Question About Making a Video

[tonebender]

I need some help. I would like to be able to make videos of myself performing with an acoustic guitar. Something like this. Not that I could do what this guy is doing.



I do not have a FB, X, Instagram, etc, account but I do have a youtube thing. I need to know what these people are using and how. I assume they are recording the take and then syncing with the video so it is just not ambient noise recorded by the camera. If you could recommend camera type, recording device type, software, etc., I would appreciate it. I am not looking to post videos trying to monetize them, just have a few so I can provide links for owners of venues when they request an example of my work.

[BatUtilityBelt]

I don't do it myself, but have heard a bunch of YouTubers talking about what they use, how they got their starts, etc. From what I gather, the initial investment isn't big at all and there are a lot of free utility software options. But it would take research and trial and error. One thing that sticks out from watching past videos from YouTubers is that many of them have reached out to content providers they liked and asked them for advice. Not once did I hear any of them got an answer of "go take a leap". So if there's a not yet huge YouTuber you can relate to, I'd reach out to that one.

[sabasgr68]

Not an expert myself, but guessing that you would like to record some nice videos of yourself, you'll need a decent camera - a nice celphone can do -, a console/mixer to input all your sounds (voice and guitar) into an audio interface so you can later edit the video and use the clean audio. And if you don't know about video editing, you'll need someone who can do it for you.

That's what I can think off the top of my head.

Since you will record your acustic guitar you'll need a silent room so there would be the least amount of ambience sounds.

As far as especific equipment, I'm afraid I can't be of help, but you don't need top notch gear for that.

You can use Reaper or Audacity for your sound recordings, and some video editor to edit video and audio.

Like I said, I'm not an expert, but if you need a hand on the video editing part, I'll be happy to help with what I can.

Keep us updated!

[tonebender]

I have been told that a GoPro is a good choice for a camera but I have no idea. I have digital Bose mixer and I am thinking that would work fine to record the audio but what do I use to interface into a computer? I guess I will go to GC and ask my guy down there what to use. Then I will need software in the computer to capture the audio. Then I am thinking I will need some type of software to merge the audio and video together. I am on the right track?

[tlarson58]

My method: Simultaneously record the video and music, sync them using software and then upload the finished project to YouTube.

The finished video can be "private," "unlisted" or "public." To do this you'll need a YouTube account. Almost all of my videos are unlisted. I can share them with you guys and friends without the world having access to them.

Equipment and software can be minimal or quite involved. I have seen some videos made with iPhones that have fantastic sound quality. Once you have video and sound, you can edit them in inexpensive, intuitive software or - if you make it with an iPhone - upload the best take.

For what it's worth. My band videos are shot with a GoPro, recorded with a mixing console and then synched in a beginner editing program.

[andrewsrea]

...what do I use to interface into a computer?

I recommend the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4. All the interfaces in that series are pristine and a wonderful value. The two lower models are only $20 to $40 less expensive, but you will grow into the features of the 2i4 eventually. Very easy to install and use.

Record to a DAW which is capable of 32-bit float recording (prevents accidental digital clipping while capturing live material). I record, mix and master at a 48khz sample rate (it is the goldilocks setting), then sample down to 41.1khz for distribution or import to video. As @tlarson58 said, import that into a video editing application and sync. Keep the production loud, but not too loud. Online servicews will manipulate your audio more, the more it is outside of its parameters, which can defeat a really good mastering. I shoot for -15 to -11 average LUFS, -1 transient peak level and a -16dB to -12dB RMS level.

When mixing and mastering, you want subtitle compressing (shoot for details being auditable but also keeping the playing dynamics) and limiting (get it loud to stand out). I suggest an EQ, which dumps the sub frequencies, a 4:1 compression, with a 1.7ms Attack and 1ms release, and a limiter set with a gain of 3db (may have to adjust), celling of -1dB, threshold of -3dB, normal attack and 2ms release on your mix buss.

I am not really an expert on cameras, but a decent camera like a go pro, a cell phone from the last 7 years, a few lights and some inexpensive stands will result in an interesting two-camera shoot. The importing from the cell phone's audio track will be helpful in tweaking the sync of the DAW produced audio. I have Pinnacle 26 video editing software, which I have yet to get into. Again, I am not versed enough to tell you the best value in video apps, as the one I have is the updates from the one I bought around 2004 to convert VHS family tapes to digital.

There are many online services for distribution. A friend of mine is semi-pro and has a centralized services which for a fee, drops your video to YouTube and similar services, then also to Spotify, Pandora, etc.

[BatUtilityBelt]

@andrewsrea makes some good points on gear and process. Not a videographer, but my dad was a photographer, and I just remembered some advice he gave me. Good lighting and careful framing can make the difference between a boring picture and one you can't take your eyes off. I think that applies to video equally well. As an example from a photo, these pictures are of the same guitar. Obviously one of the photographers knew what he was doing, and the other was just walking through the steps.

IYV IJG-200.jpg

[tonebender]

Thanks fellas, I won't pretend I have a clue what all that means but I am sure it will be great reference material as I learn.

[Rollin Hand]

FWIW, one of my favourite automotive Youtubers (Legit Street Cars) uses phones to make his videos, or at least he did. If you have a phone with decent video capability, you have part of what you need.

[tonebender]

I am ordering myself a tripod with a cell phone holder. I think I will record a little and see how it turns out from a video standpoint, then go from there.