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.
Key Takeaways
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
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.
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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.
For a streamlined setup, you can plug the 3.5mm cable directly into your camera (such as the Sony Alpha ZV-E10). This microphone delivers amazing sound quality for its $99.00 price tag.
2. Overhead Mic Boom Arm
To get the best possible sound, your microphone needs to be close to your mouth. Instead of relying on a lavalier mic, which involves messing with clips and hiding wires under your shirt, opt for a simple Overhead Mic Boom Arm.
You can mount this directly to your desk and attach your Rode shotgun mic to it. This allows you to boom the microphone directly over your mouth, pointing down, while keeping it completely out of the camera's frame. It offers a permanent, "set-and-forget" setup; when it's time to record, you just swivel the arm into place.
3. Angled 3.5mm Audio Cable
To connect your microphone to your camera without needing an expensive handheld audio recorder in the middle, you will need a long, high-quality audio cable.
Pick up a 15-foot Angled 3.5mm Audio Cable. The angled connector is crucial because it plugs into your camera without sticking out and blocking the camera's flip-out swivel screen.
Pro Audio Tip: Whatever you do, do not coil your audio cable while you are using it. Coiled cables can act like an antenna and pick up unwanted weird noises and interference in your audio track.
4. Studio Monitor Headphones: Sony MDR-7506
To properly monitor your audio levels and ensure everything sounds perfect, you need a reliable pair of studio headphones. The Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones are an industry standard.
They are lightweight, incredibly comfortable for long editing sessions, and trusted by professionals and celebrities alike. Coming in at around $74.99, they offer incredible confidence in your audio mix without an astronomical price tag.
Acoustic panels absorb bouncing sound waves, drastically reducing the amount of background noise and room echo in your studio. Because these come with self-adhesive backing, you simply peel off the label and stick them directly to your walls.
Installation Tip: Be sure to mount panels on any large, flat wall surfaces both directly behind you and in front of you for the best acoustic dampening.
Audio Gear Price Breakdown
Here is a quick overview of the recommended gear, expected retail prices, and links to find them:
This covers all the essential audio gear you need. To help you plan your complete studio build, you can access our Free Studio Gear Spreadsheet which includes all gear links, discount history, and price calculations for your entire budget studio.
Don't forget to check out the rest of the guides in this ultimate budget YouTube studio series:
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?
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?
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?
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.
