Thank you being a guest on one of our shows.
To help you look and sound great, please follow this simple guide before your recording session.
You will be connecting to the podcast using your browser. No software is required.
Technical Requirements
Device
Please use a Laptop or desktop computer (Windows or macOS).
Do not use a mobile or tablet device.
Browser
- Google Chrome (recommended)
- Microsoft Edge
Internet Connection
- Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible
- Avoid shared streaming during the call
- Turn off downloads and cloud backups (such as Dropbox, G Drive etc).
- If using WiFi, stay close to your router
- You can check your internet speed here; https://www.speedtest.net
- Recommended: 10–20 Mbps upload for stable HD quality
Camera
- Preferred: USB webcam (Logitech C920 or better)
- Alternative: Built-in laptop webcam
Audio
- Preferred: USB microphone (Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB, etc.)
- Good alternative: Wired earbuds with built-in mic
- Avoid: Bluetooth headphones (they reduce quality).
Headphones
Wearing headphones eliminates echo and ensures the best sound for the show.
Do not use Wireless Headphones.
Camera Setup & Image Quality Tips
Lighting
- Sit facing a primary light source (window or lamp).
- Avoid strong backlight or sitting with a window behind you.
- Use soft, diffused light—a desk lamp bounced off a wall works perfectly.
- Aim for even lighting so your face is clearly visible.
Framing
- Position the camera at eye level or slightly above.
- If using a Laptop, use a stand or a box to raise it up to eye level.
- Leave a small gap above your head (“headroom”).
- Sit about arm’s length from the camera for a natural look.
- Ensure your background is tidy and not too bright or distracting.
Background
- Neutral, simple backgrounds look best.
- A plant, bookshelf, or soft décor adds personality without distraction.
- Avoid clutter, strong patterns, or busy spaces.
Clothing
- Solid colours work best.
- Avoid bright white, neon, or tight patterns that can cause visual flicker.
Avoid this
Joining The Call
- You will receive a guest link prior to the show.
(Example: https://vmixcall.com/abc123) - Typically you will be asked to join the call at least 40 mins prior to recording. This allows for tech checks and a pre-show briefing.
- Click the link using Chrome or Edge (or copy and paste the link if these are not your default browsers).
- Allow camera and microphone access when prompted.
- Enter your name when asked.
- You will see a grid with the host, any other guests and a preview of the live production output.
- The producer will bring you into the show and confirm that everything looks good before going live.
- There is no option to change or blur your background.
If you are using an external camera and/or microphone and are unable use these devices once you join the call.
Close the browser and join the link again, but this time click the link for vMix Call Advanced at the top of the page.
This will give you more options for selecting your specific hardware.
A Note on Latency
You may notice that vMix Call behaves slightly differently from typical video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
Most video conferencing platforms prioritise very low latency (the delay between speaking and hearing the other person) so conversations feel as close to real-time as possible. To achieve this, they often reduce video quality and compress the signal heavily.
vMix Call works differently. It prioritises the highest possible video and audio quality so that the recorded program looks professional. The trade-off is that there can be a small amount of extra latency compared with typical meeting apps (around 1 second).
To ensure this doesn’t affect the recording:
- Allow the other person to finish speaking before responding.
- Avoid talking over each other where possible.
- Hosts: If you have multiple guests, clearly direct questions to a specific person (e.g., “Sarah, what do you think about that?”).
Final Checklist Before Going Live
✔ Plug in your laptop power
✔ Close all unnecessary apps
✔ Quit Zoom, Teams, Skype – they can steal your camera
✔ Switch phone to Do Not Disturb
✔ Test your audio and camera in the preview
✔ Have water nearby
