My Gear Guide | The Setup I Use At Home
I get asked questions all the time on the gear/setup I use in my home office. Here is a collection of the gear I use (with notes if I think applicable).
I will try to keep it updated. ❤
FYI I am using affiliate links.
The Brain — Computing
The main system that I use day to day is a MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019).
Processor: 2.3 GHz 8-Core Intel Core i9
Memory: 16 GB 2667 MHz DDR4
Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5500M 4 GB
I could definitely do with an upgrade on this system because the memory is pushed to its limit when I am streaming and when developing very large applications.
I also use a 2020 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) for taking notes, doing wireframes, software architecture, whiteboarding during meetings, eBooks and whatever else having such a great touch screen handy. I use the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) too because it really does get the maximum from the screen.
The Screen
This is the piece that I get asked about the most because it’s so huge and I am definitely not compensating… This 49" curved beast is great because it powers my laptop as it is being used so I don’t need a tonne of cables. I also plug in my microphone directly to the monitor too and it gets picked up by mac as well. It’s a cable saver and a desk space saver since it’s the equivalent of 2x 27" monitors.
Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling wireless headphones are one of the few things I never leave the house without. They are a game-changer if you have never had a great pair of headphones. I need a head full of lofi beats when I am coding for long hours to stop me from getting distracted.
Keyboard/Mouse
Streaming/Meetings
I do think having a professional audio setup is more important than ever with Covid changing how we meet and network.
This is definitely the most complicated set of things I use and would recommend watching a few YouTube videos on the bigger pieces of equipment before you decide if you need something so complicated (and somewhat excessive for making YouTube videos and Zoom calls).
Although the links point to Amazon, my usual place for anything music or audio is Thomann.
Rode NT1-A Complete Vocal Recording
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen
RØDE PSA1 (Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm
RØDE PSM1 (Microphone Shock Mount
Video:
Standup desk
I have a standup desk and I always stand up for meetings. It’s been a great help for my back and energy levels because I am not just slumped over the keyboard for the day. I got mine made by an Irish business here but I have seen very similar all over the web. It has four programmable settings so I can have the perfect height for sitting, standing and streaming with just a button press.
It’s about 140cm by 70cm. Very spacious and solid. Great quality and without it I wouldn’t have all the room for all this great gear.
If you in Ireland, my exact model was a Walnut desktop with silver legs with a 1400mm width. I got it on OfficeThings.ie and I think it was phenomenal value.
Here is a similar alternative on Amazon.
I also use a floor mat to help my feet instead of standing on the hard floor all day: Prism Anti Fatigue Mat.
Chair
I have the Secretlab Omega chair (because I am pretty small so it’s a perfect fit for me). I have had it years and it’s definitely been neglected and it’s still firm as hell. Look after your ass since you are sitting on it most of the day.
Adapters
The curse of MacBooks… I need two of the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapters by Apple for when I have a second display and a video to record.
Laptop Mount
I mount my laptop on an arm to keep my desk clean. I use the BONTEC Monitor Arm Mount with Laptop Tray.
Desk Mat
I use a havit XXL Extended Gaming Mouse Mat to keep my desk clean (and I can throw it in the washing machine to keep it fresh). It is nice padding for resting my hands on and working at whatever weird angle I am sitting/standing or leaning at.
External Storage
If I need to share any files I have a nice SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD. I’ve got a 500GB version which is perfect because it has enough storage for a full backup of my MacBook.
Powering it up
I use a DoubleYi 12-way surge protector tower to plug in all of my devices and keep everything neat and clean. I also have easy access to USB ports on this to charge my phone or headphones too.
I'm a big fan of my setup and I have been adding to it for a couple of years. I'm sure it will change over the coming months and years too so check back if you notice me using something new.
