Voiceover Equipment for UGC (user-generated content) is a big topic; we will cover this and more! Want to learn a bit more about voiceover in UGC? Check out our article, giving a full overview of how the two work hand in hand. In this two-part article, we will look at the equipment needed to get set up for a UGC project. It is worth mentioning that the time of day plays a massive part in what equipment you need due to the lighting, but we will touch on that later. It is also worth considering that often a natural background or a specific background is the client’s preference. A natural background might be a kitchen or dining room, whilst the specific background might be a park or a parking lot.
UGC Equipment for Voiceover
Rather than a large diaphragm condenser microphone like what you would use for a voiceover job, in UGC, you will need a lapel microphone. Now, small does not mean poor! There are some fantastic lapel microphones from a range of top companies like Rode, Sennheiser, Apogee, and many others. As well as the lapel microphone, you will certainly need lighting; typically, a ring light will be sufficient. That said, you can get other lights as you need them too. Next, you will need a backdrop, be it grey, blue, or green; this will come in handy, and these are the standard three colors. It is worth noting that a green screen is almost essential alongside a blue or grey screen. Finally, you will need some software, but let’s start at the beginning with the microphones.
UGC Microphones
Subtle is certainly better with UGC, as the camera is all-seeing. Having it subtly compliment your collar or button threads is the usual style for UGC. As long as it is not massively visually obvious, what is more, important is the sound quality. A crystal clear sound is, of course, desired. Most of these microphones will come with some degree of wind protection too. Further, the length of the cable is a consideration when picking your desired microphone. Want some good news? You can get wireless lapel microphones from a long range of companies.
As long as something plugs into the bottom of your phone or camera, whilst something else is attached to your microphone, you are in a good position. This technology is called a transmitter and a receptor and works similarly to a mobile phone network. All of this said, should the wire be long enough and the signal strong enough, a good old-fashioned cable will serve you well too. The key with wires is as long as it does not detract from your performance, and you are in a good position.
Lighting for UGC
In voiceover, lighting is not too much of a consideration unless on a directed session where we want to be seen. In UGC, it is vital! A standard ring light will hold most cameras or phones for UGC-styled content. That said, it is imperative you ensure you have the right attachments for the ring lights to support your recording equipment. Want to go the extra mile with lighting? Well, two diagonal lights will prevent shadows on your backdrop. If you want to go wild with this, you can even get a flood light. A Flood light comes from behind and makes you look more detailed against the background.
Voiceover and UGC Equipment
Soon we will cover software, devices, and backdrops in part two of this article series. Remember, it is vital to make sure you have a great setup before you start recording. While waiting for all your fabulous equipment to arrive, why not experiment with locations, lighting, and performance?
Voiceover Equipment for UGC By Alan Shires
