In my podcast, Stationery Adjacent, I often talk with my cohost, Stuart Lennon about our technical setups. We both work from home and are always looking for the most productive arrangements. We are both, admittedly, Apple Fan Bois, and we do enjoy working with cutting-edge (and often bleeding-edge) technology.
I'm the first to admit that I am incredibly privileged to have a lovely home office and an abundance of gear. My recent move from the city, and the decision to work remotely full time, prioritized the importance of investing in the best workspace for me to be focused and productive. I'm at this desk for 60+ hours a week between my work and all of my side-projects, and I felt that this needed to be very well set up. I think I'm there.
Here is a run-down of all of the equipment I use and why.
Computers:
Context switching is essential to my productivity. I don't want to be distracted during my work time with a creative impulse. I can create a rabbit hole for myself that I won't come back from! To help me accomplish this, I have two laptops with different setups - a content production machine and a work machine.
My Work Machine is a 2020 MacBook Pro 13" with an 8-core M1 chip. I've upgraded to 16GB and have a 1TB SSD, mainly as this is a work-only machine. Luckily, I'm in an organization that allows me to Bring My Own Device to work. I specced up a computer that meets my needs, as I tend to a very resource-intensive workflow. And not having to use an underpowered, corporate-issued Windows laptop is a real bonus for me.
My Production Machine is a 2019 MacBook Pro 16". It has the faster 2.4 GHz i9 Intel chip with the 8GB graphics card, and I loaded it up with 32GB RAM and a 2TB SSD. While the Intel chips are slower in most cases than the new Apple Silicon chips, this is a solid production machine. It is usually one operating system version behind the latest - as audio software often lags. A recent test of de-noising on an audio track using Izotope showed that this machine is still 24% faster than the M1 using the same software. That will change in the future. More software will be compiled for use on Apple Silicon, rather than running through Rosetta 2. Still, for now, this machine is holding up very well.
My computers are stacked on an inexpensive Amazon aluminum stand. The M1 MBP is on the bottom of the rack while the 16" Intel is on top. The M1 lives in clamshell mode as it runs very cool. I open the 16" when I'm producing audio as I want the best ventilation possible.
I do have to unplug the monitor from one computer to the next as I move machines. Still, as it's only one connector, and I also have to switch keyboard/ trackpad/ mouse combinations, I don't mind. Anything to keep the context-focused and avoid easy distraction.
Keyboard, Mouse, Trackpad
I've set up each computer with its own matching extended magic keyboard, magic mouse, and trackpad. With my computers sometimes being used simultaneously, I get worried about clicks on one computer messing up something on the other.
The production machine has the space grey set, initially issued for the iMac Pro. Basically, it's black and very sleek.
My work computer gets a new touch ID keyboard (a recent arrival as I got tired of typing in my password) as well as a white mouse and trackpad.
Having the two sets in different colours is a great help, as I can easily see what computer is set up at any point. Luckily, I never got into to mechanical keyboards, as that could be dangerous with my tendency to excess!
Monitor
My monitor is the highlight of my setup and the most indulgent purchase I've made in a long time. I've invested in the Apple Pro Display XDR. This 32" 6K reference monitor is built like a tank with a separate machined aluminum one-piece stand. It is crazily expensive - more than my computers combined. But it's my main interface for the computers all day long and will outlive the lifespan of these current computers. My old Apple Thunderbolt Display is still going strong after 10 years and is currently hooked up in my music studio.
Unfortunately, the Pro Display XDR has a couple of missing things, resulting in me having more hardware on my desk. It doesn't have speakers or a webcam.
Webcam
Even though my expensive monitor doesn't come with a webcam, Logitech makes a 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam for Pro Display XDR. This is a magnetic mount camera that fits right onto the bezel above my screen. Given that Apple's top-of-the-line laptops only have just upgraded to 1080p cameras, the external unit is great for working from home video calls.
Audio Out
The XDR doesn't have any speakers, and you become dependant on external speakers for sound. I can use the laptops, but as they are off-axis, I find that distracting.
I had hoped to use my HomePods Mini stereo pair as a later Big Sur release introduced AirPlay support. There is about a 1-second delay between the video and the audio through AirPlay. Unfortunately, the lag makes it impossible for video conferencing and any sort of connected streaming media. I don't have enough room on this desk for my big Homepods, but I suspect they will suffer from the same problem.
