Today’s M4 Mac mini setup jumped out at me not because of the powerful little desktop or the gorgeous-but-distracting display wallpaper, but because of all you can see riding on top of the monitor. It features a typical monitor light bar with a pronounced webcam riding on top. But look to the corners and notice something I’ve never seen: two separate LED light panels — Ulanzi lights — mounted there to make the user look better on video calls.
Try M4 Mac mini setup’s unusual trick with Ulanzi lights to jazz up videoconferencing
This lightweight 4K webcam for streaming, meetings and gaming features a half-inch sensor, AI framing and autofocus, Beauty Mode, gesture control, HDR, dual microphone and 60FPS video.
- AI framing and autofocus
- Powerful sensor
- Gesture control
- Not cheap compared to some models
Redditor anwylchang (“Chang”) showed off the impressive Mac mini setup in a post entitled, “My Setup Finale.” Almost immediately someone reminded him setups are never final, and he agreed, saying he’d already ordered more accessories. And speaking of accessories, the M4 Mac mini user boasts some interesting ones. Atop the Samsung M8 4K display sits Ulanzi V49 mini LED light panels mounted at the corners plus a Obsbot Meet 2 4K webcam riding the middle of the Xiaomi monitor light bar.
And in front of the display, don’t miss the Divoom Times Gate digital desk clock. A commenter mistook it for five Apple Watches on display.
“It’s the Divoom Times Gate desk clock,” Chang said. “Super cool. It’s customizable, you can set different images, time, YouTube sub count, decimal meter, etc. I got it on Amazon for less than half of what they are asking on their website so that’s the reason I got it. But honestly for the quality and what it does, it’s worth it IMHO.” He added he mainly keeps it on the YouTube screen and views images once in a while.
DIY studio lights: Ulanzi V49 LED light panels
This small, rechargeable 2,000mAh LED video light brings soft, natural-looking light to your videos. It can connect to other light panels for more brightness.
- Upgraded soft lighting mimics natural light
- 2 hours' use at max brightness
- 3 cold shoe mounts for expandability
- Small size might require expansion
Another person asked how he mounts the lights on top of the monitor.
“It was actually a process. I got these 3M adjustable tripod mounts, then got these horse shoe to tripod mount adapters to attach to the existing horseshoe mount on the bottom of the lights,” Chang explained. “I’m sure there is a much cheaper and more hassle free method to this but I already had one light so I decided to just get another one and I kind of dug my own hole lol. End result, I’m very happy with but in the future I’d definitely do a dedicated stream light setup.”
Another person complained that they go one of the lights but they still look washed out on calls.
“They absolutely help,” Chang insisted. “In the afternoon/evening I don’t get much light through the window and the lights help make it look more natural in my darker corner of the room. If it looks washed out, it seems like that would be more of a camera issue than the lights you’re using. If you are using the same cam as me, try playing with the camera settings and lock your exposure and ISO so there isn’t any harsh changes in lighting.”
He also mentioned the lights are brightness and temperature adjustable. He runs his at 5600k and 35% brightness, he said.
Ulanzi light panel features:
- New model features upgraded soft light that works well for vlogging.
- Built-in 2,000mAh lithium battery features 2-hour charging time, maximum brightness output up to 120 minutes and minimum brightness output up to 300 minutes.
- 5500K color temperature mimics natural Light for macro photography and video shooting.
- 49 LED beads and color rendering index up to 95+ help reduce post-grading work.
- Cold-shoe mounts on top and sides let you connect multiple light panels together to for more brightness and lighting effects.
Shop these items now:
Divoom's "cyberpunk" digital clock features app control, Wi-Fi connectivity, RGB LED display, personalized dashboard and pixel art.
- Cool cyberpunk style
- Multifunctional
- Customizable
- A little pricey for a digital clock
Ulanzi lights, webcam, display and lightbar:
- Ulanzi VL49 mini LED lights
- Obsbot Meet 2 4K Webcam
- 32-inch Samsung M8 Series UHD Smart Monitor
- Xiaomi Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar
Computer and stand:
Input devices:
Audio:
- Kanto OraMP speakers on stands
- Kanto Sub 8 subwoofer
- Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti Nano USB Microphone on Innogear boom arm
Other accessories:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). 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.
