Improving meeting audio? Where to start!

[DHR]

Interested to see what people are using for desk mic setups without being overkill?

I'm looking at improving audio for work meetings specifically, replacing an old poly combined cam/mic/speaker device I'm using.

Not wanting to go full streamer with a desk full of kit, but definitely want something a little more hifi / studio quality for video calls than what I have - but as affordable as possible (I'd be looking at second hand first at the moment)

Where to begin? Not something I've looked to do before?

 

[Demon]

Interested to see what people are using for desk mic setups without being overkill?

I'm looking at improving audio for work meetings specifically, replacing an old poly combined cam/mic/speaker device I'm using.

Not wanting to go full streamer with a desk full of kit, but definitely want something a little more hifi / studio quality for video calls than what I have - but as affordable as possible (I'd be looking at second hand first at the moment)

Where to begin? Not something I've looked to do before?

It's not hi-fi/studio quality you want anyway, for video calls, what you want is good processing that makes speech super clear, will even out quiet and loud people on the other end and have a great microphone array with noise cancelling..

In work we have many solutions, but for individual offices, the best performing and value for money are the Jabra desk speakers, we have several Jabra 510's and a couple of newer Jabra Speak 2 55's..

These are really really good, USB, loud, clear, full duplex and great microphone arrays and literally made for the job..

Amazon have the Speak2 55 for £85 (whilst it says its on offer, its literally only worth that as it replaces the 510 which is <£80) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jabra-Bluetooth-Speakerphone-Noise-cancelling-Full-range/dp/B0BWKDDXTR?th=1

There is the Yealink CP700 which is £50 on amazon, but that has half the microphones and I don't think handles voices as well from its speaker, it doesn't equalise them and they don't sound quite as natural..

Then get any camera you like, we have such a mix in work, the Insta360 Link 2C is expensive at £110 but they are top notch, larger sensors, 4k allow great auto framing etc, but are a bit overkill!

 

[Admetos]

I have a Blue Yeti (still made) and Blue Yeti Pro (discontinued but was a higher quality version of original yeti).

For webcams I have a Logitech Brio and an older Logitech C920 Pro. I have 2 setups one in home office and another in the lounge connected to a HTPC.

Any of the products above are more than enough for Zoom, MS teams type stuff. The video quality on the Brio is quite a bit better than the older C920 Pro but the c920 is still ok for business type meetings.

 

[alex24]

What machine do you use?

I’m fortunate at work we get MacBook Pros which have webcams, speakers and mic that are just excellent already with MacOS and I also bought AirPod Pro 2s that I use when I can’t be on speaker and they are again just excellent out the box.

Tried various on-ear Jabra headsets etc but nowhere near as good or comfortable for me.

I’ve also used audiophile headphones (Philips Fidelio X2HR) with a Modmic connected and whilst they probably had the best audio quality, they were not comfortable all day. The AirPods are and they have ANC…

Finally, your environment can make a big difference for those listening to you. If it’s small, with hard flat surfaces, you may sound like you’re talking from the bathroom. So think about where you sit and what options you have and also soft furnishings that could help dampen sound, like curtains, cushions etc. It can make a surprising improvement.

Now I’ve finally figured this out post-covid, we are returning to the office…

 

[mid_gen]

A directional cardioid mic (Chinese ones are fine) will pick up more of your voice, less of the reflections. Sound treating your room is the ideal if you really want the best audio.

For video, any decent webcam will work, Logitech C920 is solid. Lighting is what will make it look more professional, so a big soft box or ring light.

You can plumb most modern SLRs in as a webcam so you could go that route with a wide, fast aperture prime lens, if you really wanted to go to town. A bit much for meetings though really.