Although COVID-19 has affected our daily routines, thankfully technology comes to the rescue and continues to let us stay connected no matter where we are.

In order to keep in touch with each other, many have taken to using video conferencing software and apps. And, in fact, many may actually be experiencing virtual or online audio video meetings for the first time!

With the global lockdown forcing mostly everyone out of the office, it goes without saying that video communication has become more important than ever with millions of people working from home.

But, that’s not all. As gyms closed their doors, fitness enthusiasts have taken to online fitness classes. Even, Sunday mass is being streamed online.

With the need to see and hear each other clearly during virtual meetings having taken center-stage, Pacific Radio is here to help!

To ensure a more efficient and productive work-from-home experience for all of us, in this post, we’ll be sharing our top picks for the virtual AV gear and equipment you’ll need to ensure a professional remote work experience.

And, for those taking this time to create content for podcasting, virtual instruction and streaming, you won’t want to miss this post!

Read this post if you are:

• Working remotely from home
• Hosting webinars and online events
• Making vlogs or streaming live content
• Podcasting or setting up a home studio
• Video conferencing with family and friends across the globe

Below we’ll cover, virtual AV solutions for video conferencing, streaming and podcasting from home. Let’s get started!

Microphones

No matter how good your content is, it’s not going to sound good without a decent microphone. Contrary to what you might think, you can get a pro quality mic for a fairly decent price, that’ll work a lot better than your built-in Smartphone or laptop mic. Here are some microphone options that will change the way you do virtual meetings, recordings, and live streaming! 

Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone – $49.99

Record and live stream virtual meetings from anywhere!

For under $50 this mic packs an incredible amount of features in a small package. You can directly clip it to your laptop or Smartphone, and literally attend and record virtual meetings from anywhere — your bedroom, or your backyard, and feel like everyone is right there in the room with you. An all-in-one solution great for podcasting, studio recording, VoIP and video conferencing!

See how it works below:

Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone — $49.99

Samson Go Mic Mobile Lavalier System – $249.99

Great for filmmaking, journalism, live streaming, videography and vlogging

If you have a Smartphone that provides excellent video, but an average microphone, simply connect your phone with the Samson Go Mic Mobile Wireless Lavalier System and you’re ready to record or stream your live virtual business presentation, online fitness class, latest lockdown recipe, or daily sermon!

Simply attach the system to your Smartphone, tablet, digital camera and tripod with the included bracket arms, and hook-and-loop fasteners. You can pair it with the Samson Q8 dynamic handheld microphone or use the included omnidirectional lavalier with beltpack.

Based on if you prefer a handheld microphone or a hands-free lavalier system, you can also choose to get one of the two options below, with the add-on microphone:

Samson Go Mic Mobile Wireless Lavalier System — $249.99

Samson Go Mic Mobile Wireless Handheld System — $249.99

Samson Q8x Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone — $99.99

Mic and Phone Stands

Need to secure your microphone, Smartphone or Ipad as you record? A durable rock-solid stand is a great addition to your live streaming or recording setup as it keeps your phone or tablet steady for recordings — and you don’t need anyone else to do the recording for you!

Plus, looking down at a desk with your tablet, or phone while you record or stream has to be difficult, and won’t produce good video.  You’ll need to mount your Smartphone or tablet to a microphone stand for professional video.

TRIAD-ORBIT iOrbit Universal Smartphone & Tablet Holder — $129.99

Unparalleled support and positioning for your phone or tablet

Need to hold your tablet or Smartphone rock-steady as you record or live stream? The Triad-Orbit iOrbit Universal Smartphone & Tablet Holder features adjustable clamp jaws, a stainless steel ball swivel that provides a smooth 360° range of motion and four 90° crenels for unparalleled support and positioning. Simply attach it to your favorite mic stand. Your recordings have never looked any better!

TRIAD-ORBIT iOrbit Universal Smartphone & Tablet Holder — $129.99

On-Stage MS7700B Tripod Base Mic Stand — $25.95

On-Stage Desktop Microphone Stand — $16.95

On-Stage TM01 Table/Stand Microphone Clamp — $19.95

TRIAD-ORBIT Wallplate / Desktop Mount with IO Quick‑Change Coupler — $49.99

Headphones and Earphones

Whether you need to block out background noise as you work, want to maintain call clarity, or need to cut out static and buzz when recording a podcast, you need reliable headphones or earphones you can depend on.

