More advanced approaches to live streaming will utilise multiple cameras and will require the use of a dedicated hardware video mixer and streamer. This will take the outputs of the various cameras and allow you to ‘switch’ between them during a broadcast or ‘mix’ them together. It will also handle the digital audio without the need for an audio interface.
In the previous unit, we talked about how you can live stream using a mobile-phone or web-cam to stream content live online. To take things to a more advanced level, you will need to use a new piece of hardware to mix video and audio together and then stream this online via your computer.
Within the Connect:Resound project we have had a lot of succcess using Roland’s VR-1HD and VR-4HD video mixers and streamers. These hardware units are about the size of a small laptop and they allow you to connect HD cameras and microphones, combine the video and audio together, and then stream it via USB to your computer and through your chosen software.
In the following video, you will be shown how Roland’s VR-4HD can be set up for live streaming an instrumental lesson. The same process will be followed if you want to live stream a gig or concert.
The additional of a video mixer such as Roland’s VR-4HD adds considerable expense to the live streaming solution. The VR-1HD is around half the price (but is more limited in terms of the number of cameras and microphones that can be used). But these technologies, and those made by other manufacturers such as Black Magic) will provide you with a much more sophisticated approach to live streaming.
In addition to the video mixer, you may also need to consider the use of different cameras with HDMI outputs (if you want to live stream in high definition) and microphones. The precise choice of video cameras may depend on the location from which you are live streaming and the particular shots you want to include in your live stream (think about whether these will be wider angled shots or close ups). Do also think about the quality of the light in your room. Cheap cameras will struggle with low light conditions. It is also good practice not to point your camera directly at sunlight or an open window!
In terms of the microphones, most condenser microphones such as the PreSonus PM2 or Rode NT5 will be an excellent choice. It is always best to buy the best quality microphones that you can afford. After all, as musicians we know that the quality of sound is the most important thing!
Finally, these systems also allow you to include additional text or logos drawn from a computer within your live stream. This can add another dimension to your live stream. You can easily include picture-in-picture effects, transitions from one viewpoint to another, and a host of other more sophisticated video mixing within your live stream.
For further advice on live streaming and the technologies involved please feel free to contact us and we’ll assign you a mentor to help support your work moving forwards.
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