Guides

Best Boom Arm for Streaming

July 6, 2021 by T2 Leave a Comment

Best Boom Arm for Streaming

Finding the Right Boom Arm for Your Stream

You may have the best audio setup for streaming – a high-quality microphone, stable shock mount, good pop filter, and all that jazz. But it won’t make much difference if you don’t have a proper boom arm to hold them all together. So today we’re looking at the best boom arm stands you should consider for streaming!

Boom arms have become more and more prevalent in the world of streaming. Whether it’s a gaming stream, a podcast, or something else entirely, a mic attached to a boom arm makes a person look professional and competent.

Fortunately, these mic stands aren’t the most expensive pieces of equipment. Their price depends on the brand, shape, and size. But even if you don’t know which one to pick, we will give you multiple choices, both cheap and with good performance potential. So even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still afford some of these boom arms!

Now let’s take a look at our list of the top 5 best boom arms for streaming!

Top 5 Best Boom Arm Stands for Streaming

Best Overall Choice – Rode PSA1

If you’re looking purely for professionalism, then the Rode PSA1 stand might be the best choice for you. It’s the boom arm with the most quality on this list, but it can also be pricey for many people.

One thing that’s noticeable right away is how big the arm is. It can extend up to 33 inches vertically, which is astounding for a boom arm. However, it is made out of sturdy material and can hold a weight of up to 4.4 lbs. This is enough for any microphone you might be using.

Rode PSA1 can be rotated 360 degrees and it doesn’t make any sound while doing so. It’s completely silent and ideal for live streaming environments.

And you have two mounting options with it. You can either drill a hole in your desk (the more secure way) or you can simply tighten it from both sides (the recommended way).

RODE PSA 1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm

Rotates 360 degrees with a maximum reach of 32.5 inches horizontally and 33 inches vertically

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Best Budget Choice – Knox Gear Professional Microphone Studio Stand

Now, if you want something that will get the job done and doesn’t cost hundreds of dollars, then go for the Knox Gear Professional Microphone Studio Stand. This is a semi-professional product with nearly the same specifications as the Rode PSA1 one, but it costs way less.

The Knox stand supports microphones up to 5 lbs. It’s highly flexible and you can rotate it 360 degrees. The entire length of the arm is 30 inch which is more than enough for any kind of desk setup.

However, some people report that they have a problem with the mounting mechanism. In their experience, the connector unscrews itself with time causing the arm to fall. This can be tricky, especially if you’re using an expensive mic and don’t want anything to happen to it.

But there are many more happy users of the Knox Stand than unhappy ones. The firm offers a 1-year warranty to anyone who purchases their product. And for the money you’ll be paying, this is one of the best boom arm stands for streaming that you can possibly get!

Knox Gear Professional Microphone Studio Stand for Yeti and Snowball Microphones (Compatible with all Microphones and Shock Mounts)

THE PERFECT POSITION FOR YOUR MIC: Achieving the perfect audio output and ideal positioning is easy with our suspension boom arm that is fully adjustable with 360-degree rotation and a two axis swivel mount

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Best Runner Up Choice – Samson MBA28 Microphone Boom Arm

The Samson MBA28 Microphone Boom Arm is perhaps the best boom arm if you’re just starting out with streaming. And for a price of $49,99, you get exactly what you need – functionality and durability.

The Samson MBA28 is a solid and sturdy product. The arm can hold any microphone in any place and you’ll have no problem moving it around. Because it’s only 28 inches, it’s a bit more compact than the other boom arms. This is definitely a plus, especially if you have a smaller desk.

As with the other boom arms, the Samson MBA28 can hold a mic of up to 5 pounds. It has a 5/8-inch screw metal adapter and it’s completely noise-free. And once you mount it, the arm will stay secured in place.

Samson MBA28-28” Microphone Boom Arm for Podcasting and Streaming (MBA28)

Highly adjustable microphone boom enables horizontal and vertical positioning for optimal microphone placement

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Best Under Budget Choice – NEEWER Adjustable Suspension Boom Arm Stand

But if you’re deep under budget and want the best boom arm for streaming for the cheapest price available, then we highly recommend the NEEWER Adjustable Suspension Boom Arm Stand.

For only 13 dollars, you’ll get more than you expect. Weight capability of 2.5 pounds (enough for a mic, a mount shock, and a pop filter), length of 16 inches, and a durable, high-quality frame. And we can assure you that you’ll be using it problem-free for a long time after purchasing it.

One thing that we didn’t expect from this boom arm is the protective cushion on its table clamp. This ensures that the surface of your desk won’t be scratched or destroyed. But it also means that the boom arm will remain secured and it won’t accidentally loosen up and move.

All in all, the NEEWER Adjustable Suspension Boom Arm Stand is the best deal when cutting down expenses!

Neewer Adjustable Recording Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand with Mic Round Shape Wind Pop Filter Mask Shield, Shock Mount and Phone Holder, black

The adjustable arms allow you to adjust the suitable angle and height to show your perfect voice. Folding design, convenient to carry and space saving

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Alternative Choice – Blue Compass Premium Tube-Style Broadcast Boom Arm

If none of the boom arms on this list fit your goal, then perhaps the Blue Compass Premium Tube-Style Broadcast Boom Arm might do so. This is a totally different product but many people prefer it more than the regular boom arms.

For starters, the Blue Compass boom arm has a surprisingly sturdy frame. It offers security and precision so you can rely on it to hold your microphone wherever you want. The design allows you to store your mic cable and conceal it completely. And the 32-inch horizontal reach is enough for both home gaming setups and professional studios.

As far as the mic adapter is concerned, you can go with either a 3.8 or 5.8 inches one. The boom arm can hold a total of 2.4 lbs, which is enough for regular use.

Blue Compass Premium Tube-Style Broadcast Boom Arm with Kellopy Pop Filter & 20′ XLR Cable Bundle

For Yeti and Other Broadcast Microphones

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

And those are our top 5 best boom arm stands for streaming in 202!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should I Get A Shock Mount?

Yes! A Shock mount is a good investment, no matter which microphone you’re using. And if you can’t afford a shock mount, you must be extra careful with your microphone!

Why Do I Need A Shock Mount?

Shock mounts protect the microphones from contact. We always advise gamers, streamers, and musicians to buy a shock mount, regardless of the mic they use. But if you have an expensive mic, then a shock mount is a must!

A shock mount offers an additional level of stability and security. You can rely on it to shield your mic when you accidentally move your boom arm or desk. It also helps while streaming or recording, giving you solid audio all throughout the process.

