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Post by Tbone81 on Jul 8, 2018 10:21:47 GMT -6
I really need a new desk, just moved into a new room and still getting things organized and am really not happy that I don't have a functional desk/workstation for my gear. I've been looking at a DIY option, basically getting two 12-14u slant racks and using those as table legs. Then putting a nice table top across them. And eventually adding some 4u racks on top that I can mount my speakers on top of. However, I've recently been looking at mastering desks from sterling modular, audiorax, and a host of other companies. I really like the design and simplicitiy of having a compact desk with angled, recessed racks in front of you.
Some concerns of mine are:
1) Do I leave room for a midi controller? I don't do much composing any more, mostly just recording and mixing so I can get by pulling out a small controller when I need one, but will I kick myself later if I don't have room for a full size controller?
2) Size: My desk needs to be relatively small. Approx 72" w x 40" d is what I'm working with now.
3) Cost: I'm super broke after just closing on a house. My max budget is $1500 but could do this for around $500 DIY. I really don't want to spend a full $1500 as that could go towards a lot of other expenses I have around the house.
4) Shipping: I've found some affordable desks but the shipping always kills me. A lot of these designs have to ship freight.
Any suggestions? Any recommendations on inexpensive slant racks? Any one using a mastering style desk for mixing? I feel like this is a really important decision because its really going to influence my work flow. I'd love to hear what people are using.
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Post by notneeson on Jul 8, 2018 11:58:45 GMT -6
I really need a new desk, just moved into a new room and still getting things organized and am really not happy that I don't have a functional desk/workstation for my gear. I've been looking at a DIY option, basically getting two 12-14u slant racks and using those as table legs. Then putting a nice table top across them. And eventually adding some 4u racks on top that I can mount my speakers on top of. However, I've recently been looking at mastering desks from sterling modular, audiorax, and a host of other companies. I really like the design and simplicitiy of having a compact desk with angled, recessed racks in front of you. Some concerns of mine are: 1) Do I leave room for a midi controller? I don't do much composing any more, mostly just recording and mixing so I can get by pulling out a small controller when I need one, but will I kick myself later if I don't have room for a full size controller? 2) Size: My desk needs to be relatively small. Approx 72" w x 40" d is what I'm working with now. 3) Cost: I'm super broke after just closing on a house. My max budget is $1500 but could do this for around $500 DIY. I really don't want to spend a full $1500 as that could go towards a lot of other expenses I have around the house. 4) Shipping: I've found some affordable desks but the shipping always kills me. A lot of these designs have to ship freight. Any suggestions? Any recommendations on inexpensive slant racks? Any one using a mastering style desk for mixing? I feel like this is a really important decision because its really going to influence my work flow. I'd love to hear what people are using. |
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ericn
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Balance Engineer
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Post by ericn on Jul 8, 2018 12:05:37 GMT -6
DIY
IKEA legs plywood surface and spend plenty of time mocking it up to get ergonomics right!
