When you first start out as a content creator, you probably don't have much in the way of A/V equipment.
You've probably got a basic webcam. A headset and microphone. Maybe a capture card, if you feel fancy.
For some hobbyists, that gear is enough.
You, though? You've got loftier goals in mind. You want to aim higher — to give your stream a level of quality and dynamism that puts you on the same level as the pros.
For that, you'll need more than basic gear. You'll need a way to improve not just the quality of your broadcasts, but the ease with which you manage them. Roland's recently-released VR-1HD Streaming Mixer gives you the perfect foundation with which to do so, transforming you into a one-person production team.
More importantly, at under $1000, it accomplishes this without completely breaking your budget.
The VR-1HD's three high-quality HDMI inputs accept both HD and computer video resolutions, allowing you to connect, switch, and stream everything from cameras to gameplay footage to smartphones. A top-mounted mic and voice changer functionality makes it easy to go handsfree and headset free while livestreaming. FInally, with line inputs and a second microphone port on the unit's back, creators can seamlessly mix embedded audio into any stage of their stream.
The VR-1HD is more than just a studio-grade mixer. It also features video editing software with a scene switching function to support seamless transitions between scenes. You can create up to five preset scenes, each of which you can swamp between either manually or via built-in auto switching, which can be configured in a multitude of ways:
- Video Follows Audio. Switch between cameras based on who's speaking into their mic.
- Beat Sync Switching. Analyzes the tempo of a performance and automatically selects which camera inputs to display.
- Auto Scan. Switches between cameras at preset times.
Because the VR-1HD is built for usability, setup is similarly effortless. All you need to do is plug the unit into your computer's USB slot. From there, it's simply a matter of connecting your audio and video sources, and you're good to go.
We've saved the best for last. For a limited time, if you purchase the Roland VR-1HD through Swetwater, it's available for $400 off, retailing at $595. That price also comes with a two-year extended warranty and free tech support from Sweetwater.
The VR-1HD is far from your only option. If you need more horsepower or more capabilities, check out the full line of Roland AV mixers including the VR-4HD and VR-50HD MK2. Both are available at sweetwater.com.
Smartphones and static webcams can only take you so far as a content creator. If you're truly aiming for a career in digital content creation, you'll need to make an investment. The Roland VR-1HD is the perfect starting point for that investment —a multimedia platform that connects you with your audience on a whole new level.