Equipment
For recording my YouTube videos, I use the following equipment:
Microphones
Up until June 2021, all piano demonstrations and recordings of my playing were captured using a Shure MV88 Condenser Microphone. I plugged this straight into an iPhone 6S and use the Motiv App from Shure.
I also have the Shure MV88+ which can connect to both iOS and Android/Windows devices and is worth considering. For a full shoot-out between the two, you will find this video helpful.
I still use both of these microphones regularly to capture my practice and assess my progress due to their unparalleled ease of use – simply plug into the phone or iPad!
From June 2021, I upgraded my main recording equipment. I had discussed this option early in 2021 and eventually took the plunge and invested.
Now, I have a matched pair of Rode NT5 Microphones
I plug these microphones into a Zoom F6 Recorder.
I use a Rhode SmartLav to record my voice (as you can keep the microphone much closer to you without it being intrusive on camera). The microphone plugs into any iPhone/Phone with a standard headphone socket available.
I use the Rode Record app to control the Lavalier microphone (also available on the App Store).
Note: the SmartLav+ uses a standard headphone jack connector and so can’t be used on new iPhones that don’t have one.
Camera
The Video is captured on an iPhone 8 Plus using an app called Filmic Pro which allows much better control over the phone’s inbuilt camera. Of course, any iPhone will do the same job for you.
You will find Filmic Pro on the App Store here.
Remote Monitoring
I always record things alone, and so often use my iPad for remote monitoring. It uses an app called Filmic Remote (available as part of a bundle with Filmic Pro) which allows me to control the phone from the iPad.
I now also use and app called LumaFusion on the iPad to do all of my video editing. It is an incredibly powerful app and a very good option if you are interested in using your iPad more.
Audio and Video Software
Audio post processing is done using Garageband. I also used to do my Video Editing using iMovie – both shipped free with any Mac.
