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The gear I actually use
This is the gear I run every week producing services across the locations of a multi-site church: consoles, stage boxes, Dante, the ProPresenter video chain and the small stuff that keeps a Sunday from falling apart. Each pick says what it’s for, why I use it, and links to the video where you can see it working.
Shop by task: gear kitsAsk me what you needStart with a kit
Buying for a job, not a single box? These kits pair the gear that works together, with the videos that show you how to set it up.
Wing Front-of-House Sound System
The Wing, a stage box, a Dante card and a USB drive: a front-of-house package built from gear I use.
See the kit →
ProPresenter Computer Setup
The Mac Mini, DeckLink Duo 2 and Sonnet setup I run ProPresenter on at every one of our locations.
See the kit →
Personal In-Ear Monitor Kit
P16 personal mixers on a Wing: 16 channels per musician, mixed by the musician, instead of a stage wedge.
See the kit →
Multitrack Recording & Virtual Soundcheck Kit
Record every channel off your Wing, then play it back in for a virtual soundcheck when the band's gone.
See the kit →
Church Live Stream & Video Switching Kit
ATEM switching, Stream Deck control and ProPresenter lower thirds: how we get cameras and lyrics online.
See the kit →Stream Deck Production Control Kit
One button box at front of house for ProPresenter, your ATEM, Videohub, lighting and Playback.
See the kit →
Playback, Click & Timecode Rig
MultiTracks Playback over Dante into your Wing, with SMPTE timecode running your lyrics and your lights.
See the kit →My top picks
Behringer Wing (full size)
A full-size digital mixing console that runs your front-of-house mix, monitor mixes and multitrack recording from one surface.
Why I use itThe Wing is the console I mix on at The River Church. I came to it from the X32, and the added possibilities are well worth it. I love it: I've got it doing complete automation, so I'm hitting one button for every song in my set.
Also: Black version
Behringer S32 digital stage box
A stage box that puts your mic inputs and outputs on stage and sends everything to the console over one network cable.
Why I use itThis is the snake I use the most, and in several of my setups I have two of them chained together. It works with the X32 and the Wing, and I plug my P16 personal monitors into its alternate port.
Also: S16 (16 channels)
Behringer P16-M personal monitor mixer
A personal mixer that lets each musician dial in their own monitor mix on stage instead of relying on a wedge.
Why I use itI use these constantly. At The River Church our backline (acoustic and electric guitars, keys, pads, bass and drums) all mix themselves on P16s. They work with the X32 and Wing through a snake with Ultranet, like the S32 or DL32.
Also: P16-HQ (newer model)
Behringer Wing Dante expansion card
An expansion card that puts the Wing on a Dante network so it can send and receive audio with computers and other Dante gear.
Why I use itI have a Dante card in my Wing, which gives me 64 channels in and out over Dante. I use it mainly for multitrack recording and for running Multitracks Playback into the board. One heads-up: after Wing firmware updates, the Dante card's firmware needs its own update.
Blackmagic DeckLink Duo 2
A video card that adds multiple SDI inputs or outputs to a computer, so ProPresenter can feed more screens.
Why I use itI use this exclusively for ProPresenter to get the outputs I need, and it's been rock solid. All our Macs have one in a Sonnet enclosure, which adds four SDI outputs: lower thirds and alpha key to the switcher, full-screen video to the projector, and the stage display.
Sonnet Echo Express SE I (1-card enclosure)
An enclosure that lets a Mac without PCIe slots use a PCIe card like the DeckLink Duo 2.
Why I use itThe Mac Mini doesn't have a PCI slot, so this is how the DeckLink card connects: you mount the card inside and plug the enclosure into the Mac. Make sure you get the full-height version. I use several of these every week and they're rock solid.
Also: 3-card version
Blackmagic Micro Converter SDI to HDMI
Converts an SDI video signal to HDMI so it can feed a TV, projector or other HDMI gear.
Why I use itI use 100+ Blackmagic micro converters throughout my setup every week. For the cost they're the right adapter for this job, they work outside a Blackmagic system, and they carry audio too. Coming out of our switcher, SDI goes into one of these to get to HDMI.
Elgato Stream Deck XL (32 keys)
A larger desk of programmable LCD buttons for running a whole service from one spot.
Why I use itThe XL is my favorite accessory for controlling ProPresenter and more. At front of house I run two Stream Decks off the same Mac Mini, so I can show different Companion pages on each and have twice as many buttons at once.
Mixing consoles
Behringer Wing Compact
A smaller-footprint version of the Behringer Wing digital console.
Why I use itI mix on the full-size Wing and don't own a Compact, but most of what I show in my Wing tutorials works on it too. The main surface difference I've covered: the Compact has 16 custom control buttons and doesn't have the rotary knobs the full size has.
Behringer X32
A digital mixing console with enough inputs, mixes and USB multitrack recording for most church services.
