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We configure our devices for remote work, podcasting, video and streaming

I recently started broadcasting and publishing my videos on the youtube channel again . In the process, I realized how much effort and time I invested to get a worthy set of devices - not only for broadcasts, but also for anyone who works remotely and participates in video calls every day.

I spent quite a bit of time on my hobby for lighting and cameras. And now I would like to help you - new streamers, submasters, remote employees or everyone who wants to improve their equipment.

Check out a few different options for remote work and broadcasts.

I must say that I use a Mac, so I will be more focused on it. And yet, these are all affiliate links. You can easily get around them if you don’t like it!



What is it about?


First, I will describe each component, starting with budget options:


Then I will describe my current equipment and some recommended kits at different cost.


You know best of all the requirements for the level of equipment and each component. Do you like current equipment? Then, for God's sake, do not spend more money. The material is intended to be a resource if you want more and don’t know how to do it, and not stress or judgment for those who are satisfied with their current equipment.

Although it’s interesting and exciting to have a super web camera for my remote work, would I buy it without the urgent need for high-quality video on youtube? No hell! Buy only what you need within your budget. This is just a resource.

For podcasts, better microphones are important. Streamers need decent microphones and cameras, but the light probably affects it even more. YouTube needs the best cameras and light, but sound is also of great importance. For remote employees, the requirements are weaker. Use what is right for you.

Webcams


Entry Level: Free


Let's start with the simplest option. Your computer probably already has a built-in camera. And, most likely, she is disgusting.

Picture from my poppy's built-in camera

As you can see, even on a poppy, the picture is of poor quality, especially in low light conditions, like in my room, and without additional lighting. The picture is very flat and hard to see.

  • (Nothing needed, use the built-in)

Small upgrade: Cheap Logitech camera ($ 18 or $ 33)


I have not tried it, but I heard that many recommend Logitech C270 as the initial upgrade for the built-in camera. This will be an upgrade of the built-in camera, but whether this is enough for you depends on both the needs and the level of illumination. Since cheaper cameras are very dependent on good lighting.


Medium upgrade: Logitech webcam ($ 50-100)


Most Tighten employees have chosen the Logitech camera as their upgrade. There are several options, but most of the recommendations will be from the 900 series.

I have a C930e, but thewirecutter.com now recommends c920s, which is cheaper and has a privacy shutter.

The C930e has a wide viewing angle - this is useful if you have a large room for shooting, but will not be relevant if you are reading this article.

Picture obtained with Logitech c930e

As you may have noticed, these Logitech 1080p cameras have higher resolution, better light sensitivity and (at least in the c930e) a wider view of my room (if you need it - Logitech drivers also allow you to increase the review).


Mid-Range New Player: Razer Kiyo (~ $ 90)


When I wrote this article, they sent me a wonderful article about microphone practices and lighting for webcams , in which the author Olivier Lacan recommended this camera with a built-in luminous ring.

Here's a comparison of the two Logitech C920 cameras (left) and Razer Kiyo (right) from Oliver:

Comparison of images obtained with Logitech C920 and Razer Kiyo cameras

He also gave some good tips on using zoom, camera settings, and natural light in your room.


Essential upgrade: Sony standalone camera ($ 400 +)


If you are ready to go to the next level, especially if you plan to broadcast and record video for youtube, it's time to think about using a real camera with your computer.

The company produces Elgato device Camlink , which allows you to connect any device with HDMI output as a web camera. This means that now you can take any portable camera with video and HDMI output and use it as a web camera.

Elgato recommends a list of cameras that can use this feature: they all output an HDMI signal and can be connected to the network instead of using battery power.

Sony cameras are the most popular; You will almost certainly hear tips for using the A6000. The Sony A6000 sells for about $ 550 on Amazon, but if you decide to use a used one, you can save a few hundred - sometimes it comes across for $ 300.

Since I am also recording videos for YouTube, I wanted to get a 4k video, which means I had to spend more. I bought the A6300, which is almost identical to the A6000, but supports 4k video. The new a6300 costs $ 1,000 on Amazon, so I don't think this purchase makes sense for most. But on ebay, I was able to buy a used one for $ 550. But, again, if you do not plan to shoot video on 4k, then it is better to take a6000 and try to buy it on ebay.

Picture using a Sony a6300 camera

If you decide to use a Sony camera, you will also need a power adapter that allows you to connect the power cord to the battery compartment and power the camera from the mains instead of the battery.

