Thank you for this! I recently became a Stream Deck user for work in live medical video production, starting with the 15-button and then buying the XL to help control an advanced video switcher. I now am considering a Plus for all of the work I do in video conferencing and multimedia production. You shared some great ideas I'd now like to explore using Stream Deck for presentations and more. Great job!
@@CatMulvihill But you could do all that by setting upa quick macro and using for example the number keypad, if you have a full keyboard. I´m underwyhelmed, what am I missing here?
This is so useful! I'm debating getting one for work as I will likely be involved in more zoom webinars and events in the new year. The timing for this video really worked out ☺
I've been thinking about getting a stream deck, but I couldn't decide between the "standard" version and the stream deck plus. Your example about "faking" dials using 2 keys is fantastic! Dials won't be my core use case, but I previously thought I might miss them if I get the standard stream deck. However, having a slightly worse than physical dials is enough for me. Instead, the regular one is cheaper and has more keys, so in summary your video made the decision very easy for me!
I am a gamer and DJ. I used to stream my game, but recently I am streaming music on twitch under their DJ programme. I think I could get a lot of quality of life usefullness from a Streamdeck and Im looking at the Plus. The main selling point would be the newer add-ons like usb hub or xlr input (as DJ battlemixers have notoriously bad mic inputs. Thanks for your video!
I purchased a Stream Deck Plus. I think what sold me on that model specifically was that it unlocked the ability to use Elgato's Wave Link software for audio mixing. This allows me to route Soundboard SFX queued from the Stream Deck into my presentations & regular conference calls. While there are other software based virtual audio cables for the purpose, Elgato's solution is quite elegant for this scenario. I also enjoy the Teams plugin for quicker access to reaction emojis, the 'hands up' button, and mute/unmute ability during Teams' calls.
LOVE Your videos, they've been super helpful to me. Though, I saw a video you'd posted a while back about creating a slideshow in OBS with overlays, and masks, though I don't see that video on your channel anymore, I'd love to find it as I'm working on a project. P.S. In the video you were "flipping through" the slides by switching the scenes.
@@CatMulvihillgreat content, Cat. We use them a lot, along with Companion so we can control all shorts of audio and video gear (mixing desks, video switchers, Zoom ISO, PowerPoint, PTZ cams, vMix etc). Cheers from Spain 👋🏽
Thanks, Cat! This was a great example of how powerful these little devices are. I use an OG 15 button one with Companion to switch scenes on my ATEM Mini Pro. I'm not deep into the Elgato ecosystem, but the Plus is still really tempting!
Same here. Got the 32-buttons one to control my ATEM Mini ISO Extreme with Bitfocus Companion... and of course OBS as well. Still discovering new ways to program it for other apps. It is so versatile!
The Plus is nice, but I didn't get too into it until I started to do some video editing and use the Prompter more often. The dials were under-utilized for the first while.
Great video. I love the folder idea to open multiple windows for certain projects all at the push of a button! With that said, what sort of button actions could you potentially utilize strictly with Notion? I see you had the open Notion button and open Notion calendar, but any workflow use cases?
@@CatMulvihill Oh bogger, my prios just shifted.... Couldn't resist the Black Friday offer on the Elgato Prompter - so actually it is a prio compared to SD+, OK, I'm still good I guess. The offer was for the Prompter, cold shoe and a mini Elgato Light. All for €219, it's really a deal.
Interesting. I have the 15 key deck which I use for OBS and Zoom. Wasn't aware it could do everything you mention. I suspect though that there is a point of diminishing returns - where having so many programmed functions offsets the benefit because you have to remember what each key does. I have programmable keys on my graphics tablet too, but same situation - I honestly don't use them. If you use the devices and functions every day or have large collections of repeating steps (such as your monthly accounts), I can see that it makes a lot of sense to program those repeating tasks. Thanks for the overview.
I'm a big fan of the principle "as simple as possible, but no simpler". It can be easy to add keys just because you can, but as you say, it might end up complicating things.
@@CatMulvihill Agreed. Why even buy one of these if you can do the same thing by setting up macros, as I have for decades..? the onoly reqason I bought one was bc I ended upa few keys short on my compact gaming keyboard (for example, delete!) lol
I'm thinking of getting the NEO but I was concerned I wouldn't have enough pages for what I wanted to do but as it looks like I can have a key that opens up a function for other pages like you you did for your hex code, Which I wanted to ask about if you wanted to add more pages to the hexkey page could you do that so I can scroll through that or would I need to add another function key, to open, but the XL is bit much, the Plus does look good, but for me the regular and the Neo look like the best option, but the Neo with its built in page keys and its extra programmable screen does make it a nice choice
Did any of the keys I showed sound useful, like the HEX codes, affiliate links, meeting controls, timer, etc? I do honestly believe the multi-actions are the stars of the show (after controlling my scenes and recording in Ecamm). If there's any task you repeat that needs you to open more than one site, file, folder, etc, then I would try that and see if it makes the experience smoother. It's not just about time saving, it's also about eliminating steps that can be automated.
