Your minimalist setup?

[MovieBuff]

I keep seeing studio tours with thousands of dollars of equipment and want to see a low cost, portable, small gear (webcams, gopros), or minimalist setup. After all, we're theoretically supposed to be living in a more democratic creative age with the internet, having access to lower costing film and vid/podcasting equipment.

With that in mind, what is your ideal minimalist setup? Is it portable? (This could include multiple cameras etc.) The question is for you. Keep simple and clean.

What a great setup:
174

[mcphillips]

Audio or video? You can do a show with an ATR2100 ($35), a Logitech C930e webcam, and a laptop computer. Even Macs will work. How minimalist do you want to go? You're not going to get GFQ results at that price, but you can go on the air. Content is king.

[MovieBuff]

Thanks. I would be interested in video. 4 HD cams, a laptop (some kind of device that allows you to have more USB buses. maybe via a thunderbolt device) inexpensive mics.

I was kind of curious to see if anyone is going with this type of approach and if they had videos or photos of their studio setup.

[jamesdelfresco]

I just 1 atr 2100 and a Logitech c920. I think when you start adding more and more camera you slowly realize its going to add up

[andrewzarian]

If you are going for a Minimalist setup I would go with something like this

ATR 2100 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QJOZS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004QJOZS4&linkCode=as2&tag=thgufrquponet-20)

Behringer Xenyx 802 ("http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J5XS3C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000J5XS3C&linkCode=as2&tag=thgufrquponet-20)

Logitech c920 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JH8T3S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006JH8T3S&linkCode=as2&tag=thgufrquponet-20)

[MovieBuff]

Great suggestions.

[andrewzarian]

are you looking to use a mixer?

[MovieBuff]

are you looking to use a mixer?

I am (btw your Behringer Xenyx 802 hyperlink doesn't work. I did have a look on B&H). You would use an XLR to USB cable?

[techzentv]

be careful how many USB cameras you use at one time because if you are not running USB 3.0 you may run out of USB bandwidth.

I am assuming since you said 4 cameras you will have more than one microphone as well. So, assuming a mixer would be required. Maybe the Mackie ProFX8 which has a USB audio out to a computer.

So that is 4 C920's, 4 ATR 2100's, a sound board. Doesn't seem so minimalist now.....

[MovieBuff]

be careful how many USB cameras you use at one time because if you are not running USB 3.0 you may run out of USB bandwidth.

I am assuming since you said 4 cameras you will have more than one microphone as well. So, assuming a mixer would be required. Maybe the Mackie ProFX8 which has a USB audio out to a computer.

So that is 4 C920's, 4 ATR 2100's, a sound board. Doesn't seem so minimalist now.....

I did mention the USB bus(controller) concern. The Mackie ProFX8 is 229$. It's still a minimalist setup compared to 3 or 4 Pro-Camcorders with HD-SDI cables and converter boxes.

[andrewzarian]

How much are you looking to spend?

[MovieBuff]

How much are you looking to send?

It's more of a general hypothetical. 1000$ (excluding Wirecast 5).

[techzentv]

I know you had concerns over the cost of the mackie mixer, if you have a line in jack then a smaller behringer 802 is between $60 and $75 depending on where you get it. The advantage to the mackie is that it has the USB adapter built in if you would need that. And it will sound much better than the under $50 audio to USB adapters.

Mackie Mixer: 229$
C920 x 4: $288
ATR2100 x4: $140
----------------------
$657

or

Behringer Mixer: 65$ (amazon current price)
C920 x 4: $288
ATR2100 x4: $140
----------------------
$493

Add in Wirecast for $500 and you are still under $1000.

[MovieBuff]

I know you had concerns over the cost of the mackie mixer, if you have a line in jack then a smaller behringer 802 is between $60 and $75 depending on where you get it. The advantage to the mackie is that it has the USB adapter built in if you would need that. And it will sound much better than the under $50 audio to USB adapters.

Mackie Mixer: 229$
C920 x 4: $288
ATR2100 x4: $140
----------------------
$657

or

Behringer Mixer: 65$ (amazon current price)
C920 x 4: $288
ATR2100 x4: $140
----------------------
$493

Add in Wirecast for $500 and you are still under $1000.

