Getting The Right Gear to Transform Your YouTube Videos

For you to stand out on YouTube, the quality and content of your videos must be top-notch. Learning to develop content in an effective manner and pairing it with good filmmaking skills will definitely set you apart. For all of this to happen, it is imperative that you have the right gear to make your videos.

To create excellent videos for your business, you need to have the right equipment. The market has a lot of these tools, which are available in different price ranges. While some are expensive, there are also those with affordable prices. Since quality is the name of the game, it is imperative that you invest in good gear, even if it means spending a bit more. Most people start with the video equipment, but just as important is audio quality. Let’s find the best microphone for YouTube.

The Right Microphone

There are many varieties of microphones on the market. It is important that we look at each one and determine their strengths and best uses. The main types of microphones we will look at are USB microphones, condenser microphones, lavalier mics, and boom mics.

USB Microphones

Known for being plug-and-play, the USB microphones are the simplest of all types to use. They are well suited for recording your voice using a computer. One great advantage is that there will be no background noise as you record your vocals directly into the microphone. They are easy to set up and are perfect for vlogging and podcasting. USB microphones are fairly inexpensive. The best USB microphone costs a few hundred dollars.

The Pros of using this type of mic are it serves as a plug-and-play device. You will need no additional gear to use this. Just connect it with any computer and start recording your voice with ease. Since there is no background noise, you get high-quality audio recordings directly from the mic, which makes post-production easy. It is undoubtedly an excellent piece of equipment for podcasting and vlogging.

The Con of this mic is, while it is affordable, you can’t use it in a professional studio. This type of microphone is only suited for voice recordings and not for recording instruments or ambient sounds.

Condenser Microphone

This type of microphone is great for recording high-quality audio. They are ideal for studio use as they can capture a wide range of sounds. Condenser microphones also come with a built-in pop filter to reduce the occurrence of popping noises. They are also relatively easy to use and come in different price ranges. The best condenser microphones can cost a few thousand dollars.

The pros of using this mic are that they are good for recording ambient sounds that have a wide range of frequencies. It is excellent when it comes to giving your videos the extra professional touch. They also pair well with special equipment, which makes them easier to use in the studio context.

The cons of this type of mic are that they are more expensive than other types on the market. They also require additional gear to be used in a studio context. Condenser mics don’t have built-in batteries, so they require phantom power to work.

Lavalier Mic

Lavalier microphones, also known as lapel mics, are small and discreet. They are ideal for recording video interviews and vlogs. Lavalier mics are also the perfect choice for recording audio when you don’t have access to a mic stand. They come with a clip that allows you to attach them directly to your shirt.

The pros of using this mic are that they are small and can be hidden on your subject. They are self-powered, so they do not require cords to power. The sound quality recorded by lavalier mics is very good.

The cons of this mic are that they are not as good when it comes to recording ambient sounds. Also, since they are connected directly to the subject, they pick up unwanted noise from movement, something to consider if you are filming an action scene.

Boom Mic

The boom mic is a large microphone mounted on a long arm that can be extended to record sounds at different angles. This type of mic is great when you need to capture sounds from various directions or from a distance. They come with an XLR cord that connects to a sound recording device.

The Pros of using this mic are that it can be used to capture sounds from different directions. It is also great for recording sounds from a distance and they are very easy to use.

The Cons of this mic is that they are bulky and difficult to move around. They also require an XLR cord to connect to a sound recording device which can be a hassle. It is extra gear you need to carry with you when you are shooting.

Which microphone is right for you?

Now that you know the different types of microphones available on the market, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. If you are just starting out and need a mic for basic voice recordings, then a USB microphone is the best option. They are easy to use and come with a variety of features. If you need a mic for recording video interviews or vlogs, then a lavalier mic is the best choice. They are small and discreet and can be hidden on your subject. If you need a mic for recording high-quality audio, then a condenser mic is the best option. They are ideal for studio use and come with a built-in pop filter. If you need a mic for recording sounds from different directions or from a distance, then a boom mic is the best option. They come with an XLR cord that connects to a sound recording device and can be used in a studio or on location. Now that you know the difference between each type of mic and how to use them, you should go out there and start recording professional quality audio for your YouTube videos.

Using a green Screen Effectively

Green screens are a great tool to use when you want to create special effects in your videos. With a green screen, you can use chroma key in post-production and replace the green background with any other image or video. In this article, we will teach you how to use a green screen effectively and show you some tips and tricks for getting the best results.

What is a green screen?

A green screen is a solid-colored background that can be replaced with any image or video you want. Green screens are mostly used in the entertainment industry for special effects. It’s also commonly used by YouTubers to create unique videos that stand out from other similar content.

How to set up a green screen

The best way to set up a green screen is by using a green screen backdrop and multiple light sources. The green backdrop should be big enough to cover the entire background of your shot. The light source should be placed in front of the backdrop and at a 45-degree angle. This will help to evenly light the background and get rid of any shadows.

Make sure to use a tripod when shooting on a green screen. This will ensure the footage is uniform and make it easier for you to replace the background.

How to shoot your subject against green screen

When shooting your subject against a green screen, make sure that the lighting in front of the backdrop is brighter than behind. Try moving your subject away from the backdrop and towards the light source to achieve this. If your subject is too close to the backdrop, they will start to disappear into the green screen and it will be harder to edit.

How to remove the green screen in post-production

There are a few ways to remove the green screen in post-production. The easiest way is by using a green screen removal tool in Adobe Premiere. It will automatically remove the green screen and replace it with the selected background.

Green Screen Lighting Done Right

Green screen lighting is very important. To light the green screen effectively, you must make sure your subject is far enough away from the green screen and has a good amount of space to move around in. Using two lights, one at 45-degree angles on either side, is ideal for lighting the green screen background effectively. Placing one light above the subject’s head pointing down will give you that all-important rim light that separates them from the background and helps to make them stand out.

Best Advice for Using a Green Screen Effectively

Using a green screen is fun, but you must use it in the right place and with great lighting. Without these two things, your video will come across as amateurish and could affect how well received it is by your audience. Take your time when you’re shooting, and use this advice to get the best results from your green screen.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best mic for YouTube videos, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your needs and the type of content you plan on recording. If you are just starting out, a USB microphone is a great option as they are affordable and easy to use. If you are looking for a high-quality mic to use in the studio, then a condenser microphone is the way to go. And if you need a mic that can be used for recording sounds from different directions, then a boom mic is the right choice. Don’t forget to try using a green screen in some of your videos. Get creative with what you are shooting and you will see that using a green screen will improve the quality and engagement with your YouTube videos.