@@CatMulvihillIt’s definitely got me thinking. Affiliate links and pre-canned text are what I used to use my XL for. I always get lost in design and setup and then bail. lol I need to hunker down and dedicate a weekend to layout. Now just to bore an additional port into my MacBook Pro as it is current completely full. 😂
It's been mentioned over the years but I haven't gotten around to testing yet! Is there a UA-cam creator who has content about it where I can learn more?
@@CatMulvihill ..not recent.. The free version is free to use..the paid version was 13 dollars/euro, when i bough..and has cool personalization.. I think you should give a look at it..I don't create content for now, and i like the streamdeck..BUT, for less than 15 dollars, have the unlimited version of touchportal..is a big difference.. I honestly think you should do a video on it, versus streamdeck, and see if you like it, and/or recomend and for what type of users.. I think it is much more powerful and so many integrations.. Give it a try, is my suggestion.
I still dont get it. I have a compact gaming keyboard but I´m short a few keys so I bought a keyboard extension at AliExpress that I can program to type a letter, symbol, etc or any macro. These just seem like dedicated keys for macros, which I´cve used for years (albeit not on a dedicated key.) It sound like these are really just that? Am I missing something? (oh, and it came with two dials. Boughjt it before ever knowing what the Steam Decks are for, but if it´s just a fancy device for macro keys, that brand is extremely expensive!)
That is one function, indeed - to perform a hotkey, or multi-action macro. The fact they are screens though, changes their function a little from a macro keypad. A plugin can show the current audio device output selection (speakers vs. headphones) for example - dynamically switching to a speakerphone icon, or a headphones icon. If you have multiple Virtual Desktops you switch between often, the button, or touchscreen above the dial (if using the Stream Deck Plus) can show the currently selected Desktop, as another example. If you use the Multi-Clip feature to store different pieces of text or images on multiple clipboards, the button can change to show which clipboards have content, and which are empty. You can have a stock price refresh at an hourly interval as another example (time, weather, etc) - so it becomes a small dashboard for bite-size info you wish to have always visible. When a button is toggled to play soundboard audio, it will show the current time remaining on the audio, counting down... The buttons being screens are a small nuance, but expands the capabilities beyond a macro keypad.
I would test to see if using the Open > Chrome key brings your window forward as the active window. I know that's how it works on Mac, but I don't know which operating system you are using. If it does make Chrome the active window, that will help you find the window. Then I would see if Google Voice has any keyboard shortcuts. If there is a keyboard shortcut to end the call, you could set up a Multi Action: 1) Open > Chrome 2) Hotkey > [quit call keyboard shortcut]
Hey question my work has restrictions on lots of programs once you set up the stream deck can it still work without the software being installed on another laptop
@@CatMulvihill If you have the app installed on two computers (e.g. home and work), can you move it back and forth and have it load the buttons based on which computer you are on? And can you move between a Mac/iPad and PC?
Since I have one, I was hoping for a different video. You do a lot with one button push. Could you do a video with an example of the program for one button? Opening any program and any two documents should give me and others a helping hand. Stream deck should be more than willing to sponsor that, I would think.
Thank you for this! I recently became a Stream Deck user for work in live medical video production, starting with the 15-button and then buying the XL to help control an advanced video switcher. I now am considering a Plus for all of the work I do in video conferencing and multimedia production. You shared some great ideas I'd now like to explore using Stream Deck for presentations and more. Great job!
The buttons as dials / faders that actually visually depict what level its at.... is mind blowing!!
This was a great walk-through! Thanks Cat! You're a natural on camera :)
You have opened my eyes and my mind to using my Stream Deck which has been dormant for over a year! Thanks Cat
I'm so happy to hear it! Let me know what you end up programming.
The Streamdeck XL is amazing. I have added a load of presets for Final Cut Pro and it had sped up my editing enormously.
The Stream Deck for editing is so nice so you don't have to remember all the shortcuts.
@@CatMulvihill But you could do all that by setting upa quick macro and using for example the number keypad, if you have a full keyboard. I´m underwyhelmed, what am I missing here?
Thanks Cat. It took me a while to find the right guidance on which Stream Deck to buy. Excellent work.
This is so useful! I'm debating getting one for work as I will likely be involved in more zoom webinars and events in the new year. The timing for this video really worked out ☺
They are great for Zoom and events. But even the everyday time savers add up and make life easier!
I've been thinking about getting a stream deck, but I couldn't decide between the "standard" version and the stream deck plus.
