Best AUDIO/MIC Gear For Beginners (YouTube Studio Setup)
Discover the best audio and mic gear for beginners building a YouTube studio setup. Our budget-friendly checklist covers mics, headphones, and sound panels.
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We'll cover all the audio gear you'll need for your home YouTube studio, all without breaking the bank! Learn how to create high quality, professional YouTube videos on a budget using this in-depth audio gear checklist.
📋 SPREADSHEET (includes all gear/links) - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11PLFsWyL6aau3HFUx6aQqwa9CqnO39ZWl-TeJwI7dKE
Series links:
PART 1 - 📷 VIDEO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1hPvi2Lp7Y
PART 2 - 🎙️ AUDIO 👈 You are here
PART 3 - 💡 LIGHTING - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDv--UNbZhg
PART 4 - ⏺️ USING YOUR STUDIO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3xmnxzKygM
PART 5 - 💰 SAVINGS TIPS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcWnmSQXSCM
ALL-IN-ONE - 💯 DEEP DIVE (22min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJWzJtpAfsQ
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:15 Shotgun Mic - Rode VideoMic Go II
1:05 Mic Boom Arm
1:39 Angled 3.5mm Audio Cable
2:10 Like & Subscribe
2:20 Studio Headphones - Sony MDR-7506
2:44 Acoustic Panels
3:14 Spreadsheet
3:25 Outro
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- Use a highly directional shotgun mic like the lightweight, battery-free Rode VideoMic GO II to isolate your voice and block background noise.
- Position your mic just out of frame using an Overhead Mic Boom Arm for a permanent, "set-and-forget" setup that keeps the microphone close to your mouth.
- Avoid blocking your camera's swivel screen by connecting via a 15-foot Angled 3.5mm Audio Cable.
- Never coil your audio cable during use, as it can act like an antenna and introduce unwanted noise or interference into your track.
- Monitor your audio levels accurately with comfortable, industry-standard Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones.
- Eliminate amateur room echo by applying Self-Adhesive Acoustic Panels to the large, flat walls directly in front of and behind your recording setup.
- Plan your complete setup and budget using the Free Studio Gear Spreadsheet provided in the series.
Welcome to part two of our five-part series on building the ultimate budget YouTube studio. When it comes to video production, great audio is just as important, if not more so, than great video. Fortunately, creating a high-quality, professional sound environment at home doesn't require breaking the bank.
Below is an in-depth checklist of the best budget-friendly audio equipment for beginners to achieve clean, crisp YouTube audio.
The Ultimate Budget Audio Gear Checklist
1. The Shotgun Microphone: Rode VideoMic Go II
The foundation of your studio's sound is your microphone. For a home studio, the Rode VideoMic GO II is an outstanding choice. It is a compact shotgun microphone, meaning it is highly directional and will block out sound from anywhere it isn't directly pointing.
FAQ
Quick answers to the questions people usually ask about this topic.
Why should I use a shotgun microphone instead of a lavalier mic for YouTube?
Why should I use a shotgun microphone instead of a lavalier mic for YouTube?
A shotgun microphone, like the Rode VideoMic GO II mounted on an overhead boom arm, provides a permanent set-and-forget setup. It keeps the mic completely out of frame while avoiding the hassle of messing with clips and hiding wires under your shirt, which is common with lavalier microphones.
How do I stop my audio cables from picking up interference or weird noises?
How do I stop my audio cables from picking up interference or weird noises?
To avoid interference, never coil your audio cable while using it. Coiled cables can act like an antenna and pick up unwanted background noises. Instead, let your 15-foot audio cable run straight or drape loosely between your microphone and camera.
Where is the best place to put acoustic panels in a home YouTube studio?
Where is the best place to put acoustic panels in a home YouTube studio?
For the best acoustic dampening and echo reduction, you should mount self-adhesive acoustic panels on any large, flat wall surfaces that are directly behind and in front of where you sit while recording.
Can I plug the Rode VideoMic Go II directly into my camera?
Can I plug the Rode VideoMic Go II directly into my camera?
Yes, you can plug the Rode VideoMic GO II directly into your camera (like the Sony Alpha ZV-E10) without needing an expensive audio recorder. We recommend using an angled 3.5mm audio cable so the connector doesn't stick out and block your camera's flip-out screen.
Is there a complete checklist for all the YouTube studio gear I need?
Is there a complete checklist for all the YouTube studio gear I need?
Yes! You can access the Free Studio Gear Spreadsheet, which includes links, pricing, and a full checklist for video, audio, and lighting gear. You can also watch the Full Deep Dive video for a complete 22-minute overview.
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