Curtis Judd 7/1/24 Curtis Judd 7/1/24

New FREE Course: Live Streaming Setup Basics!

This week, we're happy to announce our new FREE course on how to choose streaming gear and properly set it up in order to produce a successful live stream! The course is available here.

Live streaming is one of the best ways for podcasters, content creators, and hobbyists to connect with their audiences and build close online communities. With the right gear and setup know-how, anyone can produce very high quality streams easily and without having to spend massive amounts of money on really expensive gear.

In this free course we show you the basics of setting up to stream, as well as sharing our thoughts on some of the most efficient and worthwhile streaming gear on the market today.

In the course, we’ll teach you how to:

- Determine what types of streaming gear are right for you.

- Use your chosen gear to refine your streaming techniques and produce better-quality streams.

- Correctly route your gear into your streaming computer.

- Test your setup before going live.

What is NOT covered:

- Streaming setups for video game streaming.

- Advanced details of setting up your streaming platform (YouTube, Twitch, etc).

One of the tricky parts of online learning is figuring out what to do when you have a question. But we’ve got you covered there! You can email me any time when you sign up for the course. We also hold weekly Sound for Video Sessions where we cover sound for video topics in more depth and even have Q&A sessions once or twice a month.

Come on over to our school website and sign up to learn with us!

Curtis Judd 6/3/24 Curtis Judd 6/3/24

OSEE GoStream Kit versus ATEM Mini/Pro

In this week’s episode we provide an overview, not a full review, of the OSEE GoStream Kit — a livestream studio with a switcher/deck and a 14 inch monitor in a hard Pelican-style case. This little livestream switcher supports 5 sources (4 HDMI inputs, a USB input, NDI source, or playback from an SD card), along with the ability to power the kit via USB PD battery bank, cine battery, or AC power. Let’s see how it compares to the very popular Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini and ATEM Mini Pro.

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- OSEE GoStream Deck — Amazon

- OSEE GoStream Kit (with the monitor and hard case) — Amazon

Some of my other studio gear:

- Earthworks ETHOS microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH50 microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bicolor LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome III Softbox — Aputure, B&H

- Amaran 300c RGBWW Single-Point LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran Spotlight SE — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Curtis Judd 5/28/24 Curtis Judd 5/28/24

dbx 286s Setup for Live Stream, Podcast, and Voiceover

Looking for an easy way to get great broadcast sound in your voiceovers, podcasts, and livestreams every single time? The dbx 286s channel strip can help accomplish that. The 286 is a mic preamplifier and processing chain all in one compact hardware solution and includes such features as +60 dB of gain and +48 V phantom power, as well as a compressor, de-esser, expander/gate, and enhancer. First we’ll show you how to connect your microphone of choice to the dbx and the rest of your audio setup, and then we’ll walk through what each setting does and how to make the most of them with your voice. Let’s see how it’s done!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- dbx 286s Mic Preamp & Channel Strip — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Universal Audio Volt 276 USB Audio Interface — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- SHURE KSM8 Dualdyne Vocal Mic — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- SHURE SM58 Cardioid Dynamic Mic — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Mogami XLR Audio Cables — B&H

- Canare XLR Audio Cables — B&H

Some of my other studio gear:

- Earthworks ETHOS microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH50 microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bicolor LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome III Softbox — Aputure, B&H

- Amaran 300c RGBWW Single-Point LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran Spotlight SE — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 8/7/23 Curtis Judd 8/7/23

RODE X Streamer X Audio Features Review

In this episode we take a detailed look at the highlights of the audio features available on RODE X’s Streamer X, and compare the quality of the Streamer X’s mic preamps to the preamps of two other popular podcast/livestream mixers. Then we recommend some recording tips and tricks that will help you make the most of these preamps’ high-quality sound.

Check out our recent livestream using the Streamer X here.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- RODEX Streamer X integrated audio interface and capture card — B&H, Amazon

- Mackie DLZ Creator Digital Mixer for Podcasting, Streaming, and YouTube — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- RODECaster Pro II Podcast and Streaming Production Studio — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Earthworks Ethos XLR Broadcast microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- SHURE SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- RODE NT1 5th Generation Large Diaphragm Condenser Studio Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S LED light — B&H, Amazon, Aputure

- Aputure Light Dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 7/31/23 Curtis Judd 7/31/23

How To Sync Audio to Video for Livestreams Using OBS

In this episode we show you how to sync your audio with your video while live streaming. Struggling with misaligned audio and video feeds in your stream? An offset, calculated using your stream’s frame rate, is an easy way to fix that. Let’s take a look at how it’s done!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- RODEX Streamer X integrated audio interface and capture card — B&H, Amazon