What Mic Can I Use With These Boom Arms?

The boom arms that we listed above are compatible with many different microphones.

For example, one of the most popular mics for streaming is Blue Yeti. And you can pair it with all five choices here. The only thing to worry about is the weight capability of the boom arm you’re going for. The Blue Yeti mic weighs only 1.2 lbs, but you’ll have to calculate the weight of your shock mount and pop filter as well.

The same can be said for any other microphone choice!

Conclusion

It’s true that you can still be a successful streamer without a boom arm. However, there are fewer and fewer people nowadays transmitting audio through headphones. And if you like to seem professional and

experienced, you’d need to pick up a mic stand. Shock mounts and pop filters may not necessarily be a must (they help out a lot though), but a boom arm is.

That said, we hope we helped you pick the ideal boom arm for your stream!

The 7 Best Nanoleaf Alternatives – 2021

June 24, 2021 by T2

Anyone who’s ever seen or heard about Nanoleaf has also asked themselves this simple question: “Why is it so expensive?” And they aren’t wrong in doing so. In fact, more and more people are abandoning the idea of purchasing the original set when there are so many great Nanoleaf alternatives out there. And if you’re looking for a bit cheaper, more sustainable option, check our top 7 best Nanoleaf alternatives in 2021!

And if you have no idea where to start in this, you have nothing to worry about. These audio-sensitive lights are mesmerizing can confuse anyone. But you don’t have to pay thousands of dollars for your ideal gaming lights setup. And while these Nanoleaf alternatives might not be as sophisticated as the original set, you can bet that they’re worth every cent.

Let’s check them out!

What are the Best Nanoleaf Alternatives?

1. Nanoleaf Canvas

The first option that we want to discuss here is Nanoleaf Canvas. This isn’t technically an “alternative” since it comes from the same firm. However, the reason why Nanoleaf Canvas might be the choice for you is that it’s essentially the same product with a slightly smaller price tag.

Nanoleaf Canvas comes in a square shape. It uses the same lighting technology as the rest of the Nanoleaf products and can be installed the same way. The dimensions are “5.9 x 5.9 x 0.4” inches and they’re extremely easy to handle. The only thing you need to think of is how you’re going to connect the 25W power cable.

The Nanoleaf Canvas kit starts at a price of $99. In this deal, you get four square pieces and all the basic equipment necessary for setting them up. This includes the power cable (8.2 feet/2.5m long), the tapes, the linkers, and a short guide manual. You can always expand the kit later and purchase more square pieces.

The Canvas set can also be controlled through the standard app, but your device must be connected to the same WiFi. It’s really a great option for those that can afford it, so we definitely recommend you to check it out!

Nanoleaf Canvas Starter Kit

Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

2. LIFX Tile

If you didn’t know, LIFX recently introduced their Tile set and it’s one of the best Nanoleaf alternatives out there. The pieces come in a rectangular shape and you can set them in any way you like. However, they have to be connected to each other before you put them on the wall, which means that you’ll need to assemble them on your floor/table first. There are also wires that need to be connected before mounting, but nothing too tricky.

LIFX Tile uses LED lighting. And in each rectangular piece, there is a 8 x 8 grid of LED lights. This means that you have 64 zones in each tile that work together at all times. Not to mention that they’re fully customizable. Through the app, you can manipulate the lights and create your own settings, as well as use the pre-sets.

Unfortunately, LIFX Tile isn’t the cheapest Nanoleaf alternative. In fact, the starter kit costs around $250 and you only get 5 rectangular pieces. This is a turn off for many people, especially when considering the price of the original Nanoleaf sets.

LIFX Tile really does have great features. It’s compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Homekit, and Amazon Alexa. You can also control it with your own voice, though not for everything. Some people don’t like how the colors blend between the tiles, but that’s something you have to figure out for yourself.

LIFX Beam

Easy set up. Beams click together end to end. Included command strips allow you to place them exactly where you want. Simply download the app, connect to Wi-Fi and youre ready to go

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

3. Helios Touch

Helios Touch is a simple replacement for Nanoleaf Aurora, but only if you don’t particularly like a mix of many colors in your room. You see, the Helios Touch set comes in only one color – warm white. This means that you don’t have your traditional RGB settings. Also, this product does not support a Music

Sync and doesn’t come with its own app either. So how does Helios Touch work?

Well, it is a touch-sensitive product. The pieces come in a hexagonal shape, but they’re a bit smaller than the Nanoleaf ones. The power cord needs to be plugged in only one hexagon and the rest of the pieces can be connected via internal magnets. So, no sticking and no screwing.

To use Helios Touch, all you need to do is to touch it. A simple tap will either turn on or turn off the light. And if you rest your palm on it, you can adjust its brightness and tone it up or down, depending on your liking. This allows you to customize the lighting patterns and control the way each light shines.

Helios Touch is a very good Nanoleaf Alternative, not only for gaming rooms but for offices and homes as well.

Wall Lights Touch Lamps Smart lamp Gaming Lights Modular Hexagon Lights Honeycomb Light Helios Touch Light Panels Light (10 Pack)

Touch Wall light :It can be turned on or off by touching the surface of the hexagon lamp.

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

4. Yescom WiFi Smart LED

Yescom is a bit different than the previous Nanoleaf alternatives on this list. For starters, this isn’t an actual set of pieces that you have to mount on the wall one by one. Instead, it’s a lamp that you can put anywhere in your house and enjoy nice RGB lighting.

The great thing about the Yescom WiFi Smart LED lamp is that you can change its initial shape. The product comes with 11 individual blocks. And at any time, you can take them apart and put them in whichever order you want. The fact that they can display up to 16 million colors is honestly amazing and worth your attention.

If you already own Alexa, you can connect your Yescom lamp to it. This will let you control the lighting settings with your voice. And the same can be done through Google Home.

Keep in mind that this isn’t a Nanoleaf replica. It’s a bit heavier than your regular alternative and the pieces might appear thicker than usual. However, that isn’t a big problem since the product is meant to stay on a flat surface.

Yescom 11Pack WiFi Smart LED Light Kit DIY Night Lamp Voice Control 16 Million Color Compatible with Alexa Google Home

DIY LED Light Kit, including 11 light blocks & 1 base; Enjoys fun of DIY: Up to 11 blocks can be spliced together to design your own shapes, shows gorgeous effects & creates romantic atmosphere

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

5. SELFILA Hexagon RGB Lights

The SELFILA Hexagon RGB Lights is one of the cheapest Nanoleaf alternatives you can find. Its price starts somewhere around $40, which is very affordable for gamers. The size of the pieces is somewhat smaller than the other options on this list, but the color play is worth the money.

