Video podcast setup for 1, 2 or 4 people, and where to record in Taipei
What do you need for a video podcast setup?
Every video podcast needs the same five things: cameras, one microphone per person, lighting, a recorder, and a room that doesn’t echo. What changes with the number of people is how many cameras and mic channels you need.
| People | Cameras | Mics | Lights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-2 (front, plus an angled side shot) | 1 | Key light + fill |
| 2 | 2-3 (a single on each host, plus a wide) | 2 | Key light per person or one large soft source |
| 4 | 3-5 (a wide, plus singles or pairs) | 4 | 2-3 soft lights and a background light |
Video podcast setup for one person
One host talking to camera, or recording solo episodes, needs one camera at eye level and ideally a second at a 30-45 degree angle. The second angle lets you cut out mistakes without a jump.
Put a dynamic mic on an arm just below the frame, a soft key light at 45 degrees and a weaker fill on the other side. That’s the same setup as a talking-head course video; see recording online courses.
Video podcast setup for two people (and with two cameras)
The classic two-person setup is two cameras crossing: camera A by host B’s shoulder pointing at host A, and camera B by host A’s shoulder pointing at host B. Each host looks slightly off-camera at the other person, which looks natural.
Keep both cameras on the same side of the line between the two hosts, so they appear to face each other when you cut. Add a third camera for a wide shot of both if you can. It covers laughs, interruptions and anyone leaning out of their single.
Each host gets their own mic on its own track. Separate tracks let the editor lower one person’s cough or crosstalk without touching the other.
Video podcast setup for four people
Four people around a table need a wide shot that holds everyone, plus singles or two-shots. A common plan is one wide, two cameras each covering a pair, and, if budget allows, singles on the main host and guest.
Use a recorder or interface with at least four inputs, and a backup recording. Light the table evenly with two or three large soft lights so nobody falls into shadow, and add a light on the background for depth.
Which microphones, lights and recorder?
- Mics: dynamic mics on arms in untreated rooms. Lavalier mics when you don’t want mics in the shot, but they pick up clothing rustle.
- Lights: large soft LED panels or softboxes. Avoid ceiling fluorescent light alone, which gives flat faces and flicker.
- Recorder: a multitrack recorder or audio interface that records each mic separately, plus the cameras’ own audio as a sync reference and backup.
- Sync: a clap at the start, or timecode if your gear supports it.
- Room: carpets, curtains and sofas reduce echo. Glass meeting rooms are the hardest.
Should you rent a podcast studio in Taipei or record on location?
Rent a studio when you want a ready-made look and acoustics, and your guests can come to you. Record on location when the guest is busy, the office or shop is part of the story, or you’d rather not pay hourly while setting up.
| Studio rental in Taipei | On-location recording | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | Podcast rooms about NT$800-1,000/hr; recording studios NT$1,000-2,500/hr; photo/video studios NT$1,000-3,000/hr | Crew and gear only, no room fee |
| Minimum | Often 2 hours on weekdays, 3-4 on weekends or holidays | Usually a half day |
| Extra charges | Evening or late-night premium, overtime, extra people | Travel outside Taipei and New Taipei |
| Crew included? | Usually not, or charged separately | Yes, if you hire a crew |
Studio prices above are published ranges from PRO360 and vary by studio. Check what’s included: mics, cameras, an engineer, and whether you get separate audio tracks.
Should you buy, rent or hire a crew?
| Option | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Buy your own gear | One-time purchase, depends on models; plus your time to set up and edit | Weekly shows in a fixed room |
| Rent gear | Camera kit NT$1,800-2,500/day, audio kit NT$1,000-1,500/day, lighting kit NT$1,000-1,500/day | Testing a format before buying |
| Hire a crew | NT$8,000-12,000 per session: 2 cameras, up to 4 mics, lights, up to 2 hours, edited episode | Monthly shows, important guests, teams without an editor |
See our podcast production service and gear rental. Prices are before 5% tax.
How do you get clips from every episode?
Plan clips before you record, not after.
- Agree on 3-5 topics that would work as standalone 30-60 second clips.
- During recording, note the time of strong lines.
- Get a transcript of the episode and mark the best moments.
- Cut vertical 9:16 clips from the wide and single shots, with subtitles burned in.
- Post clips across the week to drive people to the full episode.
We cut clips with English and Chinese subtitles at NT$1,600-2,000 each, or 5 for NT$8,000-10,000, through our clips and editing service. For more on short video budgets, see short video production costs. Full prices are on the pricing page, or ask for a quote.
Common questions
How many cameras do you need for a two-person video podcast?
Two is the minimum, three is better. With two, place each camera at an angle on one host so the shots cut together. With three, add a wide shot of both people, which covers reactions and any moment a single camera misses.
Which microphone is best for a video podcast?
A dynamic microphone on an arm, 10-15 cm from each person's mouth, works best in normal rooms because it picks up less echo and noise than a condenser. Wireless lav mics are the alternative when you don't want mics in the shot.
How much does it cost to rent a podcast studio in Taipei?
Published ranges on PRO360 put podcast rooms with a microphone and computer at about NT$800-1,000 per hour, recording studios at NT$1,000-2,500 per hour, and photo/video studios at NT$1,000-3,000 per hour. Weekends and evenings usually cost more, and many studios have a 2-hour minimum.
Can you record a video podcast in our office?
Yes. A quiet meeting room with soft furnishings and a background you like works well. We bring cameras, mics, lights and a recorder; allow time before the guest arrives for setup and a sound check.
How do you get short clips from a podcast episode?
Mark strong moments while recording or from the transcript, then cut 30-60 second vertical clips with subtitles. We deliver clips with English and Chinese subtitles at NT$1,600-2,000 each, or 5 for NT$8,000-10,000.
The quote builder adds up your hours, cameras and extras in a few seconds.