Uses

I often get asked about my setup for working as a designer, design engineer, and developer and running online workshops. This is why I created this page with all the things I use on a day-to-day basis. My setup has evolved a lot over time, and it will continue to do so. I’ll do my best to keep this page up to date.

Many of these links are Thomann affiliate links, so you’ll support me and my content if you click them and buy something. 🤗
 

Computer Setup

• MacBook Pro 16", M1 Max, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB HDD
• a Mac Mini as my completely silent workshop-only machine
• Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (2017) – not available anymore, closest alternative: Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
• Logitech MX Master 3S mouse
• Primary monitor: Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 27 Inch 4K LCD Monitor
• Secondary monitor: an ancient Dell UltraSharp U2212HM 22 Inch Full-HD Monitor

Desk & Chair

• For the desk, I mounted a large (2.2 x 1m) plywood tabletop onto a black Fully Jarvis Standing Desk Frame. They’re now part of Herman Miller, and AFAIK the frame is no longer sold separately.
• Herman Miller Aeron Chair (in the all-black Gaming Chair edition)

Audio Setup

• WeissKlang L1 large-diaphragm condenser microphone for voice recordings – a beautiful-sounding mic from a small manufacturer in Germany. I wrote a bit about it here: WeissKlang L1 – Punching Above Its Weight
• Røde Procaster dynamic broadcast microphone for voice recordings, podcasting, and meetings
• Røde NTG-5 KIT broadcast directional microphone for video and workshops (out of frame)
• sometimes, when I need to do a backup recording, I use a Røde Lavalier GO, plugged directly into my phone
• Tritonaudio FetHead Studio Preamp
• MOTU M2 USB Audio Interface
• Røde PSA-1 articulated microphone arm
• Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP
• my dbx 286s mic preamp is not really in use anymore (because it is quite noisy and I do all the EQ-ing via software now)
• I occasionally dabble around with music, soft synths, and digital instruments, and for that I use the Arturia MiniLab 3
• Austrian Audio Hi-X60 on-ear headphones for workshops, audio editing, and music – simply fantastic
• Sennheiser ‎HD 25-1 II on-ear headphones for workshops and meetings (and music)
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO closed-back over-ear headphones (the 80 Ohm version) for music and audio editing

Camera / Video Setup

• My main camera is a Sony Alpha ZV-E10
• I usually use it with a Sony SEL-35F18 standard lens (fixed focal length, 35 mm, F 1.8, APS-C)
• directly in front of the lens: an Elgato Prompter
• the camera is placed behind my desk on a Walimex Video Tripod with fluid head
• it is connected to the great ATEM Mini switcher by Blackmagic
• but because my model seems to have a color issue when used as a webcam via USB-C, I run the HDMI signal of the ATEM Mini into an Elgato Cam Link 4K
• I can see myself in a Walimex camera field monitor placed directly above the camera (my actual model is not available anymore, this one comes close)
• To be able to quickly turn the camera setup or the lights on or off, I installed a few meross WLAN smart plugs that I control via HomeKit on my iPhone 11

Lighting

• Key light: Aputure Amaran 200d S LED Video Light (broken) Godox LITEMONS LE300Bi Bi-color LED Light with an Aputure Light Dome SE Softbox. That softbox is now discontinued, a good alternative might be the Neewer SF85Q
• Fill light: F&V K4000 LED light panel with a F&V KS-1 Softbox
• Additional colored lighting via two Boling BL-P1 RGB LED lights (discontinued)

Software

I listed most of the software I use regularly in this post: My Favorite Mac Apps in 2023

Pen & Paper

My favorite pen for writing and sketching is the amazing LAMY swift rollerball pen in black. And I usually write everything down into LEUCHTTURM1917 A4+ plain notebooks.