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So you want to get into video editing? Or maybe you want to take your video editing to the next level. Whatever your motivations, it all starts with your video editing setup. We’re talking about your physical space, your desk, as well as the hardware and software you use.
In this article, we’re walking you through what it takes to create an expert video editing suite that’ll have you producing professional videos in no time.
TL;DR
- The absolute essentials for a professional video editing studio are: laptop, desk, chair, headphones, and video editing software
- Invest in a high-powered laptop that can handle all your resource-intensive video editing tasks
- Riverside’s new text-based editor makes video editing as easy as editing a Google doc. So you can record and edit your projects seamlessly in one place.
What do you need for a video editing studio setup?
The first thing to make clear is that every video editing studio setup looks different. This is because all video creators have their own preferences, quirks, and way of doing things. Similarly, you might have a few ideas for what your personal setup will look like.
However, you will need a few essential elements, such as a solid desk, a comfortable chair, a laptop or PC, and headphones. We go into detail in the next section.
How to Setup Your Video Editing Studio
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to set up a professional-standard video editing studio.
Hardware equipment for your video editing studio
Laptop or PC
At the heart of your video editing setup is your laptop or computer. Ideally, you’ll have a high-powered computer that can handle intensive editing sessions with no problem.
Depending on your budget, you may want to stick with your existing computer or invest in a new one. If you’re on the market for a new laptop or PC, here’s a quick look at some key considerations:
- CPU (Central Processing Unit) relates to your computer’s processing speed, in other words, how fast it can complete tasks and processes. Computers with high-speed and multi-core processors work faster.
- GPU stands for ‘Graphics Processing Unit’. It’s responsible for image processing and graphics rendering. It’s essential for an enjoyable video editing experience. This is a complete non-negotiable if you want to be working with 4K plus quality footage and adding effects.
- RAM stands for Random Access Memory. RAM acts as your computer’s main memory and is where data and information is stored while you access and work with it on your computer. Look for a computer with an absolute minimum of 8GB RAM. The higher the RAM, the more data and information your laptop can store for quick access.
- Screen size is also an important factor. Since you’ll be spending a considerable amount of time in front of your computer, you want to see everything in detail without having to strain your eyes. If you have the budget, you could invest in a separate monitor.
- Portability? If you intend to edit on the move regularly, stick with a laptop. This gives you the flexibility to use it at your desk or stick it in your bag for editing sessions on the go.
- Battery Life - leading on from the portability question, you should also look at maximum battery life. You don’t want your computer to die on you mid-editing session.
- Compatibility? Depending on your software of choice, you need to keep operating system compatibility in mind.
Recommendations:
- Apple MacBook Pro 16 with M2 Pro or M2 Max Chip - from $1999
- iMac - from $1299
- Razer Blade 16 - $2,699.99
Screens/monitors
A separate screen or monitor is definitely a worthwhile investment for your video editing setup. Even consider adding two screens to your desk if you can stretch your budget.
Here are some things to think about when you’re looking at screens:
- Size: bigger might be better but don’t forget to consider your studio spaces’ physical dimensions. You also want to think about video dimensions to avoid your visuals being stretched. Opt for a screen that aligns with and is compatible with your typical video dimensions.
- Resolution: settle for nothing less than 4K resolution
- Color accuracy is also super important when you’re editing videos. You want a screen or monitor that promises high color accuracy.
- Color gamut tells you the range of colors that your screen can display. That’s why it’s important to go for a monitor that has a wide color gamut, such as DCI-P3 or Adobe RGB.
To clarify the relationship between color accuracy and color gamut:
Color accuracy, as the name suggests, refers to your computer’s ability to loyally reproduce a color. Color gamut tells you the spectrum of colors that your computer is able to reproduce. So the wider your computer’s color gamut, the higher its color accuracy will be.
Recommendations:
- Dell S2722QC - $369.99
- Apple Studio Display - $1599
- LG UltraWide 40WP95C-W - $1796.99
Desk
Your editing desk is what brings your whole setup together. You need to ensure that it’s big enough to house all of your equipment and fits comfortably into your space. Additionally, you might want to consider looking for other features, such as an adjustable height to move between sitting and standing during long editing sessions.
