When creating content, it’s important to have hardware that can be easily used without sight, even if sometimes said hardware requires some sighted assistance to set up initially.
Having been creating content of various kinds for a long time now, here’s some information my current setup.
Capture Card
A key part of being able to stream and record videos of games is being able to capture footage of said titles. Though other devices are available, I currently use an internal Elgato HD60 Pro capture card in my PC, running into Open Broadcaster Software Studio.
Microphones
For my streams on Twitch and YouTube, I have been using Antlion’s Modmic line of products for the past few years, specifically the 3.5mm Uni and Modmic Uni 2, running thorugh an XLR converter.
for audio described videos that I put together mostly as part of the #TranscribingGames project, I instead use a Samson Q7 XLR microphone.
Audio Interface
As my audio interface (i.e. where all of my audio runs through in my case, including my voice), I utilise a Go XLR with the screen reader accessible Go XLR utility.
All the audio runs through the Go XLR, but is routed through differing channels, depending on whether my stream needs to hear it or not.
For instance, I have my screen reader set to the music channel, while the monitor feeds for things like my intro/outro music and my game audio go to the “system” channel. I’ve done all of this re-routing manually and can, most of the time (save for PC games), adjust things live on stream without issue as well.
Other Elements
Finally, to make sure I can switch scenes with ease as well as go live on a single button press, I use an Elgato Stream Deck which, with sighted assistance, has proven invaluable. Though it’s not accessible to set up as of the time of writing, it allows me to smoothly transition between intro, gameplay, break and outro scenes when needed.
Software and Editing
On the software side, I use Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) Studio to stream and record videos, along with Final Cut Pro on a Mac Mini to edit any content I create. If you want to see an example of content I’ve put together myself, with only a visual check for quality, here’s my Last Of Us Part II Remastered review.
I know I haven’t gone into what keyboard, speaker system and other elements make up my setups, but I hope the above may be useful information to those who want to get started or look at accessibility on a hardware and software level from a content creation perspective.
If you’re interested in learning more, please feel free to reach out through this contact form and let me know!.