Mike’s Work-from-home Gear
Disclaimer: I did a fancy thing and am an Amazon Associate. Therefore, if you end up buying something from the links below, I may earn from your purchase. I don’t mean to influence or pressure you one way or the other, just wanted you to know!
SETUP
FURINNO Simplistic Study Table, Espresso
Move over, Dwight Schrute, there’s a new mega-desk in town! I do like having space to work, but if I have too much space then it becomes cluttered. This is the perfect size and doesn’t break the bank.
Proline PL2KD Single-Braced Keyboard X-Stand
There are so many great keyboard stands out there, but I like that this one balances sturdiness with portability. I didn’t hesitate to buy another keyboard stand for MegaDesk because I know I’ll use it for many percussive things in the future!
LG 27 UK850-W 27” 4K External Monitor
I really didn’t know what I was looking for in a monitor, but I definitely found the right one. The size is like Goldilocks: not too small (my MacBook Pro) and not too large (some monitors are larger than my TV!). I like the colors, the brightness, and it is USB-C ready to power my laptop and external drives. A really great companion in my workspace!
Twelve South Curve Laptop Stand
There are many options for laptop stands, including stacking books(!), but I feel that something is necessary to get your laptop up to an appropriate eye level. This is a bit on the pricy side, but I like the look, it keeps my laptop cool and is a perfect height for me.
Apple Magic Mouse 2
Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
Since I have my laptop elevated and at a distance that is comfortable for my eyes, that means the trackpad and keyboard are out of reach. I’ve been a fan of the external keyboard with number pad (the number pad keys come in handy for Keyboard Maestro script triggers and Sibelius shortcuts!) and the Apple mouse integrates so well with the Apple operating system, the decision-making process was quite easy.
VISUAL Gear: Lights, Cameras, Action! (plus more)
GVM 560 Two-Light Pack
Maybe with the exception of microphones, lights have been the most important addition to my “looking professional” Zoom life. These lights are easy to use, they look great and are adjustable in both intensity and temperature.
Vanguard VEO 235AB Travel Tripod
2 Pack of USB Extension Cables
Logitech C920e HD Webcam
This wonderful little camera and accessories gives my students closeup-views of my hands, my instrument, or anything else that my laptop camera misses. I use the USB extension to maneuver my camera to the ideal place for my students and the light-weight camera stand keeps a smallish footprint and a solid foundation for this important view.
AUDIO Gear: Microphones, Cables, Stands, Headphones
Rode M5 Small Diaphragm Condenser
There are so many microphones out there, and you really get what you pay for, but maybe we don’t all need the $X,000 microphone that you’ve seen in your favorite studios. I don’t personally own these microphones, but a student of mine recently bought them and his instruments sound GREAT over Zoom. Affordable, stereo pair and great sound!
Samson XPDm Digital Wireless Cardioid Lavalier Microphone System
I really love the flexibility a wireless lavalier offers. I can get around my space without a bunch of cables at my feet, and the students can hear me no matter where I am in the room. This system is super easy to use and I really like using it.
Cable Matters 2-Pack Premium XLR Cables
These are not the most expensive XLR cables, and as long as you keep them away from interference, you should be fine. (Check out this interesting comparison video!)
On-Stage Boom Mic Stand
I know you don’t always think about which mic stand you’re going to get, but this one is lightweight, pretty sturdy and is very easy to transport. A great addition to the collection!
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (3rd Gen)
No matter who you are, you need an interface. For the money, this is absolutely the best you can get. The pre-amps are good and reliable. So many people get the 2i2, but trust me, you’ll need the extra outputs when you are playing a piece with a click track. Also it’s bus powered! Just get it.
Sennheiser HD600 Open-Back Headphones
I didn’t think that I needed headphones, especially ones that were so expensive. However, the sound that comes out of these headphones is so unbelievably clear and beautiful that I have a newfound enjoyment while listening to music. I actively search out high-quality files now. Treat yourself to great sound!
Phone and Tablet Mounts
Square Jellyfish Phone Mount (for camera stands)
K&M Tablet mount for Microphone/Music Stand
I use these mounts every day and they are PERFECT for master classes. You can use these for multiple angles or even your primary angle. The phone mount will attach to a camera stand and the tablet mount will mount to a microphone or music stand.
Percussion Gear for Meetings!
Pearl Short Snare Stand (S1030)
ReelFeel 2-sided, 12-inch Practice Pad
Anytime you have a meeting, you can keep the practice pad below-camera with this solid duo of stand and pad. Yes, the stand is on the pricey side, but you definitely are going to want the expandable basket for post-Zoom life!
Contact Mike
As always, I’d love to hear from you. Please click the button below to write with any thoughts or questions.