Upgrade Your Work From Home Equipment

Improved Audio Quality: Professional Sound for Virtual Meetings

Why Audio Quality Matters

When working from home, clear and effective communication is paramount. Virtual meetings have become the norm, and while we’ve all experienced a patchy video feed now and then, poor audio quality can be far more disruptive. Muffled voices, background noise, and inconsistent sound levels can make it difficult to follow conversations, leading to misunderstandings and a lack of professionalism. If you're struggling to be heard clearly, it not only impacts your ability to communicate effectively but can also reflect poorly on your professionalism, whether you're in a casual team catch-up or an important client presentation.

Good audio quality ensures that your voice is clear and distinct, helping you convey your ideas confidently and engage more effectively with others. Investing in quality audio equipment is crucial to making sure your contributions are understood without the frustration of repeating yourself or battling against background noise.

Recommended Equipment: PD PCM120 USB Microphone

For crisp and professional audio, the PD PCM120 USB Condenser Microphone is an excellent choice. This microphone is designed to capture clear, detailed sound, making it ideal for virtual meetings, podcasts, or any audio recordings you might need to make from home. The condenser technology ensures that your voice is picked up accurately, reducing background noise and focusing on the sound directly in front of the mic. Plus, with its USB microphone connection, it’s incredibly easy to set up—just plug it into your computer, and you're ready to go.

The PD PCM120 also comes with a sturdy stand, allowing you to position it at the perfect height for optimal sound capture. This not only helps your voice clarity but also frees you from the restrictions of built-in laptop microphones, which often fail to deliver the same level of audio quality.

Recommended Equipment: Audizio ANC110 Wireless Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation

Pairing your microphone with high-quality headphones, like the Audizio ANC110 Wireless Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation, can further improve your audio experience. Active noise cancellation (ANC) is essential for blocking out distractions, whether it’s the hum of household appliances or the sounds of a bustling household. The ANC110 headphones provide clear, immersive sound for listening.

These wireless headphones offer the flexibility to move around your workspace without being tethered to your desk, and their long battery life means they’ll last through even the most extended meetings. With their comfortable fit and advanced noise-cancelling technology, you can maintain focus and professionalism, even in a noisy home environment.

Tips for Optimising Your Audio Setup

• Microphone Positioning: Place your microphone close to your mouth but slightly off-centre to reduce plosive sounds (those harsh “p” and “b” sounds). A distance of 6-12 inches usually works well.
• Use Headphones: Always use headphones during virtual meetings to prevent audio feedback and echo, which can occur if your speakers and microphone pick up the same sounds.
• Soundproofing Your Room: Consider simple soundproofing solutions like adding rugs, curtains, or foam panels to your workspace. These materials can absorb unwanted noise, leading to a cleaner sound during your calls.
• Regular Audio Checks: Before important meetings, do a quick audio check to ensure everything is working correctly. Test your microphone levels and ensure that background noise is minimised.

Perfecting Lighting: Look Your Best on Camera

The Importance of Good Lighting

In the era of video conferencing and content creation, lighting plays a critical role in how you're perceived on camera. Poor lighting can make you look tired, washed out, or even unprofessional, regardless of how prepared or articulate you are. Good lighting, on the other hand, helps your on-screen appearance, making you look more vibrant and engaged. It can also help reduce eye strain for those watching, as well as improve the overall quality of your video feed, whether you're in a meeting or recording content.

Proper lighting is essential not just for vanity but for clear communication. When your face is well-lit, your expressions are more visible, making it easier for others to engage with what you're saying. This is especially important for maintaining rapport and conveying non-verbal cues, which are crucial components of effective communication.

Recommended Equipment: Beamz SFP100 LED Panel Softbox (100W CW/WW)

To achieve professional-level lighting at home, the Beamz SFP100 LED Panel Softbox is a fantastic tool. This softbox light is designed to provide consistent, adjustable lighting, which is perfect for both video calls and content creation. The LED panel offers a range of colour temperatures, from cool to warm white, allowing you to customise the light to suit your environment and the time of day.

What makes the Beamz SFP100 stand out is its ability to produce soft, even lighting that reduces harsh shadows and glare, creating a more flattering image. Its adjustable brightness means you can fine-tune the light intensity to match your needs, ensuring that you’re always well-lit without being overexposed. Additionally, this light is easy to set up and can be positioned in various ways to achieve the best lighting angle for your space.

Tips for Lighting Setup

• Positioning Your Lights: The key to good lighting is positioning. Place your softbox light at a 45-degree angle from your face, slightly above eye level. This helps to distribute light evenly and avoid shadows. If you’re using natural light, try to position yourself facing a window to allow even light across your face.
• Avoid Backlighting: Make sure your primary light source isn’t directly behind you, as this can cause your face to appear dark and shadowy. If you have a bright window behind you, consider using curtains or blinds to diffuse the light.
• Use Multiple Light Sources: If possible, use more than one light source to eliminate shadows and provide depth to your appearance. A softbox as your main light and a smaller, less intense light on the opposite side can help balance the lighting.
• Adjust for Time of Day: As the natural light changes throughout the day, you may need to adjust your artificial lighting to maintain consistent video quality. Dim or brighten your lights as needed to keep a professional appearance on camera.