My complicated solution is to have external speakers fed through an external audio interface. I'm running a pair of KRK SYSTEMS - ROKIT 5 G4 Professional Bi-amp Studio Monitors Speaker connected through the balanced line out of a Scarlett 2i2 interface by Focusrite. Though the interface can make audio input, I use a different, higher-quality interface for podcast recording. Yes, it is as complicated and expensive as it sounds.
The speakers have a significant frequency range, and I was using them as studio monitors before. I upgraded my studio monitors to the larger Rokit 6s and adapted these for desk use. I purchased UltimateSupport: JS-MS70+ speaker stands that sit at the back of my desk out of the range of the sit/stand functionality.
Audio In
As I make a couple of podcasts and have been described as a "fussy editor" by at least one cohost, I care about the quality of my recordings. I have invested in getting the best possible sound.
I record with an almost industry standard Shure SM7B - Vocal Microphone situated on a Rode PSA1 Professional Studio Boom Arm. The SM7B is a cardioid dynamic microphone which means it's excellent for up-close work and misses a lot of external noise. It also means that it has meagre gain. I route mine through a Cloudlifter CL-1 to increase the volume without pushing the gain on my interface too loud. I also route the audio through a Rolls Corporation MM11 Pro Switchable Mic Mute/Talk Professional Microphone Switch. This is set to only activate the microphone when I push the footswitch, saving me time editing keyboard sounds, coughs, etc., when I'm recording. I honestly believe a mute switch is one of the best investments for a podcaster.
The interface I use for recording is the Sound Devices MixPre-6 II which gives clean, clear sound and is also a backup recorder of my audio. It's a lovely piece of kit.
Headphones
My podcast recording and editing headphones are an older set of Sennheiser HD 380 PRO Studio Headphones. These are wired to ensure no delays.
I also keep my collection of AirPods on my desk, so I always know where they are. I often take calls on my Apple AirPods Max, which are comfortable and have excellent noise cancellation. Walking around gives me the choice of Apple AirPods Pro with the rubber tips. These are ideal for chores around the house where I don't want to be disturbed by others. My old Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are still very comfortable and great for outside activities where noise cancellation isn't a concern.
I've got all of my headphones on an inexpensive Amazon supplied Neetto Dual Headphones Stand . Keeps things very neat, and I have a power connector from my desk to charge the headphones when needed.
Desk
My desk is a sit-stand Jarvis Standing Desk - 24" depth | Fully. It's got a contoured desk front, to accommodate a very comfortable working position. It's got 4 memory positions and is motorized for easy raising and lowering. I added wheels to allow for easy repositioning as needed. I added cable management and in-desk power grommets, allowing for AC, USB A, and USB C charging, and underneath, I affixed two cable management trays. With all of the accoutrements on my desk, I'd be drowning in wires without these. Believe it or now, I only have one power line to the ground, which eliminates the problems of raising and lowering the desk.
Shipping from the US was expensive, but I wanted a very sturdy desk for my gear. I'm delighted with this purchase.
Water Bottle
Left to my own devices, I'd drink coffee all day long. I bought a Smart Water Bottle, the HidrateSpark Bluetooth Water Bottle + Tracker App, some time ago to help me focus on drinking more water.
This sounds like a gimmick, but the subtle lights glow on the bottom of the water bottle when I fall behind my daily quota. It's a very effective way of reminding me to drink healthy alternatives.
Analog
Stu and I often talk about the Analog cards by Ugmonk. At its essence, It's a simple daily to-do list on a single index card which I display in a beautiful wood holder.
It's become an essential piece of my daily personal organization and focus.
Bullet Journal
And, lastly, I have a Edition 2 - Bullet Journal that I use as a work journal and notebook. I don't need to say more about a bullet journal, but I love the improvements to Ryder Carroll's book.
Conclusion
I know I'm very fortunate to have a great office and a good deal of tech that I use. Context is vital for task isolation. Even though this gear may appear to be redundant, it helps me focus on the different tasks at the most appropriate time.
I'd love to see other people's setups and hear what others are doing to better organize and be more productive. While my setup is ideal for now, my desk is a constantly evolving production, and I'm sure it will change again soon.