When you first purchase the SELFILA product, you will receive 6 hexagonal blocks. They are connected to each other with magnets, so you can create the shape that you want. If you’re interested in the dimensions, the SELFILA hexagons are “4.5 x 4 x 0.7” inches. So, not as big as the original Nanoleaf product, and definitely a bit thicker.

However, these lights are touch-sensitive. With a simple wave of your hand, you can turn them on or off, as well as change the color they’re displaying. And even though you start with only 6 pieces, you can attach up to 65 of them together if you purchase some more later on.

Not everyone is impressed by the SELFILA Hexagon RGB Lights and we totally get that. The quality is obviously much lower than some of the other Nanoleaf alternatives on this list. However, if you need to stock your gaming room with RGB lighting and can’t really afford it, you can always go for SELFILA.

SELFILA Hexagon Splicing RGB Lights Hexagonal Wall Lights Modular Touch Sensitive Lights DIY Glow Homekit Multicolor Lamp Colour Honeycomb Lights

【Creative DIY Shapes】Inspired from building block bricks and jigsaw puzzle and honeycomb, the selfila hexagonal LED Lights fast modular component lights are entertaining and interesting. They allow you to create unique layouts and display your personalized smart lives. You can design the panels into shapes as you like.

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

6. Benexmart Triangle Light Panels

The Benexmart Triangle Light Panels are one of the most popular Nanoleaf alternatives. They look and perform quite similar to the original, but there are some things you should be aware of.

First of all, these light panels don’t have individual settings. In other words – you can’t control one block independently from the rest. Once you set up your shape and stick it on your wall, you must select a color play that flows between the panels. The good thing is that there are 180 color modes which you can choose from. And that definitely helps to keep the light panels looking fresh and new.

That said, the Benexmart lights come with an app. Some people have reported that the app doesn’t have the best user interface, but that shouldn’t be a turn off for you if you like the lights. And yes, Music Sync is possible with this product.

BENEXMART Smart LED Light Panels Multicolor Triangle Panel Bluetooth Android/iOS APP Music Control Kit for Room/Party/Wall Lighting (APP + Music Control, 9 Pieces Panel kit)

【Creative DIY Shapes】Inspired from building block bricks and jigsaw puzzle, the LED triangle wall lights are entertaining and interesting. Max control 900 PCS Light Panels with one Controller.

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

7. TP-Link Kasa Smart Led Strip

And finally, we have the TP-Link Kasa Smart Led Strip. If the basic Nanoleaf look isn’t a must for you, then let us tell you why these things are amazing and why you should check them out!

For starters, these strips come with a serious depth of settings. They’re compatible with both Alexa and Google Home, and you can control them with the Kasa Smart app. They have a bunch of lighting options and you can shuffle between them hands-free!

To install one, just stick it on the surface you want to illuminate. The strip itself is very thin and you can hide it behind everything. That’s definitely the way to go here because these aren’t Nanoleaf panels and it’s best to disguise them. But don’t make a mistake, the glow they emit is enough to light up your entire room!

If you’re creative enough, the Kasa Smart strips can be the ideal Nanoleaf alternative for you!

Kasa Smart LED Light Strip KL430, 16 Color Zones RGBIC, 6.6ft Wi-Fi LED Lights Work with Alexa, Google Home &IFTTT, No Hub Required

Millions of colors: Your 80 light strip features millions of colors for combinations built to suit every mood, making your home the ultimate entertainment destination.

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Conclusion

If you are not able to afford a nanoleaf or simply don’t want to use one then these 7 items are the Best Nanoleaf Alternatives you can find on the market. You really can’t see any issues with them as they all have good and bad qualities. It’s really comes down to you the consumer and how much you are willing to spend. If you had to ask us, which one would we pick? Nanoleaf Canvas this is the brands cheaper model and honestly is the best you can get.

How To Stream On Twitch

June 11, 2021 by T2

Twitch is the most popular streaming site on the internet. If you are looking to become a content creator learning how to stream on twitch is important.

You can’t have a conversation about live streaming without talking about Twitch. The platform which started as Justin TV, focused originally on people’s live streaming.

It quickly turned into the biggest place for streamers. Learning how to stream on Twitch is important for anyone looking to get into the world of broadcasting.

In 2019, Twitch had over 70% of the total hours watched across all streaming platforms. This is why if you can make it on Twitch, you can make it anywhere.

Twitch has had some high profile players leave the platform to stream on the competition. Ninja was the first streamer to shift as he signed a deal with Mixer. Other streamers followed some following Ninja to Mixer, others going to YouTube, and Facebook.

Even with all the high profile streamers leaving the platform, Twitch has still seen an increase in watch time. It’s still the best place to start your streaming career on.

HOW TO STREAM ON TWITCH

The first step is signing up for twitch. Setting up an account is straightforward. Twitch does have an extra step for people who want to live stream on the platform, bringing the total number of steps to 3.

1. Read community guidelines.

This may seem like a silly thing to do but reading the community guides before you actually make the account is important. You don’t have to go crazy with reading the entire legal section of Twitch’s website.

2. Create your account.

On a desktop computer, it’s as easy as clicking the “sign up” button and filling out the form.

On mobile devices, you need to download the Twitch mobile app. Twitch recommends signing up with your phone number initially and adding an email later.

3. Enable two-factor authentication.

The final step is a must-have for anyone looking to stream. You won’t be able to actually broadcast without enabling 2FA. Another pain point is you won’t be able to enable this on your phone. You will have to log into your desktop -> Log-In -> Security Settings -> Enable 2FA.

SOFTWARE NEEDED TO STREAM ON TWITCH

The software has become better as the years have gone on. Back in the day you only had one software to work with. Thankfully, you have more options today.

The two most popular software’s people use today :

Streamlabs OBS – One of the most popular streaming software on the market and used by some of the biggest names. The features they have are endless. They pride themselves on getting your stream setup in minutes not hours. They are also a recommended product from twitch themselves.
StreamElements – The second most popular streaming software. They have similar features to Streamlabs like customized themes, chatbots, and merch capability.

We wrote a detailed reviewed on the differences between Streamlabs OBS and StreamElements if you need more help deciding what you should pick.

You might want to take a look at Twitch Studio, This is Twitch’s proprietary streaming software that is in open beta. You can also check out Twitch’s recommend streaming software.

