High End Zoom Setup Guide

Why a High-End Setup Matters

Hey there, fellow tutor! Are you looking to level up your online tutoring game? Well, you've come to the right place. A high-end setup can make a world of difference. Here's why:

Stand out from the competition: When you have a top-notch setup, you'll be setting yourself apart from other tutors in the online space. Clients will notice your commitment to quality and professionalism.

Professional image: Investing in a quality setup shows clients that you take your job seriously and are committed to providing the best possible experience. Think of it as dressing for success, but for your online tutoring sessions!

Improved communication: A better audio-visual setup allows for clearer communication between you and your students. This means fewer misunderstandings and more effective tutoring sessions. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

Audio

Although people talk about "video conferencing", the audio portion is actually significantly more important than you might think.

Clear, high-quality audio is crucial for effective communication and understanding between you and your students during online tutoring sessions. In fact, research has shown that poor audio quality can lead to listener fatigue and decreased comprehension. With that in mind, investing in a high-end audio setup is essential for ensuring the best possible learning experience for your students.

Non-negotiables

The two non-negotiables for a high-end sound are headphones and a dedicated microphone.

Headphones: Wearing headphones during your sessions is crucial to prevent audio bleed. When you wear headphones, it eliminates the possibility of your voices echoing back through the microphone, which can be both distracting and unprofessional. Moreover, headphones allow you to focus better on the session and ensure that you can hear your students clearly.

Microphone: Choosing a quality microphone is equally important. Your webcam's built-in microphone just won't cut it when it comes to delivering top-notch audio quality.

USB Headset + Mic Combo

One convenient way to solve the above problem at once is of needed headphones *and* a decent quality microphone is to invest in a "headset" - that is, a pair headphones that have a microphone.

Unfortunately, the vast, vast majority of headset microphones just don't sound that good since they are usually designed more for 'noise cancellation' then for good sound. That being said, because we are talking about a zoom setup, the quality of the microphone won't matter *that* much since zoom tends to decrease the quality of the audio either.

Cheap Options

For a cheap but effective option, most basic USB headsets will do just fine. Here are two inexpensive options from Sennheiser:

• Sennheiser PC 8 USB Headset (Amazon Link) - This headset microphone provides clear sound and noise-canceling features at an affordable price of around $25.
• Sennheiser SC 160 USB Headset (Amazon Link) - An upgraded version of the above headset, priced around $55

High-End Option

The downside of the cheap options above is that they generally not very comfortable to wear, and that the sound is only "barely good enough".

If you want a headset that's comfortable to wear, sounds great, and has a microphone that's both noise-cancelling AND good enough to be used in a podcasting setup, there is one - JUST ONE - USB Headset I've found that matches the criteria:

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet (Link to B& H Photo Video)

It comes with studio-grade headphones, and a really good microphone with clear, open sound, good noise rejection, and great plosive control. If you don't mind a slighly geeky looking headset, and want the option to record high-quality audio, get this.

Price: $229

Standalone USB Mic

Here are some options to consider for your high-end setup:

We've got a more in-depth guide on audio, but let's go over the essentials for a high-end setup real quick. Trust us, your ears (and your students) will thank you!

Wearing headphones during your sessions is crucial to prevent audio bleed. Nobody wants to hear their own voice echoing back at them, right? Plus, it makes you look more professional.

Choose a quality microphone: Your webcam's built-in microphone just won't cut it. We're aiming for top-notch quality here! Here are some options to consider:

Shure MV7: A popular choice among podcasters and broadcasters, this microphone will give you that crisp and clear sound you're looking for. (Link to full guide)

Audio-Technica Headset with built-in mic:

If you want something a bit more integrated, this headset offers convenience without sacrificing quality. (Link to full guide)

For the ultra-high-end setup: Go all out with an XLR interface like the Focusrite Scarlett, paired with an Earthworks Ethos microphone. You'll sound like you're in a professional recording studio! (Link to full guide)

Video: Let's Get Visual

Now, let's talk about the visual aspect of your setup. Remember, first impressions matter, and your video quality is a big part of that.

Camera

Webcams just won't do: We're not settling for average here. The only webcam that comes close is the Elgato Facecam Pro, but it's not available.

Go for a Canon DSLR: A late-model Canon DSLR, like the Canon R8, can double as a webcam and give you that professional look you're after.

The perfect lens: Pair your Canon R8 with a 24mm f/1.8 lens. This will give you a beautifully out-of-focus background, making you the star of the show.

Lighting

Keep it soft and natural: Diffuse lighting is the way to go. A window in front of you is perfect for that soft, flattering light we all love. Just avoid direct sunlight, or you'll look like a washed-out ghost!

Heavy diffusion curtain to the rescue: If direct sunlight is an issue, use a heavy diffusion curtain. It'll help you maintain that soft lighting without overexposing your video.

LED light panels for consistency: If you prefer a more controlled lighting setup or don't have access to a well-lit space, invest in an LED light panel. Consistency is key!

Background

eep it real: Fake Zoom backgrounds just don't look as professional as the real deal. Trust us, your students will appreciate a genuine, well-thought-out background.

• Choose wisely: When setting up your background, pick a flat wall or something interesting and education-related. Skip the bedroom or cluttered spaces, and opt for a clean, professional look. Remember, your background reflects your personality and professionalism!

There you have it! With these tips and recommendations, you'll be well on your way to creating an ultra-high-end Zoom setup that will impress your clients and help you stand out as a top-notch online tutor. Happy tutoring!

Wi-Fi: The Good, the Bad, and the Choppy

We all know that Wi-Fi is an amazing invention, but let's be honest: it can be pretty unreliable at times. Choppy, uncomfortable connections can seriously degrade the value of your tutoring sessions. Don't worry, though, we've got a solution for you!

• '''Ethernet to the rescue:''' When possible, use an Ethernet cable to ensure a stable and reliable connection. Your students will thank you for the smooth, uninterrupted sessions. Trust us, the extra effort to plug in that cable is worth it.