Elevate Your Content: Setting Up a Professional 4-Person Video Podcast with NearStream

In today's dynamic digital landscape, video podcasts offer an unparalleled way to connect with your audience. For groups of four, achieving a professional setup requires reliable, high-quality equipment that ensures crisp visuals and clear audio. This guide focuses on leveraging NearStream's cutting-edge products – the VM20 4K Wired Streaming Camera, AM25X USB/XLR Condenser Microphone, and AMIX40U Portable Audio Mixer – to create a seamless and captivating 4-person video podcasting studio. By integrating these powerful tools, you can ensure your discussions are captured in stunning detail and with broadcast-quality sound, making your content stand out.

Equipment List

To set up your professional 4-person video podcast studio, you will need the following core equipment:

Equipment Type	Model	Quantity	Key Features/Notes	Link
USB Camera	NearStream VM20	4	4K Ultra HD video, 40X hybrid zoom, HDMI/USB/RJ45, AI noise-canceling audio, plug-and-play.	https://www.nearstream.us/4k-wired-streaming-camera-vm20
XLR Microphone	NearStream AM25X	4	Professional-grade condenser, Supercardioid polar pattern, AI noise-canceling, 4-in-1 smart knob, dual USB/XLR connectivity.	https://www.nearstream.us/usb-xlr-condenser-microphone-am25x
Audio Mixer	NearStream AMIX40U	1	10 channels, dual XLR/6.35mm combo inputs, 2-inch HD LCD screen, 48V phantom power, multiple connectivity (Bluetooth, AUX, USB, OTG), dual headphone outputs.	https://www.nearstream.us/portable-audio-mixer-amix40u
USB 3.0 Hub (Powered)	(Recommended)	1	Essential for connecting multiple USB cameras to your computer, ensuring stable power and data transfer.
XLR Cables	(Standard)	4	High-quality cables for connecting microphones to the audio mixer.
Headphones	(Over-ear preferred)	4	For low-latency sound monitoring by each podcaster.
Streaming Computer/PC	(High-performance)	1	Capable of handling 4K video streams and audio processing for live streaming or recording.
USB-A to USB-C Cables	(As needed)	4	For connecting NearStream VM20 cameras if your computer lacks enough USB-A ports or requires USB-C.
Microphone Stands	(Desktop/Boom)	4	To position each NearStream AM25X microphone optimally for each speaker.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your 4-Person Podcast Studio

Setting up a multi-person video podcast might seem daunting, but with the right equipment and a clear process, it's straightforward. Here's how to connect your NearStream devices for a professional 4-person setup:

1. Position Your Cameras and Subjects:
   • Arrange your four podcasters in a comfortable layout (e.g., around a table). Position each NearStream VM20 camera strategically to capture a clear shot of one or two individuals, or a wider shot of the group as needed. The VM20's compact design (5.3 x 3.6 x 2.8 inches, 1.3 pounds) allows for flexible placement.
   • Ensure each VM20 is powered on. These cameras support USB power and data, simplifying cable management. The VM20's 4K Ultra HD video output and 10X optical zoom (with 40X hybrid zoom) will deliver crisp, detailed visuals for your audience.
2. Connect NearStream VM20 Cameras to Your Computer:
   • Plug each of the four NearStream VM20 cameras into a powerful USB 3.0 hub.
   • Connect the USB 3.0 hub to your streaming computer. The VM20 boasts plug-and-play compatibility with major streaming platforms like OBS, Zoom, and Teams, ensuring quick recognition.
3. Connect NearStream AM25X Microphones to the AMIX40U Audio Mixer:
   • Mount each NearStream AM25X microphone on its stand and position it roughly 14 inches from each speaker for optimal pickup.
   • Using an XLR cable for each, connect the four NearStream AM25X microphones to the dual XLR/6.35mm combo inputs on the NearStream AMIX40U Portable Audio Mixer.
   • The AMIX40U provides the necessary 48V phantom power to activate the condenser elements within each AM25X, ensuring professional-grade audio capture.
   • Benefit from the AM25X's Supercardioid polar pattern, which focuses sound capture directly from the speaker and minimizes background noise, further enhanced by its AI noise-canceling technology.
4. Connect the AMIX40U Audio Mixer to Your Computer:
   • Connect the NearStream AMIX40U to your streaming computer using a USB cable. This will allow your computer to recognize the AMIX40U as the primary audio input device.
   • The AMIX40U, with its 10 channels, acts as the central hub for all your audio, streamlining your setup.
5. Set Up Headphone Monitoring:
   • Plug a pair of headphones into one of the AMIX40U's dual headphone outputs for each podcaster. This allows for ultra-low latency sound monitoring, crucial for ensuring clear audio and preventing echoes during the live session or recording.
6. Configure Your Streaming/Recording Software:
   • Open your preferred streaming or recording software (e.g., OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, Zoom).
   • In the video settings, add each NearStream VM20 as a separate video source. You can then arrange and switch between these camera feeds as needed.
   • In the audio settings, select the NearStream AMIX40U as your primary audio input device. This ensures all four microphones are mixed down into a single, high-quality audio track.
7. Optimize Audio and Video Settings:
   • Use the 4-in-1 smart knob on each AM25X to fine-tune individual microphone gain levels.
   • Monitor the audio levels on the AMIX40U's 2-inch HD LCD screen to prevent clipping or distortion.
   • Leverage the VM20's 360° AI noise-canceling audio (with its 8 built-in MEMS microphones) to further enhance vocal clarity by minimizing ambient sounds from the camera's perspective.

Workflow Diagram

Practical Tips for Your 4-Person Podcast

• Acoustics Matter: Even with AI noise-canceling features on the AM25X and VM20, treating your recording space with acoustic panels or blankets can significantly improve sound quality by reducing echo and reverb.
• Lighting is Key: Invest in good lighting. Even with the VM20's 4K capabilities, proper illumination makes a massive difference in video quality, ensuring your subjects look sharp and professional.
• Monitor Constantly: Always use headphones during recording to monitor your audio. The AMIX40U's low-latency monitoring via its dual headphone outputs is invaluable for catching issues in real-time.
• Backup Your Recordings: Always record a local backup of your audio and video, if possible, in addition to any live streams. This safeguards your content against internet issues or software glitches.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Do a few test runs before your first live show or full recording. This helps you get comfortable with the equipment and fine-tune all settings.

Recommended Stores

You can find the NearStream products mentioned in this guide, along with other essential podcasting equipment, at major electronics retailers and online stores:

• Amazon
• B&H Photo Video
• Best Buy
• Adorama
• Sweetwater

Related Videos

• "The Ultimate Podcast Setup Guide for Beginners"
• "How to Mix Multiple Microphones for Podcasting"
• "Understanding Your Audio Mixer: A Complete Tutorial"
• "Best Lighting Techniques for Video Podcasting"
• "OBS Studio Basics: Setting Up Cameras and Audio for Streaming"

References

• NearStream Official Website: https://www.nearstream.us
• NearStream VM20 – 4K Wired Streaming Camera: https://www.nearstream.us/4k-wired-streaming-camera-vm20
• NearStream AM25X – USB/XLR Condenser Microphone: https://www.nearstream.us/usb-xlr-condenser-microphone-am25x
• NearStream AMIX40U – Portable Audio Mixer for Podcasters & Producers: https://www.nearstream.us/portable-audio-mixer-amix40u