The ideal camming tech setup
The ideal camming tech setup is the first priority for any cam model joining an adult streaming site.
Here I break down my recommendations in what you’ll need to invest in order to appear professional and well prepared from the outset.
CONNECTION
First and foremost, you will require a robust high speed internet connection to work smoothly on any cam site. This is especially the case in respect of the live streaming sites. In cases where there are multiple internet users in the property, the upload speed and bandwidth need to be more than enough to cover yourself and any other occupants in the property who use the internet and may all be using it simultaneously.
Internet bandwidth determines how much data can be uploaded or downloaded from a device and internet speed determines how fast data can be uploaded or downloaded on a device.
Annabelle
Fibre optic broadband is the ideal nature of connection because ot typically produces high upload speeds.
To check how fast your connection is at present, run a speed test by going to Google search. Type ‘speed test,’ click the button ‘run speed test.’
Let Google run the speed test and make a note of the upload speed in Mbps (Megabits per second).
Most live stream sites will be able to present a consistent connection in high defintion if you have around 9/10Mbps. For private sites (non live stream) presenting cams in lower defintion, lower speeds of 4-6Mbps are often enough.
Check with the cam site what their minimum upload speed requirement is. If your upload speed is below their minimum, you will need to contact your internet provider. Ask if they can upgrade your package or switch to another provider who offers better speeds.
Insufficient upload speed or lack of bandwidth will cause lagging and freezing and or even complete disconnection of the stream. Site members can get frustrated if they’re paying for a show and it keeps freezing or cutting out. It usually deters them from spending money so getting the connection right is the number one priority.
Annabelle
Once you have a good connection, it is good practice to run a speed test prior to each cam session. Check there are no network issues. If you see the upload speed is falling short or pitching, you may run into issues. Be prepared to speak to the service provider or get some troubleshooting advice from the cam site’s technical team.
EQUIPMENT
Once you know you are able to work with adequate connection, the next step is to obtain the equipment. The ideal setup is a good quality laptop/desktop computer and plug-in HD cam. You’ll also need an ethernet cable to hardwire directly into the router, professional lighting and microphone.
Most sites have in-house tech teams that are happy to advise on which specific brands of equipment they recommend. They will take into account what a model’s specific budget is when making suggestions. I will also provide my own as I walk through each piece of equipment below.
LAPTOP
Obtain a good quality laptop or desktop computer with a fast processor and ideally less than three years old. You can look at reconditioned laptops if funds are tight. Google search “best laptop for streaming” and check out some recommendations and prices for refurbished models.
A realistic budget for a starter laptop is £300-400. If this is a stretch, a friend of family member might have a spare laptop you can use to get started. It may not be ideal, but if someone comes up trumps it will enable you to start earning money. You can then invest in your own machine once you’ve worked enough to receive your first couple of payouts.
Brands you can look at are HP and Lenovo, or the Asus Chromebook – which is a sufficient budget starter laptop we recommend to models who join us.
If you have a sizable budget to start with, look at laptops designed specifically for streaming and gaming. These machines are usually upwards of £1000 and have highly efficient processors to deliver the webcam upload at lightening speed.
I do not recommend trying to stream using a mobile phone if you want to appear professional. Mobile streams look grainy, are displayed in the wrong orientation and the connection tends to be inconsistent.
Annabelle
WEBCAM
You can purchase a HD cam for well under £100. I personally recommend the Logitech cams, they C920 HD is a good quality reasonable budget webcam for cam models.
The ideal camming tech setup features a high definition webam!
Having a quality HD cam is instrumental to the success of the model.
If the presented view is poor, people are less inclined to spend money than they do where there is a professional quality presentation of the model on cam.
Annabelle
LIGHTING
To stream like a Queen, studio quality lighting is essential. A floor-standing ringlight is perfect, positioned where light is thrown all around the room.
In very dark or large rooms it may be necessary to ‘backlight’ the room with an additional ringlight pointed towards the back wall of the room.
Although it is tempting to keep the lights low, dim lighting is not actually flattering. This is because shadows are cast around the face and neck and mperfections are highlighted. The camera view presented looks low quality.
The brighter and more even the lighting in the room, the higher the definition the model and her surroundings looks.
Brighter lighting also brings out better colour contrast which is more pleasing on the eyes from a viewer perspective.
Annabelle
The ideal righlight to use is a high-powered floor-standing one like this one by Neewer. We have many models using this ringlight and find it excellent.
It comes with a warm filter option and is easy to adjust in terms of its height and position. The added bonus is it has a smartphone holder for making self-styled content.
Some cam models like to add fancy decorative lighting to their rooms, for example neon strip tubes or fairy lights.
If done tastefully these can look fantastic, however overkill is not necessary and they are not essential, it’s just a nice little extra touch if desired.
Check out Amazon for the fancy lighting, there are some ideas here.
AUDIO
In addition to spectacular lighting, the ideal camming tech setup includes crystal clear audio. This element puts the icing on the cake for any pro cammer who wants to rock the world of their audience by showcasing their voice.
Plug-in microphones are far more efficient at delivering quality sound than in-build mics on laptops and webcams. They really enhance the experience for the recipients.
Although not essential for getting started, I advise using a plug-in mic. This can be obtained at a later stage once the sexy cash is rolling in.
When online, do a sound check to make sure viewers can hear. Ask for feedback on how you sound and be prepared to make adjustments.
Annabelle
Check out the review sites to compare some of the best microphones for live chat for your budget (you can also search for ‘podcasting’ mics). One brand I have always loved is Yeti, and I continue to use a Yeti Blue for all my audio content creating. For me, it’s the best option.
ETHERNET CABLE
Hardwire the laptop directly into the broadband router using an ethernet cable. This helps to ensure continuity of stream presentation, bypassing any dips in Wifi that cause lag and freeze issues.
Ethernet cables are obtainable online or from any computer hardware store, category 6 is fine for ADSL/fibre connections and category 7 for gigabit (fibre) connections.
Plug the ethernet cable into a working USB port on your machine. Use with a USB adapter if there are not enough ports on the machine for the ethernet cable, webcam and microphone if you have one.
Test the hardwired ethernet connection by running a speed test, first ensuring you have switched off the WiFi in the WiFi settings on the laptop so it does not conflict with the ethernet connection.
CAMMING TABLE
To complete your ideal camming tech setup you will need a hard surface table, desk, bench or other suitable sturdy stand for the latop, with the webcam placed directly on top if the machine.
The laptop stand will need to be large and strong enough to carry the machine and any additional microphone; situated in a spot you can easily reach to type whilst looking directly into the camera.
Something wooden, such as MDF or hard plastic such as acryllic is fine. These materials do not usually overheat.
Never place the laptop on a soft fabric surface such as a bed or covered chair seat, as this causes the latop to get very hot.
Overheating a laptop cooks its CPU and diminishes its lifespan!
Annabelle
Congratulations! You are now armed with the knowledge of the basics you’ll need in order to present the ideal camming tech setup and stream as a professional cam model!
Want to know what to do on cam? Check out these show ideas for new cam models! Read here.
To apply to work with us, head over to LVE Models.
