The situation we’re facing right now due to the Covid-19 pandemic has made it difficult to reach out to people. It is in times like these that social media might seem like a blessing. In addition to written posts, you might also like the idea of a live stream to share your thoughts with people. A lot of people are trying out such innovative things nowadays.
You can even find live stream concerts on the internet and enjoy them. Apart from that, interviews, religious services, and even marriages are being live-streamed. Feel like making your own live stream? In that case, there are some things you must arrange for at first.
Apart from the video, you would also want the quality of the sound to be great. If the audio is not good, it would ruin all the time you put into your live stream. So, keep reading to know more about how to get good sound quality.
How to get Good Audio Quality in your Live Stream?
Having good quality audio is very essential for your live stream. If the sound is bad or isn’t there at all, people will find it annoying to watch. So, there are some steps you must take in order to make sure your audio is perfect.
1. Invest in a Good Microphone
Guess what’s the most important thing that impacts the audio — the microphone you’re using. There are many good quality microphones in the market to choose from. And, finding the best and affordable one would be totally worth it. If you plan on using the mic of your phone, you must know that it won’t be adequate for the purpose.
2. Use an Audio Encoding Software
Among other essential things, you must not forget to use the right encoding software for a live stream. There are different sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, etc where you might want to stream. Each of these sites supports some specific file formats.
Now, what an encoding software does is convert your audio and video to a format supported by the site where you want to stream. Doing that involves compressing the file. Depending on which software you’re using, it can affect your sound quality. So, it is very important that you use the best audio encoder that you can find.
3. Remove Echoes and Background Noises
If there are any obstacles in your live stream it has to be background noises and echoes. The thing is, they can affect your audio even when you’re using the best microphone and other high-quality equipment. Moreover, these problems cannot be ignored if you want good audio quality. So, you must make the necessary arrangements to remove them.
4. Position the Mic Appropriately
The position in which you keep the mic has an effect on the sound received by viewers. As you probably might know, the right way to hold the microphone is — it should be pointed towards your mouth and within 3 inches. Also, it is important to hold the mic in a perfect position all the while you’re speaking. As such, you might want to note that the microphones that are head-worn would be best for this.
5. Always Test the Sound before Starting
This one is a pretty obvious step that you must take. You must always check the sound quality and make the required adjustments before you get started. Since you wouldn’t be able to know how the audio gets reflected on the other side, you’ll need someone’s help for this purpose.
Which are the Best Microphones for Live Streaming?
As you know, the mic is the biggest determining factor of the sound quality in your stream. Since that’s the case, you must try to find the best one. Overall, the following products can be called some of the best among the list that you’ll find:
1. HyperX SoloCast
Looking for a microphone with good performance at an affordable price? This model from HyperX can just be the absolute fit for your requirement. It is very simple to use and you can easily transport it from one location to another. Due to its cardioid polar pattern, it works just great for the purpose of recording vocals. It also has a considerably high-frequency response. In short, it’s a great option for those who have a comparably low budget.
2. Razer Seiren X
Is portability your main concern while looking for a microphone? You probably have to look no further than this superb product from Razer. It is highly portable and has a very compact design. You can comfortably pack it in your bag and take it to the location of the recording. Not only that, it comes with many other great features as well. You’ll love the clarity with which it records your voice. Also, with a super-polaroid pattern, it is a perfect choice for vocals. It features a single button for controlling the volume, as well as muting the audio. For its safety, it also comes with an in-built shock mount. If you’re willing to pay a considerate amount of money, this mic would be a great option for you.
3. Shure SM7B
If you’re looking for a mic that’s literally perfect, you might want to get this one. You seriously won’t find any flaws in it. This model has been the best microphone for vocals for quite a long time. It’s simply a superb choice for streaming concerts and podcasts. There’s nothing more that demands to be said after this. It is an excellent value at a very reasonable price.
There is a bundle of choices for you to pick from. Now, which one would be best for you depends on your requirements.