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Post by Tbone81 on Jul 11, 2018 9:49:40 GMT -6
Thanks for all the replies, I really like seeing how everybody has their gear setup. So I ordered two 12u slant racks from Grundorf. They were the best deal I can find: www.grundorf.com/index.php?type=CASE&menu=C&application=SL&apptype=9&model=SLB-12I'm going to use them as table legs with my current table top. Eventually I'll replace the table top with something a littler nicer and add some 3-4u racks on the top. At least thats the plan for now. I'm trying to plan this desk to be as modular as possible, in that I can change individual pieces as my needs/workflow evolve. And if I ever scrape this desk idea and go with something similar to a mastering desk design I can still use the racks. I'll update with pics when in a few weeks when I they're delivered and setup. In the mean time I got the name a good woodworker/furniture maker. I'm going to price out a custom table top design, w/ built in racks.
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Post by Tbone81 on Jul 11, 2018 11:57:52 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... Subspace, how do you like the 2802? I've been eyeing that for a while and I can see one in my future. Do they make rack rails for it, and if so, do you know how many U deep it is?
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Post by subspace on Jul 12, 2018 1:01:37 GMT -6
Audient used to make rails for it, they were 13RU, but they're discontinued, though they'll still provide the drawings to have them made.
It's a great mixer, never understood why it's their only desk with motorized faders that switch between analog VCA automation and HUI control. They had the Zen with analog automation and now the 4816 and 8024 without moving faders, though you can add a 'Dual Layer Control' module to the latter, which is a stripped down version of the 2802. The audio quality was consistent between all the desks, it's got a great master section for such a compact mixer. It's built for a hybrid workflow, so you can sum your DAW mix with the 2-bus just before the insert point and then start splitting out submixes on the 8 automated analog channels, while balancing individual channels using the HUI layer. I use the aux sends on faders all the time for fx rides as well as feeding submixes.
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Post by drbill on Jul 13, 2018 10:28:33 GMT -6
When I decided not to put my D&R console into the new studio build I wanted something with a better workflow than a console - with a super high-end look, and lots of rack space - WITH, and this was the killer that nixed several possibilities - minimal console style / desk style reflections that standard designs almost all have.
2 years ago, I researched virtually everything available and kept ending up back at Sterling. When I had my high end furniture guy / finish carpenter buddy help me put it together, he commented over and over about how well designed and how great the ergo's were. I agree. They are pricy, but I didn't spend $$$$$$ on the acoustic design to mess it up with a big reflective surface. It was pricy, and it's not perfect (nothing ever is), but for acoustic neutrality and a super custom unique look, I think they have the best options out there.
I ended up with a customized hybrid of Plan C / Plan E. (Essentially an E (mid-space legroom) with a full rack in the middle - like a C).
Can't imagine not having it now. Love it.
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Post by swurveman on Jul 14, 2018 7:49:12 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. Here's my experience with my desk. 1. If you're going to have racks built above the desk, you may have to align your speakers in a way they weren't ideally designed. My Adam A7x's were designed to be placed vertically, but due to the height of my racks I have to align them horizontally. I could put the speaker vertically between the racks, but that would really narrow the image I mix to which I don't like. So, make sure that however your desk is built, that the speakers are at the height and distance you like to place your speakers. 2. I have always wondered how the space between the racks effect what I am hearing. How much sound reflection is going on with those racks? If I had to do it over again, I would have all my racks below the desk and have just a flat surface. Yes, it's less convenient to have to bend over to tweak hardware, but there's less places where there could be sound reflections.
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Post by Tbone81 on Jul 14, 2018 11:12:56 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. Here's my experience with my desk. 1. If you're going to have racks built above the desk, you may have to align your speakers in a way they weren't ideally designed. My Adam A7x's were designed to be placed vertically, but due to the height of my racks I have to align them horizontally. I could put the speaker vertically between the racks, but that would really narrow the image I mix to which I don't like. So, make sure that however your desk is built, that the speakers are at the height and distance you like to place your speakers. 2. I have always wondered how the space between the racks effect what I am hearing. How much sound reflection is going on with those racks? If I had to do it over again, I would have all my racks below the desk and have just a flat surface. Yes, it's less convenient to have to bend over to tweak hardware, but there's less places where there could be sound reflections. All good considerations. If I build racks on the table top I'm going to make them small 2-4u. I really just want a place for my monitor controller to be writhing hands reach. My Adam a7's are on stands so the only speakers I'll be putting on the desk are my auratones.
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Post by matt on Jul 14, 2018 11:23:30 GMT -6
I ended up with a customized hybrid of Plan C / Plan E. Nice! I'm liking Plan F with the Dual Center bay. Sterling Plan F:
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Post by swurveman on Jul 14, 2018 11:41:30 GMT -6
Here's my experience with my desk. 1. If you're going to have racks built above the desk, you may have to align your speakers in a way they weren't ideally designed. My Adam A7x's were designed to be placed vertically, but due to the height of my racks I have to align them horizontally. I could put the speaker vertically between the racks, but that would really narrow the image I mix to which I don't like. So, make sure that however your desk is built, that the speakers are at the height and distance you like to place your speakers. 2. I have always wondered how the space between the racks effect what I am hearing. How much sound reflection is going on with those racks? If I had to do it over again, I would have all my racks below the desk and have just a flat surface. Yes, it's less convenient to have to bend over to tweak hardware, but there's less places where there could be sound reflections. All good considerations. If I build racks on the table top I'm going to make them small 2-4u. I really just want a place for my monitor controller to be writhing hands reach. My Adam a7's are on stands so the only speakers I'll be putting on the desk are my auratones. I bought a desk that had a controller built into it. Only problem is, the controller is unsupported now-though some of the features still work. I wouldn't recommend building your controller into the desk.
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Post by drbill on Jul 14, 2018 12:34:08 GMT -6
I ended up with a customized hybrid of Plan C / Plan E. Nice! I'm liking Plan F with the Dual Center bay. Sterling Plan F:Cool! If you've got the width, that's a great option. Of note, you can get them to nix the little "mini rack" in the middle and replace it with a full 12 sp slanted rack like the ones on the L/R. That's essentially what I did to the E. Made that center rack larger - the same size as the L/R racks (like the C). I saw no reason for a smaller rack there. On a side note, I find the lower racks down at your feet not all that useful. I have my patch bays in one and a few pieces I rarely need to adjust in the other. But the racks on top are gold, and the 18 degree tilt keeps the reflections down over a traditional "flat top" desk. Also - consider the african rosewood trim. Makes the console look like a million bucks!
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Post by drbill on Jul 14, 2018 12:36:28 GMT -6
Also - general note for those spec-ing desks in the future -- do not forget the equilateral triangle monitoring position. for some of those desks, you'll need to be mixing 4' back from the "mix position". Difficult unless you have really long arms. LOL
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