better recordings

on zoom

Dec.13, 2022

Duane Woods

Audio Video Design Specialist, CEE

sound, visuals and sharing screens

tips

• good audio is more important than a good webcam shot

• good mic: use an external mic or get close to your computer

• less echo: at home, use Zoom in a room with sound-absorbing materials (clothes, beds, carpets, curtains, blankets)

• get creative with what you have for backgrounds!

getting Good audio

Yeti Mic

External mics

Sennheiser Headphones with Mic

getting Good audio

Distance from the microphone or computer

• be about 1-2 feet away

• move closer if you sound too distant

• use headphones to self-monitor (optional)

• for external mics, select the cardioid pattern

Zoom audio settings

• sound level at three-quarters

Zoom video settings

webcams

• most computer webcams are fine

• external webcams should be 1080p (1920 x 1080)

getting Good Lighting

Distance from the microphone or computer

• use what you have

• sunlight works well, from the front or side (cloudy days are best)

• lamps can be very effective

• ringlights work well

• no backlighting

getting Good Lighting

Colour temperatures

• Daylight (white light) - 5000K - feels cooler

• Amber light (tungsten bulbs) - 3000-4000K - feel warmer 

• Florescent - 2700-6500K - feels...greener?

Good lighting?

Ambient Lighting - Lamps

Office Lighting - Florescent

Good lighting

White Light (Daylight) - Bright

Ringlight

Amber Light - Bright

Good lighting

White Light (Daylight) - Dim

Ringlight

Amber Light - Dim

Good lighting

Ringlight

Desklamp (Amber) - Side

Desklamp (Amber) - Bounced

Sharing Screens

Screensharing

Share Computer Sound

Optimize Screen Share For Video

screensharing

Small webcam shots

screensharing

large webcam shots

questions?