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Post by Tbone81 on Jul 8, 2018 12:35:18 GMT -6
DIY IKEA legs plywood surface and spend plenty of time mocking it up to get ergonomics right! Thats sort of what I'm leaning towards. I already own a table top from my old (non music related) desk. Its 30" x 72" and is currently being used in my studio space. So I'll probably just sit that on top of some slant racks and call it a day. But...I'm really liking the mastering desk setup...and I want it to look pro. I think perception is important when clients come over. When I had a better looking studio I always got that "Whoa, this place is cool" look from people and they instantly took me more serious. Its silly, but you are judged based on looks. And I'm not sure my sub par carpentry skills are going to be enough to evoke a positive response like that. |
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Post by subspace on Jul 8, 2018 12:46:15 GMT -6
I went with the IKEA legs screwed into an old cabinet door. I thought it was going to be a mock up at first, just two free hand angles at the ends and two drop cut-outs in the middle, but I decided to live with it for awhile and three years went by...  |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jul 8, 2018 12:47:34 GMT -6
DIY IKEA legs plywood surface and spend plenty of time mocking it up to get ergonomics right! Thats sort of what I'm leaning towards. I already own a table top from my old (non music related) desk. Its 30" x 72" and is currently being used in my studio space. So I'll probably just sit that on top of some slant racks and call it a day. But...I'm really liking the mastering desk setup...and I want it to look pro. I think perception is important when clients come over. When I had a better looking studio I always got that "Whoa, this place is cool" look from people and they instantly took me more serious. Its silly, but you are judged based on looks. And I'm not sure my sub par carpentry skills are going to be enough to evoke a positive response like that. It’s not silly, find a local cabinet builder and build what you want and can afford! The options with a local builder or DIY are endless and can address your workflow and tastes. |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jul 8, 2018 12:56:12 GMT -6
The status is in storage resting on 3/4 ply connected to these www.tablelegsonline.com/two-column-t-shape.htmlIn fact I drilled the bottom of my smaller DDA forum frame to mount these right to it, plus custom Zebrawood sides with a large shelf above the bridge to support near fields and Zebra armrest with a cove on top so Apple keyboard can sit without slipping. |
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Post by NoFilterChuck on Jul 8, 2018 20:49:57 GMT -6
Anyone got a suggestion for composer-type tables? I've been using the same IKEA Jerker desk for probably a decade now, with my mouse and keyboard resting top of my keyboard: http://instagram.com/p/BY8gYcDhNYk it's starting to really annoy me, as the desk isn't strong enough to support a fully-weighted keyboard being played. And i've totally worn away the paint where I use the mouse. |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jul 9, 2018 6:58:22 GMT -6
Anyone got a suggestion for composer-type tables? I've been using the same IKEA Jerker desk for probably a decade now, with my mouse and keyboard resting top of my keyboard: http://instagr.am/p/BY8gYcDhNYk it's starting to really annoy me, as the desk isn't strong enough to support a fully-weighted keyboard being played. And i've totally worn away the paint where I use the mouse. Find the local used office furniture or office furniture recycling center! Almost any modern stock desk top is going to be a laminated fiber board, some are even a hollow core so if you want something that will wear well it’s DIY. IKEA has a more industrial series of desk supports where the legs are attached to a metal framework not bad but even better with a Plywood top. HD, Lowe’s and Menards all sell 3/4 MDF with mellmane laminate but you have to glue the edging laminate your self. |
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Post by mdmitch2 on Jul 9, 2018 7:12:31 GMT -6
A while back I built a DIY version of the Sterling Plan Uno, and documented the build.... it worked out really well for my purposes, until I replaced it with a console. m.imgur.com/a/o5ibj |
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Post by Tbone81 on Jul 9, 2018 8:16:39 GMT -6
A while back I built a DIY version of the Sterling Plan Uno, and documented the build.... it worked out really well for my purposes, until I replaced it with a console. m.imgur.com/a/o5ibjWow, great work. That's brilliant. I'm going to have to borrow that idea for a future design. |
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Post by mdmitch2 on Jul 10, 2018 8:17:00 GMT -6
A while back I built a DIY version of the Sterling Plan Uno, and documented the build.... it worked out really well for my purposes, until I replaced it with a console. m.imgur.com/a/o5ibjWow, great work. That's brilliant. I'm going to have to borrow that idea for a future design. Thanks! Although credit goes to jcoutu1 for the basic concept. |
