How to stream and comment on games. Introducing recommended equipment [Part 2]

I want to do game commentary and streaming, but I don't know how to do it and it seems difficult...
For you, we presentHow to stream and live gameplay ~Part 2~"
Last time, we talked about the specs and selection of a PC required for live commentary and streaming, but this time,

・How to choose a capture board
・How to choose a microphone and headset

I would like to write about this.

Choose a capture card

What is a capture board in the first place?
I think some people will think this, so I uploaded it before.AVerMedia capture boardPlease also read the review.

[AVerMedia] GC553 & GC573 Review

Simply put, a capture board is aA machine for importing video from a game console into a PC'.
There are internal types (PCI connection) and external types (USB connection), and there is no difference in how you use them regardless of which you choose.
If you are hesitant to open the inside of your PC, it is better to choose an external type.
*Please note that if you have a laptop, only the external type can be used.

There are many different products available, but the two models below are the ones I think you can't go wrong with.
AVerMedia's built-in capture board "GC573"and

External USB type capture board "GC553』.

My personal recommendation is GC553

Basically, unless you are someone who just can't stand the increase in cables,External USB type GC553I recommend this. (Although it only adds one USB cable to the connection.)
Why we recommend the GC553:

・It is dangerous for people without PC knowledge to open the device.
・The wiring on the back is surprisingly troublesome
Can also be used on a laptop

That's the reason.
We do not recommend that people without PC knowledge tinker with the inside of the device.
In the worst case scenario, the PC itself may become unusable.
(The built-in GC573 is a type that connects directly to the motherboard, so it is best to select it after gaining solid PC knowledge.)
Another big advantage is that it can also be used on a laptop.
As long as the specs are sufficient, it is possible to do live commentary and streaming on a laptop, so even if you don't have the space for a desktop at home, you can start live commentary and streaming with just a laptop and the GC553.

How to connect a capture board

This time, I would like to explain how to use it using the GC553 introduced above as an example.
First, you'll need to figure out how to connect it, but a setup guide is included so you shouldn't have any trouble.

One cable is included, so you probably won't need to buy another unless it's too long.
Connect it with the HDMI cable you normally use.

"HDMI INConnect the cable extending from the game console to the terminal on the
next"HDMI OUTConnect the terminal to the monitor you normally use.

Next, connect the included USB cable andUSB3.1Connect the part that says ".
*Connection cable is included

Finally, connect it to the blue USB port (USB 3.0 or higher) on your PC to complete the process.

Choose a headset and microphone

Once you're ready to capture the game screen, the next step is to learn how to capture your voice.
There are a few different ways to do this, but they all require a microphone.
However, there are many different types of microphones.
Dynamic microphones, condenser microphones, tabletop microphones, lapel microphones...
Even choosing a microphone can be a challenge.

That's why I recommend a headset.
This is a combination of headphones and a microphone, making it ideal for game commentary and streaming.
*The products in the photo are two headsets that I have used quite a bit (and still use).

Prepare a USB headset

There are several ways to connect a headset.

- Two-prong type with a 3-pole microphone plug and a 3-pole headphone plug
* Microphone and headphone jacks required

- Single 4-pole plug type that can be used with smartphones and PS4 controllers
*It's becoming a standard for gaming headsets these days.

- USB type for PCs and game consoles
*The photo shows an analog to USB conversion plug (in some cases, you can use a product like this to convert to a USB connection).

Most headsets connect using one of these.
It's best to choose something that suits your environment, but we recommend that the first headset you use with your PC is a USB-connected type.
Simply put, it's easy to connect and the sound quality remains the same regardless of which PC you use it with.
*If we go into more detail, it will expand to include the topic of sound cards, so we will leave that out this time.

Headset microphones

Now it's time to buy a USB headset!
That may be the case, but please wait a little while.
What is a headset?Headphones and microphone combined』.
There are also microphones with different designs and performance levels suited to different uses.
"directionalThis is called "Area" and indicates the direction from which the microphone primarily picks up sound.

Among the directivity,unidirectionalWe recommend using the one that says "."
This is a structure that focuses on picking up sound in the direction the microphone's sound pickup opening is facing.
In order to minimize unnecessary noise input,unidirectionalLet's choose the microphone.

And depending on the microphone,Noise canceling functionSome models are equipped with the "
The strength of the function varies depending on the product, but there is a big difference in how noise gets in depending on whether it is present or not.
Because it mechanically removes noise, the recorded sound of your voice will sound slightly different from your real voice, so if this bothers you, it's a good idea to try it out in a store.

Summary of how to choose a capture board and headset

・GC553 is recommended for its ease of use and handling.
・A USB-connected headset is recommended as your first device.
・Check whether the device has a noise canceling function
*If you want to hear the sound from the speaker, it is recommended that you prepare a USB type microphone.

Although there are many types of capture boards, there are only a handful that are high-performance and can be used for a long time to come.
On the other hand, there are a wide variety of headsets available, from gaming types to those designed solely for voice chat calls.
There are many options available depending on the sound quality, microphone performance, manufacturer, and construction, so if possible, choose carefully based on comfort and performance.

next time
Types of recording and streaming software and how to use them!

How to stream and comment on games. Introduction to capture software [Part 2]

If you want to broadcast live, Part 1
↓

How to stream and comment on games! Introducing recommended equipment [Part 1]