Streaming can be an overwhelming task to undertake. Between sifting through different equipment options, and making sure that you have the right software for the job, to the very act of putting yourself out there on the internet, there are many hoops to overcome before you can go live. That’s why I was intrigued by AverMedia’s Live Streamer CAM 313, which attempts to simplify the process by providing a 2 in 1 webcam and mic combo.
One of the best arguments for the AverMedia LS CAM 313 as an introductory streaming option is how simple it is to set up. All that you have to do when you get it out of the box is plug it into a USB 2.0 port on your PC and download the CAM engine software from AverMedia’s download page. This is good because arguably the most significant barrier for new streamers is getting set up and streaming for the first time, so by making it simple it almost forces you to get on with your streaming.
Retailing at $79.99 USD, the AverMedia LS CAM 313 features a dual-sided omnidirectional mic, complete with a webcam in the middle and a manual slider that can cover the camera when it’s not being used. It rests on a flexible clamp that makes positioning a breeze, and you can also rotate the cam a full 360 degrees. Thankfully, it’s also stable once you do find a position that you like and its sleek black finish helps make it blend in while you are streaming. There are also Snapchat-like filters called Face Effects, which are available for download through the Cam Engine Software, although they’re fairly generic. More importantly, you can customize the LS CAM 313’s video settings, including brightness, contrast, hue, saturation and sharpness. Fiddling with these settings is simple and effective, and I ended up getting a much better-looking image than what was set up out of the box.
As for the actual performance, the AverMedia LS CAM 313 is a solid if unspectacular piece of tech. It records 1080P but only up to 30FPS, which isn’t a deal-breaker for me but is something that some streamers may find an issue with. The focus is fixed, and I found the picture quality to be crisp, even when you are moving around regularly. I tested it with Stream Labs OBS and Split and was able to get the mic and cam going quickly. The CAM313 does a great job of not overwhelming users with technical options which are in line with its introductory level aim, but it is a bit too bare-bones for more seasoned users.
The mic, on the other hand, isn’t quite as impressive. The sound quality is noticeably lacking in the bass department and even when I was recording in a quiet room it managed to pick up some low background noise. The background hum isn’t all that noticeable when you’re splitting the audio between it and a video game. That being said, if you’re interested in using the LS CAM 313 to record a podcast then you’re probably better off getting a dedicated recording mic, as the sound quality isn’t great when isolated.
Still, for the price, the AverMedia LS CAM 313 is a good value. For those looking to break into streaming, it manages to cut out a significant portion of the complications involved. While the mic quality isn’t all that great on its own, it’s hard to argue with the value of the overall package. The LS CAM 313 is simple, easy to navigate and a great introduction to the world of streaming.
