Our editors’ desk setups, part 9: Phil likes it large

Pretty much everything in my desk setup seems to get bigger every year, which is increasing my space requirements. If I had more space, I could put new gadgets on my desk – or maybe finally a second monitor? It’s a never-ending vicious circle. But for the moment I’m happy with my setup.

Computer: basic, but fast

Under my desk is my gaming box which I built myself. In the Fractal Define 7 case, an Intel i9-10900K together with an Asus RTX 4090 ensures that even demanding games with maximum details run smoothly.

When it comes to cable management, there’s no way I can compete with my colleague Domagoj Belancic ). I either have too many gadgets or too poor organisation skills.

Screen: more is more

It’s not actually a screen at all that’s attached to a solid stand on my standing desk. I use a 48-inch OLED TV from LG. Thanks to 4K resolution, 120 Hz and a low response time, gaming on it is excellent. And after I found a trick that prevents the screen from constantly dimming when the windows are bright, it works wonderfully. And no, I don’t think it’s too big. I’ve also been considering a 50-inch-er recently. But let’s wait and see what the new OLED generation brings.

Keyboard, mouse and remote control: here, less is more

Along with most of the editorial team, my colleague Kevin Hofer has got me into keyboards too. My current self-built keyboard is a Mammoth75. As the name suggests, this is a 75 per cent model. Along with that, I use tactile Panda Switches from Glorious PC Gaming. The keycaps are Cherry PBT Taro with the corresponding Bobabear mouse pad.

For the mouse, I go for the Glorious Model 2 Wireless. It feels good in my hand, but the battery is terrible even without the lighting on.

If I’m not playing with a mouse and keyboard, I prefer the DualSense controller from Scuf. Because there are always games that don’t support the PS5 controller, I have the Xbox Elite Series 2 at hand.

Sound: elegant and powerful

Yes, I know the speakers are theoretically upside down. But there’s no other way to connect it to my PC or mixer without buying extension cables. And there’s no difference in audio quality, no matter how I position them. The Audioengine 5+ together with the S8 subwoofer under the table always sound first class.

I also own the Beyerdynamic 1990 Pro. The open headphones have a clear and neutral sound and are perfect for gaming or mixing podcasts. I got the idea for the bracket from YouTuber MKBHD and bought a spring clamp for it.

I can make my own tunes with the Teenage Engineering sampler Ep 133 K.O. II. Unfortunately, I haven’t really composed much with it yet.

Podcast and streaming equipment: two is better than one

Since the Rodecaster was too unreliable, I’ve switched to the DLZ Creator from Mackie. My mixer is another reason why I need such a large desk. The thing is huge. But it fulfils almost all my wishes.

I still use the GoXLR for streaming. It sometimes does strange things with my microphone, but controlling the audio sources is very simple.

I use the dynamic Rode Procaster microphone with the PSA1+ arm stand from the same manufacturer.

The webcam I use is the Full HD Elgato Facecam. I have little to criticise in terms of quality, but the software is almost as unreliable as Logitech’s Logicapture.

I use the Elgato Ring Light as a light.

There’s also a Benq LED screen bar, which rarely gets used. My gigantic TV is usually enough of a light source.

Decoration: Darkwing keeps an eye on everything

In addition to a few plants that don’t have a long life expectancy in my office, Darkwing Duck ensures law and order. The hero from the 90s Disney series of the same name is sometimes kidnapped by my three-year-old son, which is why he looks a little worn out.

Desk: up and down, up and down

A standing desk was already a must for me before we increasingly switched to working from home. I bought a frame from Contini and a 200 x 90 cm table top. For me, depth is as important as width. Otherwise even I wouldn’t be able to cope with a 48-inch screen.

Office chair: worn, but comfortable

I have long since rejected gaming chairs. Instead, my butt rests on a used Vitra ID Trim L. As should be the case with a decent office chair, it can be adjusted in various ways. My version doesn’t look particularly stylish, but my back thanks me for it.

If you’ve missed someone’s setup, you can find an overview of them all here:

Michelle:

Samuel:

David:

Jan:

Kevin:

Flo:

Domi:

Tinu: