online lessons audio quality

[sarah_]

hey guys
since the pandemic, ive been using my iphone for lessons and the audio quality isnt good enough so im planning to buy a new mic and speaker. i have about 0 knowledge with this and id appreciate any suggestions on what to get. i have a lenovo laptop that i could use too.
thank you

[lelle]

I don't think the laptop's mic is gonna cut it either, so a real, standalone mic is definitely the way to go. I'm not good with mics either so I'm posting here to see what other people suggest

[quantum]

Taking a look at the big picture of one's setup gives one a better idea of what individual components one may need or want to upgrade.  Think about how you use the gear you currently have, what works, what doesn't work, and what you want to work better, all before buying new stuff.  A shiny new mic and camera is no use if they do not fit your workflow requirements.

I would recommend to separate the screen, mic, and camera.  Why you ask?  The optimal place to put each of these things is usually not the optimal place to put the other thing.  The mic needs to be positioned for best sound.  The position for best sound, is often not the best position to place a camera for best framing and viewing angles.  Screens are easier to view when they are close to you such as on the music desk, on top of a vertical piano, or on a side table or stand right beside the piano; these positions are not that optimal for placing a mic or camera. 

All in one devices are convenient, but there are compromises.  If you want better quality, you need to start thinking about separating devices.  From your post it sounds like you would like to improve quality. 


First, I would recommend using a laptop, or the very least a tablet.  Why?  Bigger screen means you can see your teacher better and what is being demonstrated on screen.  Laptops also have more connectivity, meaning you can plug in an external camera and mic without dongles. 

Better sound: there are two components to this. 

A better mic will enable your teacher to get better quality audio from you during lessons.  It will also allow you to make better recordings of yourself which you can use in learning, and also sharing with others.

Headphones or speakers on your part will give you a better listening experience.  These will allow you a better listening experience.  Using built in speakers from a phone, tablet, or laptop is not really optimal for the critical listening that is required in music lessons.  Avoid wireless earbuds/headphones/speakers, they add latency which can be frustrating for any type online learning and collaboration.  Headphones greatly reduce the likelihood of feedback (that screeching noise you hear if you place a mic too close to speakers).  Quality headphones / speakers can be used outside of the lesson for listening to music, so take that into consideration for your budget. 

Audio interface: not an exact requirement, but it will allow you to increase your audio quality.  It opens up the selection to a wide assortment of XLR mics.  It will be able to drive headphones better than a laptop.  It allows for lower latency audio, which is always good for online communication.

For music lessons remember good audio is more important than good video.  So when thinking about buying a camera remember good audio is still more important than good video.  Also remember cameras capture video, mics capture audio.  It is worth repeating.

***

Least expensive way to get started could be:
Laptop
USB mic
USB webcam
Headphones
USB extension cables (optional)
USB hub (optional, if you need more ports)

Add these things to the above for better positioning
Mic stand
Tripod

***

If you want the next step up from that, you could go to:
Laptop
Portable Audio Recorder with USB (must be capable of using like an audio interface)
Headphones
USB webcam
Mic stand
Tripod

***

Another step up to get very good audio in an interface with low latency drivers:
Laptop
Audio Interface (recommended minimum of 2 mic preamps)
XLR microphone(s)
Headphones
USB webcam
Mic stand(s)
Tripod

[quantum]

General considerations for online lessons:
One way we can improve online communication experience is to avoid anything wireless or wifi.  If you have the capability or running a wire, do that.  Wireless adds latency, and latency is bad for real time communication. 

Use ethernet cable to plug a laptop directly into your router.  Use wired headphones/speakers.


If you want to go more in depth into mics look here:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=66075.0

[quantum]

Some more ideas and examples.

Three options for setting up for lessons, from simple to advanced.

Ideas for Apple users.  Many of the concepts can be translated for use on PC if that is your preference.

Good ideas for positioning devices

[sarah_]

Wow your replies are very helpful!! thank you guys so much <3

[melodyadventure]

I restarted piano lessons around Q4 last year.
I started out with a laptop (Macbook) and a cheapo generic USB microphone.
We use the most raw settings in Zoom Online.

I now have the following setup (list below reflects sequence of acquisition)
1. Laptop on top of a table beside the piano
2. Generic earphones + aux cord extender (the cord is only 1 meter long so I bought an aux extender).
3. LAN cable + LAN port for a USB C
4. Ditched the cheapo mic for Zoom H1N (got this for $80 where I'm from,.I love this, I can also record stuff using this recorder microphone)  on mini-tripod on top of my upright piano + cord to the laptop
5. Logitech C920 Webcam mounted on a boom mic stand as a tripod using a baller/connector (don't know the proper term). The camera angle excludes the laptop.
6. Ringlight for brightness mounted on a tripod

I bought new equipment every month or so until I ended up with this set-up. My teacher requested none of the upgrades, and was fine with my old cheapo microphone.

I am liking my lessons a lot that's why I upgraded my gear. I might upgrade to XLR microphones + audio interface this year too, for personal recording purposes.