HARDWARE NEEDED TO STREAM ON TWITCH

You don’t need the latest generation of CPUs or the newest custom PC from your favorite streamer. The platform doesn’t have top-notch video quality, you could get away with low-level gear if needed.

However, if you are looking to stream video games the encoding and streaming will become too much on your computer’s CPU. So you can’t just start streaming on Twitch with any kind of setup.

Console

The good news is streaming consoles such as the Playstation 4 and Xbox one are viable options. They provide you with an easy way into the world of streaming, because you don’t have much money to spend upfront.

Phone

You are able to start live streaming on your phone. This is obviously limited in how much you really can get out with streaming on your phone. But if you are looking to live stream this option will work.

If you are looking to stream video games on twitch at a high level, a desktop PC should be the investment you make. Having a desktop will allow your stream to grow to the next level.

HARDWARE NEEDED FOR PC STREAMING

Desktop Computers

Desktop computers are one of the most popular ways to stream on Twitch. You are able to use quality hardware, and broadcasting software allows you to have a high-quality stream.

You will be able to change your screens, allowing you to get the most out of the software you are using.

The easiest way to get a streaming computer is one that is pre-built. We have ranked all the best streaming PC’s to get started with.

Here are the top 5 streaming PC’s on the market today

Ranked	Title	Buy
Best Budget Streaming PC	iBUYPOWER Pro Gaming PC	Buy Now
Best Starter Streaming PC	CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Master	Buy Now
Best VR Streaming PC	Skytech Shadow 3.0 Gaming PC Desktop	Buy Now
Best Liquid Cooling Streaming Pc	CyberpowerPC Gamer	Buy Now
Best Overclocked Streaming PC	CUK Sentinel	Buy Now

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

You won’t have to worry about getting into the details of building it and order a streaming PC directly from them.

STREAMER MICROPHONE

One of the easiest ways to become a success on Twitch is by having audio that people can hear. Having good audio commentary is the very least you can provide your viewers.

If you are looking to save on money you can buy a hyperx gaming headset that provides you with a quality microphone along with an amazing headset.

If you want to go the route of providing your audience with the best possible audio, you should go with a Blue Yeti.

We created a full article on the best microphones for streaming and broke down everything you could ever need with it. Here are the top 5 microphones.

Product	Title	Buy
Top Top	Elgato Wave 3 - Best Microphone For Streamers	BUY NOW
Top	JLab Audio Talk GO - Best Budget Microphone	BUY NOW
Top	Blue Yeti Nano - Best Microphone For Beginners	BUY NOW
Top	HyperX Quadcast - Best Microphone for Gaming	BUY NOW

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

STREAMER CAMERA

A camera is not needed to become successful on Twitch. If you are looking to stand out compared to others picking up a camera may be a good option for you. Technology allows it so you get amazing quality from your cameras. We put together a full breakdown of the best webcam for streaming, but here are the top 3.

Related – Best Webcam For Streaming

STREAMER HEADSET

A streaming headset is the next step in your journey to streaming on twitch. Depending on your budget you can get all different types of headsets. All headsets have pretty much the same audio, the chances of you hearing the differences between a $300 headset and one you can get for $90 is hard. We have ranked all the best headsets for streaming which range from the high priced to the affordable ones.

STREAMER KEYBOARD

The most popular streamer keyboards are mechanical ones. They are used by some of the biggest streamers. It may not be proven but mechanical keyboards provide you an advantage in video games since the click rate is faster than a normal keyboard.

STREAMER MOUSE

The next important thing you need to close out your perfect streaming pc setup is a mouse. A mouse is important and getting the right type of mouse is a matter of getting that final kill or not.

Similar to the headsets, you may not be able to tell the difference from any of them. I suggest getting the Razer Deathadder because it is reasonably priced and one of the best streaming mouses ever made.

Now that you have picked out your PC, Mouse, Keyboard, Camera, and microphone. You are now ready to stream on Twitch at the best level you can.

STREAMER MONITOR

The human only can see up the 60Hz but that doesn’t mean that you should get a crappy monitor. The main thing you need to make sure is that the pixels are clear, this is important so you can see your enemy as soon as you should. With a low-quality monitor, you may not see them as fast.

Note: You really don’t need to spend on nice monitors for all your setup. If you are running more than 1 monitor you can get any normal monitor for those other screens, just make sure your gaming monitor is the best it can be. Here are some of the best streamer monitors on the market today:

ASUS ROG SWIFT PG279Q Rated #1 by PCGamer
Acer Predator
BenQ EX2780Q Gaming Monitor 144Hz

ADDITIONAL GEAR

Some additional items you can add to your streaming setup on top of what was listed above is:

Lighting — If you are already using a camera, why not use some awesome lighting so people can see that beautiful face of yours more. Some of the best lighting on the market is softboxes with LEDs.

Green screen — Whether you want to add or remove your background, a green screen can come in very handy. Best of all, most encoders will recognize it, so learning how to use chroma keying in your streams is easy.

Game capture card — This is needed for a two-computer setup, or if you are looking to stream console games via a computer. You can purchase an external or internal capture card.

Stream deck — Allowing you to transition between scenes, change your camera if you have multiple-camera setup. You can also adjust your volume and much more. Depending on what Stream Deck you purchase will determine how much customization you have.

As you begin to grow on Twitch and become a better content creator. You’ll start to notice if there is any more gear you need to make the stream better. Depending on your requirements will determine what you need to upgrade as time goes on.

HOW TO STREAM ON TWITCH ON A DESKTOP COMPUTER

The boom of live streaming is here to stay. There are more content creators each day and more people looking to consume the content more than ever. It helps that all you need is an internet connection and a device that has a screen to watch live streams on.

The difficult part starts with becoming a content creator who has millions of views. You now have all the parts you need to get started streaming with your Software and Hardware. Here are the steps to start streaming on a desktop computer

1. IDEA ON WHAT TO STREAM

Twitch has become home to many different types of content. This doesn’t mean in any way that you need to pick one topic and stick with it.

As someone who is starting out who doesn’t have the followings like TimTheTatMan or Summit1G sticking to a category may be your best bet.

You also may require different gear depending on what you are doing, if you aren’t looking to stream video games you may not need the best monitors, keyboards, mouse for streaming.

For example, creating ASMR content requires high-quality microphones at the very least. This will give you an advantage in the quality of your stream.

2. SET UP YOUR GEAR

As a novice broadcaster, it might make perfect sense to use the minimum gear required for streaming. If you are tight on money you can find low-level products at places like Walmart.

