One of the interesting gadgets we see more and more of in computer setups is the Elgato Stream Deck and its various interations. Today’s MacBook Pro user relies on one to make YouTube videos, and the company’s key light helps with pro-level lighting, too.
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M1 MacBook Pro setup depends on Elgato Stream Deck and good lighting for making videos
Redditor MentalOriental (“Mo”) showcased the smart-looking setup in a post entitled, “My complete setup.” On Friday we showcased Mo’s M1 Pro MacBook Pro setup with an emphasis on his audio gear, particularly his Sonos surround-sound system.
Today we focus on his Elgato gadgetry that plays important supporting roles on the video side of things — an Elgato Stream Deck and an Elgato Key Light Air — plus another lighting element, the popular BenQ Screenbar Halo LED Monitor Light.
Here’s Mo’s breezy description of how he uses the setup: “I sit at my desk to make YouTube videos, work from home, eat and watch TV shows.”
Elgato Stream Deck
Photo: MentalOriental@Reddit.com
So he makes lots of YouTube videos. And he said he used to do a lot of videoconferences. Those scenarios are where the Elgato Stream Deck comes in most handy, for streamlining media tasks and creating shortcuts. But it’s not only for streaming media. It can be adapted for many task and workflows when you want to control apps, tools and platforms.
“What do you use the Stream Deck for?” a commenter asked.
“Opening my most-used programs,” Mo replied. “It’s also context sensitive, so when I open Final Cut all the buttons change to my most-used functions. it’s more than a tool for streaming. I recommend looking up some YouTube videos about it to see if the versatility might interest you.”
The updated MK.2 deck goes for about $150.
Elgato Key Light Air and BenQ Screenbar Halo monitor light
Photo: MentalOriental@Reddit.com
Making all those YouTube videos requires proper lighting, of course. For Mo, that means an Elgato Key Light Air ($130) for soft lighting with a lot of color temperature control.
Here are its features, described by the company:
- Wi-Fi Enabled: switch on/off and fine-tune light settings via the app on Mac/Windows/iPhone/Android.
- 1400 Lumens: effectively illuminate your workspace and dim to a subtle glow.
- 2900 – 7000 K: adjust color temperature from sunset amber to arctic blue.
- 80 Premium OSRAM LEDs: deliver constant intensity while keeping cool.
- Edge-Lit: indirect illumination guarantees comfort for hours.
But that’s not the only lighting he relies on. He also uses a popular monitor lamp to light up the desktop and reduce eye strain. It’s a nice one — reflected by a price typically over $200 — and it comes with a desktop controller.
“What is that round puck thingy under the monitor?” asked a commenter.
“BenQ ScreenBar Halo wireless controller,” Mo replied. “It’s for controlling the light bar. It’s touch controlled and the panels light up when you tap it. Rotate the rim to change brightness/kelvin.”
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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, challenges and plans for new additions.
This studio controller features 15 macro keys that trigger actions in apps and software like OBS, Twitch, YouTube and more. Works with Mac and PC.
