Tips and Tricks for a great video call

Discalaimer:

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Index

Top selection Youtube movies on sound

See below a list of great accounts on Youtube that provide all sorts of tips.

6 key aspects for sound in a video conference

  1. The more frequencies in your voice delivers a richer sound, and the less energie it costs your co-participants.
  2. The less echo from your room and the less of surrounding sounds, the less energie it costs your co-participants.
  3. The richer the sound on you, the more comfortable and less energy consuming a video call will be.
  4. The richer and scharper the video image the less straining a conversation is on you and your co-participants.
  5. There is something on eye contact and showing more than just your face.
  6. Do not underestimate the importance of bandwidth from your internet and your computer.

Bottom line to improve your video experience

  1. Get a good external camera.
  2. Get a good external microphone.
  3. Get a good (over-ear) headphone.
  4. Get a good internet connection.
  5. Get stuff in your room.

3 Sound options when behind a laptop

The laptop built-in microphone

A standard laptop microphone will pick up all the sound in its surrounding. This is called an omni-directional microphone. By default the microphone in the laptop is either placed next to the camera or just above the middle function keys on the keyboard.

Therefore by default the microphone picks up pretty clearly the keyboard usage and the spinning of the laptop fan. And the microphone will pick up all the sound surrounding the laptop, from spoons in cups to people walking round the table.

This makes the built-in laptop microphone less than optimal for people to listen in without effort.

Microphone via Inner-ear headphone

In dutch the inner-ear headphones are called “dopjes”

Most modern headphones that come with your telephone are inner-ears and are equipped with a microphone. Usually the microphone is part of the wire around 20 cm below one of the speakers.

These headphones have a plug (3.5 millimeter mini-jack connection) consisting of 4 regions divided by 3 rings.

A headphone without a microphone is equipped with 2 rings (TRS), a headphone with a microphone has 3 rings (TRRS). For more on this you can always count on wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phone_connector_(audio) In the beginning laptops have a separate headphone and separate microphone connector that support two rings (TRS).

Most laptops do not support a microphone via the headset connector. You can check via google if your laptop does support the microphone via the headphone connector.

This is your first moment of pondering and choice:

  1. When you love your inner-ears, and they work great with your phone. Then use the video meeting application on your phone. It is possible to use Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom etc via your phone for audio only. Use your phone for just audio and use your laptop for video, chat and screen sharing. This is the cheapest solution to improve the microphone audio quality.
  2. When you are not happy with the need to login twice, or you are not willing to use your phone or there is another reason to only use your laptop, then the only option is to use a microphone via USB.

Bluetooth headset -> out of scope

Bottom line: do not use bluetooth headsets for video calls. They experience latency and interference. And also have the need for a battery. For a phone call they can be liberating, or for listening to podcasts or youtube movies during cooking.

Furthermore a headset will pick up lots of surrounding sounds and therefore deliver less from optimal sound during video calls.

Microphone via USB

Headset vs separate microphone.

This is your second moment of pondering and choice:

  1. Do you prefer a headset with a small microphone connected directed facing you mouth, or
  2. Do you prefer a microphone standing on your desk?

Headset

The benefit of a headset is that it is an over-ear headphone and reduces the sound of the surrounding. The brands Jabra, JBL and Logitech are the best. A cheap but good alternative is the brand trust.

Another benefit is that the microphone is directed to your mouth and therefore the microphone only picks up the sound of your voice.

Some people swear by headsets, since the sound quality is amazing and you never have to think about where you put your microphone on your desk. Just put on your headset and go. Downside is

  • Not everybody loves the way the headset feels on their head and how it looks.
  • Due to the corona pandemic many headsets are sold-out and unavailable
  • Headsets are not cheap.

This is a very nice overview of available headsets (in the netherlands) https://www.coolblue.nl/en/headsets/usb-headsets?sort=lowest-price&page=1 Most are out of stock. Via the site [tweakers.net][https://tweakers.net/pricewatch/] often a webshop can be found that still has some in stock of your desired brand and type.

Advice is to buy Jabra or Logitech since they deliver great sound quality, comfort and are top quality. This applies when you are not a gamer. When you are a gamer then you will have your own ways to find the best headset to use the whole day and top it off in the evening with come gaming.

Seperate microphone

This option is my personal favorite, but this is clearly a personal opinion.

A USB microphone has two options for sound sensitivity.

