r/macsetups

Hi there, a little update to my desktop setup!

I spend a lot of time working in front of this setup every day. I use two Apple Studio Displays and a pretty large 200 × 90 cm desk, so having good, even lighting across the whole workspace is quite important to me.

I was skeptical about monitor light bars at first, but after trying one ScreenBar Halo, I liked it enough to buy a second one for my other monitor.

…but then came the ScreenBar Max

My previous setup already worked really well, so I wasn't really looking to replace it. What I was curious about was whether a single ScreenBar Max could actually replace both of the Halos without making any compromises.

After using it for a few days, the short answer is: yes, it can. And there are a few things I really like:

• One light bar instead of two. It makes my dual-monitor setup look much cleaner while still providing very even illumination across my entire desk.
• The rear bias light is excellent and lights up the wall behind both monitors very evenly.
• The presence sensor is a game changer. My older ScreenBar Halos didn't have it... and I love it.
• The wireless dial on the Halos was nice, but I honestly don't miss it. Having the controls directly on the bar works just fine for me.
• Auto-brightness works really well.
• The tall design of the light bar is actually very functional. Its body shields the light source, preventing the light from shining directly into my eyes.

A couple of things to consider:

• The Max has a more professional/workstation look than the Halos. I like it in my setup, but it might look a bit too substantial on a smaller or more casual desk.
• Considering the price, I would have liked a tool-free height adjustment instead of having to loosen and tighten screws. It's something you'll probably only do once, but it would have been a nice touch.

To sum up, my two Halos worked really well and I was perfectly happy with them, but if I were buying everything again today, I'd go straight for the ScreenBar Max. One bar does the job of two, the setup looks cleaner, the presence sensor is genuinely useful, and it costs less than buying two Halo 2s.

Setup details

• Mac: Mac Studio M1 Ultra — 48-core GPU, 64 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD
• Displays: 2x Apple Studio Display (previous generation), both connected directly to the Mac Studio
• Desk: custom DIY desk, 200 × 90 cm / roughly 79" × 35". I bought the wooden top unfinished, then sanded and varnished it myself
• Lighting: BenQ ScreenBar Max — replacing the 2x ScreenBar Halo units I was previously using
• Monitor riser: from Etsy, with custom/replacement legs
• Thunderbolt hub: CalDigit Thunderbolt 5 Element 5 Hub, mounted underneath the riser
• Speakers: ELAC Debut B5.3
• Subwoofer: SVS SB-1000 Pro
• Audio interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th gen
• Amplifier: Fosi V3
• DAC: TOPPING D50 III
• Streamer: WiiM Ultra
• Microphone: the t.bone SC 600
• External storage: SanDisk 4TB Extreme SSD + SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 2TB SSD
• Charger: Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe
• Optical drive: Apple SuperDrive — occasionally used to rip CDs that aren't available on Spotify
• Racing wheel: Logitech G923, connected to the PS5, basically only for GT7
• Mandatory desk accessory: the plushie my wife gave me 😄

Disclosure: BenQ provided the ScreenBar Max for this review. All opinions are my own.

Not sure how I feel about the iPad mount

edit: mac studio, won't let me edit title

My -to be replaced- setup: last days of the 40" ultrawide before going dual Studio Display XDR

Last photos of this setup before a big change.

The 40" Dell ultrawide has served me well, but after seeing 5K side by side with it, I couldn't unsee it: at 140 ppi macOS text is never quite crisp. I've been living with one Studio Display XDR for a few days now and the difference for code and docs is huge.

Coming next: a Mac Studio M5 Ultra with 256GB RAM and 2× Studio Display XDR (standard glass, VESA). Main one centered on my current arm, second one angled ~30° on an Ergotron LX Pro. Update post once it's done.

Current gear:
- Mac Studio M2 Max (M5 Ultra 256GB RAM on the way)
- Dell U4025QW 40" 5K2K (leaving soon)
- Fully Jarvis bamboo desk 160×80 + Jarvis monitor arm
- Steelcase chair
- KEF LSX II
- Samson Q9U on a boom arm + Focusrite
- Logitech StreamCam
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID & numeric keypad, Logitech
- Felt desk mat, walnut desk shelf, [BUSY bar]

Question for those running two XDRs: any mini-LED blooming with dark IDE themes that bothers you day to day? And how did you deal with speaker placement with two 27" side by side?

My favorite spot in the house✨