Webcasts have been part of my life for over a decade. I’ve written two books on the topic (The Learning eXplosion and The Webinar Manifesto) and created a webinar division of my company that went from $0 to eight-figures in annual revenue. I’ve worked on most of the major platforms (Adobe Connect, On24, WebEx, GoToMeeting, GoToWebinar) and lately I’ve fallen in love with Zoom.
But where to you start? I’ve seen setups that cost over $10,000 for the pros with unlimited funds and on the other end you can just use your computer and built-in web cam for free. But suppose you want to go a bit bigger? Here’s a simple, relatively inexpensive, webcast solution you can try for under $1,000.
CAMERAS:
I’m doing interview-style webcasts and to get a professional feel, I’m using two cameras, one for a wide-angle shot and another for a close up.
You can hook up an HD camcorder, but I’ve found this to add additional costs. For example, you’ll need a USB HDMI capture device like the Magewell XI100DUSB-HDMI USB Capture HDMI 3.0 HD Video Capture Dongle ($299). I opted not to go this route for simplicity’s sake. But I may try it in the future.
Instead, I purchased two Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 ($59 each) hooked into two different computers so I can switch cameras back and forth. This avoids having to pay for a $1,000 camera switcher.
AUDIO:
I’m pretty picky about my audio because I’ve heard too many webcasts that sound like they’re delivered through an echoey tin box. I purchased two AKG Pro Audio Perception 45 Presenter Set BD A Wireless Microphones ($249 each).
If you have two microphones, you’ll need an audio interface to hook into your computer. I have the Scarlett 2i2 2nd generation USB Audio Interface plus two XLR cables ($13). I could’ve purchased a small mixing board, but this option is much simpler and if I want to record, it will automatically split out the two audio channels.
You’ll also want a set of headphones to plug into the monitor to check for levels.
TRIPOD:
I also purchased two inexpensive tripods, but not cheap. I don’t want it wiggling around after a month. I settled on the Manfrotto MKCOMPACTADV-BK Compact Advanced Tripod with 3-Way Head ($79). It’s a solid piece of machinery.
So, for under $1,000 ($854) I have a complete webcast set up that adds a professional touch.
EDIT: After testing the Scarlett audio interface, we realized it introduced some strange static and feedback into the webcast. So, I purchased a ZEDI8 from Allen & Heath and it is working really well.