The Ecamm Tools and Tech Workshop kicked off with a 90-minute session focused on Stream Deck Mastery, attended by both regular and new participants, covering advanced uses of Stream Deck devices with Ecamm Live.
The workshop included a comprehensive walkthrough of Stream Deck hardware and software features, best practices for organization, multi-actions, and integrating with productivity and presentation tools.
Key topics involved device models, Stream Deck plugins, tips for scene and overlay management, troubleshooting, and upcoming sessions on audio processing, routing, lighting, and supporting apps.
Participants were reminded about downloads, registration, special offers, and the upcoming Digital Stage Revolution event in October.
Action Items
Register at Ecamm.tv/tech for downloads and Zoom Q&A access if not already done.
Collect and review the downloadable PDF companion for detailed plugin action descriptions.
Consider backing up Stream Deck profiles and exporting them for safekeeping or sharing.
For those who rely on pedal or multi-device setups, troubleshoot pedal reliability issues and contact Elgato support as needed.
Check eligibility and use code ECAMMTECH for a 25% discount on Take One Tech Academy courses and the Digital Stage Revolution event (through September).
Workshop Overview & Agenda
Six-day Ecamm Tools and Tech Workshop:
Day 1: Stream Deck Mastery (today)
Day 2: Audio Processing (compressors, audio equipment)
Day 3: Audio Routing (integrating RodeCaster, Ecamm, Zoom)
Day 4: Lighting & Green Screen basics and advanced techniques
Day 5: Supporting utility apps for Ecamm (beyond main apps like Keynote & Zoom)
Day 6: Live Q&A on Zoom (registration required for Zoom link and session downloads)
Attendees should register at Ecamm.tv/tech to receive companion downloads for each day and Zoom session access.
Stream Deck Models & Features
Overview of Stream Deck hardware: Stream Deck Mini (6 keys), Mark 2 (15 keys), XL (32 keys), Stream Deck Plus (8 keys + dials/touchscreen), Pedal (3 foot buttons), and Stream Deck Mobile app (now supports up to 64 keys on iPad).
Stream Deck Plus: Focus on dials for audio/input control, scene selection, and dial stacks for cycling between multiple input levels.
Pedal: Can perform all Stream Deck actions, with tips for identifying pedal actions via on-screen overlays; addresses potential pedal noise and reliability concerns.
Demonstrated key actions: switching scenes, showing/hiding overlays, posting comments, adding markers for YouTube timestamps, and show/hide controls.
Multi-action buttons: Use cases include posting pre-written live chat messages, timing scene transitions with stingers, launching several apps, or toggling Ecamm and Stream Deck profiles simultaneously.
Organizing Stream Deck for Productivity
Recommended organization strategy:
Use profiles for each use case (e.g., Ecamm streaming, Zoom calls, presentations) and a “Home” profile as a dashboard to switch across profiles.
Place critical actions in consistent button locations across profiles for muscle memory.
Use pages and folders for overflow, but profiles are better for scaling and keeping navigation logical.
Tips for disabling default profile switching to avoid confusion when using multiple profiles.
Back up profiles regularly and export/share as needed.
Advanced Use Cases & Tips
Multi-actions: Combine Stream Deck actions—e.g., switching profiles, launching apps, triggering calls to action with overlays, chat posts, and markers.
Scene transitions (“stingers”): Use multi-actions to time scene changes behind an animated overlay.
Workspace automation: Use with external apps like Moom (for arranging windows/layouts) and Keyboard Maestro (for background shortcuts and more advanced automation).
Presentation controls: PowerPoint and Keynote plugins allow for direct slide navigation from Stream Deck.
Zoom integration: Create profiles with all necessary Zoom shortcuts and custom shortcut triggers (using the Stream Deck Zoom plugin for background shortcuts).
Q&A and Troubleshooting Highlights
Stream Deck mobile: Now free for up to six actions; paid for more buttons.
Using multiple Stream Deck devices/pedals: Supported via powered USB hubs; one device can control profiles on another.
Sharing profiles across computers: Possible by exporting/importing profiles, not syncing in real-time.
Troubleshooting pedal issues: Check for hardware defects and contact Elgato support; pedals use proximity sensors, not physical switches.
Stinger transitions: Must use multi-actions for background scene switching; not natively built into Ecamm.
Presentation pedal and third-party pedals: Keyboard Maestro can bridge other input devices to trigger Ecamm actions.
Comments from LinkedIn: Only available via Restream, due to API limitations.
Backing up profiles: Strongly recommended; export for sharing or migration.
Miscellaneous: Tips on teleprompter setup, pedal noise mitigation, and using floating overlays to indicate pedal mappings.
Decisions
Recommend using profiles and a “home” profile for organization — Enables scalable, consistent navigation and efficient multi-device setups.
Adopt multi-actions for complex workflows — Provides streamlined execution of scene changes, calls to action, and workspace setup in live production and presentations.
Disable automatic profile switching by application — Avoids confusion when using multiple specialized profiles in Ecamm or other apps.
Open Questions / Follow-Ups
Tommy reports a window popup stating the Ecamm app is already open when using multifunction keys—requires further troubleshooting.
No built-in method for seamless stinger transitions within Ecamm; only possible through multi-actions—potential feature request for Ecamm.
Stream Deck pedal not reliably switching for Gregor—consider spring adjustment and/or contacting Elgato support.
Further investigation needed into Bluetooth pedal integration with Stream Deck (may require additional third-party apps).
Follow up for any missed Q&A: Attendees encouraged to reach out via Take One Tech.io for unresolved questions.