My Simple Podcast Studio Setup! 🔥 (High-Quality Video & Audio)

Think Media
30 Jun 202312:49

TLDRIn this video, Omar El-Takrori from Think Media shares insights on setting up a 4K video podcast studio. He discusses two studio setups, recommends the Samson Q9U microphone and Rode boom arm for audio, and emphasizes the importance of sound panels for audio quality. He also highlights the Sony FX30 camera with Sigma lenses for high-quality video, and suggests the Amaran 100d for lighting. The video touches on design elements like fake plants and room dividers to enhance the studio's aesthetic. Omar estimates the total cost for the gear to be around $8,000 to $10,000, excluding audio panels and furniture.

Takeaways

  • 🎥 The video discusses setting up a 4K high-quality video podcast studio, including recommendations for essential equipment and design elements.
  • 💺 Lounge furniture from Ikea is used to create a comfortable conversation setting in the studio.
  • 🎤 The Samson Q9U microphone is recommended for its excellent audio quality and affordability.
  • 🔇 The Rode Wireless Go is used for wireless audio recording, while the Rode PSA boom arm is praised for its stability and clean design.
  • 🎧 Sound treatment is crucial for audio quality, with custom sound panels being a significant investment in the studio setup.
  • 🎵 Epidemic Sound is suggested as a resource for royalty-free music and sound effects to enhance podcast atmosphere and engagement.
  • 📸 The Sony FX30 is chosen as the ideal camera for video podcasting due to its color quality, durability, and built-in fans to prevent overheating.
  • 🔍 Sigma lenses are used for various shots, with the 16mm lens for a medium wide shot and the 56mm lens for a more compressed, soft background look.
  • 🏹 The Ulanzi Ombra tripod is selected for its lightweight design and ease of adjustment, along with the Falcom 38 quick release system.
  • 💡 The Amaran 100d is the key light of choice for its perfect temperature and ease of use, with lantern soft box modifiers for widespread illumination.
  • 🪑 Studio design elements like fake plants, room dividers, and statement pieces like a fake fireplace add texture and a high loft vibe to the space.
  • 💰 The total cost for the studio setup, excluding audio panels and furniture, is estimated to be between $8,000 to $10,000.

Q & A

  • What is the main focus of the video?

    -The main focus of the video is to provide a detailed breakdown of the equipment and setup used for creating a 4K high-quality video podcast, including microphones, lights, cameras, and other essential components.

  • What are the two different versions of the video podcast setup mentioned?

    -The two different versions of the video podcast setup mentioned are the lounge vibe setup with sofas and chairs from Ikea, which is ideal for comfortable conversations, and the setup with a table in the middle, which has been used by Sean and Chalene Johnson, among others.

  • Which microphone does the speaker recommend for the podcast setup?

    -The speaker recommends the Samson Q9U microphone for the podcast setup, which offers excellent sound quality and is priced reasonably around a hundred dollars at the time of the video.

  • How does the speaker address the issue of audio treatment in the studio?

    -The speaker addresses the issue of audio treatment by using sound panels on the ceiling and walls to minimize echoes and improve sound quality. They invested significantly in custom-made sound panels to ensure the best audio recording environment.

  • What is the role of Epidemic Sound in the speaker's content creation process?

    -Epidemic Sound provides royalty-free music and sound effects that the speaker uses to enhance the vibe and creativity of their content. The platform's easy-to-search database allows for quick access to tracks that can be used without fear of demonetization on platforms like YouTube.

  • Which camera does the speaker choose for video podcasting and why?

    -The speaker chooses the Sony FX30 for video podcasting because it is Sony's entry-level cinema camera that offers excellent color and image quality without overheating issues during long recording sessions. The camera also has built-in internal fans and the ability to directly plug in up to two XLR mics for easier audio handling in post-production.

  • What type of lenses does the speaker use with the Sony FX30?

    -The speaker uses Sigma lenses with the Sony FX30. For the center camera angle, they use the Sigma 16mm lens, and for the other angles, they use Sigma 56mm lenses, which provide a compressed and sharp look with a buttery soft background.

  • What is the speaker's choice for lighting in the studio?

    -The speaker chooses the Amaran 100d as the key light for the studio, which is a dummy-proof light with a perfect temperature for facial lighting. For larger spaces, they suggest the Amaran 200d. They also use lantern soft box modifiers to produce large soft light that fills the area.

  • How does the speaker enhance the design element of the studio space?

    -The speaker enhances the design element of the studio space by using fake plants, room dividers, a fake fireplace, and stylish furniture from Ikea and HomeGoods. They also use accent lights and panel lights to add texture and warmth to the background.

  • What is the estimated cost of the gear used in the studio setup?

    -The estimated cost of the gear used in the studio setup is around eight to ten thousand dollars, not including the audio panels, furniture, and other non-technical elements.

  • How can viewers engage with the speaker for potential collaboration or further inquiries?

    -Viewers can engage with the speaker by posting questions in the comments section of the video, reaching out to them on Instagram, or checking out the services offered in the studio by following the link provided in the video description.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Introduction to Video Podcast Setup

The speaker, Omar El-Takrori from Think Media, introduces the video department and his studio in Las Vegas, highlighting his excitement to share his 4K video podcast setup. He mentions two versions of his setup: a lounge vibe with sofas and chairs from Ikea for comfortable conversations, and a more formal setup with a table. The speaker emphasizes the importance of audio quality and introduces the Rode Wireless Go and Samson Q9U microphones, along with the Rode PSA boom arm for optimal audio recording. Additionally, he discusses the investment in sound panels to ensure high-quality audio and recommends Epidemic Sound for royalty-free music and sound effects to enhance the podcast's vibe.

