Online Interview Equipment Recommendations
With a few purchases, you can ensure your Legacy Interview captures high-quality video and audio. An interview can be captured using only a computer, tablet, or phone, so none of the items below are required. However, in our 5+ years of recording interviews, we have established a list of equipment that will improve the quality of what we capture.
Equipment List by Priority
Certainly there is equipment that will improve every aspect of your online interview, however you are likely interested in discovering what do I need to make this high quality. Below is a list of the priorities we think you should focus on when considering getting additional equipment.
Headphones
Headphone splitter (for couples interviews)
Lighting
Microphone
Webcam
Headphones
Headphones dramatically increase the quality of your interview audio. They reduce echo and make the interaction between host and guest much smoother.
Headphones (High Quality): https://amzn.to/4bApZrd
We recommend Apple headphones because of their ergonomic design. They can be worn for 2 hours without discomfort. Additionally, the microphone on this option is very high quality, beating most microphones priced around $100.
Headphones (Economical): https://amzn.to/3Dii6dj
These headphones work very well and fit most ears.
Headphone Splitter (for couples interviews): https://amzn.to/4bApZrd
If you have a couple who will be interviewed together, we highly recommend a headphone splitter. This will enable both guests to hear and move more freely than if they shared a single pair of headphones.
Lighting
Most modern webcams are high quality, but they produce low-quality video due to a lack of bright light on the subject. Any light or lamp placed in front of the guest and behind the computer will dramatically improve the quality of the video.
Clip-on Webcam Light (Economical): https://amzn.to/3QNCZQK
This light clips onto your computer or tablet and needs to be plugged into a USB port. This is a simple way to increase light if the guest will be sitting about an arm's distance from the computer.
Desk Light (Higher Quality): https://amzn.to/3QKtAcz
This light sits behind the camera and illuminates the guest's face. It can be easily placed on a desk and is a great way to light a guest sitting further away from their computer. It plugs into a wall outlet and has a holder for a phone if your guest will be doing their Legacy Interview over their phone.
Microphone
A good microphone can improve the audio for your Legacy Interview. While your device's built-in mic might work, an external microphone reduces background noise and captures clearer voices—crucial for preserving those meaningful stories.
Apple Headphones (Highly Recommend): https://amzn.to/4bApZrd
The microphone on Apple headphones is very high quality, beating most microphones priced around $100. This is a great option as it fulfills both the headphone and microphone needs.
USB Microphone: https://amzn.to/4hagUql
This USB microphone allows your guest to be further away from their webcam than with traditional headphones. Note: this is a USB microphone and will need either a USB port on your computer or a USB-to-USB-C adapter if your computer uses USB-C.
Webcam
Your computer or phone's built-in camera is capable of reasonably high quality, but a dedicated webcam can sharpen the image and widen the frame—great for capturing expressions or couples together. If you are choosing between a webcam or lighting, it is usually best to improve the quality of your lighting.
USB Webcam Logitech C920x: https://amzn.to/3F6asmW
Mid-quality webcam with a 5’ cable, making it easy to place the webcam either on the computer or on a desk if the guest is sitting further away. Note: this is a USB webcam and will need either a USB port on your computer or a USB-to-USB-C adapter if your computer uses USB-C.
Insta360 Link 2C: https://amzn.to/43krUy9
High-quality webcam. This should only be purchased if you have an additional need for high-quality online video. Note: this is a USB microphone and will need either a USB port on your computer or a USB-to-USB-C adapter if your computer uses USB-C.
If you have any questions just contact us.
