Recording Options for Good Quality
by
, 08-19-2018 at 02:36 PM (44953 Views)
People often ask how I make the YouTube videos of my playing. I have two methods, and choose which one depending on conditions.
The best results are with a quality stereo microphone, a digital recorder, and a digital camcorder. Here is equipment similar to what I use:
Audio-Technical Stereo Microphone
Zoom Audio Recorder, 4 Channel
Canon Camcorder
I use the Audio-Technica Stereo mic as the main microphone. It has a wonderful low range, which is good for both euphonium and piano. Because the Zoom recorder is 4 channel, I often use it closer to the piano. Then I can mix the channels in the free Audacity program to give the piano just the presence I want. The canon camcorder has a very long optical zoom and high quality picture. After recording, I combine the audio and video using a program like Nero Video. I kill the camcorder mics completely and line up the external mic's audio with the video.
A simpler, cheaper option is to bypass the Zoom recorder. The camcorder has a microphone input (you don't want to use the built-in mics!), so you can plug in the Audio-Technica mic directly. That also simplifies the mix because audio and video are already in sync.
For a cheaper way, you can use the Tascam digital recorder and its built-in mics. It's about $120 including a good SD card. You would still want to sync the audio and video after recording.
Tascam Stereo Recorder
Editing Software - Nero
For those who don't have a stand or tripod...
Amazon Basics 60-inch Tripod (approx. $24)
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-...dp/B005KP473Q/
Mugig Boom Microphone Stand (with boom, for more height for the microphone)
https://www.amazon.com/Mugig-Microph.../dp/B071PD42CV