If you want the best lighting equipment for a one-person YouTube channel where you talk to the camera a lot then you will not be disappointed with this setup. It includes just two lights but they are high quality and both made by Aputure, a well-known company in the industry. They also have a consistent color temperature with a rating of CRI 96+.
Key Light
The key light ( main light ) is the Aputure 120D Mark 2 used with the Aputure Light Dome II Softbox. Do not skip on the softbox or your lighting will be too harsh and cast strong shadows. The softbox will do exactly what the name says. It will make your lighting soft and flattering. It will also put a beautiful catch light in the eyes of the person in front of the camera. Overall it’s perfect for video lighting and portraits.
Boom Arm Stand
You will also need a boom stand to hold your light and softbox. The Neewer Pro is a nice strong option.
Fill Light
I love the Aputure Amaran series of lights! They are compact, but super bright and extremely versatile! You can put these lights anywhere and they work great as fill lights. If you want to add more dimensions you can use multiples of these.
This light can also be used as an online camera light if you need to pack light but I think it functions better as fill.
Aputure Amaran AL-MC RGBWW
Stands for lights
You are also going to need stands for your lights. I have used many different brands of stands and I don’t think there is a need to pay a ton for quality. While I have not used these stands, these Amazon stands look great and have very good reviews.
Amazon Basics Aluminum Light Photography Tripod Stand with Case
Lighting Equipment
Main Light ( key light ):
Aputure 120D Mark 2 Neewer Pro 100% Stainless Steel Heavy Duty C Stand with Boom Arm
Fill Light
Aputure Amaran AL-MC RGBWWLight stands x2: Amazon Basics Aluminum Light Photography Tripod Stand with Case
Audio
We use two different ways to mic two people but this first setup works best for one person unless both people can be equidistant from the microphone and also talk at the same level! Otherwise, if you are interviewing someone in the same room you will want the Rode wireless system below.
Another important matter is reverb and noise in your room. If your room is empty the sound will bounce around your room a lot and create unwanted reverb. This is not easy to remove in post-editing so it is best to get this right. However, this is a topic for entire chapter or book! So I’ll just go over some simple basics to help reduce noise and reverb.
- Have furniture in your recording room. You need something to absorb some of the sound so it doesn’t just bounce all around. A quick hack that works well is hang a sheet behind your camera.
- Keep your boom microphone as close to you as possible
- Turn off fans and A/C during recording.
- Close any open windows.
- Use wireless mics is a separate option that can help reduce noise.
One person microphone
RODE VideoMic Pro+ w/Rycote Studio Boom Kit – VMP+, Boom Stand, Adapter, and 25′ CableOr if you prefer clip-on microphones
Rode Microphones Wireless GO II Dual Channel Wireless Microphone SystemWe currently use the Rode mics since we are traveling and come with two wireless mics. They can easily clip onto clothing and objects. They also include windscreens for outdoor use.
If you don’t want to clip the mics directly onto your clothing you will need to purchase the lavalier mics which can be hidden under clothing or just worn on clothes. They are much small er and inconspicuous.
Rode Lavalier GO Professional-Grade Wearable Microphone, Black