robgb
Genius. Idiot. You Decide.
The desk cost me about $360 with shipping. I go from sitting to standing an vice versa about every hour or so. Much better for your health.
DIY studio desk fight !!!!
- Thread starter zoilreb
- Start date
I've used this custom desk that we sell for more than ten years, as I mentioned in the Commercial Announcements section. But it's based on the same concept as the DIY one. The picture below is from 2005.
It's built mostly out of Ultimate Support hardware. The piano keys are at piano height (about 29-1/2"); the desktop is on drawer slides over the top of it to go between writing and playing positions; and the bridge shelf (on speaker stands) holds the speakers and screens above the sliding desktop.
You're always the right distance from your speakers and screen, and the keyboard and mouse are always in the right position.
It's built mostly out of Ultimate Support hardware. The piano keys are at piano height (about 29-1/2"); the desktop is on drawer slides over the top of it to go between writing and playing positions; and the bridge shelf (on speaker stands) holds the speakers and screens above the sliding desktop.
You're always the right distance from your speakers and screen, and the keyboard and mouse are always in the right position.
DS_Joost
One day I'll fly away!
So I thought I'd chime in since I've just completed my first true home studio setup. This is the first time I've actually got a room for myself, which I love!
My desk is build from the greatest invention coming from Ikea ever: the mighty Kallax.
It is actually just a set of four of these next to each other in front of me, and one on the left behind the Nektar Impact. They are filled with LPs and CDs, and some theory books as well.
Putting four of these next to each other means there is ample room for all my stuff. As you can see I can easily place three monitors at arms length, everything on the desk is perfectly positioned so I can reach it without having to move. Very cool. You can also see a remote control for the light in the studio, which can go through all colors of the rainbow. Love me some blue/purple light for those loungy nights!
The leftmost monitor is a recent addition. I put the Nektar in front of there, complete with an additional mouse and keyboard, making this an ideal synth workstation, whereas the Studiologic SL880 is my grand playing keyboard (and yes, mine works perfectly!)
The Akai is for inputting commands like making notes legato, turning snap on/off and so on. I actually use the drumpads to switch between quantize and grid resolutions. As you can see, there is nothing between the speakers and my ears. They are placed at a perfect height by sitting on a pair of, you guessed it, Kallax closets. Almost the whole of the walls is covered in foam. Even James Dean is modified to be one big absorption panel.
Overall, I really love my studio, and am not planning on leaving anytime soon!
My desk is build from the greatest invention coming from Ikea ever: the mighty Kallax.
It is actually just a set of four of these next to each other in front of me, and one on the left behind the Nektar Impact. They are filled with LPs and CDs, and some theory books as well.
Putting four of these next to each other means there is ample room for all my stuff. As you can see I can easily place three monitors at arms length, everything on the desk is perfectly positioned so I can reach it without having to move. Very cool. You can also see a remote control for the light in the studio, which can go through all colors of the rainbow. Love me some blue/purple light for those loungy nights!
The leftmost monitor is a recent addition. I put the Nektar in front of there, complete with an additional mouse and keyboard, making this an ideal synth workstation, whereas the Studiologic SL880 is my grand playing keyboard (and yes, mine works perfectly!)
The Akai is for inputting commands like making notes legato, turning snap on/off and so on. I actually use the drumpads to switch between quantize and grid resolutions. As you can see, there is nothing between the speakers and my ears. They are placed at a perfect height by sitting on a pair of, you guessed it, Kallax closets. Almost the whole of the walls is covered in foam. Even James Dean is modified to be one big absorption panel.
Overall, I really love my studio, and am not planning on leaving anytime soon!
