Standup Webcasting Studio for about $600 (laptop not included)

Standup Webcasting Studio for about $600 (laptop not included)

Like many others, COVID forced me to stay home and continue to do my job remotely. At first I used my 11 year old iMac desktop computer for Zoom meetings, but I soon discovered that its processor was too old to support virtual backgrounds and its camera and built-in microphone were similarly antiquated. After months of being plagued with comments and complaints about the poor video and audio quality on my end, I viewed a recording of a presentation I gave to a group of lawyers- and was horrified (but not surprised) at what I saw. I’ve always believed that you never get a second chance to make a first impression- and I came to grips with the fact that I had to do something. I started using my work-issued laptop instead, which caused a different problem- zero eye contact with the camera because I was giving software demos which forced me to look at the screen.

A few weeks later, I had a Zoom meeting with an old friend who’s a college professor. He too had been relegated to working remotely, and recording or live streaming all of his lectures. I shared my tales of woe with him and he made a few suggestions. First, he strongly recommended a standing computer desk, and referred me to The Truth Behind Standing Desks, a study-based article published by Harvard Medical School. After reading the article I realized that the benefits of standing desks are extensive, and far greater than I’d previously thought. I was sold. After researching all of my options, I found a two-level, fully adjustable mobile standup desk on Amazon for $89.99. I built it in about 30 minutes, adjusted it perfectly for my height and eye level, and have been very happy with it ever since. It turned out to be the perfect choice for my needs.

My next challenge was to find the right monitor, because my laptop’s keyboard was way below eye level and its built-in camera gave viewers a perfect view of my nostrils and chin. After doing some homework I settled on a 27″ Samsung curved monitor that set me back $195.00 but was worth every penny. As you can see, It looks great on my standing desk, and works perfectly too.

When it came to finding a camera, I thought that a good 4K camera would be unaffordable, but was shocked to learn that I could get a 4K Digital Camera with microphone and remote control for $120.00, and I’m happy to report that it works perfectly for Zoom calls and webcasts using its PC Camera function. It’s permanently zip-tied to the desktop and positioned right behind my monitor so it peeks at me from just over the top of the monitor- right at eye level. When I’m standing a foot or two behind the desk, I can see the screen perfectly while maintaining eye contact with the people I’m speaking to- and the picture quality is fantastic!

Next up was finding a new microphone, which was a pretty easy choice given that the overwhelming favorite is the Blue Yeti USB Microphone (Blackout edition) which set me back $129.00 but lives up to its ratings and excellent reviews.

To finish off my new setup, I purchased a Microphone stand with Pop Filter for the Blue Yeti for $25.00 plus some portable USB powered LED Lights (not pictured) that cost $45.00. Altogether, I spent less than $600.00 on my standup rolling webcasting studio, and I couldn’t be happier! Laptop and cables not included.