My Toolkit Recommendations
Version 2023 Q4
Over the years I have tested and tried many products and services. It's a bit of an addiction honestly.
Here is my ever-evolving list of preferred tools, software and other resources that make up part of my continual business process.
The Studio Gear
RODE RODEcaster Pro
The Rode Rodecaster Pro is a pretty unique piece of audio gear, because it's designed entirely with podcasting in mind. It's got a ton of great features that make it an essential part of my studio setup.
Get Your Own
Ultimate Ears Custom Earphones
These custom fit, in-ear monitors allow podcast or interview recording without having big cans on your ears. Great for video, they fit incredibly well and look good too.
Get Your Own
Sony Alpha a6600 Camera
I love, love, LOVE this camera. I actually have two of them in the studio. My favorite feature by far is the eye tracking which adjusts focus based on where your eyes are in the shot.
Get Your Own
16MM f/1.4 Sigma Lens
My favorite studio lens for my Sony Camera. I really like the low light performance, the wide angle and those blurry, cinematic backgrounds and bokeh makes my videos look very high quality.
Get Your Own
Audio-Technica AT4053b
I found this indoor dialog microphone used in video production and love it. It sits off camera but provides incredibly rich sound. It's my primary studio mic.
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Heil PR-40 Microphone
My go-to mic when it comes to all things audio in the studio when I require a close-to-my-mouth microphone.
Get Your Own
Ikan Onyx LED Studio Lights
These lights are easy to work with in my small studio, have remote control switches and a wide range of color and brightness. I've got them attached to my studio walls via wall brackets.
Get Your Own
Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro
This little gem does what 3 people used to do on my TV show. Allows up to 4 camera inputs, one monitor output and lots of cool options for switching cameras with the simple press of a button.
Get Your OwnThird Party Tools and Services
Slack
Within our company, we use Slack for team communication. It saves a ton of inter-office email and gives us a channel for each client account.
Find It Here
Descript
Descript has become our editor of choice for podcasts and simple video editing. It operates completely differently from other editors in that it keys off of the transcript not the sound for editing.
Find It Here
Transistor
Transistor is my podcasting platform of choice. Simple, easy and designed for semi-pro podcasters, I'm a HUGE fan of this service.
Find It Here
Trello
I live in my Trello Daily To-Do board. I'd be lost without it. We use it for all projects in the company as well.
Find It Here