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 are often accompanied by camera footage of the person recording the screencast. Webcams are the most common camera used in conjunction with screencasts because they are affordable and easy to use. While it is possible to have high definition webcams, cheaper varieties often produce blurry, pixelated or noisy images, especially in low light conditions.

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

Webcam footage is not usually used to present more content and information, but rather to keep the audience engaged.

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

During the recording of a screencast, various operations need to be performed. These can range from basic tasks, like starting and stopping the recording, to more complex actions on advanced setups, such as switching scenes, blanking screens, or adjusting audio levels for different sound inputs.

While all these operations can be managed through the recording program's interface, any on-screen actions will also be captured. This can be addressed either through editing or by using a secondary screen, though both solutions may disrupt the flow of the final recording.

In the Microstudio, a Streamdeck is used as a solution. This separate keypad is specifically programmed to control the recording without interfering with the screen capture, helping maintain the flow of the video and minimising the need for extensive editing.

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

One of the most important factors to consider during video recording is the lighting. Poor lighting can ruin video footage regardless of how good the camera and lenses are. The same applies to webcam recordings, where poor lighting can be particularly unflattering for the face. The screencasting station is fitted with a recording light positioned above the screen to cast a soft, diffused light on the face of the person being recorded.

Both the intensity and the temperature of the light can be adjusted from the Stream Deck.

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