When we say “We are ALL creators,” we also mean we support all kinds of creators. Though many of our products might, at a glance, seem most suitable for gaming-related creativity on stream or on video, that’s far from the only function we can serve!
Today, we’ll start going over how AVerMedia can power your podcast. More specifically, your podcast broadcast.
Pod·cast broad·cast /ˈpädˌkast ˈbrôdˌkast/ noun – It’s a podcast, but you’re live streaming it. You’ll need some additional tech for best results!
Audio
We have an amazing USB condenser mic for you! With a mute button, aux port for monitoring, and crisp audio, the AM310 microphone is the simple solution for your podcast broadcast.
Visuals? We got you covered.
While you may be thinking “I don’t watch podcasts, I listen to them,” take a second to look up your favorite podcast on YouTube. Chances are they have a full video setup in addition to the audio.
Video may not be necessary to start a podcast, but including the visual side will help you capture a wider audience across more platforms. If you’re only in need of one camera and are deciding between a DSLR or Webcam, we have an article comparing each option, and which one is right for you!
That being said, what tools do we have on the visual side?
Let’s begin with webcams.
Webcams
For filming your podcast, we have a few great options in the webcam department. Whichever webcam you select, be sure to use proper lighting and adjust CamEngine settings for best results. Follow this tutorial for setup.
Great
Our newly released PW315 is an amazing wide angle webcam for your podcast. Easily fit both parties in frame with its 95° field of view at a smooth and detailed 1080p 60fps, then use CamEngine’s AI face tracking to give yourself a built-in cameraman. It does all this on USB 2.0, so it’ll work on just about any setup!
Best
The PW513 has pretty much all the features above, but let’s take it up a notch. At a similarly wide 94° field of view, this camera captures a 4K image at 30fps to capture every detail. When you’re using CamEngine to zoom in and AI track for framing, these extra pixels will let you keep superb visual fidelity. It’s what some reviewers call the best webcam on the market, and it could be the perfect addition to your podcast’s visuals.
Honorable mention
Another new release, if you’re looking for a narrower, more focused view, we’d recommend the newly released PW310P. It has a narrower angle than the 315 or 513, and it utilizes autofocus, which is perfect for close-ups and showing objects to the camera.
Capture Cards for your Cameras
If you’re using one or more DSLRs or mirrorless cameras and are broadcasting your podcast live, you’ll need a capture card for that, and you’ll need to set your camera to have a clean HDMI out. With those capture cards, we have options!
Simple and easy
Our ExtremeCap is a UVC device specifically built for capturing a camera, and it works on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Simply connect it to your camera, set it up in your stream software, and you’re good to go. It captures a signal of up to 1080p60fps, and for a live stream, that’s more than sufficient.
Though our ExtremeCap is our only product specifically designed for capturing cameras, theoretically, any of our capture cards should work given the camera’s video resolution and FPS match the capture card’s capabilities.
Double the Inputs, Double the Power
Do you have a dedicated stream setup for your podcast and need the most connections possible while minimizing the moving parts? That’s where the Live Gamer DUO comes in. “Gamer” may be in the name, but that isn’t its only game!
The Live Gamer DUO can capture two HDMI signals up to 1080p60, passing one through up to 4k60. Connect two cameras, one for you and one for your co-host or guest, and get creating!
You can use any of our capture cards to capture your cameras when streaming your podcast (provided the capture card can handle your camera’s video signal), but these are the two we recommend most!
Usage Scenarios
Now that we’ve introduced the tools, how do you use them? Of course each speaker needs a mic, but we’ll focus on visual differences.
Scenario A: The Minimalist Cameraman
You’ll only need a PW315 or PW513 for this one. Simply frame your webcam, light yourself (and co-host), and turn on AI tracking by speech in CamEngine. As long as the webcam can see each person’s mouth movements, it’ll know who to show in the frame.
One person talking? It’ll focus the frame on them. Both parties talking? It’ll frame you both.
Want everyone to be in frame at all times (with some dynamic framing)? Just go AI tracking by face.
Scenario B: The Two-Angle Broadcast
For this, you’ll use the Live Gamer DUO or two ExtremeCaps. Set up your cameras with the DUO or ExtremeCaps and your stream software, and adjust the framing as you see fit.
Check out our video on multi-camera inspiration using the Live Gamer DUO:
Set an angle for each speaker, set different angles showing all speakers for more engagement, or go wild and use two DUOs or add ExtremeCaps for even more angles.
Scenario C: The Ultimate Combo
This combines scenario A and B. Use your PW315 or PW513 for a dynamic wide angle showing all speakers, then use your DUO or ExtremeCaps to connect your DSLR or mirrorless cameras for solo angles. Your podcast broadcast’s production value will never be the same.
Conclusion
Whether you need a webcam, a capture card for your camera, or a combination of both, use our webcams as your main camera or an additional wide angle, and use our capture cards for easy camera capture for your broadcast podcast. Buy what you need to make your setup the best it can be!
We stand by all the products we recommend here, but keep an eye out for more products to boost your creativity later this year… 👀
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