Some computer setups are remarkably cool for their awesome computing power. Others wow you with incredible displays, with several high-def monitors. And still others blow you away with premium sound. Or, in the case of today’s featured setup, premium audio-visual gear many people would be psyched to get their hands on.
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Redditor Halzen offered up an exceptionally clean workstation with audio-visual punch in their post, “Fairly simple M1 mini setup.”
At its center is an M1 Mac mini, a reliable workhouse desktop computer with a sterling reputation. It’s paired with a 27-inch Dell Ultrasharp monitor. The display sits on a Vivo Premium monitor arm, which frees up desk space and increases the screen adjustability factor.
But the potent little Mac and slick display aren’t what caught our eye. What drew us in? Well, we noticed the Belkin 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger juicing up the iPhone 13 Pro Max and Apple Watch 4 Series; charger like that are somewhat rare in setups. But what really grabbed us were the high-quality webcam, the killer speakers and the Rode audio interface and microphone.
Audio-visual beast
Halzen’s clean-looking setup packs some serious audio-visual firepower for whatever they do, whether it’s conference calls, recording or podcasting. They rock a Logitech Brio 4K webcam, Audioengine A2+ powered speakers, and an audio interface and condenser microphone from the well-regarded Australian company Rode.
Logitech Brio 4K webcam
Logitech says the Brio’s ultra 4K HD resolution provides four times the resolution of a typical HD webcam. It offers 5x HD zoom and auto light adjustment through Logitech RightLight 3 HDR technology.
And dual omni-directional mics suppress background sound so Halzen can be heard clearly. They can choose from three field-of-view presets: 90°, 78° or 65°.
Audioengine A2+ powered speakers
Audioengine’s A2+ powered Bluetooth speakers feature an integrated digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and 60 watts of power. They generate clear, true stereo sound and easily connect to music sources like smart phones, tablets or computers.
The speakers features analog class A/B power amplifiers, dual analog audio inputs for connecting multiple devices, USB audio input, and Bluetooth aptX. The A2+ features true stereo sound, a subwoofer audio output, custom aramid fiber woofers and silk dome tweeters, and a power-saving idle mode.
And you can hook them up to a subwoofer for even bigger sound, too.
Rode USB audio interface
Rode’s AI-1 Audio Interface makes recording on a computer easy, providing versatility and high-quality sound.
The AI-1’s single input is a Neutrik Combo Jack, which takes both a 3-pole XLR (common to most microphones) and a quarter-inch jack common to most electric instruments, like guitars.
The interface delivers clear audio to your computer software and to your headphones, thanks to the discrete studio-quality headphone output and level control.
Rode NT1-A microphone
The Rode NT1-A 1-inch cardioid condenser microphone delivers the warmth, extended dynamic range, clarity and high SPL capability usually associated with more expensive microphones.
It’s quiet, too, with a self-noise level of only 5dBA. That low noise makes work well as a vocal microphone or for recording guitars and percussion.
Shop these items now:
Computer:
Display:
Input devices:
Audio-visual gear:
- Logitech Brio webcam
- Audioengine A2+ powered speakers
- Rode NT1-A microphone
- Rode AI-1 audio interface
- Gator Frameworks Deluxe Tripod Microphone Stand
- AirPods Pro
Furniture and accessories:
- Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless MagSafe Charger
- Autonomous Smart Standing Desk
- Hydro Flask “My Hydro” Wide Mouth water bottle
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches or challenges.
