A systems engineer who works for a software developer showed off today’s M1 Pro MacBook Pro setup, which features unusual audio. Razer Nommo Chroma gaming speakers rarely come up in setups despite their high coolness factor. They look a bit like highway patrol speed guns. And the noise-canceling wireless earbuds are a favorite — Soundcore Space A40.
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M1 Pro MacBook Pro drives dual displays of different sizes and resolutions in setup
Systems engineer and Redditor Stephen Horan (u/stephotosthings) showcased the great-sounding setup in a post entitled “Finishing Touches.”
“I work as a system engineer for a software developer, and swap the MacBook out to a Windows laptop with the Thunderbolt dock, Bluetooth accessories [Logitech MX series mouse and mechanical keyboard],” Horan said. “Personal workflows are photo editing, AI generation, media consumption and some gaming.”
The setup runs a 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro and a Windows laptop through an Anker 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 dock to a pair of external displays and other peripherals.
On Friday we covered Horan’s M1 Pro MacBook Pro connecting through a 5-in-1 Anker Thunderbolt 4 dock to peripherals. On Monday we focused on the two odd-couple, different-size dual displays. Wednesday we set aside for the audio gear.
Razer Nommo Chromo gaming speakers
Photo: Razer
Surprisingly, we rarely see Razer Nommo Chroma gaming speakers in setups. They come up occasionally, like here and here. They look sort of like highway patrol speed guns, don’t they? Well, they’re more like sound guns. And they’re made to point toward your gamer’s head as they flood the room with action-packed audio.
Features of Razer Nommo Chroma gaming speakers
- Full-range 2.0 gaming speakers: Optimized drivers built for full-range sound and clarity.
- Custom 3-inch woven glass fiber drivers produce tight audio across frequencies so you hear distinct layers and details.
- Rear-facing bass ports push low-end output for a full sonic range.
- Bass knob with automatic gain control helps you fine-tune the low end.
- Works with Mac/PC through USB port and uses Razer Synapse software (requires Mac OS X 10.9 or higher/Windows 7 or higher, 100 MB of free hard disk space).
So the speakers go for $149.99 (currently marked down to $142 on Amazon). But if you want to get even more serious about sound — especially bass — you can pick up the newer V2 2.1 version of the speakers with a wired subwoofer for $249.
Soundcore Space A40 earbuds
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
And Horan’s choice of wireless noise-canceling earbuds makes us smile. That’s because Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are a favorite. Excellent buds by almost any measure — great sound, epic battery life, powerful noise cancellation — they’re an incredible value for their price.
In fact, the price keeps going down. When our Cult of Mac review gave the earbuds 4.5 out of 5 stars in a late-August 2022, they listed for $100. In a recent Amazon sale, they got marked down 51% to $49. Checking Tuesday, the price was back up, but only to $59.
And if you like the desktop wallpaper on the displays (most clearly on MacBook Pro), Horan said he got it from Basic Apple Guy.
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Photo: stephotosthings@Reddit.com
Audio:
Computers and dock:
- 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro
- Anker Power Expand 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 dock
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th Gen)
- Windows laptop
Displays:
Input devices:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
These gaming speakers in the Chroma product range feature custom woven 3-inch. glass fiber drivers, rear-facing bass ports and a bass knob with automatic gain control.