Your example about "faking" dials using 2 keys is fantastic!
Dials won't be my core use case, but I previously thought I might miss them if I get the standard stream deck. However, having a slightly worse than physical dials is enough for me. Instead, the regular one is cheaper and has more keys, so in summary your video made the decision very easy for me!
And because of you I now own a CalDigit … and I love it ❤️❤️❤️ … THANK YOU!!! 🙏🏻🤗🙏🏻
Thanks, Cat! Your videos are extremely helpful.
I am a gamer and DJ. I used to stream my game, but recently I am streaming music on twitch under their DJ programme. I think I could get a lot of quality of life usefullness from a Streamdeck and Im looking at the Plus. The main selling point would be the newer add-ons like usb hub or xlr input (as DJ battlemixers have notoriously bad mic inputs. Thanks for your video!
I purchased a Stream Deck Plus. I think what sold me on that model specifically was that it unlocked the ability to use Elgato's Wave Link software for audio mixing. This allows me to route Soundboard SFX queued from the Stream Deck into my presentations & regular conference calls. While there are other software based virtual audio cables for the purpose, Elgato's solution is quite elegant for this scenario.
I also enjoy the Teams plugin for quicker access to reaction emojis, the 'hands up' button, and mute/unmute ability during Teams' calls.
LOVE Your videos, they've been super helpful to me. Though, I saw a video you'd posted a while back about creating a slideshow in OBS with overlays, and masks, though I don't see that video on your channel anymore, I'd love to find it as I'm working on a project.
P.S. In the video you were "flipping through" the slides by switching the scenes.
By definition, one never has enough StreamDecks
Hahaha. I didn't even have all my Stream Decks in this video. I was using my 2nd Stream Deck+ to control the recording.
@@CatMulvihillgreat content, Cat.
We use them a lot, along with Companion so we can control all shorts of audio and video gear (mixing desks, video switchers, Zoom ISO, PowerPoint, PTZ cams, vMix etc).
Cheers from Spain 👋🏽
Good review, thanks.
Adding title/ script buttons were awesome. I put them in as my chatgtp prompts
Do you mean you set up text keys with your prompts?
Awesome. I had no idea you could have a two button volume up/down slider. Just set one up. Thanks.
Glad you learned something new!
Thanks, Cat! This was a great example of how powerful these little devices are. I use an OG 15 button one with Companion to switch scenes on my ATEM Mini Pro. I'm not deep into the Elgato ecosystem, but the Plus is still really tempting!
Same here. Got the 32-buttons one to control my ATEM Mini ISO Extreme with Bitfocus Companion... and of course OBS as well. Still discovering new ways to program it for other apps. It is so versatile!
The Plus is nice, but I didn't get too into it until I started to do some video editing and use the Prompter more often. The dials were under-utilized for the first while.
Great video. I love the folder idea to open multiple windows for certain projects all at the push of a button! With that said, what sort of button actions could you potentially utilize strictly with Notion? I see you had the open Notion button and open Notion calendar, but any workflow use cases?
Very helpful. Thank you, 🌺
Hey my friend!!! Looking amazing ! hope all is well ~ Israel
Great walkthrough Cat, I'm drooling for the StreamDeck+ but have some other prios hardware wise right now...
It sounds like you know what takes priority! I applaud that 😉
@@CatMulvihill Oh bogger, my prios just shifted.... Couldn't resist the Black Friday offer on the Elgato Prompter - so actually it is a prio compared to SD+, OK, I'm still good I guess.
The offer was for the Prompter, cold shoe and a mini Elgato Light. All for €219, it's really a deal.
Take a look at Moom for your multis, which will rearrange your windows in the exact positions you like after launching them.
I've got Moom but haven't set aside time to properly learn it. It's on the list!
Interesting. I have the 15 key deck which I use for OBS and Zoom. Wasn't aware it could do everything you mention. I suspect though that there is a point of diminishing returns - where having so many programmed functions offsets the benefit because you have to remember what each key does. I have programmable keys on my graphics tablet too, but same situation - I honestly don't use them. If you use the devices and functions every day or have large collections of repeating steps (such as your monthly accounts), I can see that it makes a lot of sense to program those repeating tasks. Thanks for the overview.
I'm a big fan of the principle "as simple as possible, but no simpler". It can be easy to add keys just because you can, but as you say, it might end up complicating things.
@@CatMulvihill Agreed. Why even buy one of these if you can do the same thing by setting up macros, as I have for decades..? the onoly reqason I bought one was bc I ended upa few keys short on my compact gaming keyboard (for example, delete!) lol
What tablet you are using? Ipad Mini4?
