Does it always have to be expensive hardware or is there a cheap setup for home office and gaming? MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann tested a Streamplify setup and explained how well the system works and whether it could be a tip for your own desk.
Whether streaming or working from home: A good setup is now mandatory. In addition to a microphone and good headphones, this now also includes a camera and lighting. But how much money do you have to spend if you want to have a reasonable setup?
Caseking offered me to test a beginner-friendly setup from the manufacturer Streamplify for less than 260 euros. The setup consists of:
In my test, I explain how the hardware performs in everyday use and whether the upgrade is worth it.
processing and construction
Processing: Almost all parts of the setup are mostly made of plastic. Both the USB hub and the body of the microphone are made of plastic, but they look well made and have no sharp edges. I would have preferred metal for the general mounting of the microphone body.
Exceptions to the workmanship are the microphone arm and the telescopic arm for the lighting, both of which are made of metal.
In the case of webcams, a lot of plastic is not surprising, but in the microphone area there are Tonor or Logitech manufacturers for less than 100 euros who offer better-processed models with metal.
Assembly: Both the USB hub and the lighting can be attached without major problems. The hub comes with lots of accessories, such as cable ties and markers for the individual connections. Erb is bulky, but can also be placed well in tight spaces. The rubber foot prevents slipping.
The camera can either be mounted on the included tripod stand or attached to the monitor, for example. Unfortunately, the bracket is a bit short for very wide monitors. Here, for example, the mount of the Logitech C922 is better and more stable.
The assembly of the microphone turns out to be somewhat complicated: the various plastic parts have to snap into one another properly so that the construct remains stable. Otherwise the part is a shaky affair. The guide doesn’t really explain the steps, the QR code in the guide links to a dead page (Error 404). After the second attempt, the microphone is then securely mounted on my tabletop.
The setup in detail
How well do the individual parts of the setup fare in the practical test? I take all 4 components in detail. If you want to jump directly to the specific device, click on the corresponding jump label:
microphone
I like that: The microphone offers really good sound quality. I am clear and understandable and the pop filter prevents strange noises. The microphone holder is made of metal and can also be attached to thicker table tops (3 cm).
Even without software and with the minimum possible settings, the sound quality is surprisingly good and almost noise-free. For most conversations you get a really good microphone, for a podcast I would wish for software with additional settings.
You can listen to a 30-second test recording here:
I don’t like this: The device works entirely without software. I actually think that’s a shame, since the microphone can only be configured to a limited extent, namely via the built-in buttons. There is nothing more than on, off and lighting on or off. Streamplify leaves potential here.
On top of that, the holder for the microphone on the metal arm is made of plastic. It’s quite stable, but I’m skeptical that the plastic won’t become brittle over time.
Another disadvantage: The microphone does not offer any opening or holder for other screws or holders at the base. You can therefore only mount the microphone on the supplied bracket. If I think about buying a different mount, I would have to buy a different microphone right away. Logitech and Roccat solve this better:
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cam
I like that: The cable of the camera is pleasantly long and can be easily attached even in a larger setup. The mount is wide enough for most monitors, but it’s getting pretty tight on my UWQHD monitor. The first impression is okay too.
I don’t like this: Image quality is okay for a call or quick chat, but overall it’s quite grainy. It is sufficient for a rough overview, for details you definitely need a better model. 70 euros is too much for me.
The image from my similarly priced Logitech C920 offers a much sharper image and greater depth of field.
Overall, I don’t find that surprising. Webcams for 25 – 30 euros offer a similarly average quality. By the way, I have also extensively tested 5 different webcams for MeinMMO:
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USB hub
I like that: The USB hub leaves me with a positive impression. The cables all run to the back, leaving the desk nice and tidy. The cables can also be bundled using the cable set provided. Thanks to the plastic cards, you can also assign a function to the individual connections by means of a picture.
What I connect at the end is still up to me. The lighting of the individual cards is strong enough and can also be switched off if necessary. The hub also comes with a power supply, which I can optionally connect. The hub also works without an additional power connection, but then some devices do not charge properly or do not work properly (e.g. external hard drives).
6 USB ports rely on USB 3.0, the 7th port also offers a quick charge function (2.0 A). Most devices such as a mouse, keyboard, microphone or webcam do not require USB 3.0 anyway.
I don’t like this: What I find really annoying is that a white light comes on when a USB port is activated. Especially when you play or work at the desk in the evening with little light, the glowing gets on my nerves. In contrast to the RGB lighting, this cannot be switched off either.
lighting
I like that: The light comes with a reasonable length of cord, so I can use an outlet some distance away. The luminosity is very high and lights up my entire workplace with me well. Even in a test shot with the camera and lighting, it is powerful enough so that I am well lit in the picture and do not disappear in the dark of the room. This is a good prerequisite for streaming or office.
With the small remote control, the lighting can be quickly switched on or off or the warmth of the light can be adjusted. Details about the light intensity (in percent) and light heat (in K) can also be displayed on the back of the lamp.
I don’t like this: It is worth mentioning that there is no software solution. The light cannot be controlled via the computer, only via the lamp itself or the remote control. In my case, however, that was sufficient. Elgato’s Keylight offers higher brightness and can be elegantly controlled via an app, but it also costs 150 euros alone.
The details of the illuminance and the light heat are on the back. This is only partially helpful, as I would have to turn the lamp around every time to see this information. I would have wished for a more sensible solution for everyday use.
Conclusion: A great set, apart from the webcam
Is the setup worth it? I can recommend the microphone, the lighting and the USB hub without hesitation, because all three products convinced me in the end:
Only the webcam cannot completely convince me. The recording quality is mediocre and the image is very grainy. Yes, it’s sufficient for a quick call, but I would go for a more expensive model, such as the Logitech C920. I’ve been using it for over a year now and I’m very satisfied. Here you can also readjust thanks to the software. This is not possible with Streamplify’s cheap model, but not with many other cheap models either.
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