As a result of COVID-19, large social gatherings have had to cease. However thanks to technology, many companies and business operations can still operate!
One of the organisations that I have helped mobilise to online platforms was my local church. Since Australian internet isn’t that great (it’s better with the NBN now I guess), parts of the weekly services were pre-recorded. This involved the sermon, and music!
Sermon / Interview Recording
These recordings are simple and straight-forward.
No fancy camera sliders, just a static shot with a nice 35mm at f/2
- 2x Softboxes - key light, fill light
- 1x DSLR camera with an AC-DC adapter
- 1x Teleprompter
- 1x Lapel microphone
- 1x Audio interface (Steinberg UR44)
- 1x Laptop
Music
This is the fun one!
Recording
- Instruments!
- 1x Pair of Behringer C2 condensers (X-Y stereo configuration)
- 2x Softboxes - key light, back light
- 1x DSLR camera with an AC-DC adapter
- 1x Audio interface (PreSonus StudioLive 24R)
- 1x Laptop (Multitrack recording)
- 1x Laptop (Live lyric capture)
Post Production
After the recording was done, a team of people had to edit the videos and mix the audio.
Audio Interface Frenzy
As an audio interface is crucial to easy and high quality audio capture - audio interfaces became quickly sold out everywhere (along with the ATEM Mini / Mini Pro video switchers).
I already had my Steinberg UR44, but I also managed to snag a second-hand Steinberg UR22 Mark II for a good price!
Teleprompter
May 31st 2020
Teleprompters are quite expensive… huh.
This is because of the teleprompter glass - which has better refractive properties compared to standard glass. Consequently, this niche manufacturing need drives up the price.
So I ended up DIY’ing it, using a piece of glass from a photo frame.
The reflected text won’t be as clear and sharp, but it shouldn’t be too distracting with large fonts.
Design
For the sake of simplicity, I opted for an X-frame design.
The teleprompter is built in the shape of a Z, and a brace connecting the two unhinged ends lock the structure into place. Everything can then be collapsed flush for ease of storage.
Building
Two pairs of hinges, some steel wire and some wood scraps - done!
Results
It works pretty well I guess!
