New DAW workstation project

[tothemax]

I'm in the process of upgrading my studio, just scored a nice heavy duty maple table 4'x4' with adjustable height. Not exactly the dimensions I was looking for (a little deeper than planned) but the price was right (free). I also scored a small rack and which will allow me to organize the USB interface (Tascam US16x08), mixer, and PA power amps (hence the earlier thread on the patch bay). At this point I want to see how everything works out rack mounted, then consider if an XLR patch bay is necessary. The rack will sit next to the new workstation (on rollers) with the mixer mounted on top.

The table is basically a table and the under frame does not easily support an under table keyboard tray. I've decided to add second table surface with room for a slide out PC keyboard tray and place for keyboard control surface on top. The new setup will allow for a dual monitor setup (I also scored a nice 32" monitor) and I have a nice dual mount I used before going to a sit\stand unit in my home office. I ordered a set of heavy clamp mounts to attach the second table level and am working out the design now. I'm figuring more space is probably better and going deep will allow space for monitors (which I did not have before). I currently have a Nektar Impact LX-25 control surface, the new space opens the opportunity to expand to a 49 key unit. And they say BOAT stands for "Break Out Another Thousand" . I spend a fair amount of time in the studio these days so I think it's worth taking the time to do a nice job. The finished workstation should look a bit like this. The Control surface and PC keyboard will probably be reversed, keyboard and mouse under.

I'm open for any ideas as I finalize the design.

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[silky smoove]

I'm figuring more space is probably better and going deep will allow space for monitors (which I did not have before).

If you're going to have space for monitors be sure to configure them such that you're getting the most out of them. As I recall your room isn't massive, so placing them as close to the front wall as possible without actually touching will be your best bet. Further, elevate them such that the high frequency driver is at the same elevation as the tragus of your ears. Ideally they would be spaced and angled in such that the centerline of the drivers forms an equilateral triangle, the convergence of which happens 12-14" behind your head when in the listening position.

This is the textbook ideal setup for a small room. Measuring the room and making adjustments to the arrangement from this starting point until the desired results are achieved will yield the best results.

 

[tothemax]

Appreciate the feedback, the new table is 32" x 32" and I'm going to make the second level 50" wide by 24" deep which will provide adequate space outside the video displays for a set of 5" monitors. With a set of "isolator" mounts I can get the proper elevation and be about 10" or less from the wall behind the workstation. My guestimate is that the monitor spread will be on about 42" centers, seating position won't be far off of that.
I ordered an angled modular device stand (MDS-100) and the new setup will allow me to have both my drum machines mounted within easy access (Zoom Rhythmtrak 134 and Alesis SR18).
As a sidebar, I tweaked a nerve in my back a few weeks ago and while I can't play at this time - getting the studio in order is helping with my rehab. Looking forward to this upgrade.
In checking my budget and looking at monitors I'm trying to figure out the difference in the 80w vs. 100w versions of these Presonus monitors. I don't have a need for Bluetooth. The 80w pair seem to be ported, which would probably give better sound and the price point is a little better. I have a set of Eris 3.5's in my home office and I'm very pleased with the sound.

PreSonus Eris E5 5.25" Powered Studio Monitor Pair

PreSonus Eris E5 BT 5.25 Inch Powered Studio Monitors - Bluetooth​

 

[silky smoove]

With a set of "isolator" mounts I can get the proper elevation and be about 10" or less from the wall behind the workstation.

Assuming you mean 10” measured from the back of the monitors to the front wall you’ll see a quarter wavelength cancellation frequency of ~300hz and a half wavelength cancellation frequency is ~150hz. The quarter length is easily dealt with acoustically. The half wave length is near the bottom of what many commercially available bass traps can reliably address. If you can reduce that distance from 10” to 6” the quarter and half wavelength cancellation frequencies move up to 395hz and 197hz respectively. Get it as close to the wall as possible without touching and you’re at 787hz and 394hz respectively. Those are MUCH easier to deal with acoustically. This illustrates how important the placement relative to the rear wall is.

