The complete Swell Entertainment gear list of 2023
Here you can find my complete masterlist of my current filming gear for both my at home and travel set up for filming my Youtube videos. This list will include affiliate links so if you choose to buy through the links you will be supporting me, the blog, and the channel. However, I will have full product names in each section if you want to buy it through another avenue.
Main Set up
I film most if not all of my videos at my apartment in Los Angeles. I’ve been here since January of 2021 and it is a 500 square foot studio. Meaning my desk and filming area is directly adjacent to my kitchen and bed. The great news is I have plenty of room to set up my tripod and such so it’s not too close to me. I also have one massive window that gets a ton of direct sunlight so you will not see any lighting equipment in this list since I film in the morning with natural light (p.s. my editor hates this).
Camera
I have been using the same camera since I was eighteen. When I tell people that and they realize I’m now twenty-five, they usually ask why I haven’t upgraded or they assume I can’t afford to. Really though I had researched this camera for what felt like forever and saved multiple paychecks from my retail job to afford it, then felt like an absolute genius when I found it at Best Buy on sale.
For now it does what I need it to do. I can flip out the viewfinder and make sure I’m in frame and that I’m not blurry. I am hardly a creator that needs a cinema camera or one that shoots in 4k for my silly little rants or breaking down brands that might be cults.
Microphone
I have always had issues with audio. And though I firmly believe I could have crystal clear audio and someone would still find something to complain about, I do try to fix the problems that I have. I have been through several microphones, soundproofing, and one comment suggestion to do vocal lessons so I sound less annoying(no I didn’t do they can kick rocks). The Blue Yeti has been the only one that I think almost gets me to where I want to be. It is heavy as all hell though. Which is great for if I need to arm myself against an intruder while filming but not always the best for versatility.
Microphone cover
Just something fun. Has saved my Yeti multiple times from itself when I’m adjusting it and it flops down against it’s own base. Also I like the color.
Tripod
Big, sturdy, free. For me at least because it was a birthday gift from my father. Now I am 5’2” so the height is perfect for me if I need to film at eye level when standing but that might vary for you.
Laptop
This was my main computer until the end of 2022. Definitely more used for mobile work and travel now. When I first got it I was worried that the 16-inch would be too big and awkward for travel but so far it hasn’t proven too much of an issue aside from the weight.
Desktop
I got the purple iMac in December of 2022 as a Christmas gift to myself during a really shitty time and my god do I love this thing. The wide screen and all around taller screen makes editing and writing so much easier on my eyes it’s crazy. Having the capability to add changeable backgrounds to my videos has also been a fun bonus.
Card reader
Obviously like any Apple user I have alot of gripes with Apple products. Especially as someone who uses USB microphones. This attachment is thin so it’s never too in the way and has multiple usb ports.
Multi Port Adapter Dongle from intpw
Acrylic nightstand
Kind of a random addition but this thing makes my filming set up so much more versatile. I got it as a side table when I was still living with my Dad and it has quickly become one of my favorite purchases of the 2020’s. Fairly lightweight, it can be moved and slotted into a variety of places around my apartment to work as a sidetable, lap tray, and for the purposes of this post, a stand for my audio set up. I record using my Yeti which plugs into the port which plugs into my Macbook so I can record audio using Garage Band. This table allows for me to monitor my audio levels and have the microphone just out of frame while not making me feel trapped.
Travel and Location Set Up
I review quite a lot of events, a good deal of which I have to travel for. Because I release an average of two videos a week, I can’t always wait till I am back home to film the main portion of my videos.
Camera
This is mainly for the sit down portion of my videos when I’m traveling. Occasionally I use this for vlogging when I am at an event, but I have found using a camera isn’t always the best move on my part. One, most events don’t allow recording equipment of any kind so bringing this in leads to maybe getting confiscated or being asked to leave. Two, people often get a bit on edge once they see a camera. If I’m trying to be low key at an event, pulling out any camera, even one this small, can be a bit eye catching to people. Like “Who is that? Why is she filming?” and I do better when I am the forgettable lady who showed up alone.
Phone
Based on my analytics and years of trial and error, I know my audience likes to see me rather than vlogs of events. I mainly film B-roll when I’m at an event and then film a sit down portion, using the B-roll as visual aids to add to the storytelling rather than making that the focus. Since I really don’t need quality audio then, I often just use my iPhone to film at events. iPhone’s are so common now me pulling it out to film doesn't raise a ton of red flags. I do wish the storage was better but what can I really expect when I’m filming B-roll for maybe three events a month.
Microphone
Actually bought this from the brands set up at TwitchCon in San Diego last year. I do have to keep it right by my mouth when I’m recording but it’s so lightweight and the cable is long enough I do not mind at all. The blue light can be a bit annoying visually on camera but I just hold my thumb over it when filming.
Audio-Technica - USB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Tripod
I am always on the hunt for an even smaller tripod but this one breaks down pretty small and fits in most carry-on bags. I also like that it doesn’t look like a giant dildo the way the TikTok Influencer favorite travel tripod does. However this tripod is from a ring light kit and I just never use the ring light. The tripods in these kits are often great because they are not the main focus of the kit so they are usually lighter weight, and often come with an iPhone attachment making them the ultimate versatile tripod.
10’’ Selfie Ring Light with 62" Adjustable Tripod Stand & Phone Holder
I’m sure I will have to update this list in the future, but I am confident in calling this the official current set up of Swell Entertainment creator Amanda Golka.