  1. Omni-directional pattern
  2. Cardioid pattern

Cardioid pattern implies that only the front of the microphone is sensitive for picking ups sound. This enables you to put the laptop (and other sound sources) at the back of your microphone so that the sound of the fan in your laptop and your keyboard will not be picked up.

This site provides a nice overview of the various patterns. https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/studio-microphone-buying-guide

Choosing a separate microphone over a headset leads to a bit more work. You need to learn how and where you position the microphone. In my opinion this weighs up to the freedom gained in selecting and switching to a preferred headphone. During the corona pandemic the USB microphones are still plenty available. See for dutch webshops the following links to their USB Microphone options.

  1. Bax-Shop https://www.bax-shop.nl/usb-microfoons?o=popular&p%5Bmax%5D=100&online_stock%5B%5D=0&online_stock%5B%5D=1
  2. Coolblue https://www.coolblue.nl/zoeken/producttype:microfoons/type-microfoonaansluiting:usb?query=usb%20microfoon&sorteren=laagste-prijs&pagina=1

Great option 1

A very cheap and pretty good option is the Devine M-mic. This is priced at 31 Euro, and comes with a pretty good tripod for placement on your table. The only downside is that it does not have a headphone connector in the microphone. This would be a bonus.

https://www.bax-shop.nl/grootmembraan-condensatormicrofoons/devine-m-mic-usb-bk-condensatormicrofoon-zwart#productinformatie

Great option 2

The Samson Go is also relatively cheap (36 Euro) and widely available. The reviews of this one are very good. The form factor is very small and fits in your bag. Another bonus is that it is equipped with a headphone adapter. It is not equipped with a tripod but a different adapter, the reviews are not conclusive if this is an issue. It supports a bit smaller frequency range as the Devine.

https://www.bax-shop.nl/usb-microfoon/samson-go-mic-miniatuur-usb-condensator-microfoon

more to spend

When you want to spend a bit more, between the 60 and 100 euro’s there are plenty of super microphones that deliver super quality. In this range there are different designs available. For example specific for gamers or youtube stars (to be).

Summary

  1. Get a USB microphone Since this connects directly to your laptop. For most people the other option (an xlr microphone) is too much hassle.
  2. Get a USB microphone with a (super) Cardioid pattern To prevent sound pickup other than your voice.

Great shortlist of USB microphones

This is a short list of some USB microphones based on watching many video’s.

  1. Devine M-Mic USB BK (30E, [bax-shop][https://www.bax-shop.nl/grootmembraan-condensatormicrofoons/devine-m-mic-usb-bk-condensatormicrofoon-zwart#productinformatie])
  2. Samson GO USB (40E, [bax-shop][https://www.bax-shop.nl/usb-microfoon/samson-go-mic-miniatuur-usb-condensator-microfoon])
  3. Razer Seiren Mini (60E, [amazon.de][https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08GP86RTQ], [tweakers.net][https://tweakers.net/pricewatch/1629528/razer-seiren-mini-zwart.html], [youtube review][https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJQLRzDZ3mo])
  4. SUDOTACK ST- 810 (incl standaard, 64E [amazon.de][https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07SYQCT8P], [youtube review][https://youtu.be/HtjbquBYXbs])
  5. Yeti Snowball (65E, 65E, [tweakers][https://tweakers.net/pricewatch/487113/blue-microphones-snowball-ice-wit/reviews/])
  6. Trust GXT 252 Emita (complete set, 90E, [tweakers][https://tweakers.net/pricewatch/1128739/trust-gxt-252-emita.html])
  7. Tip: Audio Technica ATR2500x-USB (120E, [tweakers][https://tweakers.net/pricewatch/1603418/audio-technica-atr2500x-usb-microphone/specificaties/], [youtube review][https://youtu.be/uBvh8n2YC1U]) Populair 2020: Yeti (133E, [tweakers][https://tweakers.net/pricewatch/285892/blue-microphones-yeti-usb-condensermicrofoon-zilver.html])

Bonus content : condenser vs dynamic microphones.

When you are looking into microphones you will be confronted with the difference between a Condenser microphone and a dynamic microphone. Dynamic microphones are used for singing in a band, it will not pick up the surrounding sounds and sounds from accidentally tapping the stand, but therefore also does provide a more flat sound of your voice.

A Condenser microphone is more sensitive. For it to work you need to put the microphone really close to your mouth. (10-15 cm). The condenser microphone delivers a way richer feel to your voice. This is great for podcasting and audiobooks.