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Post by Blackdawg on Jul 10, 2018 10:21:53 GMT -6
Anyone got a suggestion for composer-type tables? I've been using the same IKEA Jerker desk for probably a decade now, with my mouse and keyboard resting top of my keyboard: http://instagr.am/p/BY8gYcDhNYk it's starting to really annoy me, as the desk isn't strong enough to support a fully-weighted keyboard being played. And i've totally worn away the paint where I use the mouse. This is a nice desk like what your talking about: output.com/platformBuilt in rack space, sliding lower deck, cable management. Nice design really. |
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Post by winetree on Jul 10, 2018 13:02:57 GMT -6
Back in 2005 there wasn't much available so I designed and built this desk.   |
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Post by NoFilterChuck on Jul 10, 2018 14:19:53 GMT -6
This is a nice desk like what your talking about: output.com/platformBuilt in rack space, sliding lower deck, cable management. Nice design really. Lol that looks like a picnic table at a public park! |
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Post by Blackdawg on Jul 10, 2018 14:52:10 GMT -6
This is a nice desk like what your talking about: output.com/platformBuilt in rack space, sliding lower deck, cable management. Nice design really. Lol that looks like a picnic table at a public park!  Has some great features. The pull out keyboard desk with the notch for your legs is cool. Awesome cable management integration. Looks a hell of a lot better then the desk you have now to me..especially if you got the stained finish. Just me though. |
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Post by NoFilterChuck on Jul 10, 2018 15:18:36 GMT -6
It doesn't have enough rack space, though. I need 18 RU, plus supporting a fully weighted keyboard (Kronos x73) plus keeping the mouse and keyboard at an ergonomic height and reach. I've only seen the Malone and Sterling Modular desks do that, but they're $$$$
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Post by Blackdawg on Jul 10, 2018 15:26:20 GMT -6
It doesn't have enough rack space, though. I need 18 RU, plus supporting a fully weighted keyboard (Kronos x73) plus keeping the mouse and keyboard at an ergonomic height and reach. I've only seen the Malone and Sterling Modular desks do that, but they're $$$$ yeah not enough rack space for a mixing desk. I think it would do the rest of your needs though. The mouse and keyboard is for the main table and the keyboard goes below which is fully adjustable. Says a 88 keyboard was for the design. Its a composer desk setup not a mixing/mastering setup like the sterling stuff. Which is what I thought you were going for thus why i shared it. Whip out the saw and get to building your own! I hope to do that myself soon. |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jul 10, 2018 17:43:44 GMT -6
This is a nice desk like what your talking about: output.com/platformBuilt in rack space, sliding lower deck, cable management. Nice design really. Lol that looks like a picnic table at a public park! X leg is a very easy way to build a simple to assemble flat pack unit that will be well balanced and hold up under weight, but yeah I don’t like the look. DIY or a local builder will let you build a similar keyboard drawer and also let you decide on tabletop and drawer height. |
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Post by Blackdawg on Jul 10, 2018 17:48:20 GMT -6
Lol that looks like a picnic table at a public park! X leg is a very easy way to build a simple to assemble flat pack unit that will be well balanced and hold up under weight, but yeah I don’t like the look. DIY or a local builder will let you build a similar keyboard drawer and also let you decide on tabletop and drawer height. for sure. Be easy to build something yourself anyways. I think it looks fine though in the dark finish.  |
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Post by M57 on Jul 10, 2018 18:02:37 GMT -6
It doesn't have enough rack space, though. I need 18 RU, plus supporting a fully weighted keyboard (Kronos x73) plus keeping the mouse and keyboard at an ergonomic height and reach. I've only seen the Malone and Sterling Modular desks do that, but they're $$$$ This is what I have. It's an Omnirax Omnidesk. All particle board with a melamine laminate I think. I've had it for close to 20 years - given it a beating and it's still in great shape. It weighs a ton, but it's on swivel casters and moves easily, dare I say gracefully on a wood floor. On a rug ..not so much.  link for B&H I find that putting the keyboard on the desk is pretty much a perfect height. My only complaint has been that the top three bays are 3U and I wished on occasion that they were 4U to fit a 500 series rack. But on the other hand, be careful what you wish for. With the 3U bays, the screens are at a perfect height and you'll have half your gear right in front of you. This is pic from a year or so ago so it's not my current gear (so don't judge me), but it's a good angle and it has 61 keys on it; you can see there's easily room for 88. The curved design always impresses if you're into style points. It may be on the high end of what you're willing to pay, but it checks all the boxes and it's cheap money as these things go - with rack space until you drop. I think there's a additional 20U in the racks below. You'll have extra room for a drawer ..or maybe a wine rack ;P |
