Self-Tape Setup Checklist (Free PDF)
Camera, lighting, audio, framing — every check before you hit record.
This is the checklist we tape to the wall behind the camera. Print it, or read the full version below — every check is here in the same order we run them.
Camera
- Lens at eye level, chest-up framing, eyes on the upper third.
- 1080p, 25 or 30 fps, HDR off.
- Exposure and focus locked on your face.
- Airplane mode on, at least 10 GB of free space.
- Battery above 50% or plugged in.
Light
- Key at 45°, slightly above eye level, diffused.
- Both eyes catching light.
- No hot spot on forehead or nose.
- Backdrop about one stop darker than your face.
- All sources at the same colour temperature.
Top Picks
Affiliategear
Maono PD100W Wireless USB Mic
Tested on three self-tape days: clean dialogue at desk distance, tight rejection of room echo, and USB-C plus XLR so it moves with you from laptop to interface. The best sub-$60 voice upgrade for seated slates.
Ring Light
Neewer 18" Bi-Color Ring Light
Best balance of power, color accuracy, and price for self-tapes.
Microphone
Rode Wireless ME
Clip on, hit record. Broadcast-clean audio with zero setup.
Sound
- Mic within 30 cm of your mouth, cable strain-relieved.
- Peaks around −12 dBFS on your loudest line.
- Fridge, fans, and notifications off.
- Ten seconds of room tone recorded.
- Checked on headphones, not a speaker.
Slate and delivery
- Slate matches the brief exactly.
- Top and tail trimmed, no music or titles.
- Exported MP4, H.264, 1080p, 8–10 Mbps.
- File named as instructed.
- Link tested in a private browser window.
Download the printable one-page version from the newsletter box on the home page — it is the same list, formatted for a wall.
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