Introduction
Fiddlehed offers a range of live lessons and student meet-ups via the Play Every Day Community. The audio setup varies depending on the event. For workshops and office hours, students are not usually audible. However, for Practice Groups and online private lessons, you’ll want to be heard clearly. Here’s how to optimize your audio setup in three simple steps:
- Use an external microphone.
- Wear headphones.
- Configure your audio settings.
We’ll go into more detail below.
Recommended Gear for Interactive Lessons
For the best audio quality, we recommend using headphones and an external microphone. This minimizes echo and enhances clarity.
- Elgato Wave 3 ($140): I use this for group lessons and play-along tracks. It includes a software mixer and offers high-quality sound.
- Yeti ($100): A popular choice among FiddleHed students.
- Fifine USB Mic (<$30): A budget-friendly option available on Amazon.
For mobile users, consider a microphone that plugs directly into your device, like the Zoom mic.
Zoom Audio Setup
Most FiddleHed events take place on Zoom. To optimize your Zoom audio settings:
- Download the Zoom Desktop app or mobile app for iOS and Android.
- Ensure your Zoom app is up-to-date. Here’s how.
- Use headphones and an external microphone.
- Sign in and join or start a new meeting.
- Choose the audio (mic/speaker) and video preferences you want to use.
- Turn on Original Sound for Musicians in your Audio Settings. More details on how to do this below.
For Phones and Tablets
Generally with a phone or tablet, opening the ‘more’ button (drag finger right to left over the options on bottom of zoom screen. ‘More’ icon is on the far right).
Click here to view a helpful video for adjusting audio settings (Time markers: 5:24 for iphone settings, 8:33 for ipad settings).
For Computers
Below is a video further explaining configuring zoom audio settings for the Zoom Desktop app.
Here’s what the audio settings should look like:
Once this is set you’ll see text in the top left-hand corner of your main zoom meeting screen:
Alternative Platforms
There is a ‘Go Live’ function on the Play Every Day Community Platform. Simply click the ‘Go Live’ button on the bottom left of the web version, or the ‘+’ button at the bottom of the app. You will be notified if someone else has gone live, and can join into anyone’s live room. There is only 1 live room option at a time.
Some students opt for Facebook Messenger, which offers free video calls without a 40-minute limit. Only one participant needs a Facebook account to create a meeting link.
Need More Help?
For additional queries about microphones, Zoom, or any other setup-related issues, feel free to email us.