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Post by Blackdawg on Jul 10, 2018 19:00:41 GMT -6
It doesn't have enough rack space, though. I need 18 RU, plus supporting a fully weighted keyboard (Kronos x73) plus keeping the mouse and keyboard at an ergonomic height and reach. I've only seen the Malone and Sterling Modular desks do that, but they're $$$$ This is what I have. It's an Omnirax Omnidesk. All particle board with a melamine laminate I think. I've had it for close to 20 years - given it a beating and it's still in great shape. It weighs a ton, but it's on swivel casters and moves easily, dare I say gracefully on a wood floor. On a rug ..not so much. link for B&H I find that putting the keyboard on the desk is pretty much a perfect height. My only complaint has been that the top three bays are 3U and I wished on occasion that they were 4U to fit a 500 series rack. But on the other hand, be careful what you wish for. With the 3U bays, the screens are at a perfect height and you'll have half your gear right in front of you. This is pic from a year or so ago so it's not my current gear (so don't judge me), but it's a good angle and it has 61 keys on it; you can see there's easily room for 88. The curved design always impresses if you're into style points. It may be on the high end of what you're willing to pay, but it checks all the boxes and it's cheap money as these things go - with rack space until you drop. I think there's a additional 20U in the racks below. You'll have extra room for a drawer ..or maybe a wine rack ;P  500 series chassis are 3U |
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ericn
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Balance Engineer
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Post by ericn on Jul 10, 2018 19:30:41 GMT -6
It doesn't have enough rack space, though. I need 18 RU, plus supporting a fully weighted keyboard (Kronos x73) plus keeping the mouse and keyboard at an ergonomic height and reach. I've only seen the Malone and Sterling Modular desks do that, but they're $$$$ This is what I have. It's an Omnirax Omnidesk. All particle board with a melamine laminate I think. I've had it for close to 20 years - given it a beating and it's still in great shape. It weighs a ton, but it's on swivel casters and moves easily, dare I say gracefully on a wood floor. On a rug ..not so much. link for B&H I find that putting the keyboard on the desk is pretty much a perfect height. My only complaint has been that the top three bays are 3U and I wished on occasion that they were 4U to fit a 500 series rack. But on the other hand, be careful what you wish for. With the 3U bays, the screens are at a perfect height and you'll have half your gear right in front of you. This is pic from a year or so ago so it's not my current gear (so don't judge me), but it's a good angle and it has 61 keys on it; you can see there's easily room for 88. The curved design always impresses if you're into style points. It may be on the high end of what you're willing to pay, but it checks all the boxes and it's cheap money as these things go - with rack space until you drop. I think there's a additional 20U in the racks below. You'll have extra room for a drawer ..or maybe a wine rack ;P It depends on the keyboard, some older deeper keyboards are just wrong at desk height. But between gear, keys and computer keyboards height is a compromise take the time to mock things up to learn what will work for you. A prime example, my desk legs I linked to earlier bolted to the DDA is almost perfect, the Status on the same legs feels like you need a barstool! |
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Post by M57 on Jul 10, 2018 19:55:54 GMT -6
Yeah, ericn is right. I just measured the difference between the height of my piano keys and the piano bench - then the difference between my MIDI keyboard and the desk stool. They're within an inch of each other. But I do like having the MIDI keyboard higher than the computer keyboard surface, which btw, is completely adjustable - including having the capability of being at desk height when extended enough. It is also curved so it follows the contour of the desk. |
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Post by M57 on Jul 10, 2018 20:03:47 GMT -6
My only complaint has been that the top three bays are 3U and I wished on occasion that they were 4U to fit a 500 series rack. 500 series chassis are 3U Well then, damn it. I don't have any complaints! Space and function wise, it's very similar to the rack that winetree built. |
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