Live streaming music setup

{{whyLabel}}: High-quality audio is the most critical element of a music stream; onboard soundcards lack the necessary preamps and low-latency drivers.

{{howLabel}}:

• Select a device with at least two XLR/TRS combo inputs and 48V Phantom Power.
• Ensure it supports 24-bit/48kHz or 96kHz sample rates.
• Install the official ASIO drivers for your operating system to minimize lag.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The interface is recognized by the OS and audio signals are visible in the system mixer.

{{whyLabel}}: Proper microphone choice ensures your vocals or acoustic instruments sound professional and clear.

{{howLabel}}:

• Use a Cardioid Dynamic mic if your room is untreated (to reject background noise).
• Use a Large Diaphragm Condenser if you have a quiet, treated space for maximum detail.
• Position the mic 6-10 inches from your mouth, slightly off-axis to avoid plosives.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Microphone is mounted on a boom arm and connected to the interface.

{{whyLabel}}: Good lighting is more important for video quality than the camera sensor itself, as it reduces digital noise.

{{howLabel}}:

• Key Light: Place the brightest light at a 45-degree angle to your face.
• Fill Light: Place a softer light on the opposite side to reduce harsh shadows.
• Back Light: Position a light behind you to separate you from the background.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Your face is clearly visible without deep shadows or overexposed 'hot spots'.

{{whyLabel}}: Eye-level positioning creates a natural connection with the audience, whereas low angles are unflattering.

{{howLabel}}:

• Mount your webcam or mirrorless camera on a tripod or desk mount.
• Align the lens with your eyes while sitting/standing in your performance spot.
• Use the 'Rule of Thirds' to frame yourself slightly off-center for a professional look.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The camera frame is stable and aesthetically pleasing.

{{whyLabel}}: OBS Studio is the industry standard for free, open-source streaming with deep customization.

{{howLabel}}:

• Download OBS Studio from the official site.
• Go to Settings > Audio and set Sample Rate to 48kHz.
• Add your Audio Interface as a 'Global Audio Device'.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: OBS is installed and audio meters move when you play or speak.

{{whyLabel}}: Raw audio can be inconsistent; filters ensure your sound is polished and never clips.

{{howLabel}}:

• Right-click your Audio Source > Filters.
• Add a 'Noise Suppressor' (RNNoise) to remove hum.
• Add a 'Compressor' (Ratio 4:1, Threshold -18dB) to level out volume.
• Add a 'Limiter' (Threshold -2.0dB) to prevent digital distortion.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Audio sounds balanced and stays in the 'yellow' zone of the OBS mixer.

{{whyLabel}}: Correct bitrates prevent buffering and pixelation during high-motion performances.

{{howLabel}}:

• For Twitch: Set Video Bitrate to 6000 Kbps (CBR).
• For YouTube: Set Video Bitrate to 10,000-15,000 Kbps.
• Use the NVENC H.264 encoder if you have an NVIDIA GPU to save CPU power.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Stream settings match your internet upload speed (aim for 50% of total upload).

{{whyLabel}}: A structured setlist prevents awkward silences and keeps the energy flowing.

{{howLabel}}:

• Select 15-20 songs you can play comfortably.
• Mix genres or tempos to keep the audience engaged.
• Include 2-3 'backup' songs in case of technical delays or requests.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A written list of songs is ready on your music stand or tablet.

{{whyLabel}}: Consistency builds the muscle memory needed to perform while interacting with a live chat.

{{howLabel}}:

• 10 mins: Warm-up (scales, arpeggios, or vocal slides).
• 10 mins: Rhythm/Metronome work (focus on 'The Practice of Practice' by Jonathan Harnum techniques).
• 10 mins: Difficult passages from your setlist.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Routine completed daily for at least 5 consecutive days.

{{whyLabel}}: Endurance is key for a 1-hour stream; you need to know your limits.

{{howLabel}}:

• Play through 5-7 songs without stopping.
• Focus on transitions between songs.
• Frequency: 3 times per week leading up to the stream.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You can play the setlist with minimal errors and no physical strain.

{{whyLabel}}: Streaming is 50% music and 50% personality; you must learn to talk to a lens.

{{howLabel}}:

• Set a timer for 5 minutes and talk to the camera as if it were a person.
• Practice introducing songs and sharing short anecdotes.
• Record yourself and watch for 'dead air' or distracting habits.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You can speak comfortably for 2 minutes between songs.

{{whyLabel}}: Visual branding makes your stream look professional and trustworthy.

{{howLabel}}:

• Design a 'Starting Soon', 'Be Right Back', and 'Stream Ended' screen.
• Use a free tool like GIMP or a web-based graphic editor.
• Ensure text is legible on mobile devices.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Three PNG/MP4 files are imported as Scenes in OBS.

{{whyLabel}}: You need to build anticipation so people actually show up.

{{howLabel}}:

• Post a teaser video of you practicing.
• Clearly state the Date, Time (with Timezone), and Platform.
• Use relevant hashtags like #LiveMusic #TwitchMusic.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Announcement post is live on at least two platforms.

{{whyLabel}}: To ensure your internet and PC can handle the load without crashing mid-performance.

{{howLabel}}:

• Start a 'Private' or 'Unlisted' stream on YouTube/Twitch.
• Play your loudest song and check for audio clipping.
• Monitor OBS for 'Dropped Frames' (indicated in the status bar).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A 20-minute test stream completes with 0% dropped frames.

{{whyLabel}}: This is the culmination of all your preparation.

{{howLabel}}:

• Go live 10 minutes early with the 'Starting Soon' screen.
• Keep a water bottle nearby.
• Monitor the chat on a secondary device (phone or tablet).
• Have fun—energy is contagious!

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Stream is finished and the 'Stop Streaming' button is pressed.

{{whyLabel}}: Watching yourself is the fastest way to identify audio imbalances or awkward pacing.

{{howLabel}}:

• Watch the first 15 minutes of your recorded stream.
• Check: Is the music too loud compared to the voice? Is the lighting too dark?
• Note 3 things to improve for the next session.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A short list of 'Lessons Learned' is written down for the next stream.