Better audio is better for everyone!
Improving your audio quality should be a priority for your Zoom video conference. I was taught that audio is more important than video, meaning that your audience will listen to a video with low video resolution, but will probably move on if they have to struggle with bad audio.
In order to get the best sound on Zoom, avoiding the Zoom automatic compression, there are certain steps to take. Using the settings below will give your voice and music the best sound.
Setting up the audio settings on Zoom
1– Start Zoom, Join with computer audio
2. Unmute mic in bottom left corner, click the up arrow next to it and choose audio settings.
This brings up your audio settings dialogue box (You can also access this in Zoom preferences in the top Zoom menu).
3. Select which audio source you will be using, Built in microphone (internal) or another selection (Your capture card selection, if you have one, will show up here too).
4. Talk and adjust your input slider so the input level bars do not peak (red) at the end of the meter. The middle range is where you will get your best result. Too high and the sound will be distorted.
5. Turn OFF (Uncheck) Automatically adjust microphone volume. It’s best if you have manual control over this.
6. Click the Advanced button. This will take you to the next screen below.
You will then see the Advanced sound settings audio box:
7. Check the Show in-meeting option to “Enable Original Sound” from microphone
8. Disable Suppress Persistent Background Noise
9. Disable Suppress intermittent Background noise. This gets rid of all the additional processing that Zoom does. These can have a very negative impact on the quality of your sound.
10. Echo cancellation change to Auto
11. Then go back to advanced button to make sure your settings have been saved. After you confirm that settings have be saved. Click the small red button on top left.
This will take you to the main start screen. You will see the Turn off Original Sound label on the top left of your screen.
12. Make sure it is on Turn off Original Sound, this means that Original Sound is ON
Check out these additional instructions from Zoom.
You should be good to go with better audio for voice and music.
Mics
Here are a few microphone suggestion below:
This might seem obvious, if you’re using an external mic make sure you are close to the mic. The volume of your voice will drop off the further you are away from your mic.
Use either a table top USB mic or wireless lavalier for best audio quality (see below microphone link suggestions). Buy the best you can afford.
Rode NT-USB mic is a great option for pod cast style of video streaming. You can place this on your computer table or use a stand and adjustable arm for convenience.
Check out the link at B&H
Stellar X2 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser XLR Microphone Link on Amazon
This microphone is perfect for studio use, with a clear, natural warm tone. Check out the excellent reviews
If you plan to do a demo and need to move around, you will probably need to use a lapel (or lavaliere) mic. check out the
Rode Wireless GO Compact Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System Kit (Original, 2.4 GHz) Check it out at B&H
If you’re connecting your mic to a camera, take note of the connection before you purchase. Connections can be Micro HDMI, Mini HDMI, standard TRS 3.5 audio mic connector or XLR for more professional video cameras.
Please read my next companion article.
Look Great on Zoom
Thanks for reading and hope this helps.
Alan Cash now offers virtual and in-home consultations to help you improve you live video conferencing setup
