Background
Cory Evans is a lifelong musician and mobile DJ who’s been passionate about music since childhood. He started DJing professionally over 12 years ago and also has a background in IT, working in software applications and user support. When the pandemic hit, both of his careers — in tech and live events — came to a halt. But rather than sit idle, Cory saw an opportunity: to blend his love for music and technology into a new path — live video production.
The Challenge
When lockdowns wiped out live gigs, Cory pivoted into live streaming — but quickly realized most virtual events were technically lacking. “I saw some of my music heroes doing online shows with terrible video and thought, I can do better than this.”
He began building a mobile production setup, using handheld and PTZ cameras. But cable management remained a major obstacle:
“I just can’t have wires especially at weddings. It must be clean, professional, and quick to deploy.”
The Solution
Cory discovered BirdDog’s X-Series, which offered the exact features he needed. He started with the X1, then upgraded to the X4 for its built-in battery, Wi-Fi 6, and NDI — creating a fully wireless setup he could manage solo. He connected everything using a vMix system and Orbi mesh network, allowing multi-cam shooting with zero cabling across crowded venues.
One highlight was a last-minute shoot at a legendary music producer showcase. Cory had only days to prepare — but with his BirdDog setup, he pulled it off. His X4 handled wireless coverage on one side of the venue while the X1, connected via Ethernet to an Orbi satellite, covered the other side.
The Results
- Professional-grade, cable-free production even in packed event spaces
- Multi-camera wireless setup using Wi-Fi 6 and mesh routers
- Successful gigs across weddings, comedy shows, and 90th birthday parties
- 6000+ viewers for a pandemic-era indie artist competition Cory streamed
- Fast, solo deployment and footage clients loved — earning repeat bookings
Why BirdDog?
“What I like about BirdDog products — especially the X-Series — is that they cater to specific needs,” Cory says. “If you’re a musician, there’s a model that suits you better than the others. If you’re a teacher, there’s something for you too.”
It’s this thoughtful design that stands out to him. His strong feeling is that BirdDog builds its cameras to match real-world workflows, not just technical specs. “BirdDog, in my opinion, does that better than the other brands.”
He also appreciates how built-in features like batteries, decoders, and Wi-Fi eliminate the need for extra gear and simplify setups.
Looking Ahead
Cory plans to add a second X4, or even step up to an X5, to elevate image quality even further. He’s also exploring MAKI Live as a portable option for tight setups and on-stage shots.
His mission? Deliver broadcast-quality live video with zero clutter, no wires, no compromise.
Learn more about Cory’s work.