 

[tothemax]

Well as things tend to turn out, plans change. The table I was going to use as my centerpiece has been repurposed and my console will be a custom project and somehow integrated with the small rack I've acquired. The first sign that I was on track was that the HD casters I had under my old computer hutch console had the exact hole pattern as the "new" Tripp Lite rack, and I found a bag of bolts that had all of washers & nuts I needed in the correct size. Anyway, while I want to keep this a simple project I think it's worth taking the time to work out the details so that it will both compact and functional. The rack is 13u + the casters so it is a little tall for desk height (keyboard / control surface), but should be perfect for a mixer. I'm thinking slide trays for a 49 key control surface and computer keyboard & mouse. Computer Keyboard tray on top staggered a bit from the control surface while leaving the desktop open. I'm thinking the console should be free standing so the rack can slide out freely for access, but also be able to tie into the rack for stability.

Searching around online I can see that I'm not alone in this endeavor... but it's great

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[tothemax]

All things being equal, we're off like a heard of turtles on this project. With the hurricane passing up the east coast it brought a burst of mild weather and I was able to get a bit of work done. I've decided to go with removeable table top on the rack for easy access to cable management (attached with Velcro). At this time I'm thinking that the PA mixer will most likely set there.

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I'm just using pine since this is a test setup and will probably be upgraded down the road. The main desk will be fairly basic similar to many of the available designs (example below)

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The one custom feature I'm planning on is double pull out drawers, keyboard/mouse on top and space for 49 Key Midi control surface underneath. I'm thinking of adding a removeable glass plate (recessed into the desktop) over the keyboard so that there is the option to access the keyboard without pulling out the slider and blocking access to the control surface. I've got a dual monitor mount but will probably go with the single 36" monitor at first and focus on getting the monitor position formula within spec. Since the main desk is a build from scratch project, I'm taking my time and going at it methodically. At this time I don't have an need for the desk top rack mounts, so I'll probably use them for slide out baskets. At least we are moving forward.

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[tothemax]

One more mod in the works, for the main desk area I'm going with an electric frame that will allow for a sit / stand option. The old system was a hassle if I was trying to make adjustments on the console holding a guitar. This company has clearance going on for $100 for dual motor stand. As they say, it's only money... right?

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[tothemax]

Desk frame arrives next week, was able to make some progress this week.
Not sure if anyone has seen Rhett Shull's Studio Build (in progress), watching his last video made me feel much better about my project.

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Table top is just about ready for the mouse\keyboard and control surface keyboard sliders. As this is coming together, I'm thinking about ditching the glass covered PC keyboard section in lieu of just using keyboard and mouse on the desktop if I'm working with the control surface. The upper monitor shelf is cut out and just setting on the table top. I decided on 48" x 26" which should work well for the space.

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I doubt that I'll be adding outboard modules but I'm leaving the outboard cubby's at 19" so they could be used for 4U of rack space. The pic below shows the workstation and rack side by side. Most likely will be baskets for storage.

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Really having good time with the design and build, good mental therapy. With this pinched nerve I can only play about 20 minutes before my left arm lights up, light woodworking doesn't seem to bother it. Saw the doc last week and we have a plan, so hoping by the time the studio is back in order my neck and shoulder will be on the mend.

I found these on Amazon and figure this is way easier than trying to fabricate something for cable control ($22)

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Cheers and enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday

 

[silky smoove]

Making progress... Nice work! Sucks about the pinched nerve. Hopefully that resolves soon. I'll watch that Rhett video as I certainly made plenty of mistakes in my studio build, so it'll be nice to commiserate with someone virtually over that kind of thing

 

[tothemax]

Making progress... Nice work! Sucks about the pinched nerve. Hopefully that resolves soon. I'll watch that Rhett video as I certainly made plenty of mistakes in my studio build, so it'll be nice to commiserate with someone virtually over that kind of thing

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I like Rhett's videos, his topics are pretty informative.

 

[tothemax]

Studio monitor question: Looking at the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Sweetwater and Amazon have the Presonus 5.25" monitors on sale for $199.00 which is about where my budget is comfortable. I was going to move my Eris 3.5 system to the new station short term, but at that price point I think the E5's should work for while. I've been very pleased with the E3.5 set in my home office.

They have a 5" XT model that is supposedly an improved version of the E5, that would add $40 for a pair. Just wondering if there is a good reason to go the extra dollars for the XT model with a 1/2" smaller driver?

PreSonus Eris E5 5.25" Powered Studio Monitor Pair

PreSonus Eris E5 XT 5 inch Powered Studio Monitor​

 

[tothemax]

Assembled the standing desk frame yesterday, very high quality and heavy duty. If you're in the market for a power lift desk, this is quite a deal for $100 (on clearance). All steel and well made, 220 lb. weight capacity (100 kilos).

