How to improve audio during outdoor Zoom meetings

Improving audio for Zoom meetings when you’re away is easy, just use your computer’s microphone.

This Covid-19 pandemic has changed many work habits and workplaces. Many now work from home or anywhere, for that matter. Some like to work outside the home, of course, without disturbing others. But for the convenience of the other participants in the Zoom meeting, some preparations need to be made.

Improving audio for Zoom meetings when you’re outdoors is easy

Even with a headset/mic, the system isn’t perfect. Even if there is no one around, there is always noise around. Be it other people, vehicles or animals. Result: outgoing sound, often very noisy, even unintelligible. And visitors complain that they can’t hear you well.

In today’s case with MacBooks and AirPods, I applied a little trick to greatly improve the sound, and this decision was highly appreciated by other participants in my meetings.

The problem is that the built-in microphone in AirPods is barely passable, even with a directional microphone in each earcup and software cleaning on top. That being said, the MacBook Pro I use has a much better solution. With an Apple Silicon chip, the machine has all the power it needs to use artificial intelligence to process the signal and get rid of interference. The Zoom app also tries to help in this regard.

Just use your computer’s microphone

So, once you’ve got your headphones out, go to Zoom > Preferences > Audio. There you will see two menus: “Speaker”and “Microphone”. Under Speaker, select AirPods. In the Microphone section, select your computer’s microphone. In my case, it was called “MacBook Pro Microphone”. And voila.

Your voice will immediately be heard much better, even if you are in the middle of the street, surrounded by passers-by and cars. Everyone can clearly hear the difference.

Many Windows computers also have great built-in microphones, so this tip isn’t just for Mac computers. I use AirPods the same way, but that goes for other headphones as well.

You can also choose one of these gaming headsets with a microphone, but get ready to take on a new look!