This will get you started with the bare minimum of what you need. You don’t need to have a second monitor to read your chat, using your phone can be an easy solution.

Just remember, you never know when that famous streamer raids your stream. The last thing you want to happen is that a big break happens and your computer or stream messes up. Make sure you test out your stream quality with family or friends first.

You can purchase a table that will hold your streaming setup.

If you are looking for a good chair, you can check out GTRacing who has some affordable chairs for under $200 or check out our list of the best chairs for streamers.

3. CONNECT TO TWITCH WITH SOFTWARE

Anyone of the software choices we mentioned earlier will work great for Twitch. This guide will show you how to start streaming with Streamlabs.

The process has become much easier over the years. Streamlabs is the perfect software to use. They make it so they do all the work and make sure the settings for your PC are perfect.

DOWNLOAD STREAMLABS

STEP BY STEP GUIDE:

go to to Twitch.tv
create your account if you haven’t already. This can be done quickly by clicking sign up and filling out your basic information
check your email for a verification email to fully complete this process
get Streamlabs OBS on streamlabs.com
Launch the program and sign in with your Twitch alias you made in (2)
Connect payment options so your viewers can tip you! Navigate to Donation Settings and click “Paypal” and fill out your credentials so donations can go to your account. You can also enable tipping via credit cards.
Make sure to grab the URL for your donations and place it somewhere your viewers can see it on your channel.
Set up a theme to make your channel stand out. Go to the Themes tab and check out ‘Scene themes.’
Hit GO LIVE! and create

It’s that simple. Streamlabs has built-in software that will determine the best quality for your stream based off of your computer.

If you have any issues, you can check out the video below.

4. STREAM SETTINGS

Streamlabs’ autoconfiguration will provide you with a solid starting point on getting your stream setting correct. This may be good to start out but you may want some more advanced settings.

Source: Twitch.tv

Twitch has some standard guidelines for what you need to stream on their platform. Depending on the quality you are looking to stream on, will determine most of the factors you need to pay attention to.

You can head over to the twitch guidelines page to learn more about the different settings.

HOW TO STREAM ON TWITCH FROM CONSOLE

Live streaming on Twitch from a PC might not be available to you or may not be what you are looking to stream with. You may just prefer playing your games on consoles. Buying a PC may not be in your budget, don’t worry you can stream on Twitch without having a PC.

HOW TO STREAM ON TWITCH FROM A PS4

If you’re willing to join twitch as a console streamer, you have to create a Twitch account and already enable 2FA before you can get started.

1. SETUP PS4 FOR STREAMING ON TWITCH

Starting to stream on Twitch with a PS4 requires a few steps before you can hit the go-live button.

HDCP should be disabled. Under Settings > System. This setting is turned on when you are looking to watch Netflix. When your streaming on Twitch, it should be off.
Set up your devices. In Settings > Devices you can find options for audio devices. Allowing you to adjust levels for your microphone or headset. This will also have the PlayStation Camera. Unfortunately, you are stuck with this camera as PlayStation doesn’t support any other cameras.
Set up audio sharing. When you launch the game, press the “share” button on the controller and go to Sharing and Broadcast Settings > Broadcast Settings > Advanced Settings > Audio Sharing Settings. You can enable the sound from your microphone to be broadcasted.
Enable the chat. In the Sharing and Broadcast Settings > Broadcast Settings > Advanced Settings, you can check the “Display Messages to Spectators and Spectators’ Comments” to enable the chat.

2. SYNC YOUR PS4 WITH TWITCH

Clicking the share button on your controller, you’ll see the option to broadcast gameplay. You will be required to pick the platform – You will select Twitch. A QR code pops up that you must scan or go to twitch.tv/activate from your computer or smartphone. Enter the code you see on the screen.

3. CHECK YOUR STREAM

You are now connected to switch with your PS4. You can now pick a title for your first stream, enable the camera, and select the output quality. When you are done with all of that, you are now ready to stream to Twitch from your PS4.

HOW TO STREAM TO TWITCH FROM XBOX

Xbox doesn’t come with native Twitch support. The device which is owned by Microsoft, who also owns Mixer has a few more steps to get started. You begin this by going to the Microsoft store.

1. INSTALL TWITCH APP

Head on over to the store on your Xbox, search for the official Twitch app, and install it.

2. SYNC TWITCH APP TO YOUR ACCOUNT

When you run the app for the first time, you’ll get a six-digit code you’ll need to enter at twitch.tv/activate. You can use either a smartphone or desktop to visit the address.

3. SETUP YOUR XBOX

You can use any webcam with an Xbox along with external microphones and headsets. Connect everything to your Xbox, enable your microphone and webcam in the settings. Then go to Settings > Account > Privacy and Online Safety > Xbox Live Privacy > View Details and Customize:

Go to Game Content and Enable

“You can broadcast gameplay”
“You can share content made using Kinect or another camera”
Online Status & History Select “Everybody” under “Others can see if you’re online.”

4. START STREAMING

The final step is creating a title for your stream, after you have selected the title you can launch your stream!

HOW TO STREAM TO TWITCH FROM A SMARTPHONE

While consoles/PC’s are focused on streaming gaming content, smartphones can be used for everything else. Twitch’ app will only allow a broadcaster to stream from your phone’s camera. If you are looking to stream Clash of Clash, downloading third-party apps is your only option. Here’s how to stream on Twitch from your smartphone.

1. INSTALL TWITCH APP

You need to have the app installed on your smartphone. Head over to the App Store or Play Store to get it.

2. LOGIN WITH 2FA

Log-in using the two-factor authentication process.

3. CLICK PROFILE IMAGE

Click your profile image button located in the upper left-hand corner. A screen will come into view, you’ll notice the “go live” button.

4. CLICK “GO LIVE”

Allow access to your camera and/or microphone enabling you stream on the Twitch app.

5. TITLE YOUR STREAM

You need to title your stream, select the category. Making sure you are in the Just Chatting section is important to telling viewers you are not broadcasting video games.

With that, all that’s left to do is press the “start stream” button, and you’ll be online.

Live streaming on Twitch isn’t too demanding on a novice. You can go from having some basic gear and general computer literacy to having your content live streamed on Twitch in a matter of minutes. It’s that easy to learn how to stream on Twitch — if your goal is just to live stream.

HOW TO STREAM ON TWITCH. FAQ

When it comes to streaming on Twitch, it is not always easy to get noticed. Stats don’t lie ; 4,000 user hold three-quarters of live hours watched. Twitch has around 3.6 million plus monthly streamers, so the chances of getting noticed aren’t easy.

