Selecting the Perfect Gear for Self-Producing Music Videos!

Hello! I’m Kaoru and I’m a composer.

This time, as the title suggests, I’m going to carefully select "the perfect items for self-producing music videos!"

In recent years, various video streaming sites have been booming, and we are in an era where anyone can easily broadcast videos to the world.
For those active as artists, the ability to self-produce is essential!

However, hiring a professional to produce a music video can cost hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of yen, even at the lowest estimates.
It's not easy for an individual to prepare such a large sum of money for a single video.

So this time, I will carefully select items that are perfect for self-producing music videos.

ACOUSTICA / Mixcraft 7

Despite its low price of approximately 10,000 yen, this is a multifunctional software that not only covers a full range of music production features—including:

• Audio Recording
• Editing Functions
• MIDI Sequencing
• Mixing
• Mastering
• Video Editing Functions

—but also makes video editing possible.

Moreover, since it bundles a vast amount of VST plugins, VST instruments, and loop materials, the content is recommended even for those who do not do video editing.

I will summarize the included content below.

VST Instruments

• Impluse
• Messiah
• Minimogue VA
• VB3 Organ
• Acoustica Instruments
• Acoustica Expanded Instruments
• Acoustica Studio Drums
• Alien 303 Bass Synthesizer
• Lounge Lizard Electric Piano
• Combo Organ Model F
• Combo Organ Model V
• Jouneys
• Renegade
• Alpha Sampler
• Omni Sampler

VST Plugin

• Acoustica Chorus
• Acoustica Compressor
• Acoustica Delay
• Acoustica Distortion
• Acoustica EQ
• Acoustica Flanger
• Acoustica Reverb
• Classic Auto-Filte
• Classic Chorus
• Classic Compressor
• Classic Delay
• Classic EQ
• Classic Flanger
• Classic Master Limiter
• Classic Phaser
• Classic Reverb
• Voxengo Amp Simulator
• Voxengo Spectrum Analyzer
• Acoustica Flanger
• GTune Guitar Tuner
• VocalZap
• Pultronic Tube EQ
• Shred Amp Simulator
• Broadcast Multiband Compressor
• GSnap Pitch Correction

You can use these as-is with other VST-compatible DAWs
That alone makes it worth the purchase.

Furthermore, the video editing function is the greatest feature of this software!
Simply adding subtitles or titles will give your work a truly professional finish.

By exporting video files, you can create DVDs or publish them to websites like YouTube!

*Please check the operating environment before purchasing, as this is for Windows only.

SONY / HXR-NX80

A professional-use video camera sold by SONY.
It is an NXCAM camcorder that supports 4K HDR recording.
Equipped with a 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor!

Since you can mount a separately sold microphone, it is also effective for recording sound directly.
It features an autofocus function, so even those who are not very familiar with cameras can feel at ease.

Super slow-motion shooting at up to 960fps is possible, and Full HD 120fps slow & quick motion can be shot indefinitely.
By being equipped with two memory card slots, it supports simultaneous recording (same recording mode only) or relay recording, allowing for backup or long-term recording.

By linking with the mobile application Content Browser Mobile, the following are possible:

• Checking the angle before shooting
• Monitoring during recording
• Remote control operation of the camera (recording start/stop, touch focus, field of view, iris adjustment, etc.)

Since it supports NFC (Near Field Communication), you can easily connect to mobile devices.

ZOOM / Q8 Handy Video Camera Recorder

A compact video camera recorder that can be used with one hand.
It features the world's first function that allows you to swap microphone capsules according to the scene.

You can easily switch them based on the sound you are looking for, which significantly expands your options.

By utilizing the webcam function, you can perform live streaming on platforms such as USTREAM.
It comes with a windscreen (sponge) included to reduce popping from wind on the microphone.
In this way, it is useful not only for music videos but for a variety of scenes.

STAGE EVOLUTION / SM400 Tapir Fog Machine

A fog machine perfect for creating a mystical atmosphere.
It is ideal for use at home parties or small-scale live performances.
Additionally, using multiple units will dramatically improve the range of your production.

It can be used for live staging in addition to music videos.

*Fog liquid is sold separately, so please don't forget to purchase it.

And above all, I was surprised by the low price of 3,580 yen!

AMERICAN DJ / ANI-MOTION Laser

A compact laser that operates in auto mode and sound-active mode.
It can be controlled with an infrared wireless remote control (sold separately).

It will likely match a wide variety of artists, from rock bands to idols.
Since it requires no difficult operations, I think it’s very easy to implement.

The infrared wireless remote control is here ↓

AMERICAN DJ / UC Laser IR Infrared Remote for ANI-MOTION

BOYA / BY-DM200 High-Quality Stereo Microphone for iPhone Lightning Connection

An external stereo condenser microphone compatible with iOS devices such as iPhone, iPad, and iPod with Lightning connectivity.
It can be attached directly.

With its lightweight and compact design, it comes with a carrying pouch, making it convenient to carry around.
Additionally, it includes a windscreen and fur windshield to handle outdoor shooting even in windy conditions.

The company also sells the following, which supports iOS/Android via a 3.5mm 4-pole jack connection ↓

BOYA / BY-A7H High-Quality Smartphone Microphone 3.5mm 4-Pole Jack Compatible

That concludes my summary of "Perfect Items for Self-Producing Music Videos"!
I was surprised that there were many unexpectedly inexpensive gear!
Definitely use this as a reference!

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