  • HDMI Capture: Elgato Camlink ($ 120)
  • Cameras: Sony a6000 or a6300 or similar ($ 300- $ 1,000)
  • Cable: Most cameras output Micro-HDMI video so you need an HDMI adapter ($ 10)
  • Tripod: I use the " Elgato Multi-Mount ", but it's expensive; you can put the camera on a desktop tripod or on any other rotary mount ($ 20- $ 50)
  • The battery is a dummy: if the selected camera does not have a power socket for connecting to external power - you can use a dummy battery to emulate this. ($ 20)

Lighting


I started with cameras, not only because it is important in general, but also because most of the lighting problems were resolved when I updated the camera.

However, proper lighting still makes a big difference - especially if your camera is not the best.

Entry Level: Cheap


It is worth trying to start with the use of conventional lamps and achieve better lighting with them. Buy floor lamps and point them at the walls or in your direction so that as little light as possible comes from above, especially from fluorescent lamps.

Unfortunately, to adjust the light using such lamps, they probably need a lot. So without another table lamp, most likely, you can not do.

My budget option: LED lamps that I can direct to the walls to get reflected light.



Minimum upgrade: LED ring for the camera ($ 20)


I never used them, but Scott Hanselman recommends a $ 20 LED ring that works great if you have a Logitech webcam.

  • Camera Tripod with LED Ring ($ 20)

Although it is indicated that this is for Logitech cameras, I am pretty sure that when he began to use the best camera, he continued to use the same light.

Minimum upgrade: DIY (different cost)


If you want to get a more complex kit on your own, then you can take some of the cheapest bulbs on a clamp (with any cartridge, but choose the right color temperature), then make a home-made diffuser. If you want to improve a little, then you can add HUE or LIFX lamps to control brightness and color.

If you use this kit, you will notice that the light will be very bright and will shine directly in your face. First, consider using a diffuser (parchment paper and paper clips are the most affordable option, or you can buy a diffuser-toe, or something similar). Also consider not directing the light directly into the face, but reflect it off walls or any other flat surface nearby.


Medium upgrade: LED panels (different cost)


Now the market is filled with semi-professional LED panels. But be careful, the cheapest panels you find on Amazon are trash and they will quickly fail.

The Neewer brand probably has the worst quality of all. But, anyway, I recommend to consider them. They are definitely designed for amateur use, but my experience with them is quite positive in unprofessional installations without fear of breakdown.

I did not use this particular set, but it comes with the stand, you can control the brightness and color temperature.

  • Neewer LED kit ($ 90)

@Marktechson from Twitter turned to me and shared his set, costing about $ 80 per light source:


Essential upgrade: Elgato Key Light ($ 200 each) or Key Light Air ($ 130)


After several years and testing all the do-it-yourself options, I ended up ruining Elgato Key Light. And six months later I bought another one of the same.
If you can afford them, this is an absolute dream: a flat and diffused LED lamp mounted on a powerful but simple stand, brightness and color temperature are controlled from a computer or an additional Elgato Stream Deck device. This is definitely the best choice if the cost is not a problem.
Note: after I wrote this article, I learned that Elgato increased the cost of these fixtures from $ 150 to $ 200 and released a new model, Key Light Air, for $ 130. I have not used them, but I can recommend them instead of Key Light, especially for those who are considering buying a pair of pieces.


Here I am with this light, shifted to blue:
Image from Sony a6300 camera and Elgato Key Lights shifted to blue

And the same thing, but with shaded orange:
Image from Sony a6300 camera and Elgato Key Lights shifted to orange

And now with a well-balanced color profile:
Picture taken from Sony a6300 camera and Elgato Key Lights balanced color

If you want to bother even more, you can play more with the background. I added a little LIFX Z light behind my sofa and a LIFX color light , both bought on a black Friday sale in my lamp:

A picture showing a tinted sofa with LIFX Z

Sound: Microphone


Good. We got a good picture, but what about the sound?

First, you need to do everything in your power to get a freestanding microphone. Unfortunately, I do not have many examples, because in the end I saved up my dreams on the microphone and got rid of everything else. But here are a few options.

We start the review with the built-in microphone, then talk about the headset, and, finally, about the stand-alone XLR microphones with usb interface.

Built-in microphone / Microphone in webcam (free)


The microphone in the computer or webcam sounds like garbage. Too much echo. And everything is so bad that the software echo cancellation does not cope (it is possible that another person will hear himself) ... this does not work.

Airpods (do not buy them for this use)


Airpods compress the sound a bit and drain the battery quickly. They are convenient, but not the best solution for anything other than rare calls.

Do not buy them for such use. But, if you already have them, most likely they are better than your built-in microphone. Not much, but better.

Headset


If you have a wired boom headset, or even a rechargeable wireless model, then you're in luck and have a full day of battery life. And it's better than Airpods, and better than the built-in microphone. This is a great option if you just work remotely, don't stream, and don't really care about sound quality. Many streamers are quite happy even with this option. So worth a try.

