Reddit reviews Behringer C-1U Professional Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser USB Microphone
We found 8 Reddit comments about Behringer C-1U Professional Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser USB Microphone. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Professional, large-diaphragm condenser microphone with built-in USB interface, ideal for podcasters and musiciansPlug this amazing USB-mic straight into your computer and turn your PC or Mac* computer into a recording system without the need for any other hardwareDirectly works with your PC or Mac computer—ultra-low latency ASIO* driver for PC audio optimization available at behringer.comExceptionally flat frequency response and ultra-high sound resolution perfect for voice, acoustic instruments, etc.Cardioid pickup pattern for outstanding sound source separation and feedback rejection
Worst case scenario you can grab a Behringer C-1U, a pop filter and speak facing a closet full of clothes, an upright mattress, inside a car (they are close to dead acoustically) or something along those lines.
http://www.amazon.com/BEHRINGER-STUDIO-CONDENSER-MICROPHONE-C-1U/dp/B001QXCYZY
Maybe?
Tbh I would cop this mic and get your engineering skills to the best you can get them. A good engineer can make something decent quality with the apple headphones mic.
The Amazon Basics Video tripod (make sure it's the video one with the pan handle) is a good starting point, $23.49. You'll need some sort of iphone to tripod adapter too - they're available at price points from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. No need to overspend if you're just starting out.
I'd recommend you keep that iphone on a tripod at all times - it's so small and light that hand-held footage will be shakey and offputting.
For lighting, assuming you're in a bedroom-sized space then a 3-point photography CFL lighting kit like this will be great. Nice, soft light which will make whatever you're reviewing look good. Cheap too - $46.99
Although I may be biased, I think sound is probably where most of those funds should go. People will happily watch 240p, grainy, blocky, blurry video on youtube but if they can't hear what you're saying then they're gonna switch off.
For piece-to-camera shooting I'd recommend getting a Rode Smartlav for $71.90. You can plug that straight into your iPhone for sync sound recording.
I'd also suggest getting a large-diaphragm microphone for voiceover work - i.e. whenever you're not filming yourself while talking at the same time. The Behringer C1-U is a great budget option that plugs directly into your computer's USB port for recording for $59.99. You'll need something to put it on such as a Suspension Boom ($17.99) and to make sure your audio is clean you'll need a pop filter. ($8.99)
So that's the very basics covered for $157.45 give or take though you can probably get that cheaper if you shop around. That leaves you $242.55 for some more specialist gear...
Depending on what you're reviewing, I'd recommend looking at lightboxes (5-walled cubes that you put the product in to give yourself a white background and even, soft lighting), and a motorized lazy susan (turntable) to give you some interesting options for b-roll.
If you're filming bigger stuff, then a white backdrop would work as well. You could go for something in optical green for chroma keying but keying is a pretty precise art and chances are if you're a total beginner it won't look that great until you really get the hang of it - so go for plain white first.
Chances are you'll still have some money left over after that too... iPhone footage is pretty damn good but you should start putting together a kitty for upgrading to a proper interchanagable lens camera.
You're really not going to get much bang for your buck if you cheap out down to $50 so I would suggest going $20 higher and getting a Behringer C-1U I've had mine for over two years now and it's actually a really good USB mic for it's price.
If prices near me are correct:
The C1-U is 38$
Snowball is 49.99$
Meteor is 69.99
If you dont have a boom stand/Desk stand such as this, or this Buy the C1U + Stand (nearly same price as meteor alone, and it allows you to lift mic off table and higher up. Less keyboard+mice clicking noise and if its closer to your face it will have better pickup.)
If you already have a stand, then I would say grab the Snowball.
If you really like the look of the meteor then go for it. But understand that you are paying for the material around the mic, not necessarily better sound quality.
Behringer C-1U
I'll recommend the Behringer C-1U + the On Stage Adjustable Desk Mic.
Just in general, I thought I'd add: the unfortunate thing is that there's very few mics on the market that are actually good for under $100. You're likely gonna get feedback or static from any mic if you don't buy a dedicated sound card, or an audio interface.
If you have any other questions - audio or just in general - you can reach me via PM here on Reddit, Discord or Steam.
Hope this helped !