Look. If you were spending $600 on a plane ticket every two weeks, you can buck up for a professional soundboard. You might think to yourself, that’s only for the tech guy. Conversely, you might see how many different ways you can dramatically change the way people hear you on Zoom, Loom, over the phone. This professional-grade equipment is one any person can manage and use live during their live video appearances. In this post, we will focus on the soundboard called the Rodecaster Pro that retails for $599 before tax. Watch this video to see it in action.
#1 Your Zoom meetings will never be the same again.
Anyone who has been on a Zoom meeting with me or heard me speak at a virtual event knows we have a lot of fun. Each time we start, we welcome everyone with applause. Every time my client says something funny, I press the laugh button on my soundboard. Every time I try to say something funny, I press the wah wah wah button. If the discussion turns to risk management, I press the scary Halloween pre-recorded .mp3. What you need to know is that almost everyone else can only control the volume of their webcam microphone. Think of the memorable moments you can create for everyone else while you entertain them along the way.
#2 You can create audio files with sound files and your voice.
When you use a professional grade microphone with high quality mp3 segments, you can record an audio file combining them together without having to open up any software. This is perfect for recording voicemail greetings, interactive voice response systems, programming voice assistants and podcasts. Think of the time you will save by having the equipment and pre-recorded mp3s ready to go and use on the fly.
#3 You can telephone a friend during a Zoom meeting.
There are times when someone can’t join the Zoom meeting or is unable to dial into the telephone conference number to connect successfully. There is a Bluetooth input option to connect your smartphone to the computer so any audio played from the phone will be available to go live into your Zoom meeting audio. This is a great last resort backup option in case someone can’t join. Try playing your Spotify library for your team for even more fun.
#4 When people call your phone, they are welcomed with applause in the background.
Never mind Zoom or Loom. Let’s pretend when you call someone from your mobile phone and you want to entertain or introduce new audio segments into the conversation. The pre-programmed buttons on your soundboard will come in super handy.
#5 You can create an audio podcast on the fly without doing any editing.
Let’s pretend you have divided up your podcast into the greeting segment, commercial segment, interview segment, commercial segment, and final pre-recorded goodbye. If three of those segments are already pre-recorded, you only have to invest time into the welcome and interview all from the sound board. Even if you wanted to take this with you, the soundboard easily transfer files between the unit or micro SD card. Then when it’s time to upload, you can batch them all at once.
#6 You can take it with you wherever you go.
Look for a portable case that will allow you to take the soundboard with you wherever you go. You don’t even need to take your computer. This case should have enough room for your microphone(s), headset(s), and accessories to fit all in one. Although a case like this can be checked at the airport, I would advise taking it carry-on and spare some extra time going through TSA.
#7 You can switch the audio levels from several input sources.
If the music is too loud, people can’t hear you. If you are the loudest person in the room, people have to adjust their volume each time you speak and that can be annoying. You need the ability to control the audio volume received from multiple input sources so you can adjust them depending upon your environment.
#8 Add Alexa as an input source to your phone calls or Zoom meetings.
Batman had Robin. Yogi had Boo Boo. If you think about having someone else super-smart who you can pre-program join in as your teammate, you create an even more dynamic environment. Each Echo device has an audio output feed to connect a 3.5m cable to the soundboard. Another way you can connect Alexa to the soundboard is by using Bluetooth from your mobile phone. Once the Alexa app is open, you can speak into it similar to having an Echo device on your desk. Once an Echo device is connected, the power is turned on, and the volume is set, you can ask Alexa questions and she can chime in when needed. You can also program what Alexa says using Alexa Blueprints. Fast. Easy. Fun.
