The Best Gear For New Creators

I am asked all the time what kind of equipment I used to record music and make my videos when I began my YouTube adventure. Below, I *starred* the products that I personally started with and included some other options that could work. I recommend these items for anyone beginning a career or hobby in the industry of CREATING! :)

Remember this is a LOT.  But it's all doable. Take it one thing at a time and remember if you really are passionate about your subject, YouTube is the best way to spread the word about it right now.  Do it. NOW. Invest in yourself.   You don't need the MOST expensive equipment to make a living doing what you love.  The equipment below could be used to jumpstart a CAREER as a digital creator.  

 For a quick start, I recommend picking up #1, #5, #9, #12, #15, and #17. If you have a Mac and you're on a budget, you can skip #12 & #15 and just start by editing your audio in GarageBand and your video in iMovie!

AUDIO

Microphones:
1. *Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Microphone Package* This mic's sound is extremely clean and clear for the price. I still think it is comparable to several microphones that are WAY more expensive! This package comes with a pop filter, a shock mount, an XLR cable, and a dust cover. The most bang for your buck!*

2. Rode NT1 Condenser Microphone Cardioid Comparable to the above microphone, but doesn't come with as many gadgets and gizmos. OR Rode NT-USB USB Condenser Microphone

3. Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio Microphone  A great sound for under $100! (This sounds terrific on female vox and tenors)

4. Blue Yeti USB Microphone - Blackout Edition I recommend this one if you are on a tighter budget. (Note: If you choose this mic you do not need a USB audio interface or an XLR cable!)

Microphone Stand:
5. *Samson MK-10 Microphone Boom Stand A basic stand that will get the job done.*

Pop Filter:
6. Dragonpad USA Pop filter Studio Microphone Mic Wind Screen Pop Filter For those of you who purchase a mic that does not come with a pop filter. This decreases the loud popping sounds that you naturally produce while singing and talking.

XLR Cable:
7. LyxPro Balanced XLR Cable Premium Series Microphone Cable, Speakers and Pro Devices Cable, 15 Feet- Black  You'll need one of these to connect your microphone to your audio interface.

Studio Soundproofing:
8. 12 Pack Acoustic Panels Studio Foam Wedges 1" X 12" X 12"  This reduces echo and makes the reverberation of the room much quieter. When I first started recording music, I reduced reverb by singing in a closet surrounded by clothes. True story!

Audio Interfaces: You'll need one of these to transmit sound from your microphone to your computer.
9. *Focusrite Scarlett Solo (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First * OR Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First

10. PreSonus AudioBox USB 96: 2x2 USB 2.0 Recording System with Studio One 

Digital Audio Work Stations: What you'll use to save and edit the audio that you record.
11.* Avid Pro Tools *

12. Avid Pro Tools 12 Academic Discount (Download Card + iLok)

13. Apple Logic Pro X

Studio Headphones:
14. KRK KNS6400 Studio Headphones  These will make a huge difference during production, and will really allow you to hear your music clearly. For the price, these headphones are some of the best!

VIDEO

Editing Software:
15. *Final Cut Pro X *

16. Adobe Premiere Elements 15 [Download]

Cameras:
17. *Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm EF-S f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens + 58mm Wide Angle Lens + 2x Telephoto Lens + Flash + 48GB SD Memory Card + UV Filter Kit + Tripod + Full Accessory Bundle * If you're on a budget, this is a great deal for a high-quality camera. 

18. Canon EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD Lens

19. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body

20. Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, Widescreen Video Calling and Recording, 1080p Camera, Desktop or Laptop Webcam Webcams work well if you're on a tight budget!

Lens:
21. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens  Pickup a 50mm f/1.8 lens too, this is the best one to start with for beginners.

Lighting:
22. Neewer Camera Photo/Video 18"Outer 14"Inner 600W 5500K Ring Fluorescent Flash Light (Light Only)  These ring lights really bring out your eyes and teeth (help them look whiter). Trust me as an old 37-year-old dad it's a must unless you're on a tight budget. In which case you can just use natural lighting to the best of your ability... But these lights will make you feel even better if you’re not feeling confident.

Tripod:
23. AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag  This is a great, cheap tripod. You could put your camera on a pile of books instead, but a tripod makes things much easier.

JUST TRY IT.  START.  IF YOU DON’T TRY, YOU AUTOMATICALLY FAIL.  

It took me 3 years to get my wife started on YouTube. She spends about 5-10 hrs a week on it and has about 230,000 YouTube subscribers now. She makes a great part-time income doing her stuff alone now.  You can do it.  Now get your butt in gear and start!! :D