I've been a busy beaver, that's certain. After testing about a dozen setups, and wiring options, here's what I know ... just in case you're thinking of doing the same thing. Streaming live is very different from posting edited videos, and there's a place for both. Here's my conclusions after all the tests:

1) My iPhoneX is the best camera I own ... or have ever owned. The picture is clear, and the editing is easy. Win/Win
2) Streaming to Facebook Live is controlled more by FB more than MY gear - if I use the best audio gear I have, facebook still downgrades the stream ... maybe it's because I'm using wifi. I'll retest this conclusion after I get a longer ethernet cable.
3) Backgrounds, clothing and lighting SHOULD be fussed with. Sitting home alone, I forget that many people around the globe may see these vids, so I'm going to fuss more as I continue to post. This may be a serious part of my performance life in the days ahead, and I will treat it with the respect the craft deserves.
4) Direct audio recording at the expense of poor video is not a trade-off I want to make in a live broadcast. Live shows NEED to be interactive to stand out from a rehearsed, studio session. If I'm making my weekly Wednesday 7pm "live" - I will use the iPhoneX, Shure MV88 mic and small, tripod mounted LED light - this is by far the cheapest, most effective way to broadcast a live show with better than average sound with what I currently own. I am always looking to do better, but my budget is frozen until I go back to work.
5) You Tube posts will be edited and targeted for high viewing numbers. It's important that I get 1000 views to get to the next level. Learning how to use iMovie was a huge step forward, and I get the best audio added to the best video possible, again with what I own.

What are some of YOUR suggestions of you're doing the same thing? Anyone have some useful hacks for better steaming success? (PLEASE don't just post videos that are all over on these topics - I have the internet, too) I'd love concrete suggestions from actual users. annnnnnnnnnnd - GO!

https://www.roland.com/us/roland_cloud_academy/livestreaming/?lang=en-US

Don’t know if this would help Dave...but Roland is offering a course on live streaming coming up soon. It appears all you have to do is register.
Mitch

Thanks Mitch ... I'll see if I can clear my schedule. LOL

I know nothing about streaming video...but just my take that someone would need a lot more then just a simple cell phone setup to produce high quality video and audio for you tube.
That would include some professional gear and certainly a pro Digital camera?
So many sub par videos on you tube can be viewed but the really pro ones
I would assume need the right gear to show. I could be wrong but it is only my speculation.
Possibly two cameras would be better also. Why not just talk with people who already produce quality UT videos and get advice on what they are using and how they use it for production. That said good luck I hope it all works out...excited to see the finished product.
maybe this will help...?

Watched a thousand of these so called "experts" and my decision stands ... the phone is great for LIVES, and for YOUTUBE .... I'll fuss a bit more, and do a direct recording, then add in video.

SD7 I hope?..I know you'll get it sorted out dave
I'd like to hear that beast go thru it's paces styles & sounds...
SMF/Mp3 playback with accomp and vocals etc..
it's been so long since I touched one..

There just "may" be a pristine SD7 available very soon ... Working on a plan with the Prince.

And there it is ladies and gentlemen...
Good luck with your new SD60 I hope its the answer
was the sx900 part of the deal?

ROAD TRIP???

First - there is no ONE answer. Things change constantly in the biz, and I need to stay abreast of the changes. I've pushed the SD7 to it's limits, and I know more about what it can, and cannot do. Nothing is certain yet, but as I get more comfy with the SD series, it's a logical progression, as I need the most powerful one available for the way I push the envelope in my stage rig. This is my chosen profession, and I need the best tools available. The SD60 will provide an upgraded, faster, more powerful OS for my live, on the fly modifications, and no ... there was never any mention of selling or trading my SX900. That's a studio piece, and will serve me well right where it is. You mention road trips .. as if you'd actually get in a closed space with other breathing humans without masks, and sit closer than 6 feet across? Sometimes you crack me up .... but it's part of your charm.

Questions....
ok I understand the mask part..

but why the pa4x?
and a sx900 and a sd7...
and next a sd60 too?
how many "arrangers" does one need?
just sayin.

That said I hope the sd60 deal goes thru and your happy.
and back on stage soon then later..

stay safe

Good questions. I'm running a small, but professional studio that is open to musicians, singers, and voice actors. I like the variety that different manufacturers offer, so I have my separate "corners" with specific areas of expertise. The Korg Korner is set up for a quest keyboardist to walk in, sit down, and play 2 high quality keyboards that are built to withstand the rigors of the road .... and heavy handed playing. Most keyboard players have played a dual setup at one time or another, and the SV1/PA4x combo is perfect to satisfy almost any sonic choice a player needs to make. The SV1 has fantastic pianos, EPs, and such - feels solid, and a short reach up to the 4x gets you drawbar organs, synths, manual bass and auto arranger parts. Again - solid keybed that I don't worry about under heavy fingers. The added bonus of a tremendous mic/harmony processor, and the onboard live recorder makes this a great option for a fast live demo of a singing keyboardist, or keys/vocal duo. It's my favorite place to play when I'm by myself.