Shure Sound Isolating Earphones — $111.10

Drown out the noise and get your work done

Need some quiet time to block out all the chatter? It can be hard to work from home, so the Shure SE215 Professional Sound Isolating Earphones are a great buy. You get amazing sound, fit, and flexibility (these go from wired to Bluetooth wireless) instantly, and are great for blocking out any sound when you really need to focus. They’re also great for calls, and music listening when you need a break!

Shure Sound Isolating Earphones — $111.10

On-Stage Bluetooth Stereo Headphones — $61.95

Wireless audio playback and automatic call receiving

The On-Stage Bluetooth Stereo Headphones deliver incredible audio playback, and have an integrated built-in microphone for automatically receiving calls!

The cushioned leather earmuffs and adjustable headpiece minimize outside noise, ensuring a comfortable working and listening experience!

On-Stage Bluetooth Stereo Headphones — $61.95

Sony Professional Headphones — $99.99

Durable comfort you can count on

Affordable and dependable, the Sony MDR-7506 professional headphones, are a universal choice amongst audio pros. They’re also great for home podcasting and the closed-ear design helps block out the noise when you need to focus on getting your work done.

Sony MDR7506 Professional Headphones — $99.99

Audio Mixer

You may not need an audio mixer if you’re just doing remote calls from home, but if you need to conduct remote interviews, or have multiple co-hosts on calls, or perhaps need to produce professional sounding ‘voice over’ background music for streaming and recording, an audio mixer will come in very handy to polish your content before you publish or stream it online.

Samson MixPad Stereo Mixer w/ Effects and USB — $186.99

Lightweight audio mixer with studio-quality sound

The Samson MixPad Stereo Mixer w/ Effects and USB is a pro-quality 12-input analog stereo mixer with key features such as an Aux channel, Phantom Power for condenser microphones, and digital effects. 

Light-weight and affordable, it comes with 4-stereo channels, precision faders, studio-quality compressors and more!

Samson MixPad MXP124FX Compact 12-Input Analog Stereo Mixer w/ Effects and USB — $186.99

Bluetooth Speakers

Can’t seem to work without music playing in the background? If you’re one of those people who seem to get so much more work done while listening to your favorite tracks, you need to get Bluetooth speakers!

Having the right ambience in your home office can help to enhance your work productivity and make work more enjoyable.

We recommend Bluetooth speakers as they’re compact, affordable, require less space than plugged in speakers and can be literally taken anywhere. So whether you choose to work from your living room or basement, you can carry your music wherever you go!

Lyrix Mixx Bluetooth Speaker — $19.95

Wirelessly connects to your PC or phone

The Lyrix Mixx Bluetooth Speaker delivers crystal-clear sound even at top volumes (although you might need to tone it down a bit while working!). Plays music from any Smartphone, tablet, PC, and Bluetooth-enabled device, with reception at up to 33 feet. No more wires or cables!

Lyrix Mixx Bluetooth Speaker — $19.95

Lyrix Remixx Bluetooth Speaker — $39.95

Get up to 8 hours of play on a single charge

Perfectly portable, this 2.0-channel stereo speaker boasts incredible volume, clarity, and performance than other Bluetooth speakers in the market. Perfect for your home office, or for bopping at the barbecue later in the backyard!

Lyrix Remixx Bluetooth Speaker — $39.95

Samson MediaOne BT3 Active Studio Monitors — $109.69

Work, listen to music, produce tracks, game or watch videos

Ideal speakers for all of your multimedia needs, the Samson MediaOne BT3 Active Studio Monitors compactly fit on your desk and can wirelessly connect to your Smartphone, laptop or tablet via Bluetooth. And, although they’re great for listening to music, they and are ideal for hearing exactly what your ‘virtual class’ is hearing as you stream or record, and audio playback during post-production for home podcasting.

Samson MediaOne BT3 Active Studio Monitors — $109.69

Virtual Solutions

Depending on if you’re planning to setup a home podcasting studio or need a few extra cables to extend your current setup or simply need quality AV equipment for workspace organization, power, and connectivity, we’ve got you covered!

Checkout our posts below for more AV solutions to get your home office or studio up and running:

Top 20 AV Products For Remote Working From Home

Ultimate Guide to Home Podcasting Equipment from Beginner to Pro!

Ready to setup your virtual home office?

If you have questions or need help with any of the virtual AV solutions mentioned in this post or on our website, reach out, and we’ll be happy to recommend the virtual solutions that best fit your needs!