A Simple Guide to Joining Us Online
If we’ve invited you to an Airstreaming interview, orientation, workshop or remote setup session, we may suggest meeting on Zoom.
Don’t worry if you’ve never used it before. Here’s everything you need to get started.
1. Get Zoom
For the best experience, install the free Zoom Workplace app on your computer, tablet or phone. Zoom provides versions for Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone/iPad and Android.
Install it just as you would any other app.
You don’t normally need your own Zoom account just to join a meeting we’ve invited you to.
2. Test It Before We Meet
This is the best part. Zoom has its own test meeting.
Click Join and Zoom will walk you through checking your Internet connection, speakers, microphone and camera.
If you can see yourself, hear the test sound and Zoom can hear your voice, you’re ready.
3. When It’s Time to Meet
We’ll send you a Zoom link.
A few minutes before our scheduled time:
- Click the link we sent you.
- Choose Open Zoom Meetings if your computer asks.
- Allow Zoom to use your microphone and camera if prompted.
- Choose Join with Computer Audio.
- You’ll either enter the meeting or wait briefly until we let you in.
That’s really all you need to know.
4. Please Wear Headphones
For Airstreaming interviews and remote audio work, headphones are important.
They prevent the sound coming from your computer from feeding back into your microphone.
Earbuds are fine. Over-ear headphones are fine. A wired headset with a microphone can be especially handy.
5. Can’t Hear Us? Can’t Hear You?
Look at the bottom of the Zoom window for the microphone.
Beside it you’ll find audio options where you can select the microphone and headphones/speakers you want Zoom to use. Zoom also lets you test both from there.
If you have several microphones or audio devices connected, don’t worry. We’ll help you choose the right one when we meet.
6. What About the Camera?
If we’re doing an interview, put your computer or device somewhere stable and, if possible, have the camera roughly at eye level.
Have the light in front of you rather than behind you. A window in front of you can work beautifully.
Take a quick look behind you. A simple real background is usually better than a complicated virtual one.
And don’t worry about creating a television studio.
We’re much more interested in you than your backdrop.
7. For Musicians and Broadcasters
This is where Zoom becomes particularly useful for Airstreaming.
We can use a Zoom session to help you remotely with:
Microphones • Audio • Broadcasting software • Airstreaming setup • Sound checks • Interviews • Radio-show orientation
You can show us what’s happening on your computer, and we can talk you through the setup from wherever you are.
For musical performances, we’ll also help you choose appropriate audio settings because settings designed to make ordinary speech sound good aren’t always the best choice for music.
Before We Meet
Five-minute check:
✓ Headphones on
✓ Microphone connected
✓ Camera where you want it
✓ Quiet room if possible
✓ Zoom link handy
✓ Something to drink
Then click the link.
That’s It.
You don’t have to learn Zoom.
You just need to get into the room. We’ll take it from there.