(Part 2) Best products from r/NewTubers

Professional videographer/filmmaker here. Depending on your needs and budget (since even DIY costs $$) you have a few fairly inexpensive options. My first suggestion would be hanging 3-4 round paper lanterns from above to provide really nice, soft lighting. You can use anything but hot incandescent bulbs in them, so LEDs or CFLs work great (but seriously, use LEDs unless you have CFLs sitting around already). I have a few hanging above my workbench that I film overhead stuff on and they provide gorgeous, shadowless lighting. A 10 pack of 12" round paper lanterns runs like $12, then a 3 pack of cords w/sockets and on/off switches will run like $13 (so possibly double it depending on your lighting needs), and then a 6 pack of 100W equivalent LED bulbs will run like $22. [The items above are referral links]
SO, for 6 (plus a few leftover) lanterns essentially throwing 600W of soft light at you you're looking at $60ish. I'm sure you could find something cheaper, or more durable, but I tried a LOT of options with my workbench setup before settling on these. Keep in mind the thin paper lanterns do NOT handle being moved around well, and they aren't the highest rated bulbs in terms of color index, so if you're going to move things around a lot, or want a higher rated CRI on your bulbs you might want to look for some other options, but my professional opinion I think that's a solid option for you. Happy to answer any other questions or help out further! :)

Okay. You're channel still LOOKS like a Minecraft channel even if you're doing stop motion with it. Minecraft IS a heavily saturated market, so you're going to have to do SOMETHING to stand out in that crowd.

A 40% CTR is great, but that's only pulled in about 1800 views in the lifetime of your channel (if you don't count people who have viewed your content by a direct link that you've posted somewhere). That means that your videos have only come up in search results about 4k times (again, not factoring views from direct links that you've posted). So... Maybe it's time to re-evaluate that success rate.

You don't HAVE to install any plugins or whatever in your browser for YouTube, but it will help to have a TubeBuddy or VidIQ plugin so you can look at real numbers on your channel AND other channels to get an idea of what other people are doing and help your own channel.

I understand your mic situation, but it may keep people from remaining engaged for the full duration of your video. I would definitely consider saving up for a new one.

Here are a couple of great, relatively inexpensive microphone solutions:

• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N53GY3Y/
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GQT8879/
  
  Neither of those are affiliate links, but I've used both and I know that they work, sound great, and come with everything you need for MUCH better audio.

Yo! I totally get what you're saying, I live in an apartment complex that's plagued with young children [I don't hate children only find it annoying because i record YouTube videos and need the environment to be quiet]

Try these out:

• Soundproofing - For my windows I bought an Acoustic Curtain (Soundproof) $22 CAD [Really good to block noisy children screams, cars and motor bikes]
  
• Mic - I use a Blue Snowball Mic [May not be as sensitive as your Blue Yeti] but I made a DIY Soundbox [I found this video that uses the Blue Yeti so you can compare it to yours]
  
• Technique - you can be good with your technique but if you're in an loud environment it really won't work not unless you have a really expensive mic that blocks noise like the senheisser mk series.
  
• Post Editing/editing software - You can always edit out the noise profile from your videos.
  
  • I use VoiceMeeter Banana when im recording to enchance my audio its like a preamp or interface for your mic if you don't already have one. Its FREE however, you can always donate or something.
    
  • HOW TO: Use & Setup VoiceMeeter Banana - 10mins Video, he's straight to the point
    
  • HOW TO : Remove Noise in post - 5mins Video, quick and easy [keep in mind that he's using a BLUE Snowball Mic and not a Blue Yeti but i'm assuming this would work too?]
    
    Sorry for the long post! I hope you got something out of this long reply!
    
    Also, if any of you has any suggestions for better or and better alternative please let me know!
    
    Audio Proof: To prove that this actually works, you can go to my reddit profile and check my youtube link there and you can decide whether my audio is good enough for you.
    
    Edit: I'm not a sound engineer or a sound professional but I try to do my research! :)

Continue to practice until you feel that you can overcome your nervousness. Redo the lines where you feel you stuttered, or edit them out. I've recently been given advice on my speech and audio quality as well.

This is going to be long, but I hope it helps:

My problem with my speech during recording is that air gets recorded as well (if I make popping sounds when I say a certain word such as Piano, Karen, etc.)

So, I've told to keep away from recording too closely, and I tested it out recently, and it's working perfectly!

As for the audio quality/mic, here a few links I've been given as well to improve it:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XBQ8UGG/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ACFAULC/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076HMR23G/

I also use audacity for audio editing (editing out stutter words or incorrect words, adding in the right words, increasing the audio volume, reducing background noise, etc)

You'll definitely get better the more you practice, and this is your first video, so it's not going to be perfect.

I didn't mean to make this long, but I hope this helps!

Warning: this should work, but these things can always be a crapshoot.

I work in pro/live audio, and there's a special piece of kit we tend to use to get rid of the kind of ground hum you're talking about. Typically they're called isolators/isolated transformers/isolated splitters/etc.

One of the most cost effective yet also most impressive variants is this one: https://www.amazon.com/ART-DTI-Transformer-Isolator-Interface/dp/B0009GUOQA

You could just get one 1/8" to 1/4" adapter, or a 1/8" to RCA cable or something, and try running it through this. It's a very versatile little thing. Any input 1 is matched to any output 1. Any output 2 is matched to any output 2. No need to configure or learn anything to use it. Plug and play, as we call it.

Someone will probably have a better solution, but that's how I would go about it. Best of luck!

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! It's my favorite one that I've made so far and hope to continue it.

To answer your questions:

1. I used Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition for my software. Adobe Premiere Pro is just the main program that just pieces all the clips and audio together. I used After Effects for the text outlining the specs of the phone (I'll explain later), and Audition to edit my voice to the right sound level and to remove the background noise and any other unwanted sounds.
   
   
2. I used an After Effects template called "Ultimate Call-Out Titles," it costs $17 but I got it at a "discount," shoot me a pm for more info on it, as well as the Adobe software I used.
   
   
3. I used this [tripod head] (https://www.amazon.com/YT-950-Tripod-Action-Shooting-Filming/dp/B00K81FI8A). The key to tripod heads that I recently discovered isn't the price of them, but it's whether it has a counter-balance system to get smooth pans. I bought both a Pro YT-950 ($35) and a Manfrotto 502HD ($210) and it's honestly better to get the Pro YT because it easily mimics the Manfrotto and it's over 4x cheaper.
   
   
4. I didn't show myself in my video because I currently use a usb audio interface to do voice overs and I didn't want to go through the hassle of manually syncing the audio. I was planning on buying a microphone for my camera but it still hasn't released yet. I'll try my best to do it though.
   
   Thanks for your feedback :)

That's incredible that your folks are willing to support you in this and it's a great chance for your channel to take off! So this leaves you with...5 months to get that momentum? I believe you can do it, and once it hits that 2k mark, it only multiplies so long as you're consistent with it!

It sounds as though you have an audience already in mind, but what I would recommend is putting a least a couple video projects together that would have a long shelf-life.

What I mean is if you are able, do some DIY/guide type videos for relatively common subjects/problems in your niche. If (more like when) they get searched for, you'll see that things with an inherent value and good SEO can last for a LONG time.

$800 is an awesome budget for this too! Wish I had that much to work with when I started. I don't know what kind of content you create, but investing in at least a studio-quality mic, decent editing software, a good sized SSD and an external storage as well. Camera of course would be necessary if it's a vlog style or whatnot, but again, not sure what you're going for here. Doing gaming oriented content, I have no need for a camera (yet).

Here's what I'm running with - having a computer is already implied:

• Blue Yeti Microphone with shock mount, arm & pop filter - This's a relatively common combo, and can be found on Amazon for around $150.
  
  
• Corel VideoStudio Ultimate X8 (One-time purchase, not a license) - This is INCREDIBLY cheap right now on Amazon due to the recent release of a newer version.
  
  
• Solid State Drive - For storage of projects and raw project files
  
  
• External Hard Disk Drive or Solid State Drive for file/save backup
  
  
  

So... I'm gonna be a little critical here.

I don't get this sketch. In improv terms, I don't know what the "game of the scene" is. Your comedic goal seems to be weirdness and then shock value. It's not that it can't work, it's just not for me. For example I feel like this same scene could easily have been accomplished with 2 characters instead of 4 or 5, and it probably would have let you define a relationship between those two characters more easily and play with that relationship.

