Although live streaming is now second nature to so many creators around the world, going live for the first time can still be a daunting prospect. Learning everything from using OBS to designing the graphic overlays for your show can be overwhelming for newbie streamers. But the good news is we’re here to simplify the process for you. To help you go live, we’ve put together a list of the most popular setups and considerations. These are based on common gear recommendations that we’ve seen used on Mixcloud.

Find the right equipment

Basic setup

First things first, you’ll need a laptop and a stable internet connection to start live streaming.

If you’re a beginner and planning to use Mixcloud Live, this is all you’ll need. But if you want to upgrade your stream, there’s more hardware to consider.

We recommend this extra gear for optimising your live streaming experience and audio quality:

– An audio interface or soundcard (routed to your music-playing device like a CDJ controller or instrument)
– Camera (in-built webcam or external)  
– Headphones
– Speakers (a.k.a Monitors)
– Microphone
– Mixer

If you’re playing music, an audio interface will help ensure that you’re streaming higher-quality audio. Also known as a soundcard, this device mediates between your monitors, music-playing devices, and your computer. Having a separate device processing your audio (rather than relying on your laptop’s in-built sound card) also safeguards your computer from overheating and your stream from glitching.

A DJ setup

This setup will give you everything you need to start your live streaming DJ set:

– Laptop/computer
– A DJ controller, CDJ and mixer or turntable or mixer
– Camera (in-built webcam or external)  
– An audio interface
– Headphones
– Monitors (left and right speakers)

You’ll also need a camera. This could be the in-built webcam of your computer, a phone, or – if you can afford it – an external device. Some cost-effective ones we recommend are the Aukey FHD Webcam and Logitech c920 webcam.

Finally the most important piece of gear is your DJ controller. This is a DJ’s setup after all, so the quality of your audio matters. In light of this, we suggest you purchase a separate sound card (from the one in your laptop) to ensure your audio is processed through its own device.

A radio show setup

If you’re thinking of starting a talk show, this is the setup for you:

– Camera (in-built webcam or external)  
– An audio interface
– Microphone
– Headphones
– A mixer

If you’re opting for a condenser mic, we recommend that you use an interface which will help connect the microphone to your desktop. Try Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. If you don’t have a soundcard you can opt for a more affordable USB microphone like Blue Yeti.

What’s more, streaming with Mixcloud means that your audio quality will always be retained with our high fidelity streaming, perfect for you to turn those shows into a top quality podcast series.

An audio-visual setup

Take your visuals to the next level and incorporate a green screen. This setup works well for DJs too, including Basement Tapes who live-stream audio-visual experiences:

– DSLR Camera
– Green Screen  
– Video Capture Card

The green screen will provide a nice canvas for you to add all your graphics, illustrations, photos or video montages in the background. Just add them in a third party software like OBS like you would your graphic overlays. The video capture card functions similarly to a soundcard, essentially allowing your computer to recognise your external camera.

A full professional setup

This one favours more advanced live streamers that are looking to level up their streaming experience as a whole. Along with the gear mentioned above, add these elements:

– Camera Switcher
– Lighting (e.g sound reactive LED or ring light) Firstly, multiply your cameras.

We’ve seen Mixcloud streamers use up to four cameras each at different angles, highlighting a different aspect of their space. For instance, DJs can have one close up shot on your decks, one front-facing shot, and then one above you. Using different cameras also requires a snazzy bit of kit to aid smooth transitions – if you’re looking to purchase indulgences we recommend the Blackmagic ATEM Mini PRO Camera Switcher.

Secondly, lighting. If you’re streaming at an advanced level and can afford professional level lighting. We recommend Elgato products that are specifically made for streamers.

Experiment with different kinds of lights to get the ambience how you like it. Invest in a key light to spotlight the most important part of the stream – you! Or purchase some sound reactive LED lights so that your lights are on beat and ready for those drops.

Live streaming tips

Planning your live stream

When working out the concept of your live stream, these are some things you should consider:

1. Goals: What are you looking ot achieve with your live stream?
2. Format: Is it a one-off or regular? Maybe both?
3. The idea: What is special about your show? Think of a memorable name.
4. Timings: How long are you going live for? What time zone is best for your audience?

Think about your show flow in advance

Introduce yourself: Tell your fans who you are, where you’re streaming from what you have planned for your audience today. Post this in the chat
and, if you’re using a mic, tell them.

Engage with your fans: Think of three questions you’ll ask your audience and plan roughly when to ask these, and in which channels (i.e. live
stream chat and Instagram Stories).

Get in the zone: Make sure you give yourself time to do this. You could even set a timer so you can forget about the chat and socials for a bit and really get in the flow.

Test the logisitics

1. Get your equipment together: Test it exactly as you’re planning to do it on your big day.
2. Check your internet speed: You can find internet speed tests online for free.
3. Plan where to read the chat from: i.e. your phone, tablet or another laptop.
4. Handling the mic: Try a few intermissions so you get used to handling the
5. mic, if you’re using one.

Test the output

1. Backdrop/visuals: Plan what this is going to be and set it up now if possible.
2. Record yourself on OBS: See what things look and sound like.
3. Take photos and video clips: Useful material to promote your upcoming live.

How to make your debut one to remember

👋  Post a welcome message in the chat. You may not be able to read through the chat continually but it’s best to post a message welcoming your followers and maybe giving an introduction for those who stumble across your stream. Comment on what people are saying in the chat, do shoutouts. Make people feel like they’re watching a live show. Give your viewers the power to influence, i.e. “type in the word GO if you want me to do x y and z”, create momentum.

🎙️  Pick up the mic. If you’ve never spoken during a show before, now is the time. Whether it’s saying hi to a follower, giving detail about what you’re playing or just having a chat, your viewers will appreciate it.

Here are some bonus tips:

1. Ask your viewers to come prepared to your live stream: suggest a theme, ask them to send you pics on social media and award the best dressed. Just make it something a little bit out of the ordinary.
2. Accept you might have very few viewers at first and this is okay! Make that one person in your chat feel special, ask them questions and start a conversation. Take this as a practice run and schedule your next stream in. If you remembered to take photos and videos from your set, at least you now have something to share to promote your next one!

How do I avoid copyright issues on live streams?

Mixcloud is different. It is purpose-built for music, uses fingerprinting technology to identify tracks, and pays royalties accordingly on your behalf. When you stream on Mixcloud, you can use any music you like and the artists played get paid.

What is the easiest way to live stream?

We launched Mixcloud Live for this reason: to make live streaming more accessible for beginner creators who are unfamiliar with the process.