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babylonwaves
Darth Fader
so here's mine. i found this place which cuts freeform MDF boards and went for a light arc instead of a strictly rectangular shape for the desk. I found it really makes a difference. the surface is is a natural laminate which helps with the direct reflections from the speakers. the desktop, without the stand, was about €300.-
the speaker and monitor stands are custom made and based on three heavy duty keyboard stands from K&M. all we did was to saw the middle bit out and welded the outer parts together again. the absorbers in between the speakers and the stands are rubbers which are normally used for heavy machines standing on shop floors.
the monitor controller is held by magnets, which i find a simple way to hang something from above
i always had a 88 keys keyboard and i still have it (in the back, where my other keyboards are). interestingly enough, i don't miss it. the 61 keys on the desk i prefer by now, i find it more ergonomic than integrating the keyboard into the desk. i hardly go to the bigger keyboard and play there these days.
the speaker and monitor stands are custom made and based on three heavy duty keyboard stands from K&M. all we did was to saw the middle bit out and welded the outer parts together again. the absorbers in between the speakers and the stands are rubbers which are normally used for heavy machines standing on shop floors.
the monitor controller is held by magnets, which i find a simple way to hang something from above
i always had a 88 keys keyboard and i still have it (in the back, where my other keyboards are). interestingly enough, i don't miss it. the 61 keys on the desk i prefer by now, i find it more ergonomic than integrating the keyboard into the desk. i hardly go to the bigger keyboard and play there these days.
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Alex Fraser
Requires ☕️
Looks great - I love it.
Re the 88 vs 61. This is the approach I've taken now. For me, 61 synth keys on the desk is a lot more comfortable for long working hours than bending over 88 hammers. My arms are supported all day long. I've tried to do the 88-in-front-the-desk so many times now and just can't seem to make it work for me.
Granted, it's a personal thing though.
Ashermusic
Senior Member
I am guessing that Mark and Alex are not primarily pianists?
Matt Riley
Active Member
I was able to get an old desk from Guitar Center for free which I cut off the top and laid a board across to hold my screens and monitors. I think I spent $30 on the board at Home Depot.
The Darris
Senior Member
Built this piece of shit back in 2011. Haha. The hutch rack mounts put displays too high. I'm looking to build a new one soon but I paid about $150 in lumber and hardware and used my friends shop to construct it. Took a day to build and a day to stain and seal. The desk top detaches from the two side legs to make it less of a pain in the ass. Lessons learned? Use a simple flat desktop and outsource to a rack shelf. It would be easier to keep clean. Picture is from 2014.
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Alex Fraser
Requires ☕️
Yep, I'm a pianist and much prefer 88 weights for performing. But for the work I do, I simply don't need all those keys in front of me. It's a trade off.
I'll be getting 88 weights at some point for the studio, but they'll be set aside in the corner for when I need them.
synthpunk
Senior Member
You mean when they start making good ones again Alex? 
Although Jay Asher's new controller certainly looks the part.
@babylonwaves Mark, yours is certainly my favorite setup. So streamlined and minimal, just love it, very inspiring and no clutter. Where do you have your Mac hidden btw ?
Although Jay Asher's new controller certainly looks the part.
@babylonwaves Mark, yours is certainly my favorite setup. So streamlined and minimal, just love it, very inspiring and no clutter. Where do you have your Mac hidden btw ?
The Darris:
I suggest putting them on a mount. That will let you position them exactly where you want them independently of the shelf.
https://innovativeworkspaces.com/product/7000-switch/
^ That's the one I like best, or (because I've never used a dual-monitor arm) the company that makes the one I like - Innovative.
I suggest putting them on a mount. That will let you position them exactly where you want them independently of the shelf.
https://innovativeworkspaces.com/product/7000-switch/
^ That's the one I like best, or (because I've never used a dual-monitor arm) the company that makes the one I like - Innovative.
Ashermusic
Senior Member
Rodney Money
On V.I. avoiding work.
We have the same midi controller!I was able to get an old desk from Guitar Center for free which I cut off the top and laid a board across to hold my screens and monitors. I think I spent $30 on the board at Home Depot.
TheNorseman
Active Member
Thanks!
Hey! Thanks very much! My fiancé and I wanted it to feel very comfortable in the studio. Clients seem to like it...it's a relaxed vibe.
