AV Gift Guide: Gear Our Team Uses and Loves
Smart picks that keep events running smoothly.
At Live Oak AV, we’re not just experts in AV; we’re also experts in what gets packed into tech kits, what makes event days smoother, and what we dream of upgrading in our setups.
So we asked our team:
- What’s your dream AV gift?
- What gear or tools do you use every day?
- What would you recommend to other tech pros or behind-the-scenes event staff?
This list is packed with real gear we use, love, and recommend. It’s perfect for gifting, upgrading, or building out your event-day toolkit.
💎 For the Big Dreamers
High-end AV and tech gifts we’d love to unwrap.
DM3 Digital Mixer
Recommended by Andrew, compact, powerful, and versatile. A dream piece of gear for any AV pro who mixes on the go.
Mx Creative Console
Soph’s pick for video editing magic. It turns complex editing steps into one-click magic, efficient and sleek.
Large Flat Screen TV
Kent keeps it classic. After a long day of shows, nothing beats a big screen to unwind.
DREAMING BIG
Jennifer dreams of a never-before-built High-Powered Computer + Gaming Monitors that can run AV software, edit video, stream flawlessly… and maybe even do laundry!
⚙️ Live Oak-Approved Gear We Use All the Time
These tools and software are in daily rotation on our team.
Wirecast Software – Andrew
Live streaming software we rely on for smooth hybrid events.
Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse – Soph
Because saving your wrists matters just as much as saving your files.
OWC Thunderbolt Mini Dock – Jennifer
The MVP of remote work. Adds 2 HDMI ports to any MacBook with Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Magic Keyboard with Touch ID – Jazmin
The keyboard you didn’t know you needed, smooth typing and secure access.
🧰 Gear We Recommend to Anyone in AV or Tech
Field-tested and freelancer-approved.
Decimator + DAC-70 Converters – Andrew
For anyone working with multiple inputs and outputs, these are live event essentials.
Pelican Case (1510) – Andrew
Protect your gear, cables, and patch kits in a case that’s been around the world.
Mini Mag Light + Multi-tool (Gerber or Leatherman) – Kent
Classic tools for any tech and lifesavers in dark venues.
Cable Organizers + Labelers – Jazmin
Untangled cables mean less stress and faster setup.
Portable Phone Charger – Mary
A must-have when you’re running back-to-back shows or site visits.
Tech Kit Essentials – Jennifer
Her go bag includes:
- USB-C adapters
- Audio patch cables and adapters
- Wired earbuds with mic
- Twin-tip Sharpie with some board tape wrapped around it
- Flash drive with dual USB/USB-C
- Presentation remote
- Eargasm earplugs to protect your hearing at shows and loud events
- Lens and/or screen cleaner wipes
- English Breakfast tea bags (because not everyone wants coffee)
Noise-Canceling Headphones – Jazmin + Crystal
Both recommend them for different roles, mixing, admin work, or just staying focused.
Jazmin’s pick: Anker Soundcore Q20i
Peeps Eyeglass Cleaner – Mary
A niche pick, but a game changer if you wear glasses. Used by astronauts.
🔌 From the Ops Side of AV: Work Smarter Tools
Especially helpful for coordinators, producers, and behind-the-scenes leads.
Premium AI Assistant Subscription (like Claude Pro or ChatGPT Plus) – Crystal
A dream gift for streamlining operations, contracts, and hiring workflows. Proof that AI is the new backstage pass.
Stagetimer.io – Jennifer
This free, web-based app is fantastic and can be run from a phone, iPad, or laptop. It’s great for those on-the-fly requests for a speaker timer at events or meetings. They also offer a paid version with advanced features.
ClickUp + Adobe Creative Suite – Mary
For managing projects and crafting graphics from pre-production through post-production.
LASSO, Flex, and Bloom Growth – Crystal
Essential for scheduling crews, managing inventory, and running better meetings.
Crystal suggests investing in tools that multiply your effectiveness, like:
- AI for drafting, planning, and decision-making
- Portable power solutions
- Mobile hotspots for on-site work
- Project management software to cut back on manual work
- Multi-port chargers and cord organizers (don’t show up tangled)
🎁 Wrap-Up: Gift Smarter This Year
You don’t need to be on stage to appreciate good gear. Whether you’re shopping for your AV lead, your ops coordinator, or yourself, these recommendations are tried, tested, and Live Oak-approved.
Got a favorite tech tool we should know about?
Tag us on Instagram @liveoakav or drop us a message. We’re always up for gear talk!
