Studio
I have created a studio in my lab for the purpose of making videos about electronics and such which I publish on my YouTube channel @InTheLabWithJayJay. Below are some details about my spaces and equipment.
Spaces
In my lab I have myriad workspaces.
I have my "work station" which is where I have my dual 4K monitors and do most of my computer work (programming, etc).
I have my "admin station" which has a keyboard and mouse and a few KVMs for connecting directly to a number of my servers for network administration purposes.
I have my "bench" which has most of my electronics tools and is where I do most of my electronics projects and make most of my videos. Most of my cameras are set up for recording on the bench. These bench cameras are connected to 'verve' for recording.
I have my "booth" which has my component drawers and an auxiliary workspace for doing projects. The booth has two cameras set up and connected to 'wonder' so I can make videos from my booth in addition to the bench. The reason this bench is called the "booth" is that I use it as my "photo booth" when I need to take pictures of things I'm selling on eBay. The name just kinda stuck, and it's handy to differentiate this workspace from my main "bench".
Video inputs
These are the main video sources I have available when making videos.
Most video inputs are either USB or HDMI. If they're HDMI they get run through a converter to USB before being run into a computer (either 'verve' or 'wonder'). The computer records the USB video input using OBS Studio.
I can also record video on a lot of my laptops and smart phones, but I don't list those potential video sources here.
Inputs connected to 'verve'
These inputs are connected to 'verve' for recording purposes:
- Welcome Cam (Logitech C922), for doing video introductions.
- Mat Cam (Logitech Brio), for doing detailed work on the bench; this camera is recorded at 4K.
- Wide Cam (Logitech C922), for showing the wide view of me at the bench.
- Lab Cam (Logitech C922), for showing pretty much the whole room.
- Epoccam (bragi with Elgato Epoccam), for showing specific things on the bench, especially my bench meters, power supplies, and signal generator.
- UNI-T UTi260B (thermal imager), for thermal analysis, that is, seeing what's getting hot.
- Rigol MSO5074 (oscilloscope), for both analog and digital signal analysis.
- Yizhan Microscope (microscope), for up close shots of things on the bench.
- TOMLOV DM602 Pro (microscope), for even closer upper shots of such things.
- Xbox to HDMI (Xbox to HDMI), for converting OG Xbox output to HDMI.
- AV RCA to HDMI (AV/RCA to HDMI), for converting AV/RCA output to HDMI.
- verve desktop (Windows 11), for showing software running on Windows 11.
Inputs connected to 'wonder'
These inputs are connected to 'wonder' for recording purposes:
- Booth Cam (NBD Camera), for auxiliary projects, particularly my 300in1 and related.
- Book Cam (Logitech Brio), for recording written work (such as books), or for other miscellaneous purposes.
- wonder desktop (Windows 10), for showing software running on Windows 10.
Equipment
I have heaps of equipment in my lab, but here are some notes about the equipment I have specifically for video recording and editing.
Computers
I mainly record videos on 'verve' and edit them on 'charisma'. I can also record videos on 'wonder'. When I have the money I will replace 'verve' with something like 'vision' or 'victory'.
When I started the YouTube channel in June 2023 I only had 'wonder' for recording videos. The thing about 'wonder' is that it's seriously anorexic and basically just kinda not very good. I couldn't record good 4K videos on 'wonder' because it just didn't have enough grunt, and as it only has support for 6 USB inputs the number of cameras I could switch between was seriously limited.
In December of 2023 I got 'verve' mostly to replace 'wonder', and it is indeed much better and I can now record videos in 4K. The new computer 'verve' has 25 USB ports on its back panel, which is much better than the 6 which were available on 'wonder'. If you're interested you can see how everything is connected over here: USB cabling for ‘verve’.
I still keep 'wonder' around though and it is set up and configured to record videos in the booth.
Screens
I have three main screens bolted to the wall behind my bench:
- UPERFECT 156J08 15.6" 4K HDMI LCD
- Teac TV 19" LCD television
- Leadstar TV 12" LCD television
I can connect the UPERFECT to either 'verve' or 'wonder'. I have a HDMI KVM to control which.
I can connect the Teac to either my Lab HDMI KVM via HDMI input or to 'verve' via VGA input. The Lab HDMI KVM is in turn connected to 'verve', 'wonder', and 'surprise'; in addition to some spare cables for the fourth input.
The Leadstar is connected to the output of my HDMI to USB converter, so that when I'm converting HDMI signals to USB for recording purposes I can also see them on this screen. The Leadstar has the roof aerial attached and gets good television reception, although television isn't really my bag.
Cameras
These are the USB cameras that I own:
- Logitech Brio ULTRA HD 4K Webcam - Black - NEW (I have two of these.)
- Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam (I have three of these.)
- NBD Camera (I have one of these.)
- HD USB Webcam Camera Video Calling Web Cam with Mic for PC Desktop Laptop (I have one of these.)
- USB 2.0 13MP HD Webcam Camera Web Cam With Mic For Computer PC Laptop LED (I have two of these.)
- I use my iPod touch bragi with Elgato Epoccam as a camera too
- On 2024-07-25 I received a Yum Cha 16MP camera in my AliExpress order. I didn't order this, I don't think, so not sure what happened there. Don't have specs for the actual device except it seems to work as advertised.
I name my various cameras connected to 'verve':
- Welcome Cam (Logitech C922)
- Mat Cam (Logitech Brio)
- Wide Cam (Logitech C922)
- Lab Cam (Logitech C922)
The cameras connected to 'wonder' are:
- Booth Cam (NBD Camera)
- Book Cam (Logitech Brio)
The other cameras aren't presently in use.