Why I use itThe X32 changed the game for digital consoles, and I still use it at several of our churches. If you can't afford the Wing, it gives you almost every feature you'd want unless your situation is really unique. You can multitrack record over USB and add a Dante card too.
Also: X32 Compact, X32 Producer
Behringer X Air XR18
A compact digital mixer you run from a tablet or computer instead of a physical control surface.
Stage boxes
Midas DL32 digital stage box
A stage box that puts your mic inputs and outputs on stage and sends everything to the console over one network cable.
Why I use itThis is essentially the same as the S32, but with better preamps. I run DL32 stage snakes over AES50 on my Wing.
Also: DL16 (16 channels)
Midas DL16 digital stage box
A smaller stage box that puts 16 mic inputs on stage and sends them to the console over one network cable.
Why I use itIt's the 16-channel version of the Midas snake, which is essentially the Behringer S-series with better preamps. It works with the X32, the Wing and the Midas M32.
In-ear & personal monitoring
Behringer P16-HQ personal monitor mixer
A personal mixer that lets each musician dial in their own monitor mix on stage.
Behringer P16-D distribution hub
A hub that feeds and powers several P16 personal mixers so you don't have to daisy-chain them.
Why I use itWhen you've got more than one P16, you put a hub in the middle. The Behringer hub provides power over Ethernet, so you can connect up to 8 without separate power or daisy chaining.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones
Closed-back studio headphones for monitoring and checking mixes.
Phenyx Pro PTM-10 Wireless In-Ear System
A wireless in-ear monitor system, so a musician or worship leader can move around the stage without a cable to their pack.
Why I use itI did a full unboxing and review of this system on the channel. The link includes a 10% discount.
Dante & networking
Behringer X32 Dante expansion card
An expansion card that adds Dante networking to the X32.
Audinate Dante AVIO analog input adapter
A small adapter that takes an analog XLR source and puts it on your Dante network.
Why I use itIt converts XLR to Dante, so you can get any XLR source in over Dante and free up the local inputs on your console. It's a simple way to get analog audio into your Dante network.
Audinate Dante AVIO analog output adapter
A small adapter that pulls audio off your Dante network as analog for gear that doesn't speak Dante.
Why I use itI use these to get timecode into my lighting console and audio into my live stream. In my automated-lyrics setup, the SMPTE timecode from Playback comes off Dante through an AVIO adapter on its way to the ProPresenter computer.
Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet adapter
Adds a wired gigabit Ethernet port to a computer that only has USB-C.
Why I use itWe use all Apple products and we run Dante, and this is the adapter that works best. I tried all sorts of third-party adapters and all they gave me was problems. Since switching to this one, which Apple endorses, it's been flawless.
TP-Link 8-port gigabit switch
A basic network switch for connecting consoles, computers and Dante devices on their own network.
Why I use itMy Dante network is really simple: several gigabit switches on their own network, with nothing else on it and no router in between.
ProPresenter & video I/O
Apple USB-C to HDMI adapter
Gets an HDMI output from a Mac's USB-C port.
Why I use itI've been burned way too many times by cheaper adapters, so with Apple gear I only buy ones that have proven reliable in production, and this is one of them. On a Mac Mini it's how I get the second native output for ProPresenter, and it also gives you back a USB-C port plus a USB-A port.
Video switching & conversion
Blackmagic Micro Converter HDMI to SDI
Converts an HDMI source, like a camera or computer, to SDI for your switcher or video router.
Why I use itI use 100+ Blackmagic micro converters throughout my setup every week. For the cost they're the right adapter for converting these signals, they work outside a Blackmagic system, and they carry audio too.
Blackmagic Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI
One converter that handles both directions: SDI to HDMI and HDMI to SDI.
Why I use itThe bi-directional version does both conversions in one box. I use 100+ of these micro converters throughout my setup every week; they work outside a Blackmagic system and carry audio too.
Blackmagic ATEM 1 M/E Constellation HD
A live production switcher for cutting between cameras, graphics and computer sources.
Why I use itOf the switchers Blackmagic makes, this is the one I use the most. It's a good balance between the smallest and the largest, and it fits most of our church locations that don't need every bell and whistle.
Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro (HDMI)
A small four-input switcher that can also feed a computer over USB like a webcam.
Why I use itIt's the smallest, most affordable switcher Blackmagic makes, and it's great for just about anything as long as you don't need more than 4 sources. It has a good audio system and keyer, and the USB-C port acts as a webcam when you plug it into a computer. It's a great little device if you don't have a switcher.
Also: SDI version
Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro (SDI)
The SDI version of the small four-input ATEM switcher, for setups built around SDI cameras and gear.
Why I use itSame idea as the HDMI Mini Pro, in an SDI version. It's great for just about anything as long as you don't need more than 4 sources, and the USB-C port acts as a webcam when you plug it into a computer.
Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro ISO
A version of the ATEM Mini Pro that can also record each camera input separately for editing later.
