Take Your Recording Set-Up to a New Level with a few Key Investments
After months of meeting and finetuning our processes, Adrian and I launched the Art Studio Insights podcast on May 4th, 2021! It has been a wild journey and although Adriana is much more of the tech wiz than I am, below I will be sharing the technology and software that we use in our video and audio set up.
This is could be considered a mid-level setup and it is by no means as complex, or expensive, as a professional setup. But it’s simple enough that most folks (even non-tech savy people like me) will be able to figure out. This versatile setup works for video podcasts, vlogs (video blogs), filming classes, recording footage of your creative process etc.
The best part about this list of suggestions is that you are in control to customize your set up for your needs. I hope this helps save you time and hours of frustration/research!
Links and Descriptions
The below links are Amazon affiliate links. But, what does that mean? It means that if I’ve used a product or service and liked it, I'm sharing it with you so that you can enjoy it too! Then, should you end up buying something as a result of one of these links, I might get a small referral commission! This does NOT result in any additional cost to you, and the affiliate money helps support my growing art business – thank you for your support!
Technology and Software (Linked Below)
Audio Equipment – to record quality audio content and make your editing process easier
Audio Software – to edit the audio files
Podcast Hosting – to distribute your recording to podcast apps everywhere
Video Equipment – to make recording easier and with better video quality
Video Software – to record and/or edit video
Video Hosting – to store the videos you create
Audio Equipment & Software
This microphone is easy to set-up, records great sound, and won’t break the bank. It can be connected to a computer, and with an adapter, and it can also connect to smartphones and tablets!
A Windscreen is used to reduce “pop” and “hissing” noises when speaking. This is the one we use but you can also shop around. It shouldn’t cost you more than $5!
This versatile stand works with different kinds of microphones. For the Yeti Nano, we screw the microphone right into the top of the stand, no shock mount needed.
Even after long hours, these headphones are very comfortable, sound great, and are perfectly suited for the job of editing audio. I especially like this pair because you can connect them with a cord to your laptop while editing but also connect to your phone with Bluetooth as you are dancing around the art studio! This duel capability is a priority for me.
Adobe Audition Edition Software
Adriana has the Adobe Creative apps subscription so when we edit we use the professional-level audio software called Adobe Audition. She does magic with it but to many it may feel way more advanced than what is needed for basic editing. As potential alternatives, there are various free and easy to use audio editing software out there including Audacity and Apple Garageband.
Video Equipment
If you’re looking to take video with your smartphone, this is the best tripod no matter where you are filming. It is flexible, versatile, and can even hold a light weight DSLR!
This device is small, basic, and inexpensive but a huge help when taking videos or timer photos with your phone. I’ve used it on several types of camera tripods and ring lights so they can hold a smartphone no matter how big!
This is a great light with adjustable intensity. There’s a newer version with more features, but this one is about half the price and essentially does the same thing so in my mind it is worth saving money on! Perfect if you want to have a permanent lighting set up and want to light a scene where you are either standing or sitting in the frame.
This is a table top alternative for a ring light. Certainly not as strong or versatile as the light above but the compact size makes it the perfect option if you plan on having a set up on the go or are limited in space. You can adjust the light intensity and warm/cool tones.
If you’d rather not use your phone, this is an inexpensive generic webcam and it’s doing the job just fine. You can shop around if you’re looking for a higher resolution camera but for a beginner who is looking to just get started, this camera is a good combo of decent video quality with a lower price tag.
Video Software
Between your computer and a smartphone there are several options and ways in which you can record solo videos. But when you have two or more people it can get a bit more complicated. That is why we use Zoom, which has become a household name for video conferencing.
Yes there is a paid version but the free one works perfectly fine too! It is very user friendly, intuitive, and it allows us to record our podcast episodes regardless of where we are located! We can also have guests on screen, share documents, and there’s even an option to get auto-generated transcripts! We are huge fans of Zoom.
Adobe Rush Video Editing Software
There are several free video editing software options out there, like iMovie, but both Adriana nd I use Adobe Premiere Rush. You can use it easily on a smartphone, tablet and computer. If you have the Adobe Creative suite (with the cloud) you can pick up in one device where you left off in the other.
Or if the Adobe Creative Suite isn’t in your budget, you can purchase this as a standalone program (that is what I do as a monthly subscription!)
Podcast Hosting
If you are launching a podcast, a question you may have early on is: How do you have your podcast released onto the major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts?
Luckily there are a lot of podcast host services options other there! The one we use is a free one called Anchor, which is owned by Spotify.
It’s incredibly easy to use, and technically you could record a podcast straight into the Anchor app using your smartphone. It includes built-in uploading, recording, and editing tools so you can easily create and publish episodes. Plus you get analytics and insights to help you understand and grow your audience.
Subscribe to the Art Studio Insights Podcast: Apple | Spotify | Google | Youtube
Sign-up for our studio newsletters at: JaclynSanders.com | Ameighart.com
Connect with us on Instagram: @JSandersStudio | @ameighart
To learn more about the podcast, click here.