Studio Desk?

[ChordMelody]

Hey guys, I'm thinking about getting a new table for my computer, so while I'm at it, might as well get a studio desk and some monitors to help get the job done. I'll be both doing school work on it as well as recording stuff, so I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions?

I use a laptop, so I'm not sure if it's suited for recording or the studio desks.

 

[silky smoove]

Are you just looking for a simple desk to set your laptop, your interface, and a couple of monitors? If so, I wouldn't bother with a studio specific desk. Just get a standard office desk that fits your space.

If you're looking for something with built-in rack spaces, a monitor stand, etc., then you've got some additional considerations to make.

What type of setup are you running so we can be more helpful?

 

[ChordMelody]

Are you just looking for a simple desk to set your laptop, your interface, and a couple of monitors? If so, I wouldn't bother with a studio specific desk. Just get a standard office desk that fits your space.

If you're looking for something with built-in rack spaces, a monitor stand, etc., then you've got some additional considerations to make.

What type of setup are you running so we can be more helpful?

Yeah, I've been looking at the studio desks, but it just seems very over the top for my setup. I plan to just have a laptop, some space for pencil work, maybe a midi keyboard, and 2 monitors. Nothing fancy. Definitely no rack stuff haha. The only reason I was interested in the studio desks were the monitor stands that were on them.

Thanks !

 

[theory028]

I have a computer desk setup in my apartment that my sister gave me when she moved. It's from Staples (Invalid Link Removed) and isn't too costly.

It's got plenty of space and is moderately sturdy. I'm missing the corner piece shown on the site but the two parts that I do have still go together nicely. There is a slight bow in the bigger surface area but it's been through quite a bit.

It doesn't have dedicated speaker stands for monitors but the top tier is excellent for a monitor and a set of reference monitors. There is also enough space underneath for a MIDI keyboard to be tucked away. It holds my Yamaha HS50ms, 24" 16:9 monitor, and the speakers from my Logitech Z2300 computer speakers. It's a bit cluttered but I'm probably going to take the Z2300 out; it's too bassy for an upstairs apartment.

Another benefit is that the top tier sits at about ear level if I adjust the height of my chair, which, as I understand, is an optimal for monitor positioning.

Forgive the mess, but here are some pictures.

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I'm still getting things situated so there are cables showing. Once I bring my desktop down, I'll be able to hide more of the mess. All in all, I think it works well for a humble recording setup. It doesn't have the thrills and frills of a dedicated studio desk but, for the price, it'd be tough to find a studio desk with that much work area. If I had my wireless keyboard and mouse, I could have closed the laptop and set it aside, creating even more space for working.

The space between the upper tier and the main slab should be tall enough to accommodate a 2U rackmount preamp. I'll probably throw an ART MPA Gold under there eventually; I can relocate the MIDI keyboard/controller. You don't express a need for a dedicated rack so having this option might not be bad, should you ever decided to add a couple of rack pieces to your rig.

The downside of this model is that there isn't a keyboard tray on the big part of the desk. I'll have to set my wireless keyboard and mouse out on the open area. I'm not too concerned about that, though. I think it will still be rather tidy.

This may not be the perfect desk for your needs but it just goes to show that you can get a cozy bedroom studio setup from an office desk.

 

[ChordMelody]

Oh. My God. THAT'S PERFECT DUDE!!!! Thanks ! Wonder if they have it at the Staples nearby?

Seems like it has enough space to do most of my work on it. I'll go check it out!

EDIT: Guess I'm outta luck they don't sell those in Canada!

 

[Venom of God]

Forgive the mess

Is that a joke? Haha. I have a rather large office desk with just one big flat surface that does the job, though I currently only have one monitor going as I can't find a way to get my second on there and still like how it looks (it is a creative environment, after all!). I would like a MIDI keyboard at some stage though but I'm not sure where I could put it. Maybe on a stand off to my left.

Just took a picture then so here it is! I have no idea what that smokey looking stuff is on my mouse pad, cameras pick up some weird things sometimes

Right now my girlfriend and I live in one bedroom in a share house, looking at getting our own apartment within the next couple of weeks so I can't wait to have my own music/computer room to set up properly rather than just a desk in the corner (of a room with only ONE power point!!!).

 

[ChordMelody]

Is that a joke? Haha. I have a rather large office desk with just one big flat surface that does the job, though I currently only have one monitor going as I can't find a way to get my second on there and still like how it looks (it is a creative environment, after all!). I would like a MIDI keyboard at some stage though but I'm not sure where I could put it. Maybe on a stand off to my left.

Just took a picture then so here it is! I have no idea what that smokey looking stuff is on my mouse pad, cameras pick up some weird things sometimes

Right now my girlfriend and I live in one bedroom in a share house, looking at getting our own apartment within the next couple of