Screencasting Equipment

The Rode Procaster is a microphone that is permanently setup to the computer and will be the preferred microphone for screencasting. The Procaster is connected to a Rodecaster Pro audio interface. Even though the Rodecaster is a podcasting station, its capabilities as a versatile audio interface makes it perfect for screencasting use.

The guidelines around sound quality outlined here apply in the same way for screencasting.

Screencasts can often be accompanied by camera footage of the person recording the screencast. Webcams are the most common camera used in conjunction with screencasts because they can be quite cheap and are easy to connect to computers and use with screencasting programs. While it is possible to have high definition webcams, many cheaper ones can produce blurry, pixelated of noisy images, especially in low light conditions.

A mirrorless camera is used as a webcam in the Microstudio to produce better video footage. The camera is also fitted with a zoom lens, which makes framing easier.

Webcam footage are not usually used to present more content and information, but rather as a way to keep the audience engaged.

The OBS templates have been setup to allow users to quickly switch across various 'scenes', some containing webcam feed.

There are operations that will need to occur during the recording of the screencast. They can be as basic as starting and stopping the recording to more complex operations on more complex setups, eg switching scenes, blanking screens or adjusting audio levels of various sound inputs.

All these operations can be done through the recording program's interface, but since the screen itself is being recorded, any on screen operation will also be captured. This can easily be fixed in editing, or by using a secondary screen but either solution  could potentially break the flow of the final recording.

The solution used in the microstudio was to use a Streamdeck, which is a separate keypad that has been specifically programmed to operate the recording controls without interfering  with what is captured on the screen, and therefore maintaining the flow of the video and reducing the amount of editing required.

The use of the Streamdeck is explained in the  recording section of this guide.

One of the most important things to consider during video recording is the lighting. Bad lighting can ruin a video footage regardless of how good the camera and lenses are. "Webcam" recording is no different, and poor lighting can be particularly unflattering for a face. The screencasting stationis fitted with a recording light that will sit above the screen to cast a soft diffused light on the face of the person being recorded.

The intensity and the temperature of the light are also adjustable from the Stream Deck.

For more information on how to operate the lights, click here, and expand the Key Light section.