Stream Train Guide

What is a Stream Train?

A Stream Train is an event that consists of back to back live streams from different folks that goes until the last person is done.

In order to achieve this, we need all performers to review this Guide before signing up for a Stream Train. This way we can reduce the chances of dead air in between sets and deliver an awesome experience for our watchers / listeners!

When is the next one?

Check the pins in #ems-streamtrain-events on our Discord to see if there is an upcoming train. At present, we usually do a train in October for our birthday celebration, New Year’s Eve, and International Drone Day in May. These can be pretty loosely organized so feel free to set up an impromptu train.

How do I board the train?

Join the #ems-streamtrain-events channel. This is where we’ll be communicating with you ahead of and during the performance. It is very important that you understand how to find a channel and messages on Discord during an event. Please keep an eye on this channel while performing in case technical issues crop up (buffering, audio levels, etc).

Sign up for a time slot and show up. You may have to do some time zone math to work out when your time slot is. timeanddate.com makes it less of a headache. The time slots are estimates only and could change, so consider them a guideline.

Slots are first come first served. If you require a specific time slot, sign up early!

Check in at least two performances before your scheduled time in the #ems-streamtrain-events channel and keep an eye on the playing order. Sometimes things can go wrong with a performance — everything from a “no show” to major technical issues. The next Performer may need to start streaming right away. Be ready to respond if you are tagged on Discord. If we don’t hear from you, we may give the slot to the next Performer.

If you can’t make your time slot for whatever reason, let folks know in #ems-streamtrain-events. You can also try swapping with another streamer to get a different time.

Preparing for a successful stream

Test your streaming set up and connection before you plan to stream. You’ll need to stream on EMS at least once first to make sure all the technology is working smoothly, especially if you have never streamed before. This cannot be done the day of the stream. There will be a bottleneck of people doing stream testing the day/night before a stream train. If you need to do a test, do it early so we can troubleshoot in case any problems arise.

We use a custom system to stream, which is different from streaming directly to Twitch or YouTube. There is information on streaming in our Stream Guide and OBS Tutorial. If you have specific questions not covered there, such as (until we add it to the tutorial) how to stream with virtual software such as VCV Rack, ask in #stream-as-ems channel. When you think you are set up, post in #stream-as-ems before beginning a stream and the admins will be happy to help and give you a soundcheck. As long as our live stream shows “hold music” or the EMS performance bumper, the stream is open for you to hit “start streaming”. Once you have successfully streamed, you will be given the ems-live-streamer role.

Plan for a X mins set maximum. (Set times vary by stream and are included on the signup sheet) It’s okay if the set is shorter, but please don’t go longer. If you plan to go only 5 or 10 mins, let us know ahead of time in the #ems-streamtrain-events channel so we can adjust timing / schedules, etc.

Be ready to stall a bit. Sometimes, for whatever reason, we need to fill a few minutes of dead air. Do a little patching. Play more of the set again. Let your cat play. Do a Q&A. Your call.

Keep an eye on Twitch chat (mute your audio) and Discord during your performance. Have Discord open to #ems-streamtrain-events at all times and also open Twitch to https://www.twitch.tv/earthmodularsociety – We might need to alert you to a problem! Besides, it’s fun to get live feedback on your work!

Note: we previously gathered on YouTube, but have moved to Twitch for active chat as of May 25, 2024.

How to connect

You need to wait until the last performer has hit Stop Streaming. This should be coordinated in the #ems-streamtrain-events channel, but you might also see it on the stream with a bit of a delay. As soon as you get the okay or see the stream stop, hit Start Streaming. If you get an error, the last person hasn’t hit “stop” yet. Close the error and try again. When you are winding down, let people know in #ems-streamtrain-events. Don’t forget to hit Stop Streaming when you have finished your set! Let the next person know it is time to go in #ems-streamtrain-events

Rules

As with all EMS streams, it should involve modular.
Show up.
Do not stream a pre-recorded video. This is all about live and audience interaction.
Don’t be a jerk. No hateful language/etc. F bombs or whatever are fine. (refer to the #rules channel for full rules)
Please perform your own original work only, no copyrighted material. This applies to both audio and visual material.
Don’t just drop in for your slot; spend some time in chat to support your fellow streamers. This is a community effort.
Put a photosensitivity warning on the screen and in the Discord before you start, if there will be flashing images in your stream.

Tips

Don’t be a Clipping Lord or quiet as a Modular Mouse. Check your audio output levels before starting the stream. (hint: In OBS your audio level should peak about halfway into the red)
Hit the record button. There’s no guarantee that the video will be recorded and sometimes there can be dropped frames/etc.
Remember that these are performances. If something breaks or is going weird, play it up. Make it entertaining.
Don’t complain about your patch while streaming. I promise, nobody noticed that thing.

Graphics and Promo

You may be tagged during the week before the event with a lower third graphic to use in OBS. These are optional but encouraged. If you need help, ask in #ems-streamtrain-events.

There will be a promotional graphic available to share before the event. Please share this on your socials and with your communities. *As we officially use Twitch chat, it is best to invite people to watch the even on Twitch so they can have the best experience and not be chatting into a void.