There are many good options, recently I can recommend:


Cheap usb microphones


If you want to improve the sound quality and / or do not want to wear a headset, then you need a stand-alone microphone. Let's start with the most budgetary and easiest option: usb microphone.

The first thing I will advise: Do not buy Blue Snowball or Blue Yeti.
? Snowball . Yeti , , . , . , AmazonBasics, ?

: , . — . … , . , ( ), , — .
I have seen this with beginner podcasters and with the creators of the video in terms of sound.

(You can bother yourself in this topic, understand the difference between dynamic and condenser microphones, but for now, focus on the dynamic ones).

If you are looking for a microphone to record your voice (podcasting, video or some kind of broadcasts) and you intend to learn the correct practices for using the microphone, then I can advise a rather impressive and affordable, dynamic (with better noise reduction) microphone with usb: ATR-2100.


A few of my friends regularly record podcasts. Two of them write in a small concrete room and both use the ATR-2100. Listen to hear how it sounds in a place that is on the verge of sound characteristics of the premises.
However, dynamic microphones such as the ATR-2100 require a good microphone technique. Therefore, if you want a simple desktop microphone (especially if you're just a remote employee, not a YouTube / podcast), look at the AmazonBasics Desktop Mini Condenser Microphone. I was a little skeptical of him, because he is a capacitor, which means that he easily catches background noises. But reviews on the Internet say that it shows itself much better than Yeti, and it is two cheaper. Of course, in this case you will not get the same quality and noise reduction, but it will be easier to work with it. Choose what suits you!


Expensive USB microphones


Rode brand has released a high-quality microphone with usb - Rode Podcaster USB. It costs about $ 220, and if you do not want to spend money on a complete set of audio interface and XLR microphone, then this is a good average option between XLR and ATR-2100.


Sound interfaces (XLR, not USB, microphones)


If you want to improve the sound quality, you probably need to look towards the XLR microphones. The main disadvantage in the cost and that you have to add an audio adapter to your set.

I use the Onyx Blackjack interface, and most of my friends use Scarlett 2i2. But, basically, you do not need two input channels, so single-channel interfaces, like in Scarlett Solo, are quite suitable.

Such devices are needed for several purposes: firstly, they convert XLR to usb. But also they most likely have switches for manually adjusting sound levels, output to headphones for monitoring. So you will hear what you record. And yet, they probably contain a preamp for the microphone signal , and this increases its quality.


Entry Level XLR Microphones


When it comes to XLR microphones, the first thing that comes to mind is the workhorse from the SM58 audio industry, but that's definitely not the limit. It costs $ 100 and by adding an XLR cable and audio interface, you will have a fairly good sound level.


There's also a mic a bit older, the Samson CL8. I often come across the recommendation of this particular microphone, so if you can find a used one, then it will serve you well. But, it is worth noting that its production is now completed.

Professional XLR Microphones


If you go to the next level, that is, a couple of recommended frequency and top-end studio microphones. I am not indifferent to the Shure SM7b, but this is by far the most expensive option: you have to buy a microphone for $ 400, and a linear preamp for $ 100 (because its signal is rather weak compared to the others).

Another popular podcast microphone is the Heil PR-40. It's cheaper, around $ 330, and you don’t have to buy a preamp for it.


If you want to bother with the topic of microphones, mounts, microphone techniques, and even the quality of the network and wires, then I recommend Olivier Lacan's article on microphones , I came across it recently, and I also recommend a mega-review about classic podcasting microphones from Marco Arment .

Sound: Microphone Accessories and Headphones


Now that you have the microphone, it's time to think about headphones, a little tuning of the microphone, and a suitable recording room.

Headphones


Honestly, use what suits you best. There is nothing wrong with using even the complete headphones from the iPhone, for sure you have them.

If you really want to invest, I like the Sennheiser HD280Pro. At a price of $ 100, you get studio quality (I somehow recorded in one of the major recording studios in Chicago and they used just such headphones). They are practical, but awkward as hell.


But this is the last thing to spend money on. Just make sure you hear your interlocutors and spend money on something else.

Accessories for stand-alone microphones


If you buy a freestanding microphone, you probably need an XLR cable (if it's not a usb microphone), a tripod and, depending on the microphone, an additional gimbal and / or pop filter.

Tripod


The most commonly recommended desktop tripod is the Rode PSA1. This is a super pantograph stand ... and only $ 100.


I do not have a good recommendation for you in the form of a budget analogue, but when I started, I used a stand on a tripod (which remained from my passion for music).


