Home Studio Setup

My audio/visual journey began officially back in 2014 when I decided to produce my first online video course. I started with some better audio and used my webcam. Then in 2017, I decided to up my video game with a proper camera.

Since then I've experimented with custom built audio booths, full studio rooms, and lots of other little various things here and there—always researching and experimenting. It can be quite time-consuming and expensive after a while, so hopefully this may inform you a little more if you're in the market too.

Lighting

Lighting is probably the most important part of getting good video. If you don't have budget for lights, sit beside a window.

• Aputure 120dii for key light
• Aputure mini light dome ii for a diffuser
• Manfrotto 1004BAC Master Stand to hold the lights up
• Aputure MC RGBWW for a small bg fill light

Background

Backgrounds can be distracting and I like black, so I went for a simple backdrop.

• Savage Seamless Background Paper - #20 Black (107" x 36') for my backdrop
• Manfrotto 059WM Wall Mount Single Background Holder (to hold up the backdrop)

Video

I haven't tried that many cameras, but I really love my Sony a6400. It's small, shoots 4k, and the flip out screen is perfect for framing when doing tutorials and such.

• Sony a6400 for my main camera
• Power cord for the camera so I don't need to use batteries
• Sigma 16mm f/1.4 prime lens for really nice depth of field and buttery low ISO shooting
• Sometimes I put my camera on the floor with a tripod, but lately loving having it on a Røde PSA Boom Arm
• Elgato Cam Link for using my a6400 with Screenflow or Loom videos (turns your nice camera into a webcam)
• External HDs because video storage is very real. This is my current favorite: Oyen Digital U32 Shadow 4TB SSD

Audio

I've experimented with 4-5 mics. Definitely like my current Røde setup, but if you're on a cheaper budget this mic is really solid quality for the price.

• Rode Procaster Dynamic Mic (dynamic mics cut bg noise better than condenser mics, hey kids!)
• Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB Audio Interface (XLR to USB-C)
• Cloudlifter adapter to get higher audio levels
• Røde PSA Boom Arm

Software

If you were going to go with only one piece of software for tutorials, I'd go with Screenflow. It's super versatile and allows simple edits. I use Final Cut to have more control over my 4k face cam video and editing workflow, but this is definitely not needed to get started. My first tutorials were webcam and screenflow only.

• Screenflow for screen recording and light editing
• Final Cut for final video editing
• Loom is great for quick unedited videos

Misc

Because I would want to know too.

• Uplift v2 Commercial Adjustable Standing Desk
• Cinema Display Monitor Stand
• Custom Desktop made by a local company, Water's Edge Wood
• Stand for my 16" Retina MacBook Pro

These are mostly all affiliate links by the way, because why not? Also if you have any other questions, hit me up on Twitter.