Tech Recommendations – SESSIONS

Technical Requirements

Ethernet Cable

Recommended

Use an Ethernet cable for wired internet and disconnect Wi-Fi. Wired Ethernet is significantly faster and more stable than Wi-Fi.

Click here to learn More

Upload Speed

Required

Having a solid upload speed is clutch. The minimum is 5 megabits (Mb) per second. If your speed is lower than the minimum, an Ethernet cable is required.

Click here to perform the Speed Test

Google Chrome

Required

Google Chrome is required to access the Artist Panel website that allows you to stream on Sessions. Install this browser on your computer before your first show.

https://www.google.com/chrome/

Tech Basics

Windows

Windows 10 Version 2004 or higher is required for streaming on SESSIONS.

You can check what version of Windows you are currently running by clicking HERE.

Mac

For some older Macs, MacOS High Sierra 10.13.7 or higher is required for streaming on Sessions. For more recent Macs, MacOS Catalina version 10.15.7 or higher is required for streaming on Sessions.

You can check out what version you are currently running from the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen, choose About This Mac. You should see the macOS name, such as macOS Catalina, followed by its version number.

Apple hardware that is compatible with MacOS Catalina includes:

MacBook models from early 2015 or later.
MacBook Air models from mid-2012 or later.
MacBook Pro models from mid-2012 or later.
Mac mini models from late 2012 or later.
iMac models from late 2012 or later.
iMac Pro (all models)
Mac Pro models from late 2013.

Gear Recommendations

Headphones

We recommend using wired headphones as Bluetooth headphones are less reliable.

Any headphones can work with a few specifications:

3.5mm to 1/4 adapter
Long enough cable to connect to either your laptop or audio interface

SESSIONS recommends the following:

Webcam

Webcams are not required, and you may use your laptop or smartphone camera for streaming on SESSIONS.

If you'd like to purchase a webcam, our recommendations are below.

USB Webcam

Easiest to install and set up, but often lacks in video quality.
Any webcam that can stream in at least 720p and 30 frames per second is fit for streaming on Sessions.

DSLR Webcam

More work to set up and requires an external power source, but has superb video quality.
Sessions recommends most DSLR cameras by Canon with their EOS webcam utility.

Phone Camera

Phone cameras are a great option for streaming. We've got pro tips below for using your phone to produce high-quality video.

IOS Camera

Turn your phone into a webcam! Epocam is an app available that turns your mobile device into a high-definition webcam for both Mac and PC.

There is a free version of the app available, but a watermark will appear on your video, and is a lower quality camera. Sessions recommends the purchase of the HD version of the app which provides higher quality.
Sessions recommends connecting your phone via USB so that your phone can remain charged.

Android

Coming Soon

Microphone

When you're ready to purchase a microphone, Sessions recommends the following mics and cables.

If you have a different microphone and are unsure of its quality, feel free to contact us via the support desk.

Condenser Mic

Great for recording vocals in a stationary environment. *Needs an audio interface.

Audio Technica AT2035
Rode NT1-A
Blue Bird
AKG C41

Dynamic Mic

Better for recording instruments, or as a handheld mic while moving around. *Needs an audio interface.

Shure SM57 / Shure SM58
Sennheiser MD421 II
Shure SM7B
Electrovoice RE20
Sennheiser MD 441U

Mic Cables

For any non-USB microphone, any Male to Female XLR cable will work.

Mic Arms

Mic arms/boom arms are mounts that allow you to adjust your microphone to a comfortable position. Sessions recommendations are listed below:

Desk-mount stands are compact and easy to adjust for at-home setups.

NEEWER Adjustable Microphone Suspension Boom Arm
On Stage MBS5000 Broadcast/Webcast Boom Arm
Heil Sound HB-1 Microphone Suspension Boom Arm
Rode PSA1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm
Heil Sound PL-2T Suspension Boom Arm

Free-standing stands are better for on-the-move setups that need to be taken down and assembled quickly.

On-Stage MS7701B - Euro Boom Microphone Stand
Musician's Gear MG100B Tripod Boom Microphone Stand
Hercules MS533B EZ Clutch Tripod Boom Microphone Stand

Mixer & Audio Interface

Do I need a Mixer for Sessions?

No, not necessarily. As a Rising Artist, your setup may not be as a complex of a project to require a mixer. You may be a singer, play an instrument, have a backing track, or a combination of all three. If that’s you, check out the details on the audio interface below.

Learn more about the differences between mixers and audio interfaces.

Mixer explained and how to use it with OBS

Check out the video below. It's recommended to watch the whole video, but here are some helpful time stamps.

Mixer Tutorial

Learn more in this video on how to connect via RCA Cable and what to do if your computer doesn't have a Line-In Input for a Mixer.

Do I need an Audio Interface?

No, but they are an easy upgrade when you're ready! An audio interface serves as the hub to get audio from your equipment to your computer. You may only need a few inputs, one for XLR and another for an instrument.

Before purchasing an audio interface, check your computer to see which types of ports your computer supports. Confirm that the audio interface's drivers are up-to-date. To do this, you can check the manufacturer's website linked below.