work-from-home-setup
So, here is my current list of things I would recommend for people for working from home for meetings. It is a combination of Headphones, Mic, Lighting, and Camera. The major thing is Audio, and everything else is a bonus on top of that. I am not saying you should go out and spend a bunch of money, but anything over the built in stuff is a big upgrade to make your meeting more enjoyable.
Headset
First things first... the best thing you can do is just get a headset. Literally any USB headset that is like $20 will work and they are also great if you don't have a full desk. This is a huge improvementand is my first recommendation.
Upgrading
Want to go further and do some more serious upgrades and look a bit more like:
Here are a bunch of recommendations to help get your there regardless of your budget:
Microphone:
Good audio is important!
All in one
Advantage... all in one, USB, nothing else needed, but more limiting.
- Blue Yeti Nano - $100 - https://amzn.to/395En9c
- Blue Yeti - $130 - https://amzn.to/2woFSlp
- Blue Yeti Pro - $170 - https://amzn.to/3a8vP5D
With any of these I highly recommend that they have a place where it can be really close to them or an Arm Mount is great and some of these have combos.
USB + ARM == Awesome
One of my new favorite products is the Yeticaster, which has a built in Yeti + Arm in it! For $180 it is a steal and you don't have to worry about a complex setup and you can get it close to your mouth for the best audio.
Stand alone Mics
I am a big fan of combining Mic + Arm + XLR + Audio interface. You get all of the control and have a wide variety of options. There are a lot of mics out there, however the main ones that we use for podcasting are the MXL 770 and the Blue Blackout SL. These both are solid microphones. They are a bit different in price, but you can't go wrong with either.
- MXL 770 - $70 - https://amzn.to/2QAfLyV
- Top Pick - Blue Blackout SL - $200 - https://amzn.to/2x9obGH
These also need an audio interface
These give you complete control from XLR to USB with the ability to adjust your audio levels, mix, and more.
- U-Phoria UMC22 - $70 - https://amzn.to/2IZMWHZ
- Scarlett Solo - $100 - https://amzn.to/2KbVVcS
- Also you will need a XLR cable
- Amazon Basics - < $10 - https://amzn.to/2x99dAu
Microphone Arm Mount - Recommended
- Cheap - NEEWER Arm - $14 - https://amzn.to/2Qum1bi
- Top Pick - Blue Compass - $100 - https://amzn.to/3947j11
- Top Pick - Rode PSA 1 (preferred) - $100 - https://amzn.to/33wFL3t
Pop Filter
Everyone needs a pop filter and they are all the same (good for both all in one and standalone mics)
- Simple - Neewer $10 - https://amzn.to/2JfA2Wx
- Top - Blue - $50 https://amzn.to/2U73GmU
Headphones:
I like a nice monitoring studio headset. They usually are made for longer sessions and nice and comfy.
- Entry - Samson SR850 - $50 - https://amzn.to/2xgNu9u
- Preferred - Sony MDR7506 - $90 - https://amzn.to/3dgW4Wy
Webcams:
Everything is basically sold out or at crazy prices. I usually recommend the Logitech C920 as it is basic and under $40 and does a great job, but everything is crazy expensive. I would then recommend capturing a DSLR or go-pro(like i do) with a Cam Link, but they are also completely sold out.
Lighting:
I am a huge fan of the keylight. they are expensive, but really nice with awesome control of power and temp
- Full Key Light - $180 - https://amzn.to/2J3VTQE
- Key Light Air - $130 - https://amzn.to/3dl8VHo
You can also get a series of Ring Lights that Hanselman has recommended in the past before, but I think they make your eyes look weird unless you get a large one coming from the top down.
Desk
I love a good sit/stand desk and personally own a Fully
Podcasting?
Looking to podcast? I have a guide similar to this on my blog: https://montemagno.com/podcast-equipment-accessories-guide/
Live Streaming?
Looking to live stream on Twitch/YouTube? Checkout my Gist on my setup
My Setup
Here is what I personally own:
- Microphone: Blue Blackout SL - $200 - https://amzn.to/2x9obGH
- Arm: Rode PSA 1 - $100 - https://amzn.to/33wFL3t
- Audio Interface: U-Phoria UMC22 - $70 - https://amzn.to/2IZMWHZ
- Pop Filter: Blue - $50 https://amzn.to/2U73GmU
- Webcam: Go-pro Hero 4 + Cam Link
- Lighting: 2x Full Key Light - $180 - https://amzn.to/2J3VTQE
- Headphones: Sony MDR7506 - $90 - https://amzn.to/3dgW4Wy
- Elgato Key Light: Professional LED Panel + WiFi control
- Elgato Stream Deck: Essential for moving from scene to scene, muting audio, and playing clips.
- Desk: Jarvis from Fully: https://www.fully.com
- Mouse: Logi MX Master 2S: https://amzn.to/3lBIEdS
- Keyboard: Tecware Phantom 87 - Brown: https://amzn.to/3v65GN4
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