1. Choose the right mic
A good microphone is essential, in ASMR, sound is the first important thing to care about but there is so much technical aspects for choosing a microphone and this could be confusing and overwhelming.
For ASMR purposes we will care about three things: the mic type, the connection technology, and the recording pattern.
Mic type: we will use a Condenser type of microphone as this will capture sound with accuracy and depth in a wide range of frequencies.
The connection technology: You can choose between USB and XLR. I recommend you to buy a USB Condenser because it comes ready to use and doesn't require extra equipment to make it work with your PC. If you choose an XLR, you will have to buy also an audio interface to make it work with your PC.
Polar pattern: this is the way the mic captures the sound. The two types that are best suited for ASMR are cardioid and omnidirectional. Cardioid is best suited if you go for a "close up" style of ASMR while the omnidirectional is best if you want to record the surroundings of your environment. I will explain this in the environment chapter.
USB-Cardioid
Condenser
Audio-Technica ATR2500x
Buy Now
USB-Cardioid
Condenser
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
Buy Now
USB-Cardioid
Condenser
RØDE NT-USB+ Professional-Grade
Buy Now
USB-Bi-polar
Condenser
AKG Pro Audio Ara Omnidirectional/Cardioid
Buy Now
USB-Omni
Condenser
Blue Yeti USB Omnidirectional
Buy Now
USB-XLR
Condenser
Audio-Technica AT2020 XLR
Buy Now
2. The environment
The environment for ASMR purposes can vary depending on the results you are looking for.
A quiet place is the first logical step if you want a cozy and intimate sound experience. You can place your setup in a room where you have a sofa, a bed, blackout curtains, or any other material dense furniture. This will help you with the acoustics for a dry sound and avoid room reflections.
I want to clarify that acoustic treatment is not the same as acoustic isolation (known popularly as soundproofing). This style of setup works really well with a cardioid pattern condenser microphone because it won't record your surroundings.
If you are looking into a more live or homemade feel, or you want your mic to capture your surroundings, you can just place your setup in a regular to medium place as this would make the internal and external sound reflect more in the room. Here you can go for a mic that has an omnidirectional pattern.
For example, your bedroom is a neutral place where you can add or take out things as desired based on your preferred style and mic choice.
Essential
UMIACOUSTICS 4 PCS Acoustic Panels
Buy Now
Popular
52 Pack Acoustic Panels 1 X 12 X 12
Buy Now
3. Editing Software
A video editing software will be your best choice to record and create ASMR videos as they blend audio and video together. You will worry less because they offer basic audio tools so you can edit glitches, noise or any other unwanted audio.
You have plenty of options like iMovie, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere, and many more... You can plug your USB Condenser and start having fun in less than five clicks!
If you prefer, you can record your audio separately in an audio editor like Audacity (free) or Adobe Audition (paid).
Basic
Free
Audacity
Visit
4. The Headphones
Headphones are an output device, and if you are on a budget you can go headphoneless or use a cheap in-ear pair, but using professional level headphones has many advantages.
A studio level headphone will let you hear the wide frequency ranges that your mic records, as they can reproduce wide frequency ranges (This is very helpful).
Budget
Studio
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X
Buy Now
Budget
Studio
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
Buy Now
Intermediate
Studio
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Buy Now
Premium
Studio
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Buy Now
Budget
AKG Headphones, Gold, One Size (K240STUDIO)
Buy Now
5. Additional Gadgets
These gadgets will be helpful to add to your setup.
6. Setup Templates
Coming soon! For now you can continue and read chapter two.
1. Types of ASMR
ASMR is very diverse, and this is good for you as an artist.
The main categories are whispering, tapping, roleplay, meditation, binaural, sleep and eating (aka mukbang). Logically you can start by making your favourite categoryy or the easiest one based on your setup
In general you will need to create a video script or improvise.
2. Content and Performance
In general you have two options: to write a script to organize the video or improvise. No matter which you choose, you should have fun and put good energy to create a content that will connect with your audience. That human element is essential to a good performance. Imagine a relaxation ASMR where the creator feels off.
No matter which way you choose, you should prepare before your creative session so you get in the mood!
3. The Niche
A niche will identify you from others. People is diverse and the may want an specific type of content. You will generate audience by creating specific topics and keeping consistency.
3. Find Ideas
You can start by combining an ASMR category with a random word, the creating the title and content from it, for example:
Whispering + Cats = "Whispering about cats" (just cute isn't it?)
Eating + Medicine = "Eat with me at the hospital" (weird one i guess lol)
But you get the idea, you now have a simple technique to overcome creative block. :)
4. Organization
As I said, consistency is a good aspect to care about.
You will find it more easy to keep growing if you get into the mood and stablish a clear goal that you can accomplish. But you can take a step further. Being organized doesn't mean you should do everything, if its possible you can rely on external tools and resources. This could be done by using social media management software, external services for audio editing, and many more...
Making relations with new partners will help you grow as you can be open to collaborations or learn from them.
5. The visuals
Your visual are also important to cause a good impression on your viewers.
Starting with a good logo in simple steps is possible and necessary. You can do it using Fiverr Logo Maker
5. Social Media Brand
The imagery of you accounts should remain consistent with your style, so hiring a professional will be a long term investment that will attract more audience.