Tech Guide

Suggested audio/video gear:

Item	Purpose	Price	Link
Blue Yeti USB Mic	High quality audio	$129.99	https://amzn.to/33xirCN
or
Jabra Evolve 40 UC Stereo Wired Headset	High quality audio	$89.97	https://amzn.to/2WjAx9A
Rode smartLav for iPhone and Smartphones	High quality audio when recording with a smartphone	$67	https://amzn.to/38W1dzK
Logitech BRIO Webcam	High quality streaming video	$192.99	https://amzn.to/2QkKccb
3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer	Stabilize smartphone filming	$89	https://amzn.to/2UcSXpE

The yeti is ideal for recording studio level audio quality and for recording multiple people around it at once. Make sure you learn about the settings on the back of the mic to capture sound best for 1 person versus a panel.

If you plan to do more content with a single host, it may be worth investing in a few high-quality headset microphones. These are also easy to share with staff and faculty contributors who may have to take the gear home for a night to record.

When using your smartphone to record video it’s important to use a mic that is compatible with smartphone audio jacks. You may also need to use a converter if your smartphone no longer has an audio jack.

The Logitech webcam is what we use every day at Wisr. You should be able to fit multiple people in the shot when using this camera. Generally, you can’t go wrong with Logitech gear. 

When deciding if you’re going to shoot video content on campus (away from your laptop) don’t overlook the camera quality you carry in your pocket! We recommend skipping an expensive DSLR or camcorder this season and sticking with a smartphone and a handheld stabilizer.

Suggested streaming service:

Item

Purpose

Price

Link

Zoom Webinar

Most control of the look and feel of your webinar and event registration.

Highest Quality Audio/Video

Connects to YouTube Live for ‘cross-streaming’ externally.

Stores video recording and chat logs to easily re-post.

$40/mo/host for 100 attendees

https://zoom.us/webinar

Zoom Pro

Easy to use for recorded video content

$14.99/mo/host

https://zoom.us/pricing

At Wisr, we use Zoom for everything. For your programming Zoom will probably be best used for hosting live panels and webinars, as well as creating pre-recorded webinar content.

Suggested optional accessories:

Item	Purpose	Price	Link
Elgato Collapsible Green Screen	Professional backdrop for video streaming and recording	$160	https://amzn.to/39WLvWm
Nanlite Halo 14U Bi-Color 14" LED Ring Light	Improving lighting/video quality for stationary video	$159	https://amzn.to/3b0DKit

Zoom has nice tools around using a greenscreen, so if you’re looking to set up a “studio” in your office but are worried about finding a place with a suitable background, consider picking up a portable greenscreen. This is completely optional and will definitely take a trial run to figure out all of the settings you prefer. Alternatively, after a quick sweep of your office for loose papers, your studio can easily include a bookshelf and external monitor.

Lighting will immediately improve the quality of your videos. Ever wonder how YouTubers have such bright faces? Most use a ring light! The ring light can be a little limiting though, as it really only allows for you to place your camera in the middle of the ring and wearing glasses can cause a lot of glare. If you’re looking to have a more traditional three point lighting system, and up for a little DIY project, this video outlines how you can build your own studio quality lights for under $100. Lighting isn’t required, but we do highly suggest it.