Level Up Your Home Audio & Video

Many of us have now been working from home for years with the realization that office work has changed forever and at home work is either the "new normal" or at least a significant part of the mix moving forward.

As Marketers (Marketeers?) we always want to put our best foot forward - our online presence must be impeccable. While using the laptop built in microphone and webcam is functional, a few small and inexpensive upgrades can make a huge difference, from daily meetings to recording videos. While there are plenty of YouTube videos out there on how to create a podcasting system, the goal of this article to talk about a low cost, professional setup for business. (Note this is purely information - I do not receive a referral fee and I paid for everything).

Start with the Webcam

While there are many great choices out there, Logitech has great products, broad compatibility, great support, and typically easy to use. The Logitech C920 – is supported by “Logitech G Hub” software that gives full control over the camera inside Teams, Zoom, and other video apps. I use this software all the time when in a Microsoft Teams / Zoom meeting, giving full control of field of view, aspect ratio, recording resolution, white-balance, auto-focus, frames-per-second, and other settings.

As this articles dates there will be better cameras available, likely at cheaper prices. If you have a different camera, find control software to optimize the settings e.g. https://faltinek.de/freestuff/CamooZ.zip

Physical security is essential with a webcam, with a flip cover mandatory on any system - even laptops and tablets.

Microphone

Microphone choice comes down to personal preference – some like lapel mics, some like stand mics – I have a Yeti X USB Mic mounted it on a boom - reconditioned stock was ~$35 cheaper resulting in ~$130 total. If you go with a different USB Mic, make sure you get one with 3 condensers, like the Blue Yeti (the Yeti X has 4) - steer away from the cheap single condenser ones.

You always want the microphone close to your mouth - some people like the desktop stand that comes with the microphone, however I mounted mine on a boom over the top of the monitor, with a pop filter. Gives great audio and I can easily swing it out of the way when not needed. The Yeti X is a side-address condenser microphone, so you can capture the best sound by going face-to-face with it, not speaking into the "end".

Professional Microphones typically have different pickup patterns - have a test call with a friend and run through which setting gives you the best audio. Typically the cardioid pattern does the best for noise rejection and signal quality for a single person speaking. The other pickup patterns are generally more appropriate for multiple speakers and capturing ambient sound.

Yeti is owned by Logitech so their mics can be configured with the Logitech G Hub utility, delivering a suite of broadcast vocal effects - you can make Yeti X sound the way you want using presets e.g. crisp and modern, warm and vintage, and classic radio voice. The Logitech G Hub Utility can also configure the Logitech Webcams (and other Logitech products).

USB Lapel mics are another option, and again, keep it close to your mouth when using. Try to keep the microphone away from any laptop fans that create ambient noises and center the microphone as close to your face as realistically possible with your home office configuration.

Lights

Make sure you don’t have any natural light coming in from an angle – likely best to close all shades and have no natural light when you record - the goal is to have even, balanced face lighting. Ideally, you want to light yourself from the front with soft, indirect light and minimize any other lighting in the room, particularly from windows or light sources behind you. If possible, avoid any ceiling mounted lights that are directly behind you when presenting as the lights tend to over saturate the web camera’s light sensors.

One single light mounted above the camera is generally good enough, although two lights each slightly angled is best.?You want a light with adjustable warmth, to achieve good color skin tones.?I use the Lumecube Mini on it's included tripod and diffuser - setting to the warmest setting it suits my complexion.

Green Screen

I don't use a green screen unless recording for a virtual event. For every day meetings I use a folding Japanese screen to hide the clutter of my office. Ideally you want a background with a few pictures to make it slightly interesting - try not to have a blank wall or something extremely cluttered. Try not to use the blur background feature as it can blur you as you move around and is quite distracting.

If you want to have a green screen, get something with a stand and one that’s easy to get wrinkles out of – look closely at the reviews.

Software

Product Marketing in my company has standardized on Snagit and Camtasia – these are standard PMM/TMM software recording tools and have been for many years.?Take the time to watch the tutorials built into the software. There are other options out there such as Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). One new tool that I have been impressed with is the (free) Microsoft Clip Champ - find it on Microsoft Store.

Wireless presenter

Tip for people who like to use their hands when presenting, especially when recording video – reaching to the mouse can be tough/distracting while presenting sitting down, so use a remote presenter like this one in your hand to prevent reaching for the mouse. Then you can move your hands and arms around while you speak.

Test your setup.

Once you have everything setup don't forget to work with a friend and try out the various settings to get everything right. And when on a call or recording, remember - Don’t be a Robot - be human and let your personality and fun show through!