In my experience this difference is only a factor when looking for an XLR microphone since most USB microphones are dynamic cardioid microphones.

See this great flowchart to determine which pattern and type of microphones is best for your: https://www.bandrewscott.com/findtherightmic

Youtube channels

Accounts with Great content

  1. Podcastage - delivers a review of almost every possible microphone. Awesome! https://www.youtube.com/c/Podcastage/about

  2. BoothJunkie - delivers reviews and also sound tips. https://www.youtube.com/c/BoothJunkieVO/about

  3. Curtis Judd - delivers review of almost every possible microphone. https://www.youtube.com/c/curtisjudd/about

  4. Alpha Gaming - great tips on sound, video, composition. Awesome! https://www.youtube.com/c/AlphaGamingHouse/about

  5. Epos Vox - Great content on light and camera’s https://www.youtube.com/c/EposVox/about

On the room and setting

  1. How to Start a Podcast 2020 | Equipment & Guide for Beginners (Audio and Video) @Indy Mogul https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMITDLMW5EM&t

  2. Mastering Composition + Cinematography with Will Smith D4Darious https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIvGRytmRaw

  3. How to Talk to the Camera! Daniel Schiffer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ2QF5Oa0bk

HOW TO FILM YOURSELF

  1. Peter McKinnon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEfwjZZeBC4

  2. This $130 Video Desk Setup Rocks! @DSLR Video Shooter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrWpkZix_sI

  3. Every Streaming Purchase You Could Need In 2020 Alpha Gaming https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzUoaNWJeug

  4. Gitlab - Documentation on Remote working and your Workplace https://about.gitlab.com/company/culture/all-remote/workspace/

  5. Gitlab - Documenataton on Communicating via Video Calls https://about.gitlab.com/handbook/communication/

  6. Gitlab - Documentation on Collaboration via Video Calls https://about.gitlab.com/company/culture/all-remote/collaboration-and-whiteboarding/

On microphones

  1. USB vs XLR Mics EXPLAINED! - Everything You Need To Know Alpha Gaming https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEpPyTu2Ubk

See the accounts of Alpha Gaming and Podcastage for advice on Microphones in addition to this document.

On Camera

  1. PICKING A LIVE STREAM CAMERA - literally everything you need to know @Alpha Gaming https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OptCyy25M5Y

  2. The BEST Budget Camera for Youtube and Streaming?? Sony a5100 v Canon m200 v Panasonic Lumix G7 @Alpha Gaming https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GPz5WRKQwU

  3. 5 Great Cameras to take your Streaming Quality to the NEXT LEVEL EposVox https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61TcpH7RI_8

See the accounts of Alpha Gaming and Epos Vox for advice on Cameras in addition to this document.

On Sound

  1. A voiceover vocal booth in 10 minutes - for free? @Booth Junkie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Se381sERrY

  2. Creating a high quality audio podcast over Skype @Booth Junkie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjiLTGpZqsQ

  3. Playlist on how to create your own silent paneling @edzob https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOo206xZz3BVHDx3ALNHFUcHkV8T3C4Df

  4. Budget Audio Treatment & Budget Vocal Booth (FAQ Series) Podcastage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h84lrQQTl8

  5. 10 Tips for Better Sounding Vocal Recordings for Beginners (FAQ Series) Podcastage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty8YLqOmbV4

  6. What Is Acoustic Audio Treatment and What Does it Do? Podcastage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSP1l77xFyo

  7. 4 STEPS to sound like a PRO on Twitch!! Alpha Gaming https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYgXFVm3-mk

  8. How To Make A USB Mic Sound Like A $2000 Studio Microphone Alpha Gaming https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToHuInqVEHE&t=416s

On Light

  1. 10 Video LED Lights $50-$100 DSLR Video Shooter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcBb-MInwBc

Setup Shopping Lists

https://kit.co/edzob/budget-podcast-setup-for-four-persons-in-the-same-room-660-eur