05:01

📸 Cameras and Audio Equipment Details

Omar El-Takrori dives deeper into the technical aspects of his video podcast setup, discussing the Sony FX30 camera, which he considers one of the best for video podcasting due to its high-quality colors, workhorse capabilities, and built-in fans to prevent overheating. He explains the benefits of having XLR mics directly plugged into the camera for streamlined audio-video syncing and suggests the Rodecaster or a Zoom recorder for setups with more than two people. The speaker also talks about Sigma lenses, the Ulanzi Ombra tripod with its quick release system, and the Amaran 100d light for perfect facial lighting. He touches on the importance of accent lights and other studio decorations for a visually appealing background.

10:03

🎨 Studio Design and Aesthetics

In the final paragraph, Omar El-Takrori shifts focus to the design elements of a studio space, emphasizing the importance of aesthetics in addition to technical setup. He suggests using fake plants and room dividers to add texture and leading lines to the shot, as well as a fake fireplace for a cozy, high loft vibe. The speaker also mentions the Stendig calendar as a design piece that adds color without reflection. He shares his philosophy of using lightweight, movable furniture from Ikea and HomeGoods, allowing for flexibility and easy adjustments to the studio layout. Omar concludes by giving an estimated cost for the gear side of the studio setup, inviting viewers to reach out with questions or for potential collaborations.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡4K video podcast

A 4K video podcast refers to a high-resolution format of podcasting where content is produced and distributed in 4K resolution, providing a more visually detailed and immersive experience for viewers. In the video, the speaker is excited to share the setup used for creating such high-quality video podcasts, including equipment for audio and visuals.

💡Rode Wireless Go

The Rode Wireless Go is a wireless microphone system used for capturing audio. It is a key component in the speaker's podcast setup, allowing for hands-free operation and high-quality audio recording during podcast sessions.

💡Samson Q9U

The Samson Q9U is a microphone recommended by the speaker for its excellent audio quality and affordability. It is an XLR and USB compatible microphone with a headphone jack, offering versatility and convenience for podcast recording.

💡Rode PSA boom arm

The Rode PSA boom arm is a piece of equipment used to hold and position microphones. It is appreciated for its clean design and stability, as it does not have visible springs and maintains its position without the need for constant adjustments.

💡audio treatment

Audio treatment refers to the process of improving the acoustic quality of a recording environment. This can involve using sound panels, carpeting, or other materials to reduce echoes and control the sound environment, ensuring better audio recording quality for podcasts.

💡Epidemic Sound

Epidemic Sound is a platform that provides royalty-free music and sound effects. It is a resource for content creators to find and use music in their videos without copyright issues, enhancing the vibe and creativity of their content.

💡Sony FX30

The Sony FX30 is an entry-level cinema camera known for its high-quality video capabilities and reliability. It is particularly beneficial for video podcasting due to its ability to record for extended periods without overheating and its built-in internal fans.

💡Sigma lenses

Sigma lenses are a series of high-quality camera lenses known for their sharpness and image quality. In the context of the video, the speaker uses Sigma lenses for their podcast setup to achieve desirable visual effects and sharp focus in their videos.

💡Ulanzi Ombra tripod

The Ulanzi Ombra tripod is a lightweight and versatile camera support system. It features a ball head for easy adjustments and a quick release system for fast camera attachment and detachment, making it convenient for video podcasting setups.

💡Amaran 100d

The Amaran 100d is a LED light designed for video production, offering a perfect color temperature for lighting faces and being easy to use. It is praised for its simplicity and effectiveness in providing soft, even lighting that enhances the appearance of subjects in videos.

💡design elements

Design elements in the context of the video refer to the aesthetic and visual components used in the studio setup, such as furniture, room dividers, fake plants, and other decor items. These elements contribute to creating a visually appealing and professional environment for video podcasting.

Highlights

Omar El-Takrori introduces his video podcast setup in his Las Vegas studio.

Two different setups are used for video podcasting: a lounge vibe with sofas and chairs, and a setup with a table in the middle.

The Rode Wireless Go is the wireless microphone system used.

The Samson Q9U microphone is recommended for its excellent sound quality and affordability.

The Rode PSA boom arm is praised for its stability and clean design.

A side table from Ikea or HomeGoods is used to position the microphone at the perfect height.

The total cost for the microphone and boom arm setup is around $300, not including XLR cables.

Audio treatment is crucial for good sound quality, with custom-made sound panels being a significant investment.

Epidemic Sound is recommended for royalty-free music and sound effects to enhance content.

The Sony FX30 is chosen as the best camera for video podcasting due to its color quality and reliability.

The Sony FX30 can accommodate up to two XLR microphones, simplifying the audio-video syncing process.

Sigma lenses are used for their sharpness and ability to create a pleasing depth of field.

The Ulanzi Ombra tripod is a lightweight and cost-effective solution for camera support.

The Amaran 100d is the key light used for its consistent and suitable color temperature.

Design elements such as fake plants, room dividers, and furniture from Ikea contribute to the studio's aesthetic.

The total cost for the studio gear is estimated to be between $8,000 and $10,000, excluding audio panels and furniture.

Investing in video podcasting is seen as a valuable opportunity in contemporary content creation.