Streaming Setup: Camera, Mic, and Capture Card Cables

## Streaming Signal Flow

```
Game Console → HDMI → Capture Card → USB 3.0 → PC → OBS
Camera → USB/HDMI → Capture Card → PC
Microphone → XLR → Audio Interface → USB → PC
```

## Capture Card Types

| Type | Connection | Latency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB 3.0 | USB-A/C | Medium | Portability |
| PCIe | Internal | Lowest | Desktop |
| Thunderbolt | USB-C | Low | Mac |

## Camera as Webcam

Most modern cameras support 'webcam mode' via USB — no capture card needed:
- Sony: USB streaming (UVC)
- Canon: EOS Webcam Utility
- Fujifilm: X Webcam

For HDMI clean output: camera → HDMI → capture card → USB → PC

## Audio Setup

- **USB microphone**: Simplest, plug and play
- **XLR + interface**: Better quality, more control
- **3.5mm headset**: Adequate for starting out

## Cable Tips for Streamers

- Label every cable (you'll troubleshoot at 2am)
- Use USB 3.0 for capture cards (USB 2.0 = frame drops)
- HDMI splitter before capture card for zero-latency passthrough