You’ll need to put in effort into streaming, it won’t just happen overnight in any means.

WHAT SHOULD YOU STREAM ON TWITCH?

This is in your own hands. There is no rhyme or reason to streaming on Twitch. Here are five steps to get your stream to the next level.

1. VARIETY STREAMER OR ONE CATEGORY

This comes down to preference, there is no right or wrong answer. You will obviously have more users coming to your channel depending on what you stream. For Example, if you are trying to stream Fornite the chances of getting noticed are very low.

If you want to build your audience fast, you should play games that top streamers don’t consume 95% of the views. TwitchStrike is a website that can help you find the perfect game to stream.

2. STREAM THINGS YOU LOVE

The chances are you will be spending time streaming to a small audience. Just starting out can be hard, and streaming can sometimes seem like an uphill battle. Gaining 1 follower a day is bigger than you you think.

The best way to keep pushing forward is making sure you are playing games or streaming things you love. This will make it easier to stream each day with what you love.

3. PICK GAMES YOU WANT TO STREAM.

The most popular games have lots of viewers but the chances of someone going to your channel when popular streamers are currently streaming in the category you are in. You will read tons of articles saying to pick categories with a lower viewer count.

This will help you get more viewers as the chances of seeing your channel is higher. You just should make sure that they are going to enjoy streaming that content.

HOW TO GET NOTICED ON TWITCH

Twitch has no formal to getting noticed on it. You won’t be magically getting millions of viewers a month looking at your channel. Chances are you will stream to 5 or 6 people a day for months.

This doesn’t mean you should give up in any way. Some of the biggest names on Twitch and in the streaming world started with little viewers. No matter if you are streaming to 1 viewer or 50,000 viewers. You should bring the same energy.

Make sure to read the Twitch Guidelines as you want to make sure you are following the rules. Twitch has the right to ban or suspend your account for not following the rules.

If you are looking for some guidance in what will make you stand out compared to others. You can follow some of these guidelines:

Communicating and talking with your chat is an important part in anyone success. The more you are able to speak with them, the better chances they will talk with friends or others to say you should check this streamer out.

Never ask for money, that will just turn people away. You shouldn’t be doing this to earn a living, do it because you love it. People will be able to tell the difference. After awhile you will see your support grow.

IS STREAMING ON TWITCH FREE?

If you are looking to stream to a live audience, you may be wondering how much it costs. Streaming on Twitch is free. You can sign up today and start streaming.

HOW MUCH DOES A STREAMER GET PER SUB?

As a streamer on Twitch, you make roughly half of a subscription cost. For example, for a $4.99 tier subscription you would be paid $2.50 per each sub. The standard subscription is 50/50 split between Twitch and the streamer, you can option a higher percentage depending on your viewership/subscribers. This will up your percentage to 60/40 paying you a rate of $3.00 per subscription.

HOW MUCH MONEY DOES A TWITCH STREAMER MAKE?

It depends on the streamer. If a Twitch streamer has 1,000 subscribers you can expect the streamer to be making around $2,500. Twitch may take less than half for big names streamers. This doesn’t include ad revenue, and donations.

START STREAMING

Live streaming can be one of the most lucrative jobs online today. It can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether it’s by making new friends, becoming sponsored by business opportunities, or just chatting with others.

Leave your new twitch channel in the comments section!

9 Streaming Essentials for 2021

June 10, 2021 by T2

If you are just starting out in the world of live streaming or a seasoned veteran you might be asking yourself. What are the most important streaming essentials for getting to the top

If you’re new to live streaming then you might be wondering what equipment/ essentials items are needed to get started on Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook.

Building a full streaming setup is no easy task. You have tons of different products you can start with to build your setup to a

Building a full-stream set-up might seem like a simple task at first – but with so many different tools and peripherals to choose from, selecting the right essentials for your needs can become an even greater challenge.

In this post, we will cover all of the latest hardware, ranging from switchers to stream decks, and mixers to microphones that will enable you to advance your channel.

So, whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned full-time streamer, you’ll love this useful list.

What essentials do I need for streaming?

Streaming PC

After getting into streaming the first thing that you will need is a good streaming PC. Its fun to play demanding games but running a demanding game which is streaming at 1080p while being recorded as well can put a load on the PC. If you PC is not capable of running all these tasks simultaneously, your streaming will suffer a lot. You would a lot of lags, frame drops and pixilation issues.

You can do things like using a wired internet connection and changing the bit rate to improve your stream. As far as the specs are required for streaming you will be able to stream with a core i5 and 8GB of ram. If you want your stream to run smooth you at least need a core i7 or AMD’s Ryzen 7 which can take the load of streaming and gaming at the same time.

If you are looking for a great starter PC and not looking to spends tons of money. You may be interested in any computer made by IBUYPOWER. Our personal favorite is iBUYPOWER Gaming PC Computer Desktop Element 9260

You can read our full guide on the best streaming pc’s and choose from anyone of the options.

Microphone

The very first thing you want to do is grab yourself a USB mic, you might have a built-in mic in your PC but it well not sound that good. You need a microphone which has a crisp sound. You can use a good quality headphone, but it won’t deliver the sound that a USB mic would. Generally, there is no need to spend a lot of money on a mic, unless you do a lot of commentary in your stream, or you are a professional.

There are two different types of microphones that you can get, dynamic mic and condenser mic. Mostly you would want a mic which blocks all the other sounds and only focuses on your voice. It totally depends on your personal preference that which kind of mic you want to buy. Dynamic mics are good for cancelling background noises and condenser mics are good for picking up sounds.

If you are looking for the top Microphones on the market chances are you have heard of Elgato which is considered the best microphone for streamers. After purchasing a PC, the next most important thing is a microphone. When streaming it is very important that people hear your voice perfectly. We have a full guide on the best microphones for streamers that deserves a look.

Pop filter

The main job of microphone pop filter is to reduce plosives. Plosives is when a puff of wind or your breath hits the diaphragm of the microphone and causes it to distort, so these pop filters are used to reduce the air to make your voice sound better.

Pop filters sure are useful and effective but they are not required for streaming because the pop filter might block your view.

The top Pop filter on the market has to be the Stedman Corporation Proscreen XL skips nylon and other fabrics and uses a patented metal material to protect your microphone from unnecessary distortions. It is one of the few filters in the market that’s designed to keep the requirements of digital recording in mind.

