8 Tips to Improve Your Audio Quality on Video Calls

We’ve all been there: you’re on a Zoom call and you can barely make out what the other person is saying. It’s a frustrating experience, and it’s one that can be easily avoided. Don’t let it happen to you. Here are some tips to help you sound crisp and clear on your next Zoom or Google Meet video call. 

Avoid the built-in microphone, choose the right one.

A good microphone is essential for achieving a clear sound. Invest in a quality headset/microphone combo or an external microphone that’s designed for use with Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, etc. This will ensure that your voice is picked up correctly and that you don’t sound muffled or distorted. The Blue Yeti is one of the best-selling external USB microphones currently on the market.

Choose the right location

Background noise can be distracting and can make it difficult for the other person to understand what you’re saying. Make sure you’re in a quiet area with no outside noise. If possible, use headphones to reduce the amount of background noise. Choose a room with soft surfaces and ample furniture to help reduce any echo. If it can’t be avoided, acoustic panels, carpets, and curtains can also help absorb sound and reduce any reverberation.

Avoid potential distractions

Make sure you’re not multitasking while you’re on the call. Even if you’re not speaking, your microphone may still be picking up your other activities. Some examples could include; tapping on your keyboard, clicking your mouse, playing with a pen, jiggling your leg, or swiveling in your chair. During long periods when you won't be talking, mute your microphone to prevent any of those noises from being heard.

Position your microphone correctly

Make sure your microphone is close enough to pick up your voice clearly. If it’s too far away, your voice will sound muffled and unclear. As a reference, the Blue Yeti microphone is best positioned at a distance of 6 to 12 inches from your mouth. However, it is worth noting that this distance may vary depending on the microphone so it is recommended that you check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the optimal distance.

Upgrade your internet

Upgrading your internet can help you get a better call quality on Zoom and make sure your conversations are clear and lag-free. When the connection is weak, the software attempts to compress the audio to the smallest size possible, though it may struggle to keep up at times resulting in gaps or lagging of the audio.It can also be beneficial to limit the number of devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network, as too many devices can slow down your connection speed. Furthermore, you should consider doing the video call closer to the wifi router to ensure a stable connection.

Find and remove background noise 

If you've found the perfect setting for your video call but are noticing some background noise, take a closer look at the everyday objects in your space that may be causing the hum. Try turning off electronics during the call such as the refrigerator, air conditioner, heater, and fan. While not all of them may be necessary, it's a great starting point if you consider yourself a perfectionist. 

Remove the background noise (with an app)

Certain apps like Zoom and Google Meet have built-in noise cancellation features located in the professional or advanced settings. However, if you're not satisfied with the results, you can try a third-party service like Krisp. Just be aware that while noise cancellation features can remove some of the background noise, they can sometimes introduce distortion.

Test your setup

Before your important video call, it is essential to make sure your setup is working properly. To ensure you have plenty of time to troubleshoot if any issues arise, test your setup well in advance. Both Zoom and Google Meet provide the option to test your microphone and speaker before the call starts. Ask a friend or family member to accept a quick video call and ask for their feedback during the call.

With the right microphone, the perfect spot, and a few tweaks and adjustments, your voice will sound great on your next video call. If you’d like to learn about the video side of things, check out our post: How To Improve Your Video Call: Advice from a Video Production Company