My Mac setup for development, video editing, and making music

I was using a docked MacBook until I realized that docking a laptop when you spend 95% of your time at home is a dumb idea. Also, fuck having not enough ports, too many dongles, listening to the sound of fans going crazy because you're running Slack, the monitors not waking up etc. Fuck. All. Of. That.

I wanted a desktop computer that can run macOS.

I didn't want to build a Hackintosh for the same reason I don't want to mess with Android phones and install ROMs: I'm not 14 anymore

I didn't get an iMac because ... bezels. Hey, everyone? Have you noticed the ginormous ugly bezels on this thing? Why would you stare at that ugly thing every day? I really don't get people.

I didn't get a Mac Pro because it didn't exist a few years ago. If it did, I would 100% go with it.

I settled on a Mac Mini 2018.

Mac Mini Setup
Mac Mini 2018
Deprecated
My main workstation
 
Mac Studio M1 Max
Deprecated
The beast that replaced my Mac Mini

Mac Mini Peripherals
Magic Trackpad 2
Best trackpad on the market
 
Magic Keyboard
Classic Apple keyboard
 
eXpress (Keyboard Platform)
This is totally not worth the $129 price because it's just a piece of plastic. It didn't even fit the keyboard well so I had to add some small plastic bits to the sides so it fits snuggly. But, keeping the trackpad next to the keyboard was so annoying because I had to move my hands, so I wanted the keyboard and trackpad to be in a laptop-like layout.
 
Logitech C920
Reliable webcam for streaming and calls
 
CrazyFire Cordless Vacuum
The white keyboard and trackpad attract so much dust and debris that I couldn't stand looking down at my desk. I keep this handy gadget always charged so I can vacuum everything on my desk every once in a while.
 
Anker Ultra Slim Extra Light 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub 
SOWTECH USB 3.0 Hub
Zedela USB 3.0 Hub
I used a 3M sticker to stick this hub under my desk, so I can easily insert a USB or an SD card, instead of reaching to the back of the Mac Mini.
 
Anker 2.4 G Vertical Wireless Ergonomic Mouse
Ergonomic vertical mouse to save your wrist

Mac Mini Storage
WD 8TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive
Deprecated
I'm working with video editing so I need a lot of storage for my footage etc. I'm also using this disk for regular Time Machine backups.
 
Samsung X5 Portable SSD 1TB (Thunderbolt 3) NVMe External Solid State Drive
I got this so I can store a lot of games because I thought I'd keep the Mac Mini as my gaming machine. It's still plugged into my computer but it's literally empty. Silly, silly, Kitze.

External GPU

I'm gonna repeat this mistake so many times in my life until I learn my lesson. One device is not meant to do everything, Kitze. Learn the lesson already. Get different devices for different purposes.

When I got my first MacBook I installed Windows via Bootcamp on it and I tried to pair it with a controller for some gaming on my TV. It was such a frustrating experience that it made me buy my first console: PlayStation 4. Made for gaming in front of a TV, you know?

When I got an iPad 2 back in the day, I was so frustrated by all the limitations that I jailbroke it and tried to tweak the shit out of it. Until I realized that I want a customizable tablet, so I got a Nexus 7.

When I got the Mac Mini I got excited by the idea of also using it a gaming machine, so I bought an eGPU and a 500GB external SSD drive so I can have enough space for games. What an absolute moron. JUST GET A PC, PAST-KITZE.

eGPU setup
Razer Core X - Thunderbolt 3 eGPU
Deprecated
Radeon RX Vega 64 8 GB
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Belkin Thunderbolt 3 USB-C 0.5m Cable

First of all, for the price that I paid for the eGPU setup I could've built a solid PC. Second, even though the Vega 64 is on the list of supported GPUs for macOS, setting this up with Windows 10 and Bootcamp was a nightmare.

But Kitze, why Windows? What about gaming on macOS?

HAHAHA I love your sense of humor, you're funny!

Anyway. I tried so many combinations of cables, drivers, and ways of running it that it drove me crazy. I also had to downgrade Windows and block some updates until I finally found the version that works. When I got it to work, it was mostly fine, but I was expecting the setup to break every time there was a driver or a Windows update. Sometimes the Mac Mini wouldn't wake up, or it would randomly glitch out. Eventually, I got rid of Windows and Bootcamp, decided to build a separate PC, and nowadays I only use the eGPU setup for video editing.

Apple Laptops

I had 3 Apple laptops so far, and all of them had their fair share of issues. When everyone was jumping on the TouchBar + Butterfly Keyboard hype (kill me if I know why) I was still being stubborn and wanted to keep my 2015 as long as possible. Until Apple said the battery could explode (nice). The Air was a dumb mistake. Hopefully, I'll keep the 2019 Pro for at least 5 years.

Apple Laptops
MacBook 2015 15"
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Old but gold
 
MacBook Air 13" 2019
Deprecated
Lightweight and portable
 
MacBook Pro 2019
Deprecated
Workhorse laptop

Making Music

I'm using the Mac Mini for playing guitar, piano, and recording some music, but I'm also using the same audio setup for listening to music, having a meeting, etc.

Audio Setup (Mac)
dbx 286s
Deprecated
Microphone Pre-amp Processor. I stopped using this when I got the GoXLR.
 
Millenium BS-500
Deprecated
Adjustable Monitor Stands. Stopped using them because they cluttered the room.
 
Audio Technica M50x
Deprecated
Industry standard monitoring headphones
 
AirPods Max 2
Premium wireless over-ear headphones
 
Shure SM7B
The best microphone for podcasting and streaming
 
Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 
Great audio interface that I've been using for years
 
Rode PSA1 
Professional Studio Boom Arm
 
JBL 305P MKII
Great studio monitors for the price
 
Gravity Headphones Holder
Desk-Mount Headphones Hanger
 
SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless
Best wireless gaming headset

Making Music
Millenium DI-33
Deprecated
Active DI Box. No idea why I got this.
 
M-Audio EX-P 
Deprecated
Expression Pedal
 
IK Multimedia iRig BlueBoard
Deprecated
Digitech RP250
Deprecated
Modeling Guitar Processor
 
M Audio SP 2
Deprecated
Universal Sustain Pedal
 
AKAI MPK249
Performance Keyboard Controller
 
Epiphone Prophecy Les Paul
Custom Plus GX, Black Cherry
 
Rode NT1-A
Excellent condenser microphone for vocals
 
Fender CD-140SCE
Electro-Acoustic Guitar (Mahogany)
 
Millenium MS 2003
Microphone Stand with Boom Arm