer with solid performance that can quickly encode your video and audio, and send it to us to broadcast to your global fanbase.
PC laptops are particularly useful for streamers who need a more mobile setup, whether that be a gaming rig you need to travel with, or streaming in high-traffic areas that double as your streaming room like a kitchen or art studio.
- Basic: ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop, 15.6” ~ $999USD
- Midrange: ASUS ROG Strix Scar II Gaming Laptop, 15.6” ~ $1,999USD
Twitch Streaming For Mac
Mac laptops are a favorite among creatives, particularly musicians. You’ll need to note that there’s an extra piece of hardware you’ll need in order to stream with a Mac.
- Laptop: MacBook Pro 13” 1.4GHz 8th Gen i5 128GB Storage ~ $1299USD
- Hub: USB C Hub Adapter with Ethernet, HDMI and USB 3.0 ports ~ $39USD
- NOTE: A hub is important for Mac users so you can plug in your USB interfaces and Ethernet network cables.
USB Interfaces / Mixers
An interface or mixers with a USB output is critical for hooking up your audio equipment to your streaming computer. Mixers have everything controllable on the board itself vs. Interfaces which have effects and EQ managed by simple control programs.
- Basic Mixer: Yamaha AG03 ~ $150USD
- Effects/EQ built into Mixer with Loopback control
- 3 inputs, USB connection
- Basic Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ~ $159USD
- Great entry into having a interface
- 2 inputs, USB connection
- Midrange Mixer: Yamaha MG10XU ~ $209USD
- 10 Channel Mixer with Effects/EQ on board, USB
- Great for using for streaming and live gigs, but large
- Midrange Mixer: Mackie ProFXv2 ~ $229USD
- 8 Channel Mixer with Effects/EQ on board, USB
- Great for using for streaming and live gigs, but large
- High End Interface: Steinberg UR44 Audio Interface ~ $299USD
- 6 Channel Interface, small footprint, USB
- Requires advanced knowledge of DAW software to add effects/EQ
Microphone
Great audio can make or break your stream. Some microphones are built for streaming or podcasting and have their own USB connections built in, but if you want to use your standard live performance gear, you’ll likely need a USB interface.
Cardioid mics catch the sound right in front of the mic, but do a poor job at picking up sounds further away. Condenser mics are great for picking up multiple subjects (two people/one person and guitar), but may pick up unwanted ambient sounds. There’s a great in-depth dive into Microphones and more in our Setting Up Your Stream post.
USB Microphones (no interface required)
Twitch For Mac
- Basic Condenser: Yeti Blue ~ $129USD
- Better for groups, but picks up ambient noise, USB
- Midrange Condenser: AT2020 ~ $149USD
- USB version listed, also comes in XLR
- Better for groups, but picks up ambient noise
Standard Microphones (require interface)
- Basic Cardioid: Shure SM58 ~ $99USD
- Simple but amazing sounding, tough and great for on stage too, XLR
- High End Cardioid: Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone ~ $399USD
- Industry standard as far as versatile mics go, XLR
Stands / Mounts
- Desk Mount: RODE PSA 1 ~ $98USD
- Desk Stand: Gator Stand ~ $39USD
Cameras
There are lots of options when it comes to cameras: from using your laptop’s built-in camera to using dedicated capture cards connected to high-end cameras and DSLRs. We’ve included some nice, simple USB cameras below that don’t require complicated setup.
- Basic: Logitech C920 ~ $99USD
- Basic: Razer Kiyo (plus basic built-in ring light) ~ $79USD
- Midrange: Logitech Brio ~ $199USD
Lighting
Digital cameras don’t like dimly lit rooms! Good lighting can make a big difference.
- Basic: Ustellar 2 Pack 15W RGB LED Flood Lights ~ $29-$65USD
- LED colored lighting w/ remote control
- Can use for lighting you, or lighting background for dynamic looks
- No light shading options
- Midrange: UBeesize 10” Selfie Ring Light with 50” Tripod ~ $43USD
- Tripod (included) mountable ring light that works well for one person
- Color options and filters
- High End: Elgato Key Light ~ $129 - $199USD
- All the features of the Ring light but can get much brighter
Do Less
Twitch doesn't search or index your whole computer—instead, you choose the apps, files, and scripts that you need at your fingertips.
No Mouse Required
Open Twitch with a quick tap of any modifier key, such as Control or Command, or use a key combo to open Twitch from any application. Keep your hands on the keyboard; you don't need a mouse here.
Consistently At Your Service
Unlike the Dock, Finder, or Cmd-Tab, you don't need to look through a list of icons to find what you need. Twitch launches just what you've chosen for a given key, every time, so you can use it with your eyes closed. (Think
O(1), notO(n))Plays Well with Others
Twitch is the perfect complement to Spotlight, Quicksilver, or other launchers. With Twitch, you don't wait for a search or even press Return.
Plus, Twitch launches AppleScripts for easy control and integration with the rest of your Mac.
Twitch is as easy as 1-2-3
Twitch For Mac Os
- Tap the key combo you've assigned to Twitch.
- Tap the letter you've chosen for what you want to launch.
- TODO: come up with a clever reason there's no step 3
Twitch Desktop App
Twitch is made with Xcode, vim, espresso, and love
by Kevin Gessner, copyright © 2010-2012.
Headings are set in Nevis by Ed Merritt.
Apple graphics copyright © Apple Inc.