Recommendations:
- Cassaottima Gaming Desk - $62.99
- Seven Warrior L Shaped Gaming Desk - $149.99
- Dripex Electric Standing Desk - $169.99
Chair
Don’t underestimate the amount of time you’ll spend in your editing chair. Investing in a proper ergonomic chair is vital to ensure you’re properly supported and always comfortable.
Recommendations:
- Ergonomic Mesh Desk Chair - $169.99
- Acchar Ergonomic Office Desk Chair - $129.00
Keyboard & Mouse
It’s easy to leave your keyboard and mouse until last, but we’d recommend putting some thought into them. Just like your editing chair should be comfortable, your keyboard and mouse should be ergonomic, easy to use, and slot right into your workstation. Think about:
- Wireless vs wired? Most video editors prefer to be unhindered by wires and additional cables. Opt for a wireless mouse and keyboard to keep your workstation clean.
- Dedicated buttons - some keyboards now have dedicated video-editing buttons integrated to help speed up your workflow.
- Ergonomic design - you may be happy with a standard keyboard or mouse design. But it’s definitely worth trying out some more innovative and ergonomic designs that claim to better support your hands, wrists and forearms.
- Compatibility with your computer and editing software -some keyboards are specifically for use with particular editing software.
Recommendations:
- If you’re editing with Adobe Premiere Pro CC: Astra 2 Backlit Keyboard - $139.90
- If you’re using DaVinci Resolve Editor: BlackMagic DaVinci Resolve Editor Keyboard - $595.00
- Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse - $81.99
Headphones
Headphones are another video editing studio essential.
Again, comfort should be your top priority. You should look at studio headphones because they offer balanced and high-fidelity sound reproduction. Wireless can be more convenient and flexible, but wired headphones offer lower audio latency.
Recommendations:
- Audio-Technica ATH M50 - $149.00
- Sony MDR 7506 - $99.99
Storage
Back-up storage is a must-have for any video editor. In addition to files saved on your computer and in the cloud, you should invest in a robust external hard drive. SSDs (Solid State Drives) tend to be faster and smaller. But they also come with a bigger price tag. HDDs are a more budget-friendly option.
Recommendations:
- WD Black P50 Game Drive SSD - $128.00
- Kingston XS2000 2TB SSD with USB-C - $214.99
Cables
When setting up your video editing setup, you need to think about cables and cable management. Basically, this is the art of organizing your cables and wires and avoiding tangles or trip-hazards.
You may need to invest in additional USB ports for your computer if it doesn’t have enough built-in ports for all your cables. Look at cable ties, self-adhesive mounts, and cable organizing tools to organize your cables.
Recommendations:
- HyperDrive USB-C Docking Station - $249.99
- Cable Sleeve Cover - $13.99
Lighting
Good lighting in your studio will keep you focused and ensure you’re not unnecessarily straining your eyes. If the existing lighting in your space is insufficient, consider investing in a desk lamp or standing light.
Recommendations:
- Video lighting kit - $139.99
Software for video editing
Now let’s think about what kind of software you will need.
Audio editing software
Audio software is key to optimizing your video’s audio. Though this doesn’t necessarily mean investing in a separate dedicated audio software. Rather, look for video editing software that includes audio-editing tools.
Here are some of our recommendations:
- Adobe Audition - this is a particularly good option if you’ve already got a Adobe Creative Cloud subscription or use Adobe Premiere Pro as part of your workflow.
- Riverside - if you want to keep your workflow within your recording platform, use Riverside’s audio-optimizing tools (background noise remover)
- Hindenburg Pro - built for podcasters, this is a high-powered audio editing software.
- Logic Pro - great for die-hard Apple fans
- Audacity - fairly basic but free, open source, and easy to use
Video editing software
And last but by no means least, your video editing software. Your choice of video editing software will dictate your workflow and capabilities. You should settle for nothing less than a professional-standard editing platform that makes your editing experience seamless and straightforward. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing:
- Price - how much you want to spend and whether you’re happy with a monthly subscription or would prefer a one-off fee will influence your choice.