Thanks! Great post! I'm reconsidering now ;-) Thoughts on this?
Behringer Xenyx QX1202USB 129$ (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/862116-REG/Behringer_QX1202USB_Xenyx_QX1202USB_Premium_12_Inp ut.html)
or Behringer XENYX 1204USB 149$ (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/672861-REG/Behringer_1204USB_XENYX_1204USB_12_Channel.html) (Good thing about this one is the sliders per channel)
MXL FR-355K Dual Lav kit (XLR) 99$ (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/581525-REG/MXL_FR_355K_FR_355K_Lavalier_Interview_Microphone. html)
3 x C920s and 1 Canon T2i (Using SparkoCam)
Wirecast
I have to figure a solution for the laptop since there's only 2 USB controllers. I might need another solution.

[BradShoemaker]

be careful how many USB cameras you use at one time because if you are not running USB 3.0 you may run out of USB bandwidth.

USB Bandwidth is a major concern and USB 3 doesn't really fix the issue. I have found that my cameras do better while using my USB 2.0 slots, the biggest issue becomes the USB Bus controlling those USB slots. Once that is overloaded, then it will cut out video and all you will see is a black screen on one of your video ports. Extending with a hub won't help fix that problem.

The show I produce is an on location bar show and I had to move to a bulky mid-ATX so I could add extra USB cards to fix the issues.

Just a warning for people wanting to load up a couple of USBs with video while thinking a USB hub would fix the issues.

[joedemax]

Audio Technica ATR-3350, Behringer 1002B Mixer, TriCaster 40 (Or Panasonic HMX100), Canon RF205 camcorders, and 2 cheap Dell computers for Skype w/ HDMI to component converters.

[RadarGaming]

Audio Technica ATR-3350, Behringer 1002B Mixer, TriCaster 40 (Or Panasonic HMX100), Canon RF205 camcorders, and 2 cheap Dell computers for Skype w/ HDMI to component converters.

So explain to me how you tell someone to by a cheap crappy microphone but spend 10k on a video switcher?

[MovieBuff]

So explain to me how you tell someone to by a cheap crappy microphone but spend 10k on a video switcher?

I think it's now 5000$, but very good point.

[MovieBuff]

USB Bandwidth is a major concern and USB 3 doesn't really fix the issue. I have found that my cameras do better while using my USB 2.0 slots, the biggest issue becomes the USB Bus controlling those USB slots. Once that is overloaded, then it will cut out video and all you will see is a black screen on one of your video ports. Extending with a hub won't help fix that problem.

The show I produce is an on location bar show and I had to move to a bulky mid-ATX so I could add extra USB cards to fix the issues.

Just a warning for people wanting to load up a couple of USBs with video while thinking a USB hub would fix the issues.

I wish there was a good solution to this. Perhaps an HP ZBook with thunderbolt and a usb-hub to thunderbolt device for PC.

[joedemax]

So explain to me how you tell someone to by a cheap crappy microphone but spend 10k on a video switcher?

To be fair, the Panasonic switcher is under $5k, and the TriCaster (which is more than a switcher) is $6k. Rethinking it I'd probably use a Rode lav or HS1. There is always the Blackmagic ATEM, but it is pretty much just a switcher, so one would still need loads of excess hardware..

[Dan Ortego]

While this may not be the 'minimalist' setup, it does represent where I'm at so far. Frankly, I'm in no hurry to have everything up and running. I'd rather have the stuff I want, than simply racing to the finish line to start full-fledged webcasting.


Electro-Voice RE20 Microphone
Electro-Voice 309A Shock Mount
O.C. White 45" ProBoom™ Elite
O.C. White 15" ProBoom™ Riser
Shure X2U (XLR to USB Interface)
Ambient Recording XLR Mic Cables
Beyerdynamic DT-1350 HeadPhones
Sennheiser Headphone Holder/Hanger
Loctite™ Blue-242 (prevents accidents)

Sub Total: $1250.00

As Mike so eloquently stated in this past Sunday's (Computers 2k Now) broadcast '...sometimes, you just want to go out the door and turn left'.

[joedemax]

While this may not be the 'minimalist' package, it does represent where I'm at so far. Frankly, I'm in no hurry to have everything up and running. I'd rather have the stuff I want, than simply racing to the finish line to start full-fledged webcasting.

E-V RE20
E-V Shock Mount
O.C. White 45” ProBoom
O.C. White 15” Arm Riser
Shure X2U (USB Interface)
Ambient Recording XLR Cables
Beyerdynamic DT1350 HeadPhones
Loctite Blue-242

Sub Total: $1208.00

Where does the Loctite come in?

