YOUR AUDIO SETTINGS

CORE SETTINGS FOR TOP QUALITY SOUND

CORE AUDIO SETTINGS

Gain refers to the level of the microphone signal at the input stage, as it leaves the microphone but before it goes into your processing software. While gain does increase the volume, it isn’t the same as amplification.

If the level of gain is too low, the microphone output levels you receive into your streaming software will not be at the correct level, and likewise if the gain is too high, it can result in distortion or unwanted sounds. The optimum level of gain should be set to a level that allows for your voice to be heard clearly.

GAIN

EQ allows you to alter the frequency range so you can eliminate any unwanted ambient noise and focus the sound on your voice. Using what’s called a ‘high pass filter’ (also referred to as a low cut filter) removes all frequencies outside of a specific cut-off point.

What this does is it gets rid of any problematic, low-frequency sounds that might distract from your voice. Using a visualizer will help you to see the frequencies that are present in your recording but your ears are the best tools available to you.

EQ

Compression is the process of reducing a signal’s dynamic range. Dynamic range is the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of an audio signal.

Compressors work by reducing the loudest parts of your signal and boosting the result. After compression, the quieter parts will be more apparent since the dynamic range has been reduced. Compression should be used to strike a balance so that both the louder and quieter parts of your sound can be heard clearly.

COMPRESSION

Noise Gates work on a similar principle to compressors, but instead of reducing the volume of the loudest part of the audio signal, a noise gate reduces the volume of the quietest signal.

The ‘gate’ or threshold should be set just below the quietest volume of your voice which then acts to reduce or remove the sound of any noises below this volume level.

NOISE GATE

LINE LEVELS : THE TRAFFIC LIGHT RULE

You'll likely want to add other media such as music or a game to your livestream. To help adjust the audio and signal levels, you can use this 'traffic light rule' to help guide you to the perfect levels to achieve the best sound for your livestream.

The exact levels will vary by microphone and by software, but generally, you want to aim to have your desktop/media levels in the mid-high green section, your microphone level in the yellow section, and whatever you do, don't enter the red zone...

GREEN ZONE:
Game/Music Level

Naturally, you'll want your viewers to be able to clearly hear whatever you're playing in your livestream. Ensure that your Desktop Audio level sits comfortably toward the high end of the green section and that it can be heard clearly.

YELLOW ZONE:
Vocal/Mic Level

The level of your microphone should fall within the yellow section so that it can be heard clearly above or alongside the Desktop Audio.

RED ZONE:
Distortion/Poor Quality

This zone is red for a good reason! Any audio levels passing at this dB range are likely to produce distorted sounds and unpleasant 'booms' for your audience's ears! Adjust the volume and gain of each channel until you find the perfect mix.

TOP TIP:
Use headphones to monitor
the changes as you set up to
help you get this right.

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