This is a detailed list and growing daily. This is the exact equipment that I use to run my business. I’m heavy on video production and currently run 4 cameras simultaneously through my computer to do livestreams to a growing roster of students. It’s some of the most cutting edge education in the massage industry and shows no signs of stopping.
I formerly had a Lumix but a friend suggested this Sony A7 II camera for my ongoing use. I currently use 4 of these for my multicam livestreams. The batteries on these work fine but you must charge the battery inside the camera as there’s no external charger. Because I stream for prolonged periods of time at up to 6 hours a day I needed a consistent power supply and it’s why I keep the batteries charged but use a wired power supply listed below.
The wired power supply is a key piece of equipment since I don’t have to worry about switching out batteries while I’m streaming.
I’ve tried some other microphones but the Sennheiser AVX Digital Wireless Microphone System – ME2 Lavalier Set is top notch. I used this to record all of my subscription service and class videos and just recently purchased a second one since the first was 8 years old. Really solid sound, very little issues and easily rechargeable. I can easily get 3-4 hours of a video shoot without a recharge.
These can plug directly into your camera or in my case now my computer via some additional equipment. For this post I’m going to isolate the cameras and mounts/tripods then have a post with the computer and additional audio equipment.
I have 4 MACTREM Professional Camera Tripod DSLR Tripod for Travel, Super Lightweight and Reliable Sturdy, Ball Head Tripod Detachable Monopod with Phone Mount Carry Bag, 21.5″ to 62.5″, 33lb Load. I’ve had a few with some plastic pieces on the legs that have broken (likely after years of use in my case) but have found these to be really solid for regular use.
Make sure your order includes a phone holder. That’s ideal for social media and you can plug your sennheisser microphone into most android phones (not sure about iphones) to get lavalier quality audio.
Self explanatory but between cameras, phones and my modem router I needed a place to charge things. The usb plugs are nice if clients need to charge their phones while we work. 2 Pack Surge Protector Power Strip with 6 Outlets 2 USB Ports 5-Foot Long Heavy-Duty Braided Extension Cords Flat Plug 900 Joules 15A Circuit Breaker Wall Mount for Home Office ETL Listed
I’m not moving to mounted cameras on my walls for ease of access and putting wires on the ceiling. My studio is currently covered in wires and this will be the easiest way to get the camera angles I need with things out of the way. A few of the cameras will be placed in positions where I can easily move them or put them on a tripod if I need to switch angles.
These are heavy solid mounts that I’ll use sheetrock anchors to secure to the walls to hold camera weight. You can find less pricey but as they hold pricey cameras I didn’t want to skimp on these. Wall-Mounted Camera Support with Ball Head
I don’t have a favorite yet for these but I’ll let you know if I decide later. I bought several to try them out and see if one gave me more ease and functionality for unlocking the camera to move them around while filming. Both can be attached to the 1/4″ thread on the camera mounts.
Neewer Aluminum Alloy Quick Shoe Plate Adapter with 1/4 3/8 inches Screw for DSLR Camera Camcorder Tripod Monopod, Compatible with Manfrotto 501HDV 503HDV 701HDV 577/519/561/Q5
Camera Quick Release Plate, FALCAM F38 Quick Release System QR Plate Camera Tripod Mount Adapter for Canon/Sony Cameras/Zhiyun/Feiyu/DJI Switch Between Stablizer/Tripod/Monopod/Slider/
The computer itself then additional audio equipment is under another post. To be clear I have 4 cameras, 4 battery packs to make them wired, 4 tripods, 4 mounts etc. Anything you do once you’ll need to do for every additional camera you use.
https://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/7.jpg788940Robert Gardnerhttps://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.pngRobert Gardner2021-06-22 22:25:422023-07-12 18:08:01Cameras and Tripods
I broke my equipment into three sections to make it more concise. I’ll update these posts over time. 🙂
My computer is the thing that I didn’t put together. I had some friends who are programmers and pc nerds in Austin assemble it after giving me a list of parts. I just knew I needed something that’d last several years and give the processing power to crank what I was doing. This is a long list but here are the parts for my current livestream setup.
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core, 16-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Prism LED Cooler
Do I know what all of this does? Not exactly. I’m just giving you some info to get started. This will also rapidly evolve as our needs change for computing and video production.