Samsung 32-inch 4K monitor
A large display for a switcher multiview, preview screen or ProPresenter operator station.
Decimator MD-HX
A cross converter that sits between a computer and a video switcher and converts the signal into a format the switcher accepts.
Why I use itIt's always a headache getting a MacBook Pro into a Blackmagic ATEM. I tested a lot, and putting the Decimator MD-HX in between solves it every time: it converts the Mac's signal into what the ATEM is looking for.
Production control
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (15 keys)
A desk of programmable LCD buttons that trigger actions in your production software and gear.
Why I use itThis is one of the most flexible pieces of gear I use. With Bitfocus Companion it controls the stuff I run every week: ProPresenter 7, our ATEM switcher, the Video Hub, the GrandMA2 lighting console, MadMapper and Multitracks Playback. The 15-button version is the one I use in my Companion setup tutorial.
Elgato Stream Deck Mini (6 keys)
A small set of programmable buttons for a handful of go-to shortcuts.
Computers
Apple Mac Mini (M4)
A small desktop Mac that runs ProPresenter, playback, plugins or recording at a production station.
Why I use itI run ProPresenter off Mac Minis. At front of house a Mac Mini is what my Stream Decks plug into, and it runs my Waves plugins and multitrack recording off the Wing. Natively you get two reliable outputs; when I need more, I add a DeckLink card in a Sonnet enclosure.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)
A portable Mac for running production software, playback and remote setup wherever you need it.
Why I use itWe use all Apple products, MacBook Pros and Mac Minis. My MacBook Pro sits right on the Dante network, and it's what I've used to run the Playback app and send all my tracks to the Wing.
Apple iPad Pro
A tablet you can use to mix remotely or hand to musicians for their own monitor mixes.
Why I use itI connect an iPad to the Wing for remote control with Wing Copilot. With Wing Q, you can hand an iPad to musicians so they control their own in-ear mix without bothering you at front of house, and it limits them to just the buses.
Audio interfaces & measurement
Behringer U-Phoria UM2
A small USB audio interface for getting an analog signal into a computer.
Why I use itThere are a lot of ways to get analog audio into a computer over USB. This is one of the adapters I use, on the budget-friendly side.
IK Multimedia iRig USB microphone
A plug-in microphone for phones, tablets and computers that works with audio analyzer apps.
Why I use itIt's part of the measurement setup I use to read back pink noise when tuning a room or a master EQ, along with the Dayton measurement mic and an iPad. I've found it affordable.
Dayton Audio measurement microphone
A measurement microphone for reading back test signals when tuning a room or EQ.
Why I use itThis is the measurement mic I use to read back pink noise for tuning a room or a master EQ, with an iRig and an iPad. I've found it affordable.
dbx RTA measurement microphone
A measurement microphone made for real-time analyzers and room tuning.
Why I use itThe Wing has a built-in spectrum analyzer, and if you want to dig in deeper with an RTA mic, this is the one from dbx I point people to.
Storage
SanDisk 16GB Ultra Fit (low profile)
A tiny USB thumb drive for console backups, firmware updates and audio files.
Why I use itThis is the thumb drive I use in my Wing. I've never really had issues with thumb drives on the Wing, but this one is known to work, and it's small so it doesn't stick out.
SanDisk 32GB Cruzer Glide
A standard USB thumb drive for saving and loading console files.
Why I use itNot every drive works with the X32, and this one does. It works with the Wing too.
Samsung T7 portable SSD
A small, fast portable drive for media, recordings and backups.
Lexar 128GB storage
Extra storage for moving files, recordings and backups between machines.
Everyday carry & accessories
Shokz OpenComm2 headset
A wireless headset with a boom mic that leaves your ears open, handy for calls and team communication.
Behringer Wing dust cover
A cover that protects the Wing's surface when it's not in use.
SwissGear laptop backpack
A backpack for carrying a laptop and production gear between locations.
Questions people ask
Do you make money when I buy through these links?
Yes. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, and it costs you nothing extra. It helps pay for the tutorials. I only list gear I use or have covered on the channel.
Wing or X32?
I mix on the Wing and came to it from the X32, and the added possibilities have been well worth it. The X32 changed the game for digital consoles, I still use it at several of our churches, and if you can't afford the Wing it gives you almost every feature you'd want.
S32 or DL32?
The DL32 is essentially the same as the S32, but with better preamps. Both work with the Wing, the X32 and the Midas M32. The S32 is the snake I use the most.
What do I need to run more outputs from ProPresenter on a Mac?
A Mac Mini gives you two outputs natively. For more, I put a Blackmagic DeckLink Duo 2 in a Sonnet Echo Express enclosure, which adds SDI outputs, and use Blackmagic micro converters wherever a screen needs HDMI. The ProPresenter kit lays out the whole chain.
Not sure what you need?
Ask me in the chat (bottom right) and I’ll point you to the video where I cover it, or book a session and we’ll work through your setup together.