XLR cable


I usually go to Amazon and choose what seems decent. If you have something to share on the topic, then write to me on Twitter !

@theadamconrad wrote me on Twitter and suggested using a Monoprice cable:


Suspensions and pop filters


What kind of suspensions and pop filters you use (or don't use at all) depends entirely on which microphone you choose. Check out the Marco Arment and Olivier Lacan articles for ideas on what’s important for different microphones.

I must say: if you see a metal mesh on the desired microphone, then most likely you will have to buy a pop filter or screen, or something like that. Keep a couple of budget and normal entry-level pop filters:

  • Neewer pop filter ($ 8)

Room Improvements


Someone (but not me) can write three more articles only about the upgrade of the room. But here are a few basic and simple rules from me.

Firstly, to get rid of noise it is best to climb into a closet full of clothes, or write down under a blanket. Although this is a budget option for podcasts, it is not an acceptable option for remote work, youtube movie creators or streamers. But it is free, and it works.

Secondly, you need to reduce the number of flat surfaces that may reflect the sound in your room. Bring carpets, some furniture and hang various accessories on the wall, especially made of fabric.

If you want to invest more, then consider the ATS Acoustic panels, they are pretty good and big.


Ready-made sets of equipment


We went through the theory. Now consider ready-made kits. Of course, you can combine and complement different sets if necessary, but these are exactly the examples I have offered for guys in the past.

My set


I work remotely and I spend all day on video calls. I also run several podcasts (Five-Minute Geek Show and Laravel Podcast), create YouTube videos , and stream to Twitch and YouTube . I do the same for work - my work is not only work with the community, but it is an essential part of it. Therefore, I am serious about my equipment and have been investing a little in it for many years.

For example, the Onyx Blackjack interface was received as a Christmas present many years ago to record a bass game. I bought the light in several passes, or for several months or years, I don’t remember. I saved up to the microphone ... for a very long time. It may take time to get a suitable kit if you do not have a full bank account.


For remote work, I use the old Plantronics wireless headset, which is no longer available, more often than my podcast microphone. And, if I had not used the Sony camera for youtube and streaming, I would still have used my old Logitech C930e webcam (although if I bought it now, I most likely chose Razer Kiyo).

Minimum


If you are working on a computer that does not have a microphone, camera and you need something completely cheap, then buy a Logitech C270 webcam. You can use it for both video and audio capture.


Entry level for remote work and podcasting


If you are a remote employee and you just need a webcam and headset for all-day calls, I would choose a Logitech C615 camera and a Lifechat headset. This is not my favorite choice, but, nevertheless, if you have the opportunity, I would advise you to go to such an average level.


If you are a beginner podcast, I would start with either an AmazonBasics microphone (if you have a good room and no air conditioning or children) or an ATR2100 (if you want to work on your mic technique). This is an acceptable solution. And honestly, you don’t need anything more serious.


Intermediate level for remote work or podcasting


If your remote work budget is a bit larger, then I would try Razer Kiyo (but: I haven't tested it yet!) Or Logitech C920s. And the best Jabra headset you can afford.


Professional Podcasting


Speaking about the professional level, I would advise you to get the Scarlett Solo interface, the Shure SM7b microphone, the Fethead preamplifier and the Rode PSA1 pantograph. It will be a little budget if you take the Heil PR40 microphone without a preamp.


Streamer / youtube video blogger


I got about what I dreamed about for streaming video. But what if you are just starting out? Here's what I would start with:

  • Cheap light - probably a couple of spotlights
  • Good light bulbs with the right color temperature for the room
  • webcam Razer Kiyo
  • Any headphones you find
  • Headset If you are going to stream or record youtube videos, then the ATR2100 microphone, tripod and filter

This should be enough for streaming. Honestly, you can do even less - streaming is not so much about you as about your content. But this kit is quite capable of recording quite high-quality 1080p video (at 30fps), with enough light and good sound, if you are ready to pull up your technique of working with a microphone.

$ 90 for Kiyo, $ 40 for light, and if you record full-screen videos and not just stream, then $ 80 for ATR2100 and another $ 20 for tripod.

Fuh. He wrote a lot. Have questions? Ping me on Twitter . And I will try to add all the useful that I learn here.

FAQ


  • Blue Yeti. ? - — ! . , , !
  • , , , - - ? .
  • -? - Youtube . Rode NTG2, . Shure SM7b. , , $400. , .
  • ? . , , . , Adam Wathan . , Scott Hanselman Sony . / .
  • ? . Five Minute Geek Show . ! , . :)

I note: after writing this article, I remembered that Scott Hanselman wrote a good and similar post , so I added some of his recommendations with his referral links. Thanks Scott!

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