How to copy my video & audio set up
I, like many of you, find myself on a lot of video calls including Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams.
Perhaps the question that I’m most often asked is:
what camera do you use?
So today, I’d like to give you a full breakdown of my video setup so that you can copy it.
I’ve included the names of every product that I use, prices (at the time of writing) and links to the product, typically on Amazon. The links are mostly all affiliate links so if you appreciate this post and decide to buy anything, I’d sincerely appreciate it if you used my links.
A Quick Note: My Setup vs The Rest
For the record, I’d like to start by acknowledging that what follows is just MY setup and not a recommendation of the perfect setup.
This is not necessarily the best equipment, nor is it the most cost-effective, nor is it necessarily even the proper equipment for the space that I’m using. In short, there are plenty of other setups, and in some cases, I will offer some alternative ideas and the reasons why you might choose to go in that other direction.
Without further delay, here is my setup…
The Sound
They say that people will put up with bad video so long as the audio is good, but they will not put up with bad audio. So, we’re going to start with the audio.
My Microphone
I use the Electro Voice RE320. It costs roughly $300.
Two other options I’d recommend — in a similar price range — are Electro-Voice RE20 or the Shure SM7B
If you’d like to hear what my voice sounds like, give a listen to a recent episode of my podcast Becoming Superhuman.
My Mic Stand
The mic stand is both cosmetic and functional. I’ve gone through 3 or 4 variations at this point and have settled back on an extendable arm design anchored to the side of my desk. My current mic stand is the Elgato Wave LP (low profile) — costs around $99. In order to properly mount my microphone, I use this 309A Shock Mount — also costs around $99.
My last mic stand was: Gator Frameworks Short Weighted Base Microphone Stand with Telescopic Boom Arm and 2.5 Lbs Counter Weight. And the one before that was a basic extendable microphone arm. In both cases, I still used the 309A Shock Mount.
My Other Microphones & Mic Stands
If you want to sound great and spend a little less, here’s what I recommend.
Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone ($99) and InnoGear Desktop Microphone Stand, Upgraded Adjustable Table Mic Stand with Mic Clip ($13.99)
Headphones
I just picked up these Sony headphones for like $20. You could go for something noise cancelling or more stylish. It’s up to you.
My Mixer
I recently bought the RODECaster Pro (~$599). It has 4 audio channels, bluetooth input, phone input and 8 sound effect buttons. It’s gorgeous, easy to use, connects to my computer via USB, and does most of the audio processing for me.
While I do miss the knobs and fine adjustments I could make on my last mixer Yamaha MG10XU, which costs roughly $229, I am glad to have the simplicity of this new mixer.
My Cables
I have one XLR cable for every microphone.
My mixer allows me to plug in my headphones to a 1/8” headphone jack.
I use the included USB cable to connect my mixer to my computer.
The Video
My Camera
My camera is mounted directly above an external monitor that I use almost exclusively for video calls. This gives the appearance that I’m looking directly at people.
The lens I use allows for the short depth of field (blurry background).
- Canon EOS M50 ($639)
- Power Adapter ($19)
- Camera Lens (this is possibly the most important part): Canon EF-M 22mm f2 STM Compact System Lens ($199)
- The camera is mounted using Elgato Solid Arm Auxiliary Holding Arm ($29) attached to the Elgato Multi-Mount ($49)
My Lighting
Three Point Lighting
For the key and fill lights, I have two of these: YONGNUO YN300 Air LED Camera Video Light with Adjustable Color Temperature 3200K-5600K – $55 each
Both of these lights are mounted using the Elgato Multi-Mount.
For the backlight, I have one of these: Boncoo Touch Control Table Lamp ($23) with these bulbs Led Bulbs 4 Packs 60 Watt Equivalent ($22).
For the accent light around my TV, I have Meross Smart Pro LED Strip Lights (~$30).
The Production
My Computer
I’m currently using a 27” iMac 3.7 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5 upgraded to 64GB of RAM. It’s overkill and far more than is necessary to do what I’m doing. That said, I’m planning to upgrade to the Mac Studio with the M1 Max chip.
My 2nd External Monitor
- UPERFECT Portable Monitor 13.3” Computer Display 1920×1080 USB C ($189)
- Monitor Stand with VESA Mount: AmazonBasics Single Computer Monitor Stand – Height Adjustable Desk Arm Mount ($29)
My Software
This is what allows me to use the DSLR and put graphics and lower thirds on my video, as well as animated gifs and videos.
- ECamm Live (Pro Subscription) – $249 per year
I really like my StreamDeck. It allows me to have push button controls to bring up overlays and graphics on my videos, play sounds, control Zoom and more.
I used to have the 15 button but I upgraded to the 32 and I’m glad I did.
Additional
I also have sound panels, a desk, a hard drive (for storing video and audio recordings), and other accessories and software for my computer.
Upgrading your setup
Look, this is the new normal — we’re going to be on a video conferencing tool for some portion of our day, even if some people return to an office. Maybe it’s time to upgrade your setup.
If, however, you don’t want to spend the cash, go through the setup time (and occasional frustration), take solace in knowing that most people feel the same way and will be using their laptop’s built in mic and camera.
I am a professional speaker, so having a way to deliver a high-quality talk virtually, was an imperative for me when the pandemic hit.
You make the call.
If you want to mirror my exact setup, you should now have everything you need in one place.
Total Approximate Cost: $2,750 + $249 per year for eCamm
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NOTE: I will update this post whenever I update my setup.