High End Zoom Setup Guide: Difference between revisions
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An ultra-high-end setup is unlikely to translate to better quality over Zoom, but might be worth it if you choose to record your sessions or want to be featured in a podcast. | An ultra-high-end setup is unlikely to translate to better quality over Zoom, but might be worth it if you choose to record your sessions or want to be featured in a podcast. | ||
== Video: Let's Get Visual == | == Video: Let's Get Visual == |
Revision as of 05:27, 26 March 2023
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
A high-end audio setup is crucial for delivering top-notch online tutoring sessions. In this section, we discuss the importance of audio quality and provide recommendations for headsets and microphones to enhance your audio performance.
Although people often refer to "video conferencing," the audio portion is actually significantly more important for effective communication and understanding between you and your students. 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 vital 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 voice 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 solution to the need for headphones and a decent-quality microphone is investing in a "headset" - a pair of headphones with a built-in microphone.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of headset microphones don't sound that good because they are usually designed more for noise cancellation than for good sound. However, since 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 anyway.
Budget Options
For an affordable yet 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 budget options above is that they are generally not very comfortable to wear, and the sound is only "barely good enough."
If you want a headset that's comfortable to wear, has great sound, and features a microphone that's both noise-canceling AND good enough to be used in a podcasting setup, there is one - JUST ONE - USB Headset we've found that meets the criteria:
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet (Link to B&H Photo Video)
It comes with studio-grade headphones and a high-quality microphone with clear, open sound, good noise rejection, and great plosive control. If you don't mind a slightly geeky-looking headset and want the option to record high-quality audio, this is the one for you.
Price: $229
Standalone USB Mic
If you don't want to wear a bulky (or uncomfortable!) headset, another option is to invest in a USB microphone.
The microphone quality of standalone USB microphones will be significantly better than those found in headsets, and all of the options listed below will be good enough for recording should you want to do so.
- Samson Q2U (Amazon Link) A dynamic microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern, which helps reduce background noise. It includes a built-in headphone jack for audio monitoring. Priced around $50.
- Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB (Amazon Link)A versatile cardioid microphone with both USB and XLR outputs, making it suitable for podcasting and live performances. Priced around $60 - $75.
- Samson Q9U (Amazon Link) A dynamic microphone that captures a warm, natural sound with excellent noise rejection. Priced around $100.
All of these USB mics also allow you to use your choice headphones or earphones. You can even use Bluetooth earbuds, though we don't recommend Bluetooth due to a general lack of reliability - both with the transmission signal and battery life.
High-End USB Mic Option
If you want a really good USB Microphone, consider the Shure MV7 (Amazon Link)
Priced at around $250, the Shure MV7 offers all the essential features for most non-professionals.
It's a cousin of the super-popular SM7B podcast microphone, delivers great sound quality, and has many features specifically designed for podcast recording if that's something you want to do. It allows you to control EQ settings and adjust the monitor mix level for optimal audio monitoring, a feature that the above microphones don't have.
Microphone Stands
If you end up buying one of the microphones above - or one of the options from the High/Ultra-high end setup below, you will need a way to conveniently mount the microphone. You can either use a table top stand, or a microphone arm. These days I prefer a cheap, small stand, but your preferences may vary.
- Gator Frameworks Short Weighted Base Microphone Stand (Amazon Link) - This tabletop stand has a weighted base for stability and a compact design, ideal for podcasting and recording at your desk. Price: ~$35
- Samson MD5 Desktop Microphone Stand (Amazon Link) - Smaller and less beefy than the one above, and my current preference. Price: ~$15!
- Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom (Amazon Link) - This mic arm features a sleek design, allowing you to position the microphone near your mouth without obstructing your view of the screen. It also includes removable cable management covers for a clean setup. Price: ~$120
Ultra High-End Setup
For exceptional sound quality please check the "High-End Setup" section of our BMT Podcast Audio Setup Guide:
BMT Podcast Audio Setup Guide#High-End Setup: Audio Interface and XLR Microphones
An ultra-high-end setup is unlikely to translate to better quality over Zoom, but might be worth it if you choose to record your sessions or want to be featured in a podcast.
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.