what you need to boost the quality of your remote work setup

Author: Nick Hill | Lead Producer

ESTIMATED READ TIME | 4 MIN 37 SECONDS

Due to the current state of the world, you now find yourself turning that spare room, typically reserved for that bowflex you now use as a clothing line, into your work-from-home office.

It can all be quite an adjustment and navigating how one gets started with remote work can be overwhelming. That’s where our NORMAL, day-to-day workflow experience can help. We've been working remotely for awhile now. And, have had some time to tweak our remote work set ups. In this post, We share a short list of microphones and cameras you can use to get started in your new role as master Skype-setter-uper.

Most of our laptops, tablets and some All-in-one PC’s come with a built in webcam and an array of mics that we can use as a jumping off point but it isn’t a bad idea to up your game and the quality of at least one of these two if not both.  As someone in film and audio, my first recommendation would be to improve your audio. For one reason or another, most people can get past a subpar video clip so long as the audio is crisp and clean. To most humans, crap audio is a massive distraction (the expert studies are still out). So let’s start with microphones.
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A USB mic is a typically a huge upgrade for most of us who do a lot of virtual meetings, calls and conferencing. The list of affordable options is endless and most will end up being a huge upgrade AND most if not all will work on both PC, Mac and even iOS at times (with a small adapter).

For Good Audio

Audio Technica AT2020USB+

Our first choice is the Audio Technica AT2020USB+
I use a version of this microphone in my home studio for recording voice overs, instruments, and vocal tracks and for the price, it sounds amazing. The AT2020USB+ is USB powered, plug-and-play on most setups and comes with a nifty desk-top stand. Before you know it, you’ll be dropping radio spots in no time. At $129 at the time of this post, It’s a great option.
Here is a link to a great review!

Rode NT-USB Mini

Next is a more affordable option from one of the industry leaders in audio gear, Rode. The Rode NT-USB Mini comes in at just $99. It has a magnetic, desk-top stand, a large front-facing gain knob and sounds great. It also comes with a headphone jack so that you can monitor (listen) your voice directly. 
Here is another video and another great review of the Rode NT-USB Mini

Yeti by Blue

Finally, we have the Yeti by Blue. Blue has been making microphones for the recording industry forever and their line of USB mics are awesome. Coming in at $129, the Blue Yeti offers up 4 different pattern settings that allows you to capture sound a variety of ways. Cardioid mode captures audio directly in front, rejecting unwanted noise room and reverb (typical for most mic). Stereo mode which utilizes both stereo channels and captures a realistic, stereo image. Omnidirectional which captures sound equally from all around the mic and finally, Bidirectional, which captures audio from both the front and the rear. This is perfect for recording two people. Now you can start that podcast on creative Bowflex uses.  
Now, on to cameras. Like I prefaced before, most of our devices come with some degree of camera but, like i also prefaced, sometimes you just wanna level up!

This is my colleague  Elena's go to computer microphone.  Check out an example. ​

Elena with her favorite computer microphone, "Blue" for short.

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For Good Video

Logitech - C920S HD

Our first choice is the one I am personally using with my PC setup. It is the Logitech - C920S HD. This can be found at your local Best Buy and at the time of writing this, it is $69.99. It can record at 1080p HD and it also has built in microphones. The image is a vast improvement over most laptop cameras and can be integrated into most streaming, screen-capture and video conferencing software with ease. It also has auto-focu. Logitech has setup and utility software on their website that can help you get up and running in no time at all.
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Here is a great video on YouTube demoing the camera.

Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000

The Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 has been a popular choice for some time. It is by far one of the more affordable options out there generally at the cost of some bells and whistles. It Records video in HD 1080p and streams at 720p. It is also touted as, “Certified for Skype,” which must mean… it works with Skype. It can usually be found from $25-40. 
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Here is a link to a great rundown and review of it.

These choices are by no means a definitive list of what one should be using and keep in mind, there are so many options out there. We feel this will be a great jumping off point and of course, don’t forget, at the very least, utilize the devices you have already ie your phone, tablet, and laptop. We are lucky to be surrounded by technology that makes it quite easy to see and hear one another, no matter the distance between us.