The Control Corner, where I sit, has all the recording gear - my Mac, Akai controller, monitor speakers etc .... a quick turn to the left, and I'm at the SX900 to lay down a fast demo track, or drum pattern to start, or "sweeten" a project. Having the studio all wired, and ready to go when I walk in is paramount to my work flow, so none of these instruments go out on the job, except in very rare occasions. A typical session for me with a small band has me at the controls, a drummer at my digital Roland kit, a kb player in the Korg Korner, and a guitarist at the amp wall. (bass, Electric and acoustic amps) There's room for the 4 of us without stepping on one another. Adding a separate vocalist in real time means using my bedroom, or living room (or BATHROOM!) to isolate the signal. If the vocals can be added after the instruments, then another room is not required. The studio is tiny - about 8x10, so a trio plus me is all that fits comfortably.

The SD7 will be replaced by the SD60 if that works out my way, and that's my road rig. This will never be home much, as it will live on the stages where i WILL perform at again. (emphasize the "WILL") After many, many hours of intense exploration with the SD7, I have settled on Ketron as my best choice for all the things I need in one package. 1 keyboard, 1 guitar, 1 mic and I'm ready to go. Small footprint, great sound, terrific flexility - I have at least 3 pro sound systems, and monitors that will handle any size room, and provide backup for doubles, or multiple room scenarios.

I'm not as fickle as many, and even though I run through my share of instruments (and mics), my live performances warrant the choices I make, and for the most part - I never loose money in a trade deal, or outright sale. I buy smart, and sell smarter. Never on impulse, and never without at least SOME research as to the usefulness of the product. As a retiree, your mindset is most likely shifting, and that can lead to a restlessness that I cannot afford. As someone who aspires to at least another 10 years of regular performing, I want to forge ahead with the best possible combination of gear and tenacity that added to my preparation, and God's grace will afford me a means to continue my living in a field that I still very much love. That was a lot of words to say "it's not about how many things you need, but how will you use what you have". I honestly don't think I have that much redundancy in gear. Every instrument I own has a specific strength that can be capitalized upon, and I intend to continue to do just that.

Maybe when things calm down ... we can get the "Breakfast Club" back together, and resume those fantastic roadtrips we used to take.
Right now ... "some" of us gotta work to eat. I envy you sometimes. Count your blessings, and enjoy your choices!

"Maybe when things calm down ... we can get the "Breakfast Club" back together, and resume those fantastic road trips we used to take."

Yes I'm in for any "road trip" like we used to
and breakfasts too .... Fran?.
Thanx for the explanation on the studio..
makes sense..good luck with it.

Ps if you ever want to add a T4 to the mix let me know ..

There's that sense of humor that keeps us all on our toes!
As of 5 minutes ago, I officially place the order with AJ for an SD60. Feels weird - I actually know what I want. I finished all the initial tests ...
(in fact, I'm almost finished the internet! LOL) ... and I'm sure this is the right choice for my future live rig. I'm locked in, and I feel very good about it.
Sooooooo....
Without trying to light any fires, or open any doghouse doors ... what is it about the T4 that falls short for you? You've had almost everything available, and nothing seems to stick. Maybe it's the universe telling you that nothing HAS to stick? I honestly think there are many worse things than having a T4 at home to pass the time, and fuel the creative juices with. It sounds great, feels great, works great, and the size is no longer a concern for transportation. It looks happy in your music room - personally, I think you need more diverse ways of entertaining yourself. You've spent most of your life entertaining others ... maybe now you can focus on yourself, and be open to new adventures. Write a memoir - a cook book - start a podcast - volunteer at a food bank ... anything to keep yourself busy and fulfilled.

I'm on your side, pal .... just want you to be happy.

I had my T4 fun now it's time to share it with someone else
at a good home for it. Nothing more nothing less.
If not I'll keep it here for who knows what.
I happy to have tried alot of today's gear
and now await what turns up in the future.
A mic, a laptop, and my pa speakers is all
I need to make the magic happen.
As you always say Dave "Everything is for sale"

I'm waiting on a dedicated CAT25 cable that reaches my router to test OBS. From what I've read, wifi is not reliable

very interesting stuff..

Weeeeeeeel ... that was true a while ago, but these days, not much here is for sale. Even the SD7 has a new home as soon as the SD60 comes off the boat.

Wow Fran is taking it for his new studio?

Silly rabbit - He has no new studio, and nope .... found another home.

but I though he was remodeling the room?
oh well..

You read his words, but you didn't listen to what he said. Just because he mentioned it ... doesn't mean he'll really DO it. lol

Hope you sterilize it before it goes in the house ... just sayin ...

Germs can’t travel overseas, can they? 😱

I was joking, but then SOMEONE has to handle it before it gets to you, right ?

LOL - look at us ... a couple of jokesters.

Using a new setup for tonight's live show. I arranged the room a little differently, set up the cameras on different angles, and tweaked the lighting. By show time, the light from the windows will have disappeared, so I'm trying to compensate with minimal shadowing. Just sharing the process ... it's all pretty academic to you dedicated photographers, I guess.