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Whether your content creation specialty is videos, podcasts, or a little bit of everything, you’ve likely run into at least a few small frustrations during the setup, recording, and tear-down process. Those little annoyances can pile up, but luckily, there are some very affordable (and sometimes very small) gadgets and accessories that can make a big difference. Here is a list of ten studio accessories that have saved me a lot of frustration!

1. Mic Stand & Camera Quick-Releases
2. Velcro Strips (Cable Ties)
3. A/V Multi-Tool
4. Articulating Clamp Arms
5. Dummy Batteries
6. Mic Stand Thread Adapters
7. Right-Angle Cable Adapters
8. Cable Connection Adapters
9. Remote Controls
10. Light Stand Cross-Beams

1. Mic Stand & Camera Quick-Releases

These things have saved me so much time! I use different microphones frequently, and use them on different stands or boom arms depending on what I’m recording. I used to have to screw each one on and off each stand or boom constantly and it drove me crazy. Quick-releases make it super easy to quickly snap microphones on and off each location where I need to use them. There are a few different models available, but I’ve listed my two favorites below.

The second type of quick-release is for cameras. If you use different tripods or mounting points (see the articulating clamp arms below) for different shots but don’t have multiple cameras for all those angles (I wish!), then a quick-release base for your camera can make that super easy. There are a bunch of these on the market at a range of prices, but my favorite is the ULANZI Claw system. The upgraded model base has multiple quarter-inch mounting points, and you can lock the camera in so it isn’t released accidentally. You can also buy the bases separately to put one at all your camera positions.

2. Velcro Strips (Cable Ties)

I used to vastly underestimate the usefulness of velcro cable ties, until I got into content creation. These variously-sized pieces of velcro have become the duct tape of my recording space. When I’m fully set up for a video, especially a product review video with more than one camera angle, there are so many cables running around it can turn into a mess fast. Using these cable ties helps to keep things organized and out of the way, or out of frame. I use them to keep cables pinned up and out of view when I use a cross-bar for overhead mounting a camera or multiple microphones. I also use them to keep my lighting power cables attached to light stands so they’re not flailing around waiting for me to get tangled up in them. You can even stick more than one together to make longer straps (not for heavy things). I recommend keeping a couple sizes around.

3. A/V Multi-Tool

This is the kind of thing you think you might not use often until you get one. A/V equipment has a few common shapes & sizes to screw-heads, threads, and so on. However those common sizes don’t always match up with tools that everyone keeps in a home tool set by default. The biggest annoyance for me has been microphone stand adapters – the slot to apply torque for tightening or removing is too wide for a traditional flathead screwdriver. An A/V multi-tool can make sure that you always have the right thing for the job nearby. Smallrig is a company that makes a ton of A/V gear and accessories and I’ve had good experience with them, including my top picks for a helpful multi-tool.

4. Articulating Clamp Arms

These things are probably my favorite gadget on this list. I have collected several articulating clamp arms of different sizes and have found them to be so useful, I’ve started using them for things full-time instead of buying more traditional stands or tripods. They’re perfect for almost anything you need to mount and they are strong enough to hold up heavier items like mirrorless cameras. I use them to mount cameras and microphones on overhead rigs, on the side of tables, on light stands, etc. The threaded mounts on my favorite ones from Smallrig and ULANZI are 1/4 inch, but you can easily add a mic stand thread adapter to change that from a 1/4 inch mount to a 5/8 inch mount for microphones (see #6). Having a couple different sizes gives you extra versatility.

5. Dummy Batteries

Batteries running out in the middle of a recording is no fun. And yet, many cameras still use batteries that don’t have a very long continuous running time. Enter: the dummy battery. A dummy battery is designed to trick your camera into thinking that it has a battery installed, while supplying continuous power through a connected AC power adapter. Dummy batteries are unique to the specific battery type and camera manufacturer, so be sure you get the right kind for your camera. Of course, these are not a feasible solution for vlogging, but if you record in a studio space were your camera doesn’t move around a lot, a dummy batter can completely eliminate all the worrying about your batteries running out. The only downside is that you have to leave the battery door on your camera open due to the attached cable, but for most cameras this won’t cause any problem with tripod mounting.

6. Mic Stand Thread Adapters

Many microphones include a 5/8 to 3/8 adapter in the package so you can attach the mic to either size thread. But there are also thread adapters to convert those two sizes to the 1/4 inch size that is the standard for video gear mounting. Having adapters that cover all three sizes will make it possible to mount your microphones and cameras to any of your stands, booms, or clamp arms. That flexibility means you can always find the best mounting point for all your gear!

7. Right-Angle Cable Adapters

This is another one of those small-annoyance things but a simple solution can make a big difference. For example, if you depend on the flip-out screen on your camera while recording but need to use one of the output connections on the same side of the camera (USB or HDMI), those connections can block a lot of the view. Adding a right-angle adapter can almost totally clear up your view in that situation and they also help with cleaner cable routing in many other places around your studio. The only thing to watch out for is the bandwidth of the adapter – the connection will be limited if you have a high-speed cable but a low-speed adapter. Just double-check before buying that the adapter matches the bandwidth of your cable.

8. Cable Connection Adapters

These might be one of the more obvious helpful gadgets on the list, but they are a near-essential item in a recording space nonetheless. Having the right adapter can make or break whether you can proceed with a recording. For example, if you have a lavalier microphone with a 3.5mm TRS connector and have the need to record audio into your phone or tablet rather than your camera or recorder, you won’t be able to do it without a TRS to TRRS adapter cable. Speaking of your phone, it’s also helpful to have the right adapters for your smartphone if you want to take advantage of your phone’s recording capabilities, whether it’s for travel podcasting or just recording high quality audio for your video. There are many other possible scenarios that involve TRS, USB, HDMI and other cables types, and having a few adapters around of various types can save your recording in a pinch.

Phone/Tablet Adapters

Connection Adapters

9. Remote Controls

Remote controls can be very helpful in two scenarios – if you record in a very cramped space, or if you record in a studio where some of your gear is a longer distance away. In a cramped space, remote controls aren’t helpful because your cameras or lights are too far away to reach, but because you might have to squeeze around (or under) several obstacles to hit the record button. For me, I used to crawl underneath the table in front of me on camera to start and stop recording. I did this because I thought the Sony brand remote for my camera was overpriced ($78!). But then I discovered that off-brand Bluetooth remotes exist!

Depending on your brand and model, even the manufacturer’s remote control might be affordable. Some Sony cameras use the iCanon BR-E1 remote can be had for under $50.

Tip: Before purchasing a remote for your camera or lights, be sure to check for mobile apps! Some manufacturers (especially studio lights) are now including remote control capabilities via mobile app, saving you from having to purchase a remote.

10. Light Stand Cross-Beams

This one is probably the most specific item on the list, however it’s still multi-purpose. Having a cross-beam for light stands gives you the ability to repurpose a pair of light stands, turning them into an overhead rig. The amount of things you can safely attach or hang will depend on the sturdiness of the light stands that you attach the beam to. Personally I’ve used a cross-beam on two medium-duty light stands to overhead-mount a camera and two microphones at the same time with no concern for the weight. On my POD Insights YouTube channel, I’ve also used this setup in product review videos that include apparel – it makes a handy impromptu clothing rack.

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I hope you find a couple items on here as helpful as I have! What other studio gadgets do you find super-helpful? Let me know in the comments!