- Transcription - a built-in transcription tool is invaluable. This means you can easily generate captions, repurpose your content, or even use your transcript to edit your video.
- File formats - you want software that works with lossless and uncompressed file formats for maximum quality.
- Cloud-based vs. local. Local means that your software is only available to you on your studio computer. Whereas using a cloud or browser-based software gives you the flexibility to edit on the go, away from your normal setup.
Online Video Editing Studio: Riverside’s Text-Based Video Editor
Riverside is a browser-based video recording and editing platform. It guarantees professional-quality remote video with an easy workflow for both you and your remote guests. You’ll receive separate video and audio tracks for each participant so you’ll have maximum editing flexibility. But with out built in editor, you won’t even need to leave our site to polish up your recordings.
Once you’ve wrapped with recording, you can make the most of Riverside’s native text-based video editor to get your video publication-ready. This is the easiest and quickest way to edit your video. You can highlight and remove words or phrases in your transcript and the Editor will automatically delete the matching sections in your recording. You can also easily navigate your video recording by inputting specific words or phrases in the search box.
Customize your video layout or add your own personalized background. You can also add and style video captions with a quick few clicks.
If you want to repurpose one recording into multiple short-form videos, try our AI-powered Magic Clips tool. This automatically finds key moments in your recordings and turns them into short-form clips.
Key features:
- Four pricing plans to fit every budget. Starts from $0/month.
- High-quality local recording in up to 4K video
- Seamless recording to editing workflow so you don’t need to constantly change applications
- Multitrack recording so you can download separate audio and video tracks of each participant for maximum control during post-production
- Automated ultra-accurate transcription in over 100 languages
- Automatic speaker differentiation in your transcript, so you don’t have to go through and add names manually.
- Text-based editor that lets you make changes to your video via your transcript. It’s just like editing a Google doc.
- Automated multi-track sync - all of your video and audio stay in sync even when you make changes to an individual track
- Magic clips - an AI powered tool that automatically produces short-form clips of your recording, perfect for social media
- Audio fine-tuning including a noise reduction tool and background noise removal tool
- Customize your video layout and background
- Add video captions and style them as you see fit
- Easily navigate your video by searching your transcript for key terms
Video editing studio: tips for professional design
Gathering all the necessary equipment is easy enough, but putting it together stylishly, professionally, and functionally is another matter. Here are some tips:
Multi-screen
We’d recommend opting for a multi-screen setup if you have the budget. This gives you far more space and freedom. This also means you can use one dedicated monitor to preview your edits.
Lighting
As we mentioned earlier, your studio lighting is super important. Don’t let this be an afterthought. This should be a key consideration if you’re embarking on late-night editing sessions.
Internet connection
An ideal video editing studio will have a strong internet connection that can handle big file uploads and downloads. You don’t want your workflow to slow down by weak wifi.
FAQs on Video Editing Setups
How much does it cost to set up video editing?
It can cost as much or as little as your budget allows. The amount of equipment and accessories you can add to your video editing setup is pretty much exponential. If you’re on a tight budget, the absolute essentials will do the trick. If you’re going super minimal, you could get away with spending a few hundred dollars. On the other end of the scale, you’re looking at a range of $5000 - $15,000, depending on the kind of equipment you go for.
What video editing software should I start with?
This depends on your particular setup, experience and budget.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one smooth and seamless recording process then Riverside is best. You can keep your workflow within one software rather than using multiple. Plus, Riverside is super easy to use and with the all-new text-based editor, video editing has never been so quick and easy.
Though, if you’re interested in more advanced and complex video edits, a platform like Premiere Pro may suit you better.
Do you need an expensive computer for video editing?
No, you don’t. As we outlined earlier, the ideal computer will have substantial processing power and RAM. However, if you don’t have the means to invest in a new laptop, then your current one should do the job (albeit maybe with some difficulty)
How powerful does a computer need to be to edit videos?
Video editing is a resource-intensive process. This is why a good editing computer will have a lot of processing power to cope with these heavy tasks.
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