I'm thinking of getting the NEO but I was concerned I wouldn't have enough pages for what I wanted to do but as it looks like I can have a key that opens up a function for other pages like you you did for your hex code, Which I wanted to ask about if you wanted to add more pages to the hexkey page could you do that so I can scroll through that or would I need to add another function key, to open, but the XL is bit much, the Plus does look good, but for me the regular and the Neo look like the best option, but the Neo with its built in page keys and its extra programmable screen does make it a nice choice
How did you adjust the sliders for brightness? I can just use them for volume?
Great video..
How do you use the hexcodes ?
Cat!!! I have a Streamdeck XL and NEVER use it - give me a reason to break it out of the closet and put it to good use!!
Did any of the keys I showed sound useful, like the HEX codes, affiliate links, meeting controls, timer, etc?
I do honestly believe the multi-actions are the stars of the show (after controlling my scenes and recording in Ecamm). If there's any task you repeat that needs you to open more than one site, file, folder, etc, then I would try that and see if it makes the experience smoother. It's not just about time saving, it's also about eliminating steps that can be automated.
@@CatMulvihillIt’s definitely got me thinking. Affiliate links and pre-canned text are what I used to use my XL for. I always get lost in design and setup and then bail. lol
I need to hunker down and dedicate a weekend to layout. Now just to bore an additional port into my MacBook Pro as it is current completely full. 😂
just for the soundeffects (like applause, or a group of people saying "aaaaaah" with a sad voice) which one should I buy?
Do all of the models support the plugins from the store?
Touchportal in a tablet or big smartphone deserves a video
It's been mentioned over the years but I haven't gotten around to testing yet! Is there a UA-cam creator who has content about it where I can learn more?
@@CatMulvihill ..not recent.. The free version is free to use..the paid version was 13 dollars/euro, when i bough..and has cool personalization.. I think you should give a look at it..I don't create content for now, and i like the streamdeck..BUT, for less than 15 dollars, have the unlimited version of touchportal..is a big difference.. I honestly think you should do a video on it, versus streamdeck, and see if you like it, and/or recomend and for what type of users.. I think it is much more powerful and so many integrations.. Give it a try, is my suggestion.
Can you use the SD+ and Hub to plug in a SDXL?
Can the Shure MV7 be connected to the SD+ and Hub by either USB or XLR?
I still dont get it. I have a compact gaming keyboard but I´m short a few keys so I bought a keyboard extension at AliExpress that I can program to type a letter, symbol, etc or any macro. These just seem like dedicated keys for macros, which I´cve used for years (albeit not on a dedicated key.) It sound like these are really just that? Am I missing something?
(oh, and it came with two dials. Boughjt it before ever knowing what the Steam Decks are for, but if it´s just a fancy device for macro keys, that brand is extremely expensive!)
That is one function, indeed - to perform a hotkey, or multi-action macro. The fact they are screens though, changes their function a little from a macro keypad. A plugin can show the current audio device output selection (speakers vs. headphones) for example - dynamically switching to a speakerphone icon, or a headphones icon. If you have multiple Virtual Desktops you switch between often, the button, or touchscreen above the dial (if using the Stream Deck Plus) can show the currently selected Desktop, as another example. If you use the Multi-Clip feature to store different pieces of text or images on multiple clipboards, the button can change to show which clipboards have content, and which are empty. You can have a stock price refresh at an hourly interval as another example (time, weather, etc) - so it becomes a small dashboard for bite-size info you wish to have always visible. When a button is toggled to play soundboard audio, it will show the current time remaining on the audio, counting down...
The buttons being screens are a small nuance, but expands the capabilities beyond a macro keypad.
Wow you are gorgeous. Thanks for the video.
Can I use this to end a VoiP call via Google voice in Chrome? I often can’t find the window to end the call…
I would test to see if using the Open > Chrome key brings your window forward as the active window. I know that's how it works on Mac, but I don't know which operating system you are using.
If it does make Chrome the active window, that will help you find the window. Then I would see if Google Voice has any keyboard shortcuts. If there is a keyboard shortcut to end the call, you could set up a Multi Action:
1) Open > Chrome
2) Hotkey > [quit call keyboard shortcut]
@ thanks yes I am on macOS
Hey question my work has restrictions on lots of programs once you set up the stream deck can it still work without the software being installed on another laptop
You do need the app installed, so you would need to get admin permission to download it.
Thanks
@@CatMulvihill If you have the app installed on two computers (e.g. home and work), can you move it back and forth and have it load the buttons based on which computer you are on? And can you move between a Mac/iPad and PC?
If Tom buck was a woman, he'd look exactly like you
Since I have one, I was hoping for a different video. You do a lot with one button push. Could you do a video with an example of the program for one button? Opening any program and any two documents should give me and others a helping hand. Stream deck should be more than willing to sponsor that, I would think.
ahh u were so cute, I couldnt watch the product overview, thanks