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A bit of luck yesterday, I went a bit larger than 4U for the shelf heights and when did a test fit for my drum machine stand it fit like a champ and leaves room for thin under shelf LED light bars. Also took advantage of Black Friday / Cyber Monday sales and went for a pair of Presonus E5 monitors. The stand came packed in nice semi closed cell foam padding that will work well for monitor isolation.

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Now that the frame is here I can move forward with the keyboard and control surface sliders. The stand comes with two controls, one of the control module and a smaller extension control.

 

[tothemax]

With work and other things grabbing my spare, finally back on project today. Decided on a few revisions, going with a single under desk slide out shelf. I'll need about 4.5" clearance for the keyboard control surface and want to keep as much leg space as possible. With the adjustable desk I feel that switching to a wireless mouse and keyboard will be the best solution. Having a desk mounted USB ports will provide good BT connectivity. After considering a number of slider shelf options, ended going with a Rubbermaid laminated prefab 12'x36" from the Home Despot (I can't justify making one for $12). Sliders arrived earlier this week.
If all goes well parts and sanding should be done today and can move to finish work this weekend, with assembly when everything dries.

Monitor note: The pair of Presonus Eris E5 speakers arrived and as a newbie to home studio work looking forward to the difference mixing will be with "Studio Quality" monitors. That addition and the 36" monitor screen should be a massive improvement.

Stand up desk Kit (Shout Out):
Any DIY's looking to go with a sit-stand up desk option. I've found this to be a very high quality unit with the only "Con" being that the center desktop support bar restricts the under desk drawer/slide out depth, requires about 2" under desk clearance to clear the bar starting about 3" from center (easy to work around).

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[silky smoove]

Sounds like exciting progress. How's the pinched nerve? Getting any better?

 

[tothemax]

Thanks for asking. Yes, on the mend, had a set of injections yesterday. The short version is that I had a cervical fusion about 10 years ago and did not really change my ways after recovery. The good news is that between relieving the inflammation (injection) and a bit of PT all should recover nicely. Lesson learned, need to pay attention and take a pass on the heavy work or get help. Making pretty good progress, playing a bit of guitar.

Was able to complete the slide tray install today so all parts are complete and fitted. Just need to work out a few minor details and give everything a final prep before starting the stain & finish work. The 25 Key Nektar control surface has the same basic dimensions as the 49 key (which is the next upgrade). The 49 key unit has semi-weighted keys and a few more features. Both the Impact 25 and 49 support the Cakewalk DAW track and transport controls.

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If all goes well hoping to start the final assembly on Monday.

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[tothemax]

Happy New Years to all! Starting the year right, beautiful weather today and back on the project. Last week had a few days off and got the desktop screwed and glued, and prepped for finish.

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Yesterday was able to do the pre-stain, stain, and first coat of poly and let it dry overnight.

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After quick 220 sand pass and cleanup, brushed on the second poly coat. I'm thinking that 3 hours may be good as it's not chilly or damp today. Will probably wipe on the next coats as there is a nice base now. While I'm not looking for showroom quality, there's a lot of work here and I hate to get in a rush at this point.

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With a another nice day it should be in the assembly process this week. I found some cool miniature LED light bars for under the top shelf for desktop lighting. I still have the rack top to add a cable slot to, stain, and finish. I'm going to use the same rustic gray stain.

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[tothemax]

Seeing some light at the end of the tunnel with the final assembly underway (wiring harness tray, LED lighting, power supply, desk controls). The new wireless keyboard and mouse, and the 49 key control surface are scheduled for delivery tomorrow. It will be nice to have my studio back. Shoulder (neck) is recovering nicely, am looking forward to a productive 2023.

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The monitor seems a little high, I may add a mount that will drop it in front of the shelf (or even with the shelf). Won't really know until it gets a few hours on it. It's not bad with the table raised for stand up position.

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[tothemax]

Well, the basic setup is completed - working on reconnecting the components. One thing I noticed about the Eris E5's is that they don't seem to have a lot of bass not sure if it may be ASIO driver related. I connected the monitors to the Master line out from the Tascam 16x08 (balanced 1/4" outputs 1 and 2, monitors ends are XLR). I'm also getting some distortion and squealing in the sound from the computer (browser, YouTube, etc...). Very pleased with the physical setup now to work out the details, I guess there is always something. This should be a nice work area going forward.

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