Better Wifi

We have been using our home wifi a lot lately and there is always one or two people on that video call that freeze and sound like a robot. Please don’t be that person!

Need a better wifi router?

Here are some Mesh routers that I like.

Why Mesh? –

  • Great Coverage throughout large areas.
  • Minimizes interference with neighbors.
  • Wifi routers are usually updated more frequently.

My favorite Eero

Pros-

  • Easy to setup
  • Stable
  • Now comes with a free echo dot
  • Have safe filtering, advanced security, and Adblocking
  • On sale for $30 less right now

Cons-

  • Paid option to subscription for advance filter and security features $2.99/month or $10/month depending on the plan. If you want to subscribe, the $2.99/month plan is the one to get

Best for free parent/ family settings, Google Nest Wifi

Pros –

  • Easy to setup
  • Great free tools for parents to set up family protections and controls

Cons-

  • Price- More expensive than the Eero
  • You have to trust google to support your device. I love google and their products. However, they do have a reputation to kill off products. This product is in its second generation and it seems like it will be around for a long time. However, you never know!

Strong Contender – Ubiqui Amplifi

Pros-

  • Easy to setup
  • Great range and performance
  • Known brand for a lot of enterprise networks

Cons-

  • Expensive
  • Big access points
  • Not a lot of extra features

Streaming Setup

Want to get into the streaming? Well, it is great because the barrier to start is so low. All you need is a computer and software. However, if you are wanting to step up your streaming game, here are a few upgrade options!

So to start off, you would need a computer and software to get your stream out. For Software, I recommend the OBS studio– free and open-source with plenty of support.

Budget Option For Streaming Upgrade

Lighting: Find a lamp and shine it front facing

Microphone: Fifine: about $45

Headphones: Audio-Technica M 20x : about $50

Or A combo of Headphones and Microphone: Vankyo Gaming Headset: $44

Mouse: Razor DeathAdder- White : $30 on Sale / Black: $50

Camera: Build in webcam

Mid Range Upgrade Options

Lighting: Neewer Video Light: $22

Camera: Every decent webcam is sold out. However, this is not typically a webcam, but you can turn it into one. The Wyze Cam– around $25. This camera is a great security camera. However, Wyze has released an optional software update that turns the Wyze Cam into a webcam. It is a great option for a decent video on the cheap.

Headphones: Audio-Technica M50x: about $129

Mouse: stick with the classics: Razor DeathAddder: White : $30 on Sale / Black: $50

Microphone: Blue Yeti: (yes it is an old gamepackage) But its cheaper in the bundle

Keyboard: G. Skill KM360: about $45 or Razor Blackwidow: about $60

Higher end Upgrades

Camera(will need a capture card): Sony 6000: about $448

Microphone:(will need audio interface) Sure SM57b : about $510

Audio Interface (for clearer sound) BEHRINGER U-PHORIA : about $118

Capture Card: Elgato Capture: about $180

More Robust Capture Card: Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro (great for multiple cameras and live events) about $800 . Blackmagic also sells ATEM Mini but it is sold out everwhere. That usually runs about $300

Feel free to Mix and match any of these to make the perfect setup for your needs. Also, if you think something is better or wondering why I picked these options, please feel free to drop a comment!

Better Sound on Zoom and Skype

Updated 8/24/202

I have been getting a lot of people asking for tech help due to being stuck at home and more businesses moving to an online setup. I just thought that some of this info would be useful for people who wanted better sound during online meetings or better yet, music lessons online. Products that I recommend

🎙Microphones:

💸Budget Pick: Fifine USB mic

https://amzn.to/3gv396d

💸💸Mid Price Pick: Blue yeti

https://amzn.to/2EsShZs

💸💸💸Higher End Pick (will have to have Audio Interface: options below): Lewitt LCT 440

https://amzn.to/3aTWeSS

Or

Sure SM57 B

https://amzn.to/2D1ru62

🎛Audio Interface:

💸Budget Pick: BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC202HD, 2-Channel

https://amzn.to/3llNw4S

💸💸Mid Price Pick : Focusrite 2i2

https://amzn.to/3jeknX8

🎧Headphones:

💸Budget Pick: AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO

https://amzn.to/3jcXLGx

📂Software for lessons: Skype

🌐Internet: I would get as fast as you can get Plug ethernet cable directly from the modem into the computer Internet Speeds should be at least: 20MB down and 10MB up for all parties. (better if it was more 100MB down and 100MB UP) You can test your speed here: speedtest.net fast.com speed.measurementlab.net I hope this helps some people. If you have questions, disagreements on products, suggestions, feel free to let me know! If you do end up wanting to buy one of these, please use my links to help me out. If not, that’s ok too, I hope this post helps 🙂