What's Inside
Getting Started
"Run What You Brung" — Use what you have first. Don't spend big until you know you'll stick with it.
Bare Minimum for Vinyl/Turntable DJs
Turntable Setup
- Turntables + mixer
- Headphones
- Audio interface (unless mixer has USB out)
- Basic laptop/PC
- Webcam or laptop cam
- Speakers (for monitoring)
- Cables (setup dependent)
Bare Minimum for CDJ DJs
CDJ Setup
- CDJs + mixer
- Headphones
- Audio interface (unless mixer has USB out)
- Basic laptop/PC
- Webcam or laptop cam
- Speakers (for monitoring)
- Cables (setup dependent)
Bare Minimum for Controller DJs
Controller Setup
- Controller (mixer built-in)
- Headphones
- Laptop with DJ software
- Webcam or laptop cam
- Speakers (for monitoring)
- Cables (setup dependent)
Software
OBS Studio (free) — The standard for streaming. We'll cover settings in Section 4.
Performance Options
- PC or laptop with dedicated GPU — ideal setup
- Two laptop setup — one for DJ software, one for streaming (eases the load)
- M1 Macs can work — but PC with GPU is the gold standard
- Struggling? — Lower your bitrate and resolution in OBS
DJ Streaming Priority Order
-
1
Audio Quality Always #1. Set to 320kbps in OBS.
-
2
Source Files Friends don't let friends play ripped tunes. 320 MP3 or higher.
-
3
Camera Show yourself AND your equipment. Helps viewers learn and increases engagement.
People have done well with just a graphic + music, but showing your setup = more engagement + helps others learn.
Internet & OBS Settings
| Quality | Resolution | Bitrate | Min Upload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p 60fps | 1920×1080 | 6000 kbps | ~10 Mbps |
| 1080p 30fps | 1920×1080 | 4500 kbps | ~8 Mbps |
| 720p 60fps | 1280×720 | 4500 kbps | ~8 Mbps |
| 720p 30fps | 1280×720 | 3000 kbps | ~5 Mbps |
NVIDIA GPU? Use NVENC encoder. No GPU? Use x264 (veryfast to medium preset).
Audio Setup
Audio is your #1 priority. Viewers will forgive a low-res camera, but not bad audio.
Audio Interfaces by Budget
| Tier | Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (~$30) | Behringer UCA202 / UCA222 | Cheapest worth buying |
| Mid-tier | M-Audio / Mackie ProFX6 | Solid options |
| Mid-tier | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 | Most popular, but can be buggy |
| High-end | RME Babyface Pro FS | Tried & true, overkill for streaming (more for production) |
Do You Need an Audio Interface?
- USB mixer or USB controller? Technically no.
- But... an external audio interface is always more stable (recommended).
Microphone Options
Option 1: Mic Through Mixer (Simple)
- XLR mic → XLR cable → mixer/controller mic input
- Mic and music combined in one audio source
Option 2: Separate Mic Audio (For Mic-Free Recordings)
- USB mic, OR
- XLR mic → separate audio interface
- Allows splitting audio (e.g., "Download the mic-free mix on my Patreon")
Audio Routing (Signal Path)
Option A: XLR or Balanced 1/4" (Preferred)
XLR or balanced 1/4" outputs
Option B: RCA (Budget Controllers)
Some cheaper controllers only have RCA outputs — no XLR or balanced 1/4"
Old school DJs used Booth Out because older mixers didn't have gain control on Master. Booth often ran hotter — great for recording to cassette tape back in the day!
Common Audio Problems
Causes: Improper ground in your electrical outlet, or power cables running alongside audio cables (RCA, 1/4", or even XLR).
Fixes:
- Plug all audio gear into the same power outlet/strip — different outlets can have different ground paths
- If cables must cross, make them cross like a + symbol (perpendicular) — use zipties to keep them that way
- Furman power conditioner (or similar) to clean up your power and prevent feedback/buzz
Video Setup
"A cheap camera with lights is better than a great camera with no lights."
Why Logitech C920/C922 Aren't Great for DJ Streaming
- Autofocus constantly refocuses (annoying when you're in one spot)
- Low light + flashing lights behind you = autofocus goes crazy
- Have to redo firmware or settings each time to disable autofocus
Camera Options by Budget
| Tier | Camera | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Old Phone + Iriun Cam | Wireless via home network. Use multiple phones around the house! Newer phones often beat expensive cameras. |
| Budget | OBSBOT Tiny | Small, magnetic mount, versatile |
| Budget | GoPro Hero 7 Black | Built-in micro HDMI + external power. Cheap capture card (~$10-20). Pro tip: Buy one with broken front screen (not lens) — works fine! |
| Mid | GoPro Hero 8+ | Requires Media Mod (~$80) for HDMI, OR use USB Webcam App (can be buggy) |
| Mid-High | Sony A5100 / ZV-E10 | Interchangeable lenses for your scenario. Sigma 7.5mm = ultra-wide in tight spaces |
| Future-proof | Sony ZV-E10 II | "Buy once, cry once" — 2K/30fps streaming, 4K/60fps HDMI out. Ready for Twitch upgrades. |
GoPro Notes
- GoPros love light — with good lighting they look great at 1080p 60fps
- Hero 7 Black: micro HDMI + USB-C power = perfect budget streaming cam
- Hero 8+: Need Media Mod for HDMI, or use GoPro Webcam App (USB, can be buggy)
- Superview mode: Ultra-wide angle for showing full setup
- GoPro records 4K/5K but HDMI out maxes at 1080p 60fps — no 2K streaming
Tight Spaces
Can you stand against your DJ setup and touch the wall behind the camera? These setups still fit you + all your gear in frame:
- Sony A5100/ZV-E10 + Sigma 7.5mm lens — ultra-wide interchangeable lens
- GoPro Black in Superview mode — similar ultra-wide effect
Camera Placement Ideas
- "A" Camera: Main shot showing you + your gear
- Overhead cam: Add later for top-down view of decks
- Fun cams: Pet cam, record-pull cam — sky's the limit!
Multiple Cameras
- Each camera needs its own capture card/cam link, OR
- Use a multi-input card like Elgato Cam Link Pro (4 HDMI inputs, PCIe, has passthrough)
Lighting
Natural light can be inconsistent — sometimes your friend, sometimes your enemy depending on time of day.
Lighting diagram coming soon (key light, fill light, hair light for fancy setups)
Software & OBS Settings
Coming Soon
- OBS settings deep dive
- Audio routing software (VoiceMeeter, ASIO)
- Overlays & graphics
- Scenes & transitions
Bots & Chat
Coming Soon
- Nightbot setup
- StreamElements
- Streamlabs
- Custom commands