Think Media - Best Video Editing Setup Under $1,000!
The video discusses a complete video editing setup costing under $1,000, ideal for both beginners and professionals. The core of the setup is the 2024 Mac Mini M4, priced at $549, which offers powerful editing capabilities and seamless integration with Apple products. It includes 16GB RAM, a 256GB SSD, and multiple ports, making it a compact yet efficient choice for video editing. The Dell S2 725 HS 27-inch monitor complements the setup with its 1080p resolution and 100Hz refresh rate, providing smooth motion and good color accuracy. Additional accessories include a $30 Amazon Basics wireless keyboard and mouse, a $70 Sanun SW28 speaker set, and Audio Technica ATH-M20X headphones for precise audio editing. Storage is expanded with a 2TB Samsung T7 SSD for active projects, while long-term storage is suggested to be handled by more affordable solutions. Performance tests show the Mac Mini's capability in handling 4K video editing, with acceptable export times compared to a high-end MacBook Pro, making it a cost-effective solution for video editors.
Key Points:
- The Mac Mini M4 is a cost-effective editing machine at $549, offering seamless Apple integration and powerful specs for video editing.
- The Dell S2 725 HS monitor provides a 1080p resolution and 100Hz refresh rate, ideal for smooth video editing.
- Affordable accessories like the Amazon Basics keyboard and mouse, and Sanun SW28 speakers enhance the setup without breaking the budget.
- A 2TB Samsung T7 SSD is recommended for active project storage, with long-term storage handled by more affordable solutions.
- Performance tests show the setup can handle 4K video editing efficiently, with export times comparable to more expensive systems.
Details:
1. 🎬 Introduction to the Editing Setup
- The complete editing setup costs just under $1,000, making it an affordable solution for video and photo editing projects.
- The setup is designed to be budget-friendly and user-friendly, suitable for both YouTubers and professional video editors.
- The system is intended to support professional video production workflows without significant financial investment.
- Only a few items are required to create this editing build, emphasizing ease of assembly and accessibility.
2. 💻 Choosing the Mac Mini for Editing
- The 2024 Mac Mini M4 Baseline model is selected for its powerful editing capabilities priced at $549.
- The Mac Mini offers seamless integration with Apple products, beneficial for users already in the Apple ecosystem.
- Its compact design saves desk space while offering impressive specs, including the fast M4 chip.
- The Baseline model provides 16 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD, suitable for high-level editing tasks.
- It includes gigabit Ethernet ports for fast file transfers and internet speeds.
- The Mac Mini features five USBC ports, an HDMI port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack for diverse connectivity.
3. 🖥️ Selecting the Dell Monitor
- The Dell S2 725 HS 27-inch monitor is highlighted for its affordability and ease of setup, taking less than 5 minutes to assemble, making it user-friendly.
- This monitor provides a 1080p resolution, which is ideal for most editing tasks, ensuring good visual performance without the necessity of higher resolutions like 4K.
- Its 27-inch size allows for effective multitasking, such as editing and script reviewing simultaneously, enhancing productivity.
- Featuring a 100 Hz refresh rate, it offers smoother motion for video editing compared to standard 60 Hz monitors.
- The monitor's color accuracy is decent out of the box but can be adjusted for precise needs, either through built-in menu settings or online calibration.
- Designed with a glare-reducing screen, it maintains good contrast even under bright studio conditions, essential for detailed work.
- Aesthetically, it features a modern look with a white base and thin bezels, contributing to a sleek workspace setup.
4. ⌨️ Affordable Keyboard and Mouse
- The Amazon Basics wireless keyboard and mouse set is priced at $30, making it a budget-friendly option.
- The keyboard offers responsive buttons with minimal delay from typing to display response, comparable to a wired connection.
- It includes a full-size number pad and several custom function buttons, enhancing usability.
- The wireless setup uses a Bluetooth connector for easy integration with devices like the Mac Mini.
- The mouse included in the set is functional, though less ergonomic compared to premium models like the Logitech MX Master 3.
- Overall, the set provides a solid performance for its price, ideal for those looking to stay under a $1,000 budget.
5. 🔌 USB Adapter for Connectivity
- The USB-A to USB-C adapter costs approximately $9.
- The adapter is essential for connecting a Bluetooth receiver to the M4 Mac Mini.
- The Mac Mini M4 model exclusively features USB-C ports.
- The Bluetooth receiver used requires a USB-A connection, necessitating the adapter.
6. 🔊 Enhancing Audio with Speakers
- The Mac Mini's built-in speaker, while impressive, is inadequate for video editing due to limited loudness and sound quality, necessitating an upgrade.
- Sanun SW28 3-inch speakers were selected for $70, offering improved aesthetics and sound compared to the Mac Mini's built-in options.
- These speakers match the Mac Mini's design with a white casing and black speakers, providing a cohesive look.
- Sound quality of the Sanun SW28 is generally good for the price, although higher frequency reproduction can be muffled, impacting clarity.
- The speakers are effective for editing most A-roll and B-roll footage, especially when refining the story, though alternatives with better high-frequency response exist in the market.
7. 🎧 Using Headphones for Sound Editing
- Audio Technica ATH-M20x headphones are highly recommended for sound editing due to their accurate sound quality, particularly effective for EQing voices and sound design.
- These headphones are priced at $49, making them an affordable option for quality sound editing.
- Their comfort allows for extended use, such as editing an entire YouTube video, without causing discomfort.
- Users often switch between these headphones and speakers, using the headphones for intensive sound editing tasks.
- A notable feature is the 9-ft cable, which is particularly beneficial for podcasting or connecting to a soundboard in scenarios requiring longer reach.
- While these headphones excel in sound quality and comfort, comparing them with other models could provide a more comprehensive understanding of their advantages and limitations in different editing contexts.
8. 💾 Expanding Storage with SSD
- The Baseline Mac Mini comes with only 256 GB of internal storage, necessitating an upgrade for video project editing.
- A 2 TB Samsung T7 SSD is recommended as it provides ample storage for editing projects and media, while freeing up the Mac Mini for essential applications.
- SSDs like the Samsung T7 are significantly faster than traditional spinning hard drives but tend to be more expensive.
- For efficient workflow, use the SSD to store active projects, and upon completion, transfer them to a more affordable long-term storage solution with larger capacity, such as 8 or 14 TB drives.
- This strategy allows the 2 TB SSD to remain available for new projects, optimizing storage management and cost efficiency.