By Josh Pies & C47 Films · Updated October 2026
Prioritize reliable audio, headphones, and a tested setup before buying more gear.
Put intelligible audio first
A microphone positioned close to the speaker generally gives more consistent speech than one across the room. Choose a setup you can use correctly every time. Record a short test and listen through headphones before deciding whether an upgrade is needed.
Wear headphones
Headphones help keep the remote conversation from playing into your microphone. Check fit and volume: even headphones can leak enough audio to be picked up. If a delayed voice is present, identify which participant’s track contains it before attempting repairs.
Make the camera setup repeatable
Place the camera near eye level, clean the lens, and light the face. A simple setup that looks consistent every session can be more useful than an expensive camera that requires troubleshooting each time.
Use separate recording tracks
Separate participant audio and video tracks give an editor more control. Confirm the platform’s recording settings and upload requirements. A good recording still depends on each person’s microphone, room, and device.
Run a complete test
Check the actual account, microphone input, headphones, camera, power, and storage. Allow recording uploads to finish. Share a test with your producer before the first major episode.