Product target prices (EUR) # Total ULTRAVOICE XM8500 €20.00 4 €80.00 Samson SAMD5 Desktop Microphone Stand €20.00 4 €80.00 Neewer® 6-pack 6.5FT / 2M XLR-stekker naar XLR-bus €40.00 1 €40.00 Zoom H6 Black €330.00 1 €330.00 Manfrotto PIXI Tafelstatief €25.00 1 €25.00 Sony MDR-ZX110 €13.00 4 €52.00 Eono Aux Kabel 3,5mm Audio Kabel - 1m €6.00 5 €30.00 Amazon Basics 5-way splitter €11.00 1 €11.00 Ikea Heat €2.00 3 €6.00 Amazon Basics USB 2.0 Kabel €6.00 1 €6.00 Total €660.00

https://kit.co/edzob/100-eur-budget-xlr-podcast-recording-setup-1-person
Product target prices (EUR) # Total Samson SAQ2UHD Q2U €70.00 1 €70.00 Sony MDR-ZX110 Headphone €13.00 1 €13.00

Samson SAMD5 Desktop Microphone Stand €20.00 1 €20.00 NeewerMikrofonstände €22.99 0 €0.00 Total €103.00

https://kit.co/edzob/100-eur-budget-usb-podcast-recording-setup-1-person
Product target prices (EUR) # Total ULTRAVOICE XM8500 €20.00 1 €20.00 Amazon Basics - XLR-Mikrofonkabel | 1,8 m €10.70 1 €10.70 Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 €38.00 1 €38.00 Sony MDR-ZX110 Headphone €13.00 1 €13.00

NeewerMikrofonstände €22.99 1 €22.99 Samson SAMD5 Desktop Microphone Stand €20.00 0 €0.00 Total €104.69

  1. https://sip.audio/knowledgebase/build_sip_codec_raspberry_pi.php Build a SIP Codec with a Raspberry Pi

  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO_L4i9hab0 Build an IP codec for sip.audio with a Raspberry Pi and a USB microphone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4GSucH4luo Full duplex 2 way audio streaming(OPUS codec) on a Raspberry PI using GSTREAMER - LIVE DEMO

Streaming Stereo Audio over the internet with a TCP OPUS RTP Gstreamer AUDIO PIPELINE - LIVE demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSjKU6N1Y50

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELgsm97UnVA Stereo Audio Conferencing FULL MESH p2p node - with a Raspberry Pi & the OPUS VOIP APP - Seren

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLpSCvDyhHI Build your own OPUS VOIP SFU audio conference server using ZeroTier SDN, Gstreamer & a Raspberry PI

Opus Codec - Raspberry Pi

So there is a way to connect video in low latency from various locations. This is called NDI.

  1. [Comparing Low Latency Streaming Protocols: SRT, WebRTC, LL-HLS, UDP, TCP, RTMP][https://www.muvi.com/blogs/comparing-low-latency-streaming-protocols.html]

  2. [Low Latency Video Streaming: The Complete Guide][https://corp.kaltura.com/blog/low-latency-streaming-guide/]

  3. [Ultra low latency video streaming and 10 use cases][https://antmedia.io/ultra-low-latency-video-streaming-use-cases/]

  4. [Streaming Protocols: Everything You Need to Know (Update)][https://www.wowza.com/blog/streaming-protocols]

  5. [Low Latency Streaming Protocols SRT, WebRTC, LL-HLS, UDP, TCP, RTMP Explained][https://ottverse.com/low-latency-streaming-srt-webrtc-ll-hls-udp-tcp-rtmp/]

  6. [SRT vs. NDI for remote video production][https://www.epiphan.com/blog/srt-vs-ndi/]

  7. [Wikipedia: Network Device Interface][https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_Device_Interface]

So there is also a way to connect audio (only) in low latency from various locations. This is called OPUS and SIP.

  1. https://sip.audio/knowledgebase/build_sip_codec_raspberry_pi.php

  2. [Youtube: Build an IP codec for sip.audio with a Raspberry Pi and a USB microphone][https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO_L4i9hab0]

  3. [Youtube: A beginner’s guide to Raspberry Pi streaming ][https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BUjj2mZ4o0]

  4. [Youtube: Full duplex 2 way audio streaming(OPUS codec) on a Raspberry PI using GSTREAMER - LIVE DEMO][https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4GSucH4luo]

  5. [Youtube: Streaming Stereo Audio over the internet with a TCP OPUS RTP Gstreamer AUDIO PIPELINE - LIVE demo][https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSjKU6N1Y50]

  6. [Youtube: Stereo Audio Conferencing FULL MESH p2p node - with a Raspberry Pi & the OPUS VOIP APP - Seren][https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELgsm97UnVA]

  7. [Youtube: Build your own OPUS VOIP SFU audio conference server using ZeroTier SDN, Gstreamer & a Raspberry PI][https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLpSCvDyhHI]