Building a YouTube Home Recording Studio for Under $700
If you're on a tight budget, but still want to produce high-quality videos for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, building a home recording studio is possible if you build it around this amazing little webcam.
In this article, we'll discuss the necessary equipment for a low-cost yet effective setup, with the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra webcam, Elgato Wave Boom Arm, and the Neweer LED light.
The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra Webcam
The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra is a webcam that offers high-end image quality. Its micro 4/3rd levels of image quality come from its large F 1.7 aperture lens and 1-inch sensor, the sensor was originally designed for high-end security cameras, and is excellent for low-light performance.
It also features a built-in shutter for full privacy control and outputs 4K at 30 FPS.
Though it has autofocus, it's not ideal for live action shots due to its heavy focus breathing.
The microphone in the webcam is a reference microphone at best, but it can record audio separately and used to sync your main audio in post.
Elgato Wave Boom Arm
The Elgato Wave Boom Arm is sturdy, robust, and can take a good weight. It reaches over most monitor setups and can be adjusted to any angle to film.
It's also flexible and can be used for talking heads, product shots, or full-body shots.
Microphone and Lighting
There is no specific microphone recommended as it depends on the situation. A budget of $100 for a portable USB microphone is suggested, and dynamic microphones work best in untreated areas where you have no sound treatment.
Lighting
The Neweer LED Light provides good output and color temperature control and is excellent for low-light situations. One light is enough, and it's best to bounce the light off a white wall for a softer light.
We also recommend the Neweer Extendable Camera Desk Mount for a compact solution to mount your light on.
Final Tips and Thoughts
A longer cable may be required for the webcam, as the one supplied is only one metre long.
The webcam is best suited for talking heads and product shots, and a ball head can be added for additional angles.
With the addition of a laptop, the setup can be made fully mobile.
Overall, the low-light capabilities of the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra make this a remarkable value for a webcam setup.