Fractal Design Meshify C – Compact Computer Case – High Performance Airflow/Cooling – 2X Fans Included – PSU Shroud – Modular Interior – Water-Cooling Ready – USB3.0 – Tempered Glass Light – Blackout
EVGA 06G-P4-2066-KR GeForce RTX 2060 KO Gaming, 6GB GDDR6, Dual Fans, Metal Backplate
EVGA 220-G3-0650-Y1 SuperNOVA 650 G3, 80 Plus Gold 650W, Fully Modular, Eco Mode with New HDB Fan, 7 Year Warranty, Includes Power ON Self Tester, Compact 150mm Size, Power Supply
ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) AM4 Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 & 3rd Gen Ryzen ATX Motherboard with PCIe 4.0, Dual M.2, 12+2 with Dr. MOS Power Stage
SAMSUNG 870 QVO SATA III 2.5″ SSD 2TB (MZ-77Q2T0B)
If all this looks confusing don’t worry it would be to me as well. We can’t be expected to know everything and when I started my journey I was in my front yard near tears because I couldn’t build the business I wanted. Years later I said, “I can’t teach online.” Now I believe I can’t afford to teach group classes in person. 🙂
It takes time and you have to use your resourcefulness not just your resources.
Beyond the computer itself I needed additional wires and equipment.
Elgato Cam Link – Broadcast live and record via DSLR, camcorder, or action cam in 1080p60, compact HDMI capture device, USB 3.0
Just like the cameras etc, I needed 4 of these. One for each camera. Same goes with wires, USB 3 etc.
This is the lighting setup I pieced together. There are tripods for these but I’ve now mounted mine on my walls so they’re out of the way in my studio. You can use the stand to move the light around or use the wall mount to attach it to your walls as I did.
UBeesize Selfie Ring Light with Tripod Stand & Cell Phone Holder for Live Stream/Makeup, Mini Led Camera Ringlight for YouTube Videos/Photography
I use this primarily when I’m sitting at my computer or doing a podcast video. For my main lighting I use another set for our livestreams.
BlueRigger USB Extension Cable 7.5 Meters (25FT, Active, USB 2.0, Type A Male to A Female, Repeater Cable) – Compatible with Game Consoles, Printer, Camera
I ordered many different cables to run my cameras into my USB 3 ports. A quick note. A USB 2 carries 100X less data than a USB 3. Blue tab? USB 3. Black tab? USB 2. I had to figure this out the hard way. 🙂
USB 3.0 Extension Cable 20 ft,Ruaeoda 22 AWG Long USB Extension Cable SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Type A Male to Female USB Cable Compatible with Printer,Xbox, USB Flash Drive, Card Reader, Hard Drive,Camera
USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC – Bluetooth Dongle for PC Windows 10/8/7 – PC to Bluetooth Adapter – Bluetooth USB Receiver 4.0 for Computer/Laptop
These next items are one of my more geeky moments when I learn enough to solve problems myself. I have hotkeys on OBS. (I’ll go into software on another post.) I need a smaller keyboard to be able to press a button and change cameras/scenes/graphics. Necessity is the mother of invention. 🙂
Bluetooth Number Pad, Acedada Portable Slim 22-Key Wireless Bluetooth Numeric Keypad for Financial Accounting Data Entry, Advanced 10 Key for Laptop, Notebook, Desktop, PC, Surface Pro, etc – Black
Strenco 2 x 4 Inch – 15 Pcs – Adhesive Square Hook and Loop Tape – Heavy Duty Strips – Sticky Back Fastener
Robert, you’re saying you created a tiny wireless keyboard that connects via bluetooth to solve a problem? 😀 Yes! I grinner from ear to ear. 🙂
Gymboss Armband
Cat 7 Ethernet Cable 25 ft Shielded – Solid Flat Internet Network Computer Patch Cord, Faster Than Cat5e/Cat5/cat6 Network, Slim Cat7 High Speed LAN Wire with Rj45 Connectors for Router, Modem – White
Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable – 6 Feet, Black
This XLR will connect your Sennheiser Lav Mic into the next audio interface.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First
The focusrite allowed me more control over my audio before heading into the computer. I believe, correct me if I’m wrong, both the cameras video signal and the audio signal from my microphone have to be turned into a signal that my computer can process and use. This is a simple easy solution and I may add a second microphone eventually.
Anker 2-in-1 USB 3.0 SD Card Reader for SDXC, SDHC, SD, MMC, RS-MMC, Micro SDXC, Micro SD, Micro SDHC Card and UHS-I Cards
I needed a card reader for SD. My computer didn’t have one installed but you can use this work around to take the SD card from your cameras to get the files on your pc.