[Dan Ortego]

Morning/Afternoon Joe,
The Loctite is perhaps the most important accessory I have to ensure the microphone shock mount doesn't swivel loose from the microphone arm stud. Also, it keeps the thumbscrews from loosening the position of the microphone within the shock mount cage.

Believe me I learned the hard way but fortunately the microphone with the shock mount landed softly in my lap before I applied the Loctite. The 'Blue-242' is pliable and is not permanent so you can unscrew the fasteners with just a little bit more effort than without. BTW, it only takes a tiny drop as it will stiffen over time.

Regards/Cheers,
Dan

[Podnutter]

I will take some pictures this week of my setup. I think many people have become consumed with buying more and more equipment when it reality it is not needed. You can get most of your work done with a simple setup

[MovieBuff]

I will take some pictures this week of my setup. I think many people have become consumed with buying more and more equipment when it reality it is not needed. You can get most of your work done with a simple setup

I agree, simple, small for portability and clean.

[MovieBuff]

I was thinking. Why not just have an iPad, microphone and use prepaid data like chrisnitzel did using LTE. http://forum.ibroadcastnetwork.org/showthread.php/1339-My-first-PAID-streaming-gig

[TommySulivan]

Nothing is more minimalist then a AT-2005 and Garageband. Sounds just as good as what people with mixers compressors and gates are using at a fraction of the clutter and cost

[MovieBuff]

Nothing is more minimalist then a AT-2005 and Garageband. Sounds just as good as what people with mixers compressors and gates are using at a fraction of the clutter and cost

Nice mic and it's black too! What's the main difference between this and the ATR 2100?

[Dan Ortego]

Nothing is more minimalist then a AT-2005 and Garageband. Sounds just as good as what people with mixers compressors and gates are using at a fraction of the clutter and cost

Being so new in all, I can't really pass judgment on that but if you say so. Personally, even with my damaged ears from decades of military service I can certainly tell the difference between webcasts where one set-up is used over another.

[erictimmer]

My minimalist setup:

Mac:
CamTwist
C910/920
ATR-2005 USB (The black one looks better than the silver ;-)

PC:
OBS
C910/920/ or Microsoft HD webcam
ATR-2005 USB (The black one looks better than the silver ;-)

Next I would probably add a mixer into the setup.

[MovieBuff]

My minimalist setup:

Mac:
CamTwist
C910/920
ATR-2005 USB (The black one looks better than the silver ;-)

PC:
OBS
C910/920/ or Microsoft HD webcam
ATR-2005 USB (The black one looks better than the silver ;-)

Next I would probably add a mixer into the setup.

Is this what you're suggesting or is this your setup?

[Dan Ortego]

This thread is quite interesting to see what others have, or suggest as a minimal set up. If anything, as this threads grows there are a few constants that stand out, such as the C920 and the dbx. I'll definitely be purchasing the cam.

Microphones on the other hand seem to be all over the place, which actually stands to reason given the subjective nature.

[MovieBuff]

This thread is quite interesting to see what others have, or suggest as a minimal set up. If anything, as this threads grows there are a few constants that stand out, such as the C920 and the dbx. I'll definitely be purchasing the cam.

Microphones on the other hand seem to be all over the place, which actually stands to reason given the subjective nature.

Very true :)

[MovieBuff]

Does anybody know where I can get the AT 2005 USB mic in Canada. There's no stores that seem to have it online. Buying from ebay or amazon, the prices are marked up + shipping + Canadian taxes and customs fee.

[Dan Ortego]

Not sure if this is an option for you although I believe that B&H processes orders to Canada. Otherwise, if you know of any fellow citizens visiting the US who may bring one back for you.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=AT+2005+USB+mic&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

[MovieBuff]

Not sure if this is an option for you although I believe that B&H processes orders to Canada. Otherwise, if you know of any fellow citizens visiting the US who may bring one back for you.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=AT+2005+USB+mic&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

Thank you. I originally checked on B&H, but when trying to order it I got this message:
"Due to certain restrictions, this item cannot be shipped to CANADA."

[Dan Ortego]

Dang, seems that it's easier to ship things to Europe than to Canada.

[MovieBuff]

Dang, seems that it's easier to ship things to Europe than to Canada.

I love Canada, but as consumers we tend to completely get screwed over, especially with electronic products that are not available in our country. (Shipping + additional sales taxes + customs)