The Ultimate Simple Video Podcast Setup

Introduction

Producing a professional video podcast series doesn’t require a massive budget or extensive equipment. With just one light, two cameras, and two microphones, I successfully created a high-quality podcast series. In this article, I will walk you through the entire process, including the tools and techniques used, as well as the post-production workflow for editing, color grading, and creating engaging reels.

Choosing the Right Location

For our podcast recordings, we used a meeting room in our office, essentially a glass cube featuring a large glass table. While this setup provided a modern aesthetic, it also came with challenges:

• Audio: The glass walls led to uncontrolled sound reflections and poor acoustics.
• Visuals: The narrow space limited camera angles.
• Lighting: The large glass walls introduced inconsistent natural light.

However, the room did offer a high ceiling, maximizing vertical space for setups. Since I couldn’t move the table, we positioned the host and guest on opposite sides, optimizing the space available.

Tackling Audio Challenges

To tackle audio challenges, we initially used two Rode PodMic USB microphones, which connect to a MacBook Pro running Rode Connect software. The total investment excluding the MacBook was $ 400. These mics have since proven versatile, as I also use them for voiceovers in YouTube videos and other projects.

After recording a few episodes, I upgraded to the Rodecaster Duo. The MacBook setup felt somewhat fragile, presenting a risk of losing recordings if the software crashed. Thankfully, by switching to the Rodecaster Duo and using XLR cables, I found a more stable solution.

The PodMic can connect via both USB and XLR, but you can easily start with just the USB connection. Even when connecting digitally, before and during recording you can access advanced processing features such as compressor settings and gain adjustment—all for free.

To improve acoustics in our meeting room, we installed wooden panels on one side. Additionally, I hung a large sound blanket from the ceiling, greatly reducing echo and enhancing sound quality.

Setting Up the Cameras

I used two cameras for the podcast: the Sony A7S III and the Sony FX30. While these are not the only options available, I chose them due to their quality and performance. I primarily used the Sigma 24-70mm Art lens on the A7S III and the 35mm f/1.8 lens on the FX30 for a cohesive visual output. Recording in HD helped save storage space while still maintaining excellent image quality.

Both cameras were powered by a USB power bank during recording, and I relied on their internal mics solely as reference recordings for syncing later on.

Lighting the Scene

With the goal of simplicity in mind, I used just one light: the Aputure 300D with a lantern modifier, set at 20-30% brightness. This lighting decision led to an efficient setup that met all my needs.

In lighting, there are three critical considerations:

1. Brightness
2. Positioning
3. Contrast

In planning the setup, I evaluated existing natural light. The large window was a potential source of beautiful light, but given the long duration of our podcast recordings, I decided to block it entirely to prevent changing light levels.

Using a large black solid in the room improved acoustics and served as a negative fill, absorbing unwanted reflections of light that would flatten the image.

Achieving Ideal Lighting Conditions

The positioning of your lights is crucial to achieving good results. Here’s a basic guide:

• Avoid front lighting, which results in flat images.
• Use higher placements while being cautious of shadows under the eyes.
• Maintain a balance between subject lighting and background brightness for better depth and interest.

Though I faced the challenge of limited space, good positioning and lighting adjustments resulted in a more dynamic setup. Remember, always strive for an enjoyable environment, as the guests will be present for lengthy recordings.

Conclusion & Next Steps

This covers the production part of our podcast setup. Due to the length of the article, I will delve into the post-production process, including automatic edits and color grading in the next piece. If you found this information useful, please consider liking this article and subscribing for more insights.

---

Keyword

• Video podcast
• Lighting
• Cameras
• Audio
• Rode PodMic
• Sony A7S III
• Sound blanket
• Post-production

FAQ

Q1: What equipment do I need to set up a video podcast?
A: You need at least one light, two cameras, and two microphones. The Rode PodMic and cameras like the Sony A7S III can produce excellent quality.

Q2: How do I improve audio quality in a meeting room?
A: Consider adding sound panels, using a sound blanket, and positioning mics close to the speakers.

Q3: Can I use USB microphones for podcasting?
A: Yes, USB microphones like the Rode PodMic are great for podcasting, especially when starting out.

Q4: What lighting is best for video podcasts?
A: A single soft light with a lantern modifier is effective. Position the light to avoid flat lighting on subjects.

Q5: How do you sync audio and video during editing?
A: Use the internal mics of the cameras as reference tracks to sync with the recorded audio in post-production.