These come in different storage sizes just like any hard drive. You can pick the size you need but I prefer having a 256GB just in case.
You back things up right? It’s a simple solution. I move tons of data around. I regularly record files that are 60GB and with that much I need a backup and occasional additional storage. You don’t want to lose footage.
Seagate STHP5000400 Backup Plus 5TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – Black USB 3.0 for PC Laptop and Mac, 1 Year MylioCreate, 2 Months Adobe CC Photography, 2-Year Rescue Service
My monitor is great and I’m really glad I chose a larger 43″ screen. I use the HDMI cable to connect the monitor to my pc.
AOC C32V1Q 31.5″ Full HD 1920×1080 Monitor, Curved VA Panel, 4ms 75Hz, Frameless, HDMI/DisplayPort/VGA, Flickerfree, Low Blue Mode, VESA, Black
I spend inordinate amounts of time massaging a keyboard. I absolutely love this monitor for it’s price and size. The large screen makes me eyes rest (I need reading glass for my phone. If you ever see posts with misspellings it’s likely done from my phone when I didn’t have on reading glasses.) 🙂
I bought another monitor for my studio and an HDMI splitter. It means that with the press of a button I can switch to the monitor in my studio without having to move my original back and forth. 🙂 I also needed a long HDMI cable to run across my ceiling and reach into my studio.
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo, WisFox 2.4G Ergonomic USB Keyboard with Phone Holder, Full-Size Keyboard and Mouse Set for Computer, Laptop and Desktop(Green and Black)
I could have settled for my wired keyboard but with so much moving around filming wireless was easier for me to move around and handle. 🙂
To save space on my USB ports (I needed 4 just for my cameras) I needed an additional supplement for non necessary devices or things that didn’t need to be wired as directly into my pc.
Powered USB Hub 3.0, Atolla 7-Port USB Data Hub Splitter with One Smart Charging Port and Individual On/Off Switches and 5V/4A Power Adapter USB Extension for MacBook, Mac Pro/Mini and More.
I know that’s a lot of stuff. Don’t feel overwhelmed. I know that I felt overwhelmed doing all of this but I still need to make posts on my clothes, attire and then the software I used. I spent a year juggling and working with all of this to assemble it into what we’re doing now.
I’m completely changing the face of massage education and it’s because of my friends support and help in addition to a solid work ethic where I believe I could achieve anything. Here’s what we’re Doing with this equipment.
I’d been waiting on this sort of post for awhile. With so many changes in my business students kept asking me to have my own merch my own mats and as much as I like the idea the business isn’t large enough to go into that sort of retail shipping packing etc. I buy most of my work supplies via amazon and have made companies lots of money.
In the back of my mind I kept going, “why don’t you set up affiliate links?” Of course it’s just a matter of time and mostly what these links do is save you time. I get to promote the products I specifically use and make a small cut. So, here’s the list and I’ll update this periodically on my FAQ as well.
I use two of these mats (4×8) to make a large 8×8 mat connected via their included velcro. The come in multiple colors and you can also select a larger size that goes to 10′. These are light foldable and nearly perfect for what I do. I can take one for an outcall with it’s included handles then make a large mat by connecting the velcro included.
I’m picky about mats for functionality. You need enough softness for your knees and client comfort but some push back for a compression on a client. At around $160 for two I can buy a new set each year and give the old ones to students. These are ideal.
Sheets & Sheet Holders
Bed Scrunchie
Using the above mats I need Cali King flat sheets to cover them. I find these work well with nice colors that don’t fade and the sheet scrunchie allows me to tighten or snug the sheet up so it doesn’t come off of the mat or bunch up. I don’t mind if the sheets aren’t snugged for a client but for filming I think it just makes things look nicer and more clean for photo and video production.
The bed scrunchie is what I currently use to snug the sheets to my mat. Because the 8×8 mat is not a standard bed size it’s a bit of a squeeze and I prefer the cali king sheets since I have more fabric to allow me to connect the scrunchie with.
Here are the blankets I just purchased. These are thinner than my original ones of unknown origin and I’ll sample more over time and update as I try different ones. They’re not bad but they’re not as thick as what I currently have.
I hope that helps. I’m adding other posts on the cameras or electronics I use. 🙂
I didn’t want to mess around with Austin allergies anymore. I decided to get a heavy duty air filtration system to improve things. 🙂
https://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/9.jpg788940Robert Gardnerhttps://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.pngRobert Gardner2021-06-15 17:10:262023-07-12 18:13:29What Kind of Mat Do You Use?
