We’ve seen a fair number of PC gamers converting to one or more of the new Macs lately, including some who let go of their main gaming machines entirely.
Today’s featured setup fits that bill. It belongs to a UI designer who ditched a gaming PC and got himself a Mac Studio and Studio Display to go with his work-provided MacBook Pro.
But he kept a few gaming devices around, along with a suite of Elgato AV streaming gear and a new Sonos Ray Soundbar used, strangely enough, as a wireless desktop speaker.
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Former PC gamer goes with Mac Studio, M1 Max MacBook, Studio Display plus PS5 and handhelds to ease gaming withdrawal
UI designer and Redditor SoyRamza (“Soy”) showcased the setup in a post entitled, “Sold my gaming PC to get a Mac Studio, no regrets so far…”
Soy already had an M1 Max MacBook Pro for work, and he likes to use it only for work. He decided to ditch his gaming PC and replace it with a new Mac Studio and a Studio Display.
The MacBook and Mac Studio share the same basic specs — M1 Max chip, 32GB integrated memory, 1 TB SSD.
Lots of commenters asked why not keep a gaming PC of some sort in the mix. Soy said he would get by on a Sony PlayStation 5, a Nintendo Switch and some other gaming handhelds. You can see an Analogue Pocket Console, a Ninendo GameBoy Micro and more on the shelf above his desk.
He also said he may “get a small-form-factor PC at some point,” possibly in addition to a Steam Deck, when “supply gets better.” (Not to be confused with the Elgato Stream Deck discussed below).
He mentioned he hadn’t been using his gaming PC enough for gaming, so he went Mac with some gaming backup. Among his handheld gaming devices, he got shout-outs for the Analogue Pocket Console and the Game Boy Micro.
New Sonos Ray Soundbar
Soy’s setup marks a minor milestone as the first one we’ve covered that includes the new, affordable Sonos Ray Soundbar. But he has a Sonos Arc in the living room with his home theater, so the Ray serves as a desktop speaker via AirPlay.
“The Sonos is fine, a little overkill just for AirPlay music, definitely this was made for TV use,” he told one inquirer.
Another commenter asked a question that defines why a soundbar might not be ideal as a computer speaker.
“How’s the Sonos Ray sound near field? I used a Beam on my desk for a year and it didn’t sound nearly as good as it does in my living room from about 7 feet away,” the person said.
“Same, this is not the best product for PC/desk use,” Soy replied. “Sonos sent this one to me but I already use an Arc in my TV room.”
Sounds like he got the Ray free. He also highly recommended the Sleeve music player app, by the way.
A raft of Elgato AV products
Another interesting aspect of the setup is the strong presence of Elgato products in it. Turns out the company sponsors a podcast Soy involves himself with. So apparently he gets a lot of gear.
He’s got a Stream Deck with 15 LCD keys for controlling streaming media and creating shortcuts. You can use it to do things like launch media, adjust volume, switch scenes and much more. It’s loaded with customization options.
He’s got the Wave XLR microphone interface to amplify and expand upon his Audio-Technica 2035 condenser mic. He can use the Wave Link app to edit mixes with various audio sources and create multiple mixes.
And he’s got a FaceCam, which boasts a high-quality Sony Starvis sensor. Designed especially for indoor conditions, the webcam shoots 1080p video at 60 frames per second.
And naturally, high-quality video demands good lighting. So he has a pair of Elgato Key Light Air fixtures on stands. A commenter asked what he thinks about them versus the larger Elgato key light.
“For small spaces the Air is definitely the best option, I even use them at like 25% and it’s more than enough light,” he replied.
And if you like the desktop wallpaper showing on the Studio Display, you can find it here.
Shop these items now:
Computers:
Display:
Input devices:
Audio-visual gear and lighting:
- Elgato Stream Deck
- Elgato Wave XLR
- Elgato FaceCam on Elgato Multi Mount system
- Elgato Key Light Air
- Audio Technica 2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- Sonos Ray Soundbar
Handheld gaming devices:
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.
