As good as some speakers built into computers and monitors sound these days, it still often pays to use external speakers on the desktop. Today’s setup features a powerful M4 Pro Mac mini — with an improved built-in speaker, no less — but the user still opts for Creative Pebble Pro speakers in the computer setup.
Creative Pebble Pro speakers top built-in Mac speakers in setup
Creative Pebble Pro Minimalist 2.0 USB-C Computer Speakers feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, customizable RGB lighting, plus Clear Dialog and BassFlex technologies.
- 60-watt peak output
- RGB lighting
- Enhanced dialogue through Clear Dialog
- Not the most powerful speakers
- Added bass may not please everyone
Redditor pseudosuto (“PS”) showcased their M4 Pro Mac mini setup in a post entitled, “New Mac mini, New Desk Setup.” Their new Mac mini is an M4 Pro model with a 12-core CPU, a 16-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, 24GB of unified memory and a 1TB SSD for storage. And while the little Mac features an improved built-in speaker, PS still chooses external PC speakers for their setup’s sound — Creative Pebble Pro.
Otherwise, the Mac mini drives a pair of 4K displays through a CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub. An 11-inch iPad Pro also sits in the setup as a third display. And portable-yet-high-capacity SSD/HDDs from Samsung and LaCie help with data backups.
Relatively budget setup
“For 2+ years, I was saving up for my dream desk setup. I lost my job earlier this year and had to use the savings to cover all necessities these part many months,” PS said. “After selling my old M1 Mac mini and getting the new M4 Pro Mac mini, I was able to find cheaper items to complete my desk for graphic design+photography projects and hopefully a remote job. I’m really happy with how it turned out and won’t have to make any upgrades any time soon!”
Recently we covered PS’s Mac mini and 4K external displays. Then we looked at the portable storage solutions and the device that helps keep the setup’s peripherals going with fast connection speeds, a CalDigit Element Thunderbolt 4 hub. Now we’ll look at those Creative Pebble Pro speakers, which offer great value.
Creative Pebble Pro speakers
Photo: [email protected]
Creative added the Pebble Pro speakers to its Pebble line of round and tilted USB desktop speakers in December 2022.
Creative Pebble Pro speakers feature overhauled full-range drivers and digital amplifiers, with increased volume compared to predecessors. That means no need for a a subwoofer (according to the company; your mileage may vary).
With Creative’s own BassFlex technology, the new speakers boast more than three times the bass output of the Pebble V3 series. And what’s more, you can make them even louder with an add-on. Just add Creative’s 30W power adapter to get the fullest sound, at 60W of peak output. And with a design that tilts the output upward at 45 degrees, you can point that sound right at your ears.
The speakers get decent reviews. PC Mag says they produce loud, distortion-free audio, and are worthy of an Editors’ Choice award for budget-friendly computer speakers.
Of course, the main reason to get them over a pair of HomePod minis is the price. At $60 for a pair, they’re significantly cheaper than two HomePod minis, which cost $99 each.
Flashy RGB lighting
Another update Creative Pebble Pro saw upon release? RGB lighting at the base with setting for color spectrum and three lighting effects — solo, cycle or pulsate.
The speakers’ connectivity options are reasonably up-to-date Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology, 3.5mm AUX-in port and a USB-C port for audio streaming and power.
You can take calls through the speakers via the microphone port, and a headphone jack allows private listening.
Creative includes a 5.9-foot cable connecting the speakers to allow different placement options on or near the desktop. An included 4.92-foot cable connects to the computer.
System requirements for Mac macOS 10.12 or later, at least 600MB of free hard disk space and a USB-C or USB-A port. The speaker system also works with Windows, PlayStation 5 and PS4 series, and Nintendo Switch. You can use the speakers with mobile devices via Bluetooth 5.3.
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Creative Pebble Pro Minimalist 2.0 USB-C Computer Speakers feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, customizable RGB lighting, plus Clear Dialog and BassFlex technologies.
- 60-watt peak output
- RGB lighting
- Enhanced dialogue through Clear Dialog
- Not the most powerful speakers
- Added bass may not please everyone
Audio:
Computers, hubs and stand:
- M4 Pro Mac mini (16GB/1TB)
- CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub
- Anker 525 Charging Station
- 11-inch iPad Pro
- TwelveSouth HoverBar Duo for iPad/iPad Pro
Displays and mounts:
- 32-inch Dell P3223QE 4K monitor
- 24-inch LG UltraFine 24MD4KL-B 4K monitor
- Fully Jax monitor arms (2)
- Ikea Vattenkar monitor stands (2)
Input devices:
Storage:
Other accessories:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually suffice). 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.
