ASMR Setup Guide: What You Need to Get Started

ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) videos rely on capturing delicate, satisfying sounds that trigger relaxation and tingles in viewers. Whether you’re recording gentle whispers, soft tapping, crinkling paper, or cutting through kinetic sand, your setup plays a crucial role in creating a high-quality experience.

To get started, you’ll need a quiet space, a sensitive microphone, proper lighting, a camera (if you’re filming visuals), headphones for monitoring, editing software, and the right props for your chosen ASMR style. This guide will walk you through exactly what you need to buy and how to set everything up to achieve the best results.

A Quiet Recording Space

The most important part of recording ASMR is capturing clear, detailed sounds without any background noise. Even the slightest hum from an air conditioner, distant traffic, or footsteps in another room can disrupt the immersive experience for your viewers.

The best ASMR recording spaces are small rooms with soft surfaces that absorb sound rather than echo it. Bedrooms are often a great choice because they typically have carpets, curtains, and bedding that help reduce unwanted noise. If your space has hard walls and floors, you may need to add soft materials to dampen sound reflections.

What You Need
  • A quiet room away from street noise, loud appliances, or other people
  • Sound-absorbing materials like thick curtains, rugs, blankets, or foam panels
  • A quiet cooling system, such as a silent fan or air purifier, since heat can build up in a closed room
How to Set It Up
  • Turn off any noisy appliances before recording, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, or fans
  • Place soft materials around the room to absorb sound and reduce echoes
  • Record during quiet times of the day, such as late at night or early in the morning

A High-Quality Microphone

ASMR recording depends on capturing soft, subtle sounds in high detail. A regular phone microphone won’t provide the depth and clarity needed for satisfying ASMR, so investing in a dedicated microphone is essential.

There are different types of microphones to choose from, each suited for different ASMR styles. A condenser microphone is great for picking up delicate sounds, while a binaural microphone creates an immersive 3D experience that makes listeners feel like they’re in the same room as you. A clip-on lavalier microphone is an option if you prefer a hands-free setup, but it may not capture as much detail.

What You Need
  • A condenser or binaural microphone to capture detailed ASMR sounds
  • A pop filter to reduce harsh breathing and plosive sounds
  • A foam windscreen to minimize unwanted air movement noise
  • A microphone stand or boom arm to keep the mic stable and prevent handling noise
How to Set It Up
  • Position the microphone close to the sound source without blocking the soundwaves
  • Use a pop filter to soften harsh breathing and speech sounds
  • Secure the microphone on a stand to avoid unwanted vibrations or handling noise

Headphones for Monitoring

When recording ASMR, you need to hear exactly what your microphone is picking up to ensure the sounds are crisp and clear. Good-quality headphones help you monitor audio in real time, allowing you to adjust your technique, distance, and sound triggers as you record.

Wired headphones are generally preferred over wireless ones because Bluetooth introduces a small delay, making it harder to monitor your sound accurately. Over-ear headphones with noise isolation are ideal because they help block out external noise while giving you a true representation of your audio.

What You Need
  • Over-ear wired headphones for real-time audio monitoring
  • A headphone amplifier (optional) if your microphone setup requires it for better sound clarity
How to Set It Up
  • Plug your headphones directly into the microphone or computer to listen live
  • Adjust your microphone placement while listening to find the perfect position
  • Check for background noise before starting your recording to avoid issues

Lighting

If you’re filming ASMR videos, lighting is just as important as sound. A well-lit video enhances the visual appeal, making the content more inviting and immersive. Soft, diffused lighting works best, as harsh lighting can create distracting shadows or a cold, artificial feel.

Many ASMR creators prefer warm, cozy lighting to enhance the relaxing atmosphere. LED panel lights or ring lights with adjustable brightness are great options because they allow you to control the intensity and color temperature.

What You Need
  • A soft light source like a ring light, LED panel, or softbox
  • Background lighting such as fairy lights or small lamps for a cozy atmosphere (optional)
How to Set It Up
  • Position the light in front of you to avoid harsh shadows
  • Use diffused lighting to create a soft, natural glow
  • Adjust the brightness and color temperature to match the mood of your video

A Camera or Smartphone for High-Quality ASMR Visuals

If your ASMR videos focus on visual elements—such as soap cutting, sand reveals, or personal attention roleplays—then a good camera is important. While many ASMR creators use their smartphones, a camera with manual focus and high resolution (1080p or 4K) can greatly improve video quality.

Stability is key for ASMR, so using a tripod or an overhead camera mount will help keep your footage smooth and professional. If you’re filming close-up shots, a macro lens can help capture fine details like sand particles or tiny soap flakes.

What You Need
  • A camera or smartphone with high-quality video recording (at least 1080p)
  • A tripod or overhead mount to keep the camera stable
  • A macro lens for extreme close-ups (optional)
How to Set It Up
  • Use a tripod or stabilizer to prevent shaky footage
  • Adjust focus and framing before recording
  • Use soft lighting to enhance the visuals without creating glare

Editing Software for Polished ASMR Videos

Once you’ve recorded your ASMR video, a little editing can remove background noise, balance the audio, and make your visuals more polished. Basic editing software is enough for simple adjustments, while more advanced programs offer precise control over sound and video quality.

What You Need
  • Audio editing software for noise reduction and sound enhancement
  • Video editing software to trim footage, adjust brightness, and add zoom effects
How to Edit Your ASMR Videos
  • Remove background noise using noise reduction tools
  • Adjust audio levels to make soft sounds clearer without making loud sounds too harsh
  • Enhance visuals by adjusting brightness and contrast

To create high-quality ASMR videos, you need a quiet space, a high-quality microphone, proper lighting, a camera, headphones for monitoring, editing software, and the right props for your style. Start with the essentials and refine your setup over time.

With the right equipment and setup, you’ll be able to produce ASMR content that sounds amazing and looks professional—helping you attract more viewers and grow your channel.