How to Set Up Zoom for Great Audio and Video
Zoom makes it easy to record podcast interviews from anywhere. But default settings can lead to choppy audio, grainy video, and unnecessary distractions. With a few simple tweaks, you can upgrade the quality of your Zoom calls and present yourself like a pro.
Choose the Right Device and Location
Start by choosing the best device available. A computer is better than a phone or tablet. A wired internet connection is more stable than Wi-Fi, but if Wi-Fi is your only option, stay close to your router.
Set up in a quiet, well-lit space. Avoid rooms with hard surfaces that bounce sound. Carpets, curtains, and bookshelves help absorb noise.
Pick a plain or tidy background to minimize distractions during the call.
Upgrade Your Audio Settings
Zoom compresses audio to save bandwidth. Fortunately, you can adjust the settings to improve sound quality.
Before your interview:
- Open Zoom
- Click the gear icon (Settings)
- Go to “Audio”
- Uncheck “Automatically adjust microphone volume”
- Check “Show in-meeting option to enable original sound”
During your meeting, click “Turn on Original Sound” at the top left. This bypasses Zoom’s compression filters and keeps your voice fuller and more natural—especially helpful if you’re using an external mic.
Use an External Microphone
Built-in mics tend to pick up background noise, keyboard clicks, and echo. A USB mic makes a big difference.
Plug in your mic before launching Zoom. Then:
- Go to Zoom settings
- Under “Audio,” choose your mic from the dropdown menu
Use a pop filter or foam cover if possible. Sit close to the mic, but not so close that you create distortion. Speak clearly and at a steady pace.
Improve Video with Better Lighting and Camera Angles
Lighting can make or break your video quality—even more than your camera itself.
Face a window or place a soft light in front of you. Avoid sitting with a window behind you, which can turn you into a silhouette.
Position your camera at eye level. Use books or a stand if needed. Frame yourself with some space above your head and shoulders in view.
If your laptop camera is low quality, consider using a USB webcam or your smartphone with an app like EpocCam.
Turn Off Background Effects
Zoom’s virtual backgrounds and blur features are tempting, but they often glitch and blur your face or mic. If you have a clean physical background, use it instead.
To disable these effects:
- Go to Zoom settings
- Click “Background & Effects”
- Choose “None”
Natural backgrounds look more professional and reduce processing demands on your device.
Record Locally for Better Quality
Cloud recordings are convenient but lower quality. If you’re hosting the interview, always record locally.
To enable this:
- Go to Zoom settings
- Click “Recording”
- Check “Record a separate audio file for each participant”
- Choose the folder where files will be saved
Local recordings give you better control and clearer audio and video files to edit later.
Minimize Distractions and Notifications
Close unnecessary apps and browser tabs. Turn off notifications on your computer and phone.
Mute your phone, and let others in your space know you’re recording. If possible, use headphones to prevent echo and feedback.
Check that your Zoom name is professional—especially if you’re a guest.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need fancy software to look and sound great on Zoom. Just a few smart adjustments can turn a basic video call into a polished podcast recording.
Prepare your space, fine-tune your settings, and test everything ahead of time. The result: better interviews, clearer content, and a more professional presence every time you hit “record.”
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