Anyway, your production quality seems fine to me, you mention some audio concerns, but that to me shouldn't be your focus. I would recommend some improv or comedy writing books, my favourite being Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual. It'll teach you some core essentials for finding fun in scenes.

Hope this helps! :)

14-42mm is a solid coverage lens, especially if you're starting out. Keep in mind, this is not a full frame camera, and depending what format you're shooting in your crop is 2x. So 14mm, basically, functions like a 28mm lens and 42mm is closer to 84 and so on. That should be fine for the majority of wide shots as well as close ups.

Another positive for this camera is that lenses for the micro 4/3 mount are relatively cheap compared to Sony or Canon lenses. I would recommend the 25mm 1.7 lens Panasonic sells for something decent in low light situations though. It's a very inexpensive auto focus lens. Not a zoom lens though so you'll need to plan around that focal range.

Either way, for a starter cam this is by far the best option out there imo. As I said, I shoot commercial and narrative stuff exclusively on Sony and I wouldn't change that. But I also spent 3-4 years shooting on Panasonic as well, and won film festivals with things I've shot on that same exact sensor. It's fantastic. I still shoot my podcast on G7's because they have no recording time limit, exceptional battery life, and have that great native image.

Yeah, do that xD And please, if you find yourself putting your voice through noise removal plugins, upgrade your equipment. Is far better in the long run as you'll save time and will get BETTER results. Noise removal is rarely a good option. You can:

-Isolate your recording station better from outside noise (thus reducing the need for noise gates)
-Get better cables (gold plated)
-Get those magnetic noise shields (https://www.amazon.com/VSKEY-Anti-Interference-Telephones-Equipment-Appliances/dp/B078XKHLKG)
-Get better gear (mic and/or interface)
-Get a better/separate power source for your audio things. (I still don't know what gear you're using)
-Compress, and limit. Compress, and limit. Compress, and limit.

I really do admire your efforts! However there is a LOT of room to improve.

Lets start with the quality of your recording. I'd start by getting Camstudio and reading some tutorials on how to export it so that it looks good.

Secondly, lets talk about a microphone, so you can do some actual commentary. I found a Cheap one on amazon that can help you at least get started (if you want to spend more, i'd suggest looking at name brands).

The music in the background is a good touch, but once you start doing commentary, i'd suggest lowering the volume of the music (any editing program can do this) and making your voice the focal point of your audio.

Lastly, I just want to say don't stop making videos, quality will come with time. Eventually you will grow a fanbase who will love what you make. Good luck!

Hello!
I am personally using a mic with a cardiod option and I found I was getting a lot of echo as well. I'm in a carpeted room with my desk up against a wall.
After a bought a windscreen:
https://www.amazon.com/Windscreen-Audio-Technica-Other-Microphones/dp/B00I8XYTNK
and a pop filter:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/KM/Pop-Killer-Double-Layer-Pop-Filter.gc
I found that my audio quality was quite a bit better. My girlfriend and I started our channels close to the same time and she is using sound proofing foam on top as well:
https://www.amazon.com/2x12x12-BURGUNDY-CHARCOAL-Acoustic-Soundproofing/dp/B00ATP5KF6
After she started using the foam her audio sounds great. (I'll buy some one of these days)
If you're curious to see how the sound has changed in my videos let me know and I can send you a link to a video I made before I got the pop filter and windscreen and one after. Good luck!

Honestly you have a good thing going man. My only critique is maybe get some sort of mic? That's really it, Don't worry too much about the production quality. You have potential for sure!
Idk if this helps but I got this mic: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MP566OM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's really pretty decent quality for the price. Could work as a temporary until you can get your hands on something better.

Cheers dude!

Oh, gotcha. I don't know about compatibility with blue yeti, I guess that's something either someone else can give you an answer for or you can research some more.

My mic is an ATR2500 USB: https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2500-USB-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B004QJREXM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497220275&sr=8-2&keywords=atr2500+usb

The boom stand I'm using is a cheap NEEWER stand: https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Microphone-Suspension-Broadcasting-Voice-Over/dp/B00DY1F2CS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1497220124&sr=8-3&keywords=mic+boom+arm
It works pretty well for the price.

Any decent dynamic mic will do if you're rather stationary. I assume you need USB, so you could look at the t.bone MB 88U if you're in Europe, or the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB. Maybe in combination with VoiceMeeter Banana, since often Windows 10 for some reason won't boost those mics properly.