- Mackie DLZ Creator Digital Mixer for Podcasting, Streaming, and YouTube — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- RODECaster Pro II Podcast and Streaming Production Studio — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Magewell USB Capture HDMI Plus Capture Card — B&H, Amazon

- Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini HDMI Live Switcher — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro HDMI Live Switcher — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro ISO HDMI Live Switcher — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Extreme/Extreme ISO — B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S LED light — B&H, Amazon, Aputure

- Aputure Light Dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 6/12/23 Curtis Judd 6/12/23

Getting Audio from your mixer to your Livestream — RODECaster Pro, Mackie DLZ and any other mixer

In this week’s episode we show 3 main ways to get audio from your mixer — such as a RODECaster Pro, a Mackie DLZ, a ZOOM Podtrak, or any other mixer — into your livestream. We cover sending audio via USB, to your camera, or to a hardware switcher like an ATEM.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- RODECaster Pro II podcast mixer — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Mackie DLZ Creator podcast mixer — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- ART Cleanbox Pro (convert balanced to unbalanced audio and vice versa) — Amazon, Sweetwater

- Blackmagic Design ATEM switchers — B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S LED light — B&H, Amazon, Aputure

- Aputure Light Dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 5/22/23 Curtis Judd 5/22/23

Best Podcast & Livestream Mixer [2023] | Mackie DLZ Creator

In this week’s episode, we have a look at Mackie’s new DLZ Creator mixer. This competitor to the RODECaster Pros and Zoom Podtraks is made specifically for capturing great audio in podcast and livestream workflows. In this video we walk through the DLZ’s feature set, briefly compare it to the RODECaster Pro, and identify some advantage and disadvantages for each. Let’s take a closer look!

Check out our reviews of the RODE and Zoom podcast mixers here:

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- Mackie DLZ Creator USB audio mixer/interface/recorder — B&H, Amazon

- Mackie 802 VLZ 4 8-Channel Ultra Compact Mixer — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- RODECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- RODECaster Pro II Podcast Production Studio — B&H, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Amazon

- ZOOM Podtrak P4 Podcast Recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- ZOOM Podtrak P8 Podcast Recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- ZOOM Livetrak L8 Podcast Recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S LED light — B&H, Amazon, Aputure

- Aputure Light Dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 10/10/22 Curtis Judd 10/10/22

SHURE SM7B vs SM58 Microphones for Livestream and Podcast

In this week’s episode we compare two classic microphones from SHURE: the SM7B and the SM58. These cardioid dynamic mics have proven themselves to be staples amongst podcasters and vocalists, respectively, but why exactly is that? In this episode we listen to some sound samples from each mic, discuss their features and histories, and walk through how you might incorporate one or the other (or both!) into your audio recording workflow. Let’s take a closer look and listen!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- Shure SM7B Vocal Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Perfect Circuit, Amazon

- Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Shure A7WS foam cover, what we used on the SM58 to record this episode — B&H, Sweetwater

- Sound Devices MixPre-3 II audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon, Trew Audio

- Cloudlifter CL-1 in-line preamplifier — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Triton Audio FETHead in-line preamplifier — B&H, Amazon

- MOTU M2 USB audio interface — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure P300C LED used as key light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 9/14/22 Curtis Judd 9/14/22

Live With Viewers on Sound Speeds

Curtis recently made another of many appearances on friend Allen Williams’ YouTube channel, Sound Speeds. Scrub to 1:06:16 to catch his appearance.

“Welcome to the first ever Sound Speeds livestream where channel viewers are featured guests. I have three guests joining us tonight: Colin is an indie sound mixer looking to transition into the camera department as a Steadicam operator. Adam is a sound mixer that works on a lot of reality TV and documentaries. Richard is an audio/video enthusiast that loves talking into and testing microphones and playing around in sound.”

The stream also features several more of your favorite YouTube audio and video personalities.

Curtis Judd 5/20/22 Curtis Judd 5/20/22

Epiphan Video Pearl 2 Live Stream Switcher, Encoder, Recorder...Appliance

In this week’s episode, we explain when a high-end livestream device like the Epiphan Video Pearl 2 makes sense. Many of you are familiar with the Blackmagic Design ATEM and ATEM Mini switchers. The Pearl 2 has several important features that make the Pearl 2 indispensable for productions where you need remote control or to add remote contributors to your stream with Secure Reliable Transport (SRT). It also has several small, but important features like the ability to stream to multiple platforms at the same time or to be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world. Let’s take a closer look!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Epiphan Video Pearl 2 — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Epiphan Video Pearl Nano — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Epiphan Video Pearl Mini — B&H, Amazon

- Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini switchers — https://geni.us/b8my

- Earthworks Ethos microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Rupert Neve Design Shelford Channel — B&H, Sweetwater

- Canon C70 camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure 600D PRO LED Light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Impact Luxbank softbox - B&H

- Aputure Amaran 100D - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon