TW 102: Office Setups & Upgrades

<h4>Kicking Off with a Familiar Chaos</h4>

• Michael and Damashe reflect on how their episodes often start mid-conversation instead of with a structured intro.
• Michael notes that this mirrors their real-life calls—jumping straight into discussions without formal greetings.

<h4>Damashe’s Office Overhaul</h4>

• New Layout: Desk now faces the room instead of the wall, giving a more executive feel.
• Tech & Workspace Adjustments:
• Boom Arm Swap: Back to the Rode boom arm for smoother, quieter adjustments.
• Microphone Change: Using the Beta 87A after stashing away the Earthworks mic.
• Acoustic Challenges: Removing boxes increased reverb—plans to install sound dampening panels.
• Networking Upgrade: Exploring Ethernet setup, possibly running cables through the attic.
• Additional Changes & Plans:
• Coin sorter and bill counter now have dedicated spots.
• New storage system for organizing cables and tools.
• Plans to mount wall cabinets for more space.
• Top Wish List Item: Better climate control—the office lacks central heating/AC, making it challenging in extreme weather.

<h4>Michael’s Office & Flexible Workstyle</h4>

• Garage Setup:
• Two-tier sit-stand desk (mostly used sitting).
• Logitech MX Keys keyboard, Mackie 1204FX mixer, and Vocaster 2 audio interface.
• OWC dock connects everything neatly.
• Living Room Workstation:
• Uses the DJI Wireless 2 Mic for portable calls and recordings.
• Primary workspace: the living room couch with his MacBook Pro and headphones.
• Recording process: Quickly reconnects his setup in the garage, ready to go in seconds.

<h4>Apple’s Surprise Improvements</h4>

• Audio Switching Just Works™:
• macOS now remembers and restores audio devices when reconnected—something that was unreliable in the past.
• No more manually resetting inputs and outputs after unplugging an interface.
• MacBook Battery Life = Game Changer (but we won’t say that)
• Long-lasting battery means less time tethered to power, more time working from anywhere.

<h4>Cellular Upgrades with US Mobile</h4>

• Damashe switched his personal and business lines to US Mobile, now offering:
• AT&T and Verizon network switching for better coverage.
• Unlimited data on a second line for free when both lines are on the same phone.
• Future dream: MacBooks with built-in cellular, making tethering a thing of the past.

<h4>Closing Thoughts</h4>

• Thanks to Tip Jar subscribers for the support! Your contributions help keep the show going.
• Expect a new Mastodon bot account to automate episode release posts.
• Reminder: Tell a friend about the show! Repost on Mastodon or share with someone who’d enjoy it.

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