The hybrid working environment is here to stay and the future of work will centre on how people connect remotely. We have been compelled to consider all work from home technologies for remote working, teaching and learning essentials. Part of a ‘new normal’ is working from home, conducting remote meetings via web conferencing, distance learning and professional consultations through video.
This means that the need for clear, easily heard sound in conference (video) calling is vitally important. Poor audio can ruin your meeting experience. Lets face it – how many times have you struggled to make out what a person is saying during a video or audio call that just ruins the meeting experience?
We take a look at what essential WFH AV communication tools there are (that do not break the bank) that will help you to be heard clearly and seen no matter where it is you’re remotely connecting from.
The new AKG K300 range of headphones offer two variants – the K361/K371 wired headphones and K361BT/K371BT Bluetooth version. K361-BT and K371-BT are the first AKG Professional headphones to combine pro-grade performance, Bluetooth functionality and comfort in a closed-back, over-the-ear, folding design that are perfectly suited for work and play.
The earpads across the range are designed for extended listening sessions, providing supreme comfort over the ear. They help isolate from some external distractions, allowing personal space to focus for home office and learning. The K371 headphones provide additional audiophile listening enjoyment with reference quality 50mm titanium drivers.
The Bluetooth headphones can be used wireless or wired. They have a built-in microphone for video or mobile calling, pairing easily with any device. K361-BT and K371-BT have gesture control, 40-hour battery life and you can fold them up for portability and storage. As with all AKG headphone and microphone technologies, they sound fantastic.
When working remotely, being heard clearly is the name of the game. Clear sound starts at the source – a standalone microphone, when used correctly, will almost always sound dramatically better than the one that’s built into your laptop or phone.
AKG USB Microphones are useful plug and play audio interfaces that greatly enhance your voice through a computer or mobile device and simply connect via USB.
With two models to choose from, AKG Ara and Lyra have eye-catching appeal based on iconic models that look stylish no matter the application.
The newly launched Ara is competitively priced with dual-pick up patterns that allow podcasters, communicators, vloggers, gamers and musicians to capture pro-quality, high-resolution sound right from their desktop.
If you’re on Teams, Zoom or other web conferencing platforms, both models give you quick access to a mute button and headphone volume, without fumbling for a mouse.
Inspired by classic studio microphones like the legendary AKG C414, AKG USB microphones have a sleek, retro look with future-oriented application, allowing users to look like a professional and sound like one too.
Providing clarity and richness far above that of a laptop or computer that allows you to follow the conversation, JBL’s 104BT Series powered desktop speaker set is now available in a stylish matte white or matte black finish. In addition to Bluetooth, these speakers offer a variety of inputs via the front-panel source select for Bluetooth, RCA, TRS, 3.5mm or All with Volume Control. The 104BT can be used in conjunction with the AKG Lyra USB microphone for Audio & Video Conferencing calls. Should you need to have discrete audio, a headphone can be connected via the front panel.
JBL104BT are studio reference quality and can be used for office, content creation and critical audio listening as well as anyone looking for accurate, yet compact speakers on their desktop.
The AMX Acendo Vibe is perfect for executives, small meeting rooms and home offices. If you are conducting business meetings by video conferencing and want an excellent sound and picture experience for you and your customer, without the need for headphones or external speakers, then the AMX Acendo Vibe all-in-one sound bar is an elegant solution. It can easily be used in small meeting spaces and huddle rooms or taken home for remote working*
The first total conferencing sound bar solution designed for the demands of the modern workspace, with tuned-for-voice JBL speakers and microphones delivering experienced audio with built-in signal processing and Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC). A wide-angle camera catches every movement in the space and professional features like CEC display control, USB and convenient Bluetooth connectivity ensure an optimised experience. A stylish external desktop remote provides easy source selection, volume and mute control. Installation is made easy with an integrated mounting bracket.
*Perfect for meeting room sizes of 3m x 3m or smaller.
Soundcraft Notepad is the reimagined version of the legendary Soundcraft Spirit Folio Notepad Mixers released in the 1990s, updated with a modern look and USB connectivity that make them equally at home on your desktop or on-the-go.
Reimagined with today’s online streamers in mind, the Notepad mixers are perfect if you’re looking for a little more tech on your desktop. They have additional input connections for microphones and external audio devices while the USB audio interface allows you to easily connect to your computer, where you can record, edit and play projects using your favourite audio software.
Headphones and external speakers such as the JBL104BT can be connected for the optimum desktop audio experience. The latest driver updates include amongst others a pro-broadcast audio ducking feature.
Soundcraft Notepad mixers are available in 3 variants – Notepad5, Notepad 8FX and Notepad 12FX
