Possibly the only option for so many artists right now to stay sane while keeping their boats floating. We’ve put together a bunch of tips on how you can get on this bandwagon without having to stream from your phone’s microphone with terrible audio quality.
Currently, there are plenty of platforms that give you access to various formats of streaming and for platforms of your choice. Many wonderful people are taking this time to connect with their fans and patrons. So, here’s our little guide on getting you out there.
1. Broadcasting Software
Multiple broadcasting and live screen sharing softwares are currently available to buy or download for free. These applications help you live stream anything ranging from computer games to tutorials to performances and even pre-recorded material streamed live.
OBS, XSplit, Lightstream, Shadow Play, Stream Yard, vMIX, BeLive and Switcher are few popular softwares that can stream seamlessly with IG, FB, Twitch and other popular social media platforms. A growing online/streaming audience is a key aspect to capitalise on since you have full control of the content you want to publish.
2. Using i-Rig 2
The i-Rig 2 is a very popular analogue guitar interface for iOS and Mac. Traditionally used to record guitar or bass directly onto your smart device, you can now take advantage of that! Volume levels vary from instrument to instrument and from device to device, with the iRig 2 you get an input gain dial giving you gain control and quality sound in every situation. This means that you’ll be able to perform with any piece of gear you own directly to your mobile device.
Route your setup’s Audio Output to the i-Rig 2 Input and control the gain of the signal manually, connect the I-Rig 2 to your smart device and begin streaming!
3. RCA to TRRS connection
Here’s an inexpensive and basic hack to the whole stream game! A TRRS adapter! The TRRS cable in itself consists of an additional mic channel within the cable, enabling us to use it as a mic input on IG and FB. You can identify a TRRS from a TRS by the number of bands on the tip, a TRRS has 3 bands, ie, Left and Right Channel + Mic Input.
You can pick up any high-quality gold-tipped RCA to TRRS adapter online for an affordable price and route your DJ Mixer/Controller RCA output to the adapter and directly plug it directly into your phone to get crystal clear audio!
4. Test runs on ‘Private Mode’ or ‘Test Mode’
If you’ve got your setup all figured out but can’t really judge what the end listener is hearing, run a ‘test live stream’ on Facebook with your Privacy Settings set to ‘Only Me’.
Allow the live stream to stay on your timeline so you can review it and adjust the output levels on your Master device to your desired levels. Do as many test runs until you are sure of the output!
5. Create Templates
If you are satisfied with a stream you have already tested, try saving them as presets or templates! i.e. One for IG, one for FB and so on. Screen resolutions will vary between these platforms and it’s quite a frustrating process having to do this every time you switch between them.
This helps keep the settings standard and uniform throughout your live streams and less of a hassle to start a new one. The ease of having to replace elements vs changing an entire scene is always more efficient and time-saving!
Do you have any tips for DJ’s that we haven’t covered? Let us know in the comments below.
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I have been in the entertainment business for more than a decade. From playing in clubs to managing them and from being a part of competitions to judging them, I’ve come a long way in being on both sides of the industry. A headstrong personality to deal with and a perfectionist. I monitor DJ student progress, help them find placements, and brand building activities.
