Stream to Facebook Live using the iConnectivity AUDIO4c

Stream to Facebook Live with the AUDIO4c

Live Streaming - Why you need to be Streaming Smart

We’ve all seen our definition of “playing live” change dramatically. The COVID pandemic hit traditional live music in a big way; it’s made us all seek out and discover alternative ways and means of reaching our audiences and fans.

One way to do this is via live streaming; if you have an internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer then you can broadcast to millions. There are a number of streaming platforms available, but today’s blog is going to focus on Facebook Live.

Facebook Live for Musicians

Up until recently, you probably only ever thought of Facebook Live as something your friends used whilst on holiday; one of those nauseating videos that make you feel like you’re missing out. Yeah, thanks Brett and Jemima, thanks for rubbing your sunshine fun in my face, great.

However, as musicians, we’re a resourceful bunch; we can repurpose Facebook Live as an amazing tool to reach fans in real-time, anywhere. Of course, also being musicians, our requirements are a bit different to Brett and Jemima…

AUDIO4c and Facebook Live

Now, you could of course, just put your smartphone in the corner of the room whilst you perform. It’s highly unlikely though that the inbuilt mic is going to deliver the kind of audio results we musicians need. If you’re going live to that many people at once, then your audio quality needs to be the best possible.

Enter the AUDIO4c: an interface that will dramatically up your game when it comes to improving audio quality over your Facebook Live streams. Using the USB connectivity of the AUDIO4c you can now add multiple, high-quality analogue audio inputs, set up monitor mixes and merge audio streams from a connected computer.

Say Goodbye to Messy Software Workarounds

If you’ve tried to stream performances over social media platforms before, you’ll probably know the limitations they present; especially in terms of media routing. Most streaming apps are configured to accept a single stereo audio stream.

That’s a problem if you’re trying to mix your audio inputs with computer system audio outputs. Up until now, you’ll probably have used some messy software re-wire type programme. Thankfully, with Auracle X, you can say goodbye to those permanently.

Auracle X & AUDIO4c - Made for Live Streaming

Auracle X’s stream mode now gives you easy and simple control of what audio streams you can send to your streaming platform. No more messy software re-wiring! Route audio inputs, software audio outputs from multiple devices and mix and balance them all within Auracle X. You’ll wonder how you ever did without it!

AUDIO4c connected to iPhone and Facebook live using powered lightning to USB 3.0 adaptor

Getting Connected

OK, so you’ve got your AUDIO4c, a smartphone/tablet and a computer and you want to stream to Facebook Live. How do you get started? Well, fret not, we’re here to help!

If you need help getting your analog connections made properly, check out our blog on making analog connections and using the touch panel. Get all your mics, instruments and monitors connected up first. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to move on to hooking up your computing devices.

If you have a USB-C device such as an Android phone or tablet, or a recent iOS device, then you can connect directly to the second USB port on the AUDIO4c. This will also provide power and charge your device (NB: the USB-C port won’t charge a MacBook, but it’s plenty powerful enough for smartphones and tablets).

What if you’ve got a lightning equipped iOS device though, like an iPhone? Well, that’s no bother either, you just need to use an adaptor. Apple offers both powered and unpowered version of the lighting to USB 3.0 adaptor. For live streams, we’d suggest buying the powered version so your iPhone or iPad doesn’t go flat during streaming!

If you want to incorporate audio from a computer into your stream, then connect your computer to the spare USB-C port on the AUDIO4c. Now, using our Auracle X software you can configure your audio routing. Auracle lets you mix and merge audio between the analogue audio inputs and outputs, and between your connected devices. Smart eh?

Streaming Inspiration

Hopefully now you’ve read this blog and watched the instructional video from Will, you’ll have a good idea of what’s need to go live over Facebook. As ever, if you need help in getting your setup working for you, then our support team is happy to help.

Good luck, and happy streaming!