{"id":67394,"date":"2015-11-20T09:48:27","date_gmt":"2015-11-20T15:48:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=67394"},"modified":"2016-09-13T10:52:07","modified_gmt":"2016-09-13T15:52:07","slug":"economical-investments-5-products-for-audio-editing-under-50","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/economical-investments-5-products-for-audio-editing-under-50\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Products for Audio Editing Under $50"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. Powermate USB<\/h3>\n

The Griffin Powermate<\/a> is a\u00a0multifunction controller that not only looks amazing in your edit suite, it also can serve a multitude of functions. Use the Powermate as a volume control or jog wheel in your video editing timeline. The controller comes in two flavors, Bluetooth and USB.<\/strong> The Bluetooth version costs\u00a0twice as much as the USB\u00a0version, and many users have actually reported<\/a> having a better experience with the\u00a0wired model. At around $25 USD, it’s an inexpensive tool to potentially speed up your audio and video editing workflow.<\/p>\n

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2. Bluetooth Headphones<\/h3>\n

Most quality Bluetooth headphones extend well over the $100 USD range. That’s why we were surprised to hear about\u00a0the new LX-10 from EditorsKeys<\/a> (a company that specializes in shortcut keyboards for video editors). Currently retailing for $49.99 USD, the LX-10 offers ten hours of playback on a single charge. They sent us a loaner to review and we put it through the paces…<\/p>\n

The line-in function is useful, enabling the headphones to work as a traditional wired version when Bluetooth isn’t available. The metal body is also a nice touch… the set feels substantial and able to withstand being tossed in a bag for editing-on-the-go.<\/p>\n

Arguably, that’s where the strength lies with this pair of headphones… I can see this as the perfect set for video editing on the road.<\/strong> The sound is clear, but the top end does seem to get\u00a0lost in the mids and the bass is a bit overpowerful. The ergonomics are ‘middle of the road’… while the earpieces are comfortable, the overall fit\u00a0is a bit on the tight side.<\/p>\n

That said, for the price, this is a respectable\u00a0pair of headphones. You may find other wireless Bluetooth models in this lower price range, but for the battery time and overall quality,\u00a0this is a solid choice under $50.<\/p>\n

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3. Blue Snowball<\/h3>\n

Having a simple USB microphone in your edit suite is essential for recording ‘scratch track’ audio. Are you waiting\u00a0on a final voiceover recording from voice talent? Do you need\u00a0to test out the timing of narration? Having a mic handy makes it simple to record directly into your video editing application (check out our previous posts on instructions for doing this in Final Cut Pro X <\/a>or\u00a0Premiere Pro<\/a>).<\/p>\n

For nearly a decade, the Blue Snowball mic<\/a> has been a great USB option (it’s the mic we use for\u00a0on-the-fly recordings). The Snowball iCE<\/a> offers much of the same functionality as the regular Snowball, has a built-in desk stand, and is available for less than $50. \u00a0The vintage stylings are a nice touch too.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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4. Blue\u00a0Icicle<\/h3>\n

While we’re on the topic of microphones, it’s worth mentioning another product by Blue, the Icicle<\/a>. This XLR to USB converter is a simple interface option for recording audio from any<\/em> traditional microphone into your computer. Audio quality is\u00a044.1 kHz \/ 16-bit and the unit is phantom powered \u2014 an external power source isn’t necessary.<\/p>\n

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5. Acoustic\u00a0Panels<\/h3>\n

Upgrade the sound of your edit suite with acoustical wall tiles. A quality pair of foam panels can actually be purchased for\u00a0less than $50 USD<\/a>. Not only will the acoustic profile of your space be better for recording audio,\u00a0it will also improve sound\u00a0playback by minimizing reflection and reverb.<\/strong><\/p>\n