Essential Basic Equipment for Becoming a VTubing

To operate as a VTubing, there is a minimal set of equipment necessary for streaming. This article will explain the essential basic equipment needed to become a VTubing.

Computer

Recommended Computers

To stream as a VTubing, you’ll need a computer with reasonable specifications to comfortably run games and streaming software. Choose a computer with at least a Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and an SSD for storage. Considering video editing and the simultaneous operation of streaming software, it’s recommended to choose a CPU and RAM with ample power.

• CPU: Core i7-9700K or higher
• RAM: 16GB or more
• Storage: SSD 512GB or more
• Graphics card: RTX 2060 6GB or higher

The above specifications are merely guidelines, and the necessary specs will vary depending on the streaming software and games you use. Choose a computer with specs that suit your needs.

Web Camera

Recommended Web Cameras

In streaming, a webcam is important for 2D model face tracking and expression capture. Therefore, select a webcam that has good image quality and displays natural skin tones.

Recommended cameras include the high-resolution and popular Logicool C920 series and Razer Kiyo Pro. These cameras support full HD resolution, come with autofocus and auto exposure features, and allow beginners to easily stream in high quality.

Microphone

Recommended Microphones

Audio is a crucial element in conveying your individuality and charm to your audience. Therefore, it is important to select a microphone with clear and intelligible sound quality. Condenser microphones are recommended for streaming purposes as they have higher sensitivity and can capture delicate sounds better than dynamic microphones. A recommended condenser microphone is the audio-technica AT2020.

Equipment Needed Depending on VTubing Streaming Content

VTubing streaming content varies widely, but specific equipment is required for particular content such as game streaming or singing streams.

Capture Card

For game streaming, a capture card is required to broadcast the game screen to viewers. A capture card converts video signals from gaming consoles or computers into digital signals and sends them to the streaming software.

Headset

Earphones or headsets are necessary to monitor your voice during streaming. Particularly in game streaming, where you need to speak while listening to game audio, it can be difficult to hear your own voice. Therefore, choose earphones or headsets with high sound quality and good noise isolation.

Tracking Equipment

Tracking equipment is necessary when streaming with 3D avatars in VRM format. VRM format avatars are designed to move according to your body movements, and tracking equipment allows you to reflect your body’s movements onto the avatar. This includes VR headsets and motion capture devices. For capturing full-body movements, the SONY mobile motion capture mocopi is recommended.

Software and Tools Needed for Becoming a VTubing

To operate as a VTubing, you’ll need software for streaming and tools for creating avatars. These software and tools range from free to paid versions.

Streaming Software

Free Software Like OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free yet feature-rich streaming software used by many VTubing. Its extensive features and expandability suit users ranging from beginners to advanced. Additionally, OBS Studio is open-source software, allowing free use and modification by anyone.

If you’re curious about how to use OBS Studio, check out the following article for more information.

In addition, Alive Studio, which can be used in conjunction with OBS, makes it easy to design your streaming screen. If interested, take a look.

Avatar Creation Software

Free Software Like VRoid Studio

VRoid Studio is a free-to-use software for creating 3D avatars. It enables easy creation of original avatars with intuitive operations, making it user-friendly even for beginners. Avatars created in VRoid Studio can be exported in VRM format and used with streaming software like OBS Studio.

The processes for creating VTubing 3D models and avatars in VRoid Studio are detailed in the following article.

Equipment to Enhance VTubing Streaming Appeal

To further enhance your VTubing streaming, consider investing in equipment that amplifies your streaming environment.

StreamDeck

How to Use StreamDeck and Its Benefits

StreamDeck allows you to assign various functions to buttons displayed on the streaming screen. For example, switching scenes, muting audio, toggling effects, displaying comments, launching games, etc., can all be executed with a single button press during streams. This smoothens operational control during streaming, achieving a more natural and polished broadcast. Furthermore, numerous plugins are available to enhance your streaming experience even further.

Audio Interface

An audio interface is a device that captures audio from microphones and headsets into a computer and outputs audio from the computer to external devices. This allows you to achieve high-quality, clear audio during streaming or recording. Especially when using multiple microphones or wishing to apply effects or volume adjustments, an audio interface becomes very beneficial.

Mixer

A mixer is a device that consolidates multiple audio signals, enabling volume adjustment and effect application. During streaming, it allows you to balance microphone volume, add BGM, and apply audio effects. A mixer is particularly useful for multi-person streams or when conducting more professional audio editing.

Recommended Equipment

The YAMAHA AG03MK2 is a device that combines these functionalities, offering both audio interface and mixer features to maintain high audio quality while allowing flexible sound control during streaming or recording. Its simple operation for volume adjustment and effect addition makes it recommended for both beginners and experienced users.

This is especially recommended for those seeking clear audio quality, multi-person streams, and efficient audio editing.

Total Cost of Necessary VTuber Streaming Equipment

The cost of streaming equipment necessary for VTubers varies greatly depending on the equipment and software used. If starting with only the minimum required equipment, purchasing a computer, webcam, microphone, and earphones/headset can begin at about 50,000 yen. If aiming for higher quality video and audio, you’ll need to invest in a high-performance computer and high-functionality webcam and microphone, which can exceed 100,000 yen. Moreover, introducing equipment to make streaming more appealing, such as StreamDeck, audio interface, and mixer, will increase costs further.

Total Cost of Necessary Equipment

Starting with minimal equipment often costs between 50,000 yen and 100,000 yen, but if you want higher quality video and audio, you’ll need a high-performance computer and high-functionality peripherals, potentially exceeding 200,000 yen. Additionally, introducing equipment to make streaming more appealing will further increase costs.

Recommended Budget Setting

The budget when starting VTubing streaming varies greatly depending on personal goals and streaming content. If you want to operate more seriously, investing in a high-performance computer and high-functionality peripherals is necessary, but if you want to start easily, it’s recommended to begin with minimal equipment. To keep costs down, you can also consider utilizing second-hand products or selecting budget-friendly equipment models.

Once VTubing Streaming Preparation Is Complete, What’s Next?

Once you’re ready for VTubing streaming, how about designing your streaming screen to reflect your personal style?
Using the streaming screen design service “Alive Studio,” you can quickly complete a streaming screen that is uniquely yours with intuitive operation.

• Over 1,000 background and accessory materials available from the VTubing material production team “Usaneko Memory”!
• Over 100 BGM tracks from the music material site “Maou Damashii”!
• Features include theme roulette and counter functionality!
• Access all features for just 980 yen per month (tax included)!

If you want to make your stream more vibrant or further express your unique world, try using “Alive Studio.”

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