Advanced Show Setup: OBS, Camera, Mic & Lights

Ready to move past your phone? A real camera, a good mic, better lights, and a free program called OBS give you sharper video, clearer sound, and extras like more than one camera angle. Here is how the parts work together.

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Advanced setup, think it through first

This setup costs money and takes time to learn. Before you buy anything, make sure it fits how often you sell and that you are okay with the tech. New to selling? Start with the iPhone and ring light setup. Add one piece at a time, only when you know you need it.

Is this setup for you?

This costs more and takes more time than a phone and ring light. What you get: a sharper picture, better sound, and the option to switch camera angles (like a front view and a top-down view), add graphics, and pause smoothly. If you sell often and want your own look, it is worth it.

What you need

Computer, a fairly new PC or Mac that can run OBS without lag.
Camera, a mirrorless or DSLR camera, or a good 1080p or 4K webcam.
Capture card, if your camera uses an HDMI cable, this small USB box sends the video into your computer.
Microphone, a USB mic is easy. A dynamic mic picks up your voice and less of the room.
Lights, two or three soft lights (a main light, a fill light, and maybe one behind you).
Stands, a solid tripod for the front camera and an arm to hang a camera over the table.
OBS Studio, a free program that ties your camera, mic, and screens together.

Camera

Use manual mode so the picture stays the same as you move cars. Lock the brightness and color.
If your camera uses HDMI, run it through a capture card into a USB port. A webcam just plugs in.
Think about a second camera over the table for a clear top-down view.
Keep the front camera at eye level and fill the screen with you and your show spot.

Microphone

A USB mic is the easy choice. An XLR mic with an interface sounds the best.
A dynamic mic (talk into it up close) picks up less echo and background noise.
Put it about 6 to 10 inches from your mouth, a little off to the side.
Set the volume so normal talking is loud but not crackly. Do a quick test recording.

Lighting

Main light off to one side. Fill light on the other side to soften shadows.
A light behind you (optional) helps you stand out from the background.
Soften all the lights with softboxes or umbrellas to cut glare off the cards.
Set every light to the same color (about 5000K) and match your camera to it.

💡 Light over the table

If you use a camera over the table, add a soft light above it too, so the top-down view is as bright and glare-free as your main one.

Set up OBS

Set the screen size to tall (1080 x 1920) so it matches Whatnot.
Add each camera as a Video Capture Device.
Add your mic as an Audio Input Capture.
Make scenes like Front Cam, Overhead, and a "Be Right Back" screen. Set keyboard shortcuts to switch fast.
Add mic filters (Noise Suppression, Noise Gate, and a light Compressor) for clean, even sound.
Add graphics if you want, like your logo or a text banner.

Connecting OBS to the show

Click Start Virtual Camera in OBS. Then in your show app, pick "OBS Virtual Camera" as the camera so buyers see what you built in OBS. Pick your mic as the sound.

Before you go live

Cameras on, in manual, color matched to your lights.
Lights on and softened. Check for glare on a card.
Mic plugged in, volume set, filters on. Do a quick sound test.
OBS scenes made, shortcuts set, screen size tall.
Start Virtual Camera. Pick it and your mic in the show app.
Go live, say hi, and switch to your first camera.

Handy tips

Record a short test first and watch it back for focus, brightness, glare, and sound.
Use a wired internet connection for the steadiest stream.
Keep a "Be Right Back" screen ready for breaks. It looks better than fumbling on camera.
Save your OBS setup so every show starts the same.
New to this? Start with the iPhone and ring light setup and add parts over time.