1

Does anyone have recommendations for a Zoom setup in regards to meetings of 7 to 15 people in a single room?
Need something better than a laptop with camera / mic (currently being used). Looked at the Owl products but not sure if overkill?
Any ideas appreciated
Thanks

3 Spice ups
2

It all really depends on what you need ? If $300 to $500 products are an overkill, why would a lappy (costing $1000-$2000) not be sufficient ?

If there are that many people in the same room, I would suggest using lappy and IEMs (Earphones with Mics) as to reduce echo

3

We use a combination of tools.

For microphones we use Shure choir mics that generally go to a small Shure mixer. Mixer: Amazon.com

Mics: Amazon.com

The mixer goes back to a PV using some type of usb-audio interface, usually a cheapie like Berhenger or something. Doesn’t need to he fancy, just needs XLR or 1/4 inch in. You might need an adapter coming from the mixer as I believe it is either XLR or RCA out.

(If you only use one mic then you don’t need the mixer. But in most cases you will need more than one in a largish room)

For the camera you try one of these: 1080p Conference Camera for Meeting Room | Video Conference - FS.com They are amazing cameras for a great price.

If you have a TV that can do the audio out, awesome. That makes it way easier. Otherwise you will need some type of speakers and an amp as well. Hope some of that helps.

4

I have tried many inexpensive solutions and was never satisfied. I agree with @adrianyong4136 ​ using laptop with earphones/mics is the cheapest option, but when we tried it was terrible (echo and delay). What @jonahzona ​ suggest will end up getting you close to $1000 but is a much better option as it will provide the best experience. However, at that point you may just buy it all together; I would recommend a Logitech Rally. It basically has the same camera @jonahzona ​ links to but it includes mic(s) and speaker bar(s) in a kit that is easy to setup and install. It has worked great for us with a similar number of people.

5

That Rally Plus solution looks pretty awesome. Will have to look more into that.

Really you could do a whole setup with a couple of mics and a camera for about $600, you would just have to go on the cheap side. It can be done. We just found the Shure mics to give us a great experience.

But I would love to try those Logitech mic pods…

6

Then there are few alternatives when using lappy…

  • Get those IEM with Boom Microphone (mic on a stick). Use a sponge cover if there is still too much echo
  • Have users mute if they are not speaking
7

Thanks everyone for your input!

Appreciate