A wide range of equipment can be used to enhance recordings with Socialive. This article highlights video and audio equipment that has been proven to work well with Socialive.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Microphone Options
Any microphone recognized as a source on your computer will work with Socialive. However, audio quality may differ depending on your setup.
Wireless Headsets
The following options are most commonly used and offer good audio quality with limited visibility on camera.
Apple AirPods
Apple EarPods
Wireless Earbuds
USB Microphones
If you want to improve audio quality, a USB condenser microphone is an excellent option.
Computer speaker volume should be limited to 50% and tested before recording to confirm no background audio is being picked up.
Video Options
Webcams
Webcams are a simple, cost-effective way to increase the quality of video feeds. If a user does not have an integrated camera or needs to upgrade, the following options or similar offer excellent video quality.
Logitech C920—This Industry-Standard webcam with plug-and-play compatibility up to 1080p works well with the majority of computers and provides quality recordings in most lighting environments.
Additional Hardware
Capture Cards
A capture card is a device used for capturing video and audio and converting it into digital signals that allow the content to be shared across internet platforms.
The following are recommendations that work well with Socialive.
Elgato 4k Pro - Standard capture card. This device is considered easy to use.
Inogenie - High-end capture card. This device is considered to be very reliable.
Black Magic - This capture card/switcher provides the ability to have multiple cameras in one feed.
ATEM mini and other USB devices can also work with Socialive.
It’s important to note the following when working with capture cards.
Do not use Black Magic ULTRA Studio. This card has a known issue connecting to Macs running Ventura OS.
Inexpensive Amazon capture cards work but are unreliable and can affect the color and quality of the video feed.
Cables
The HDMI cable used to connect all equipment should be a high-bandwidth cable, depending on the resolution of the camera's output. Not all cables are built the same. If you have specific questions about the cable you are using, please contact Socialive Support.
Audio Interfaces/Mixers
An audio mixer is an electronic device used to mix, balance, and combine different sounds and audio signals from sources like microphones, instruments, synthesizers, or previously recorded audio. Audio mixers allow the use of multiple microphones in one feed, which is great for multi-camera recordings.
Adapters
It’s recommended to avoid plugin external devices into a hub or multiple adaptors. If possible try plugging directly into the computer. When using adapters, the quality depends on computer compatibility and processing power to generate high-resolution video.
Hardware Setup Examples
The quality at which content is captured through Socialive can be improved by using a proper hardware setup. Although these items are not required for recording in Socialive if you are looking to improve the quality of the output these hardware items can be considered. The following will provide low, mid, and high-range options for cameras, tripods, and microphones.
The items mentioned in this article are optional and not mandatory to use with Socialive.
Desktop Setups ($50 to $250)
USB Webcam - The Logitech C920 webcam is great for its clear picture and built-in USB cable. It is USB-powered and does not need a separate battery or power source. Webcams are perfect for a team of one in that they are plug-and-play. Compared to mobile devices, webcams provide an improved picture resolution and capture a wider color spectrum.
Tripod - We like the tripod for a lightweight camera. The Amazon Basics lightweight tripod is a good option.
Microphones - They need to be hard-wired into the mixer. Lapel microphones are discrete, allowing speakers to free up their hands during an on-camera conversation.
Mixer - Multiple microphones can be routed through an audio mixer.
Mid-Range ($1200 to $2000)
Cable and Capture Card - These digital cameras have Micro-HDMI outputs. This will require a Micro HDMI-HDMI cable to go to a Video Capture card, which allows a computer to receive the video signal. The Inogeni 4K2USB3 works great. Inogenis comes with a USB 3.0 cable to connect to the computer.
Tripod - Fluid-head tripods are an idea
Microphone - The option mentioned in our budget-friend section also works for this setup. However, you can reduce your cable clutter with wireless Lavalier microphones.
Mixer - Multiple microphones can be routed through an audio mixer.
Upgrading to a lightweight digital camera with wireless microphones will bring your video production quality into professional territory while still on a budget - and with the ability to do it all yourself. Even budget-friendly digital cameras can capture up to 4K video with great depth of field and the ability to customize the picture you're capturing.
High-End Setup ($2,500+)
Cable and Capture Card - These digital cameras have full HDMI outputs. This will require an HDMI-HDMI cable to go to a Video Capture card, which allows a computer to receive the video signal. The Inogeni 4K2USB3 is still the best option for this job. Inogeni devices come with a USB 3.0 cable to connect to the computer.
Tripod - Manfrotto fluid-head tripods are unbeatable for the price.
Microphone - Wireless Lavalier microphones are a great choice for this setup, as they can flexibly adapt to what you need for your recording.
Mixer - Multiple microphones can be routed through an audio mixer