Software
I use OBS Studio on 'verve' and 'wonder' to record videos, and Kdenlive on 'charisma' to edit them. I keep the video files on 'charisma' and upload them to my YouTube channel @InTheLabWithJayJay. I would rather have a Vimeo channel, but it's too expensive for me and the biggest audience seems to be on YouTube.
I use Logi Tune for tweaking settings on some of my cameras.
Converters
These are the various signal converters that I own:
- Forty7 AVerMedia BU110 ExtremeCap UVC, Multi-Colour HDMI to USB 3.0 converter (I gave this to a friend.)
- 4K Audio Video Capture Card USB 3.0 HDMI Video Capture Device for Live Streaming (I purchased three of these. One is in use, I gave one to a friend, and the other one is spare.)
- ZUZONG Original Xbox to HDMI Converter, HD Link Cable for Original Xbox, Xbox to HDMI Support 1080P/720P, Compatible with Original Xbox (I have one of these.)
- SZJUNXIAO RCA to HDMI Adapter, 1080P AV RCA to HDMI Converter Composite CVBS Video Audio Converter Adapter for PS2 Wii Xbox SNES N64 VHS VCR Camera DVD, Supporting PAL/NTSC with USB Power Cable (I have one of these.)
Switches
These are the various switches that I own:
- KVM Switch HDMI 4 Port, USB 3.0 KVM Switches 4K 60HZ HDMI and USB Switcher with EDID Simulator for 4 Computers Share Keyboard Mouse Printer Scanner and One HD Monitor with 1 External Button Switch (I have one of these.)
- KVM Switch HDMI, Kvm Switch 4 Port 4 in 1 Out USB KVM Switcher for 4 Computers Share one HD Monitor and 4 USB 2.0 Devices, Support UHB 4K@60Hz and Wireless Keyboard and Mouse (I have one of these.)
- USB 3.0 Switch Selector KVM Switch 2 in 1 Out USB Switcher For 2 Computers Share (I have four of these.)
- HDMI 2.0 KVM Switch 4 Port USB HDMI KVM Switcher Box 4K 60Hz HDR For PC Laptop (I have two of these.)
- 4K Ultra HD 3 Way HDMI Switch Box Splitter 1080P HDTV Auto 3 Port IN 1 OUT Cable (I have five of these.)
- 8K HDMI Switch 5-in-1 Output, HDMI 2.1 Switch 5-Port with IR Remote Control, HDMI Switch Selection 8K@60Hz/4K@120Hz for Xbox PS4 PC TV (I have one of these.)
I use my 8K 5-in-1 HDMI switch to select between the following equipment for recording:
I use my 4 Port HDMI KVM to select between the following computers:
My other 4 Port HDMI KVM can control what is displayed on the UPERFECT 156J08 15.6" 4K HDMI monitor on my bench, either 'verve' or 'wonder' (with two ports spare).
Hubs
These are the various USB hubs that I own:
- Simplecom CH375PS Aluminium 7 Port USB 3.0 Hub with Individual Switches and Power Adapter (I have two of these, one is damaged.)
- 11 in 1 USB C Hub 4K HDMI Adapter VGA Dongle 3 USB 3.0 Ports SD/TF Type C PD AUX (I have two of these.)
- 4/7 Ports USB 3.0 HUB Powered +High Speed Splitter Extender PC AC Cable Adapter (I have three of these.)
- USB 3.0 Hub, Tendak USB Hub with 4 USB 3.0 Data Ports + 1 USB Smart Charging Port and Power Supply Adapter with Individual On/Off Port Switches for PS4 Pro PS4 Slim Xbox One (I have four of these.)
- ORICO USB 3.0 Hub Clamp Adapter, Aluminum 4-Port USB Splitter with Extra Power Supply Port and 4.92 FT USB Data Cable, Ultra-Portable USB Expander for 2021 iMac/Laptop/PC (I have one of these.)
Adapters
These are a few adapters of note (I have others!):
- Cablecc HDMI Male to 2 HDMI Female 1 in 2 Out Splitter Cable Adapter Converter
- HDMI Splitter-HDMI Splitter 1 in 2 Out/HDMI Splitter Adapter Cable HDMI Male to Dual HDMI Female 1 to 2 Way,Support Two TVs at The Same Time (Black)
- TAVICE HDMI Splitter 1 in 2 Out Cable Adapter Converter 1080 Multi Display Duplicator
Mounts
These are some of the mounts I purchased (not all are presently in use):
- Webcam Wall Mount, C920s Stand Holder Compatible with Logitech C920s StreamCam C922x C920 C930e C615 Brio C925e - Acetaken (I have three of these.)
- ARKON CMPHD006 Camera Wall Mount for CCTV POV Camcorders Cameras, Black (I have one of these.)
- Tablet Wall Mount for iPad, EXSHOW 35in Adjustable Arm Drill Base Tablet Mount for Kitchen Cabinet Desk, Camera Holder Webcam Stand for iPad Pro 12.9 Air Mini, Galaxy Tabs, Switch,iPhone,4-13" Tablets (I have six of these.)
- Webcam Stand, Upgraded Flexible Desktop Stand Gooseneck Stands Holder for Logitech Webcam C922 C930e C920S C920 C615 C960 and BRIO and Other Devices with 1/4" Thread (I have one of these.)
- Webcam Stand - 25 inch Gooseneck Clamp Desk Webcam Mount Arm for Logitech Webcam C920s C920 C930e C922x C930 C922 C925e C615 Brio - Acetaken (I have two of these.)
Microphones
I have this microphone, but I don't use it:
- BM800 Condenser Microphone Kit Studio Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand AU SHIP (see: BM800. This microphone looks fancy, but it's kinda shit. I mostly just use the microphones in my Logitech BRIOs.)