Mic Stand / Boom Arm

Getting a Mic stand / Boom arm might be the best decision you make. You can position the mic where you feel it will pick up the sound best. It makes you feel much more professional, and it frees up a lot of space as well. They can be easily attached to your desk. But a single mic boom arm can not do the job if you have a heavy mic you will have to buy a more sturdier boom arm to hold the mic.

Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom

Internal springs

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

The Heil PL-2T is our top choice when it comes to Boom Arms and can be set up in about 2 minutes: simply tighten the voice to your desk and place the boom arm into the hole. The Heli PL-2T can rotate 360 degrees and will hold your microphone steady in any position perfect for any streamer looking for an easy to adjust microphone. One of the coolest features even though simple is the area on top perfectly hides your microphone cable. Making this perfect for any of you who don’t like any wires showing.

The boom arm segments are both 20″ long, which gives you that little bit of extra reach you need for the right placement. They also hide the springs for a nice clean look.

Accessories

If what the basic package provides is not quiet doing it for you, you have a range of accessories they provide to keep your microphone more secure:

Flush Mount (DT-1) – sits flush inside desk
Wall Mount (WM-1) – vertical wall mount
Flange Mount (FL-1) – sits on top of desk
12″ Riser (RS-1) – sits on top of desk

This is a strong Boom Arm which is strong enough to hold a Blue Yeti with a shock mount, which is the heaviest you can get. No reason to worry about it not your microphone.

Webcam

There are a lot more webcams and cameras then there are microphone. It can be pretty overwhelming when you look at the whole spectrum but for the most part you’re going to start with the basic, if you are a beginner. If you are a professional, you can go for a mirrorless camera as well. A lot of streamers use high quality webcams, but the quality of the image also depends on your internet quality.

Depending on how serious you want to become in streaming you want to make sure you get a good webcam. The chances are always higher if you show your face when streaming then if not. Of course there are always acceptations like Lirik who has built a big fan base with no webcam.

One of the best webcams for streaming is the Logitech C922x Pro is designed with specs that make it a reliable option for the gaming community. It provides a sharp resolution of 1080p and a frame rate of 30 FPS. This means it has the highest resolution among the cameras discussed in this list. It also implies it is a very good webcam for streaming videos, and is, therefore, worth the investment for professional streamers. You can read our guide on the best webcams for streaming to see other top options.

Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam – Full 1080p HD Camera

Web camera specifically designed and optimized for professional quality video streaming on social gaming and entertainment sites like Twitch and YouTube

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Headset

You may be wondering what is the difference between a headset and a headset without a mic. This combination has been on the uptrend in recent years as we see more streamers getting a quality head along with a quality microphone. If you are someone on a budget you can read more about using a headsets with microphones.

A high-quality headset will give you an edge in gaming and help you concentrate a lot better. You can find tons of quality headsets but if you are looking for the best headsets for streamers, you should check out our guide. If you just want the best one on the market, the ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless Headset used by plenty of the top streamers.

ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless Headset + Base Station Gen 4 – Compatible With PS5, PS4, PC, Mac – Black/Silver

Astro Audio V2: Immersive Audio and sound experience that delivers dialogue, music and in game sound clearly

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Stream Deck

Other than the main essential items, there are some things that can make your life as a streamer easier. A Stream Deck is a customizable control pad for live-streaming that includes 15 LCD keys for switching scenes, launching media, and adjusting audio on the fly. You can trigger self-promotional tweets, chat commands, and a bunch of things you’d usually have to Alt-Tab to do.

The best stream deck on the market is the Elgato Stream Deck XL offers a no compromise option; with 32 keys, you will have absolutely no issues fitting on every command you could want, and it’s likely that you won’t find a use for some of them. It really is the best option for you in terms of getting the best for your money. If you are looking for some cheaper or free options; check out our guide on the best stream decks for streamers.

Elgato Stream Deck XL – Advanced Stream Control with 32 Customizable LCD Keys, for Windows 10 and macOS 10.13 or Later (10GAT9901)

Advanced live production: Easily control your favorite tools and platforms
32 customizable keys: Instantly trigger unlimited actions with a tap
Powerful integrations: Elgato game capture, obs, stream labs, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, mixer, Spotify, Philips HUE, vMix, voice mod, and more
One-touch operation: Change, scenes, launch media, switch cameras, Tweak lighting, adjust Audio, post tweets – anything
Visual feedback: Know that your command has been executed
Connectivity technology:

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Capture Card

The best capture cards are game changers for serious streamers. You can capture footage of your gameplay on your own system, but it will drain the resources when you want to deliver quality game content. This is where a capture card will help, they are build to reduce the burden on your PC/Xbox/PlayStation. You don’t have to be a seasoned Twitch or Youtuber to understand how important this is.

If you are looking for the best capture card on the market today then look no further than the Elgato HD60 S Capture Card. This capture card not only displays your game in 1080p with 60 fps and has a 4.8 rating with over 11,000+ reviews. This is the perfect card for anyone wanting to take their gameplay to streaming platforms with as little hassle as possible.

Elgato HD60 S Capture Card 1080p 60 Capture, Zero-Lag Passthrough, Ultra-Low Latency, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, USB 3.0 (1GC109901004)

Input: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (unencrypted HDMI)

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Lighting

Lighting is by far the most important thing if you want your setup to look good. You can get yourself a relatively inexpensive but versatile LED panel which can get the job done. It also helps to look professional and grabs a lot of attention.

Streamers use LED lights, soft lights or even illuminated backgrounds.

If you are looking for the best option we suggest soft lighting and one of the best setups is the MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit Photography Studio Light. If you are looking for other options please head over to our guide on the best lighting for streamers. We break out everything you would need to get your stream up and running.

MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit Photography Studio Light 2x50x70cm Professional Continuous Light System with E27 95W Bulbs 5500K Photo Equipment for Filming Model Portraits Advertising Shooting

【2 Softbox】: 2pcs 20 x 28inch MountDog softbox ultimately soften light stream and remove shadow to make perfect shooting; Silver internal face to minimize light loss and maximize light spread, with E27 socket,you can directly connect light bulbs,fluorescent lamps or slave flash to offer the light.

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Conclusion

Streaming has become much bigger over the past couple years. Getting all the proper streaming essentials for your setup is more important than ever. After you have got your stream up and running you can go ahead and check out our free twitch panels and alerts. We also have a collection of copyright free lo-fi music you can listen to on stream with no issues.

Headset Mics Good for Streaming?

May 4, 2021 by T2

When deciding what type of headset mic to use you have the option of two different types. A headset mic or a headset and a separate microphone. This article helps you decide on which you should choose. There are quite a bit of different things and at the end you will be able to understand if Headset mics are good for streaming.

There are so many factors that differentiate headset from standalone microphones. This depends on what you need as a streamer and a gamer.

Headset Microphone Pros and Cons

Headset Microphone Pros

It is convenient- the headset allows you to speak easily into it without straining your head. You can move your head around and still communicate effectively to it. It will also not disrupt your sight because it is steady and doesn’t move up and down.

Headsets are less costly- in comparing the buying price, gaming headsets are cheaper than standalone microphones.

It is versatile- many gaming headsets can easily be compatible with most of the gaming devices and electronic devices such as PC, PS4 and Xbox one.

Headset Microphone Cons

The battery life of the microphone- being that the battery must charge constantly then you cannot steam as it charges.

The microphone quality does not make it a better option for streaming. It is only suitable for gaming and not creating content.

People who stream for long hours may find it uncomfortable putting on gaming headsets for a long time while streaming perpetually.

Standalone microphones pros and cons

Let’s consider the following reasons for and against standalone microphones.

Standalone microphones Pros

• Professional picture- your fans or customers will have the image of professionalism in your work. They may tell your seriousness once you have a standalone microphone of your own.

• So many advantageous features- these features will help in improving the sound the standalone microphone will take. A good example is Blue yeti microphones which has features that enhance the sound it picks up for various tasks for example steaming and interviews, etc.

• The sound quality is good for content creation. This microphone is originally designed for content creation. It has a superb sound that a gaming headset do not have.

Standalone microphones Cons

• Standalone microphones are expensive as compared to headsets- apart from being expensive one may need to buy earphones or even headsets on top. This is to make the sound more effective by preventing your standalone microphones from using the game audio or sound. Other electronic accessories that you may add involve, a pop filter and a boom which help in regulating the amount of sound.

• It hinders flexibility- in order to have effective sound, one must remain seated so as to talk directly to the microphones. It doesn’t allow you to stand up and this prevents flexibility.

Outstanding microphones for streaming

Considering prices and other factors let’s discuss the best three gaming headsets in town.

1. Razer Kraken x gaming headset

Surround sound it is furnished with 7.1 surround sound. An exact positional audio is given out by this USB headset.
Its price on amazon is 64.42 dollars which is cheaper than
It is a noise canceling microphone- for the purpose of enhancing clarity to your audience, razor kraken is fixed with noise cancelling technique that easily recognizes noise and suspend it.
Razer kraken is durable and does not easily break or wear out. As proclaimed by many users of this headset, when handled with a lot of care, it will last for years.

Razer Kraken X Ultralight Gaming Headset: 7.1 Surround Sound – Lightweight Aluminum Frame – Bendable Cardioid Microphone – PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X & S, Mobile – Black

Immersive, 7.1 Surround Sound for Positional Audio: Outfitted with custom-tuned 40 millimeter drivers, capable of software-enabled surround sound when used for PC gaming only (download code slip inside the box)

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

2. Hyper Cloud II

7.1 virtual surround sound- which enhance an exact positional audio in order to provide sound clarity.
It can be used for long as well since it is durable. It is created strong and cannot break easily. It is fixed with aluminum frame that is flexible therefore capable of accommodating various head sizes.
Hyper cloud II is more costly than Razer kraken. The cheapest hyper X on amazon goes at 95.56 dollars.

HyperX Cloud II – Gaming Headset, 7.1 Surround Sound, Memory Foam Ear Pads, Durable Aluminum Frame, Detachable Microphone, Works with PC, PS4, Xbox One – Red

Designed for comfort: Exceptionally comfortable memory foam ear cushions and padded leatherette headband help keep you focused on gaming

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

3. NUBWO Gaming headsets

Built for comfort. Soft leatherette ear cups and ergonomically padded headband allow for long gaming sessions without fatigue
lmmersive Gaming Audio. Dual 50mm speaker drivers are engineered to produce detailed, balanced soundscape with ultra-low distortion for your games, music, movies, and more
Noise-canceling Mic. The flexible omnidirectional microphone captures the user’s voice yet eliminates unwanted background noise.
Convenience to Use: The in-line Audio control makes it possible to conveniently adjust the volume and mute the microphone without having to go into extra settings

If you are looking for one of the cheapest headsets on the market this is it.

NUBWO U3 3.5mm Gaming Headset for PC, PS4, Laptop, Xbox One, Mac, iPad, Nintendo Switch Games, Computer Game Gamer Over Ear Flexible Microphone Volume Control with Mic

【UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY】Support PlayStation 4, New Xbox One, PC, Nintendo 3DS, Switch, Laptop, PSP, Tablet, iPad, Computer, Mobile Phone. Please note you need an extra Microsoft Adapter (Not Included) when connect with an old version Xbox One controller.

Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:

How do you make a headset mic sound better?

There are several ways of improving the sound of your headset or even that of standalone microphone.

Better Positioning

In order to get good amount of sound from your microphone, you may need to adjust it close to your face but distance it a bit from your mouth. This is the best way to treat a boom microphone that has its microphone fixed to the end of the boom. Here you will have to put the boom a bit lower in order to have a reasonable location of the microphone.

Microphone volume on your computer

Always ensure that the volume from your laptop is favorable. This is because if the sound is too loud it may affect or hinder the streaming. If it is too low your squad may not hear your instructions. Therefore maintain a favorable sound or volume from your PC.

Streamlabs OBS Mixer and Audio levels

From the streamlabs OBS you need to modify your audio levels. You have to view both your microphone audio levels and the desktop audio levels. Compare and set levels that suites you best. Being that I am a streamer personally, I would prefer a higher microphone audio than the desktop audio.

Streamlabs filters

Your streamlabs has got different types of filters that can better up the microphone sound. Choose one of the filters and use it to enhance the microphones sound. Keep alternating the filters to find the best that can work for you.
The noise that come from the fans or background can easily be dealt with by these filters.
The streamlab filters can be limiters to any unnecessary noise you may cause hence not disturbing your fans.it depends on your setting of these filters.
The filters can also act as noise gates hence dealing with any noise from any other source e.g. disruption from keyboard or mouse clicking sounds.

Conclusion

I would advise that depending on your budget, you can start streaming with what you can afford or a headset you already own. There are many who started with just a gaming headset and still succeeded in becoming best streamers. If steaming is working well with you, I suggest you get your own standalone microphone which is specifically for content creation.