3 Steps to an Awesome Desk Setup

I get asked ALL the time about my mic and home office setup, so I thought it might be a good idea to write it down. Here's my awesome home office setup!

1. Good lighting makes you more attractive

Yes, it's statistically true.

I use the Logitech HD external webcam, this is a lot better than my Macbook camera in terms of quality, exposure and the ability to angle it. I do wish there were a good DSLR quality webcam available, but this does the trick.

To hold the camera at eye level, and keep things flexible, I use a Selfie Phone Holder + Ring Light clip. The Phone Holder holds the Logitech Webcam perfectly. I don't use the ring light on my face, but it's more like a desk lamp.

For lighting I use 2x LED soft boxes that have many colours to control the look I want to give in meetings.

2. Don't tolerate bad audio

My team are so bored of me explaining why I have such an awesome mic setup at the beginning of calls. Now I just say "Isn't every Zoom meeting with me a Podcast?" or "Welcome to my show" then queue laughter.

This chrome baby is my 2nd mic. Initially I started with a more basic version of the Audio-Technica, but came across this on Amazon and just had to have it. Honestly I can't tell if it's any better, but it sure looks cool with it's shiny chrome and blue light.

The Boom arm is an essential part of the kit and holds the mic near my face. You don't need a fancy one, it doesn't do much.

The Pop filter genuinely has a good impact on how sensitive the mic is to picking up my breath..

I swing my arms a lot as I speak and touch-type aggressively, so the shock mount helps avoid any noise from my movement, although it doesn't prevent me from hitting the mic with said arms.

If you're playing audio through your laptop speakers and recording on a mic, there can be a delay and cause some feedback for other call participants as they speak, and their voice is picked up. The best quality can be achieved with wired headphones that plug directly into the mic.

If you are just getting started or tight on a budget, below is a really solid "Kit" from Audio Technica that has all the essentials you need for a lot less cash.

3. Standing is for Champions

So we all know that sitting is the new smoking. Especially now with working from home and being on calls all day, I decided I was going to take the plunge into standing desk territory. Now after experiencing it, I could never go back. I spend approximately 80% of my working day standing and am much happier for it.

I had an existing wooden desktop and a-frame legs that I had been using for a few years that I'd bought from Ikea. Upon searching, I found many electric desk legs where you just needed to add the tabletop! This is awesome because you can find an awesome tabletop of your preference and just add legs!

They do recommend not to stand all day especially when you get started. I'm not picky when it comes to chairs, I don't think one should have to spend $1,000 to get a comfortable chair. This one below is cheap and cheerful and way more comfortable than any office chair I've sat on!

I hope that was helpful! Leave a comment below and let me know what desk-tech you have at home!