With the right lighting setup, you can enhance your on-camera presence, making you look polished and professional during every virtual meeting or recording session. Investing in quality lighting equipment like the Beamz SFP100 LED Panel Softbox ensures you always put your best face forward.

Visual Setup: Clearer Viewing Experience

Why Dual Monitors Are a Game-Changer

If you’ve ever found yourself juggling between multiple tabs or trying to compare documents on a single screen, you know how limiting a single monitor can be. Enter the dual monitor setup—a true game-changer for multitasking. With two screens, you can have your email open on one side while working on a document or attending a video conference on the other, drastically improving your workflow and efficiency. For tasks that require referencing multiple sources, such as research, coding, or design work, dual monitors provide the space needed to work more comfortably and productively.

A dual monitor setup doesn’t just increase your screen real estate; it also reduces the need to constantly switch between tabs or windows, saving you time and reducing the mental load of keeping track of multiple tasks. This setup is especially beneficial for those who work with detailed spreadsheets, complex projects, or any job requiring constant access to multiple applications.

Recommended Equipment: Audizio MAD20 Dual Monitor Desk Stand

The Audizio MAD20 Dual Monitor Desk Stand is the ideal solution for supporting your dual monitor setup. This stand is designed to hold two monitors securely, with adjustable arms that allow you to position your screens at the perfect height and angle. This flexibility not only enhances comfort by reducing neck and eye strain but also helps to maintain an organised, clutter-free desk by freeing up valuable desktop space.

The MAD20's sturdy build ensures that your monitors remain stable, even during adjustments. Its sleek, space-saving design is perfect for keeping your workspace tidy, and the easy adjustability allows you to customise your setup based on your specific needs, whether you’re sitting or standing.

Recommended Equipment: Vonyx SMN30B Active Home Studio Monitors (Pair)

For those who need high-quality audio in their workspace—whether for video editing, music production, or simply enjoying great sound while working—the Vonyx SMN30B Active Studio Monitors are an excellent addition. Unlike standard computer speakers, these Home studio monitors deliver clear, accurate sound, making them perfect for any task that requires precision audio.

The SMN30B monitors provide a balanced sound that’s ideal for both professional work and casual listening, ensuring that every detail of your audio is crisp and clear. They’re compact enough to fit comfortably on your desk, yet powerful enough to fill your space with high-quality sound, enhancing your overall work experience.

Tips for an Efficient Visual and Audio Setup

• Monitor Arrangement: Position your dual monitors side by side, with the edges of each screen slightly angled towards you. This creates a more immersive viewing experience and allows for seamless transitions between screens. Adjust the height so that the top of the screens are at or slightly below eye level to reduce neck strain.
• Incorporate Studio Monitors: Place your home studio monitors at ear level, equidistant from your seating position. This helps to create an optimal listening environment where the sound reaches your ears without distortion. If space is tight, consider using monitor stands to elevate them above your desk.
• Cable Management: Use the cable management features of the MAD20 stand to keep monitor cables organised and out of sight. This helps maintain a clean, professional-looking setup and prevents cables from tangling.

Organising Your Workspace: Declutter for Better Focus

The Importance of an Organised Workspace

An organised workspace is more than just visually pleasing—it’s a key factor in maintaining productivity and mental clarity. Clutter, whether it’s stacks of paper, tangled cables, or random office supplies, can be distracting and overwhelming. When your workspace is cluttered, it can be harder to focus, leading to procrastination and a decrease in work efficiency. A tidy, well-organised desk, on the other hand, promotes a sense of calm and order, making it easier to concentrate and get work done efficiently.

A clutter-free environment also helps to reduce stress and mental fatigue. By creating a space where everything has its place, you can eliminate unnecessary distractions and streamline your workflow. The result? A workspace that’s not only more functional but also more enjoyable to spend time in.

Tips for Decluttering and Organising Your Workspace

• Cable Management: Loose cables can quickly turn a tidy desk into a tangled mess. To keep cables organised, use cable ties or clips to bundle them together neatly. Under-desk cable trays can also be a great solution, keeping cables out of sight and off the floor. If possible, opt for wireless devices like a mouse or keyboard to reduce cable clutter altogether.
• Desk Organisation: Invest in desk organisers to keep your essentials within easy reach without overcrowding your workspace. A simple tray or set of drawers can store stationery, files, and other small items, keeping them off your desk but easily accessible when needed. For papers and documents, use file organisers or a filing cabinet to keep everything in order.
• Minimalism: Embrace a minimalist approach by keeping only the essential items on your desk. This could include your laptop, a notebook, a pen holder, and perhaps a personal item or two, like a plant or photo. The idea is to remove anything that doesn’t serve a specific purpose in your workday, reducing visual clutter and helping you focus on the tasks at hand.

By taking the time to declutter and organise your workspace, you create an environment that supports your productivity and mental well-being. With a clean and orderly desk, you’ll find it easier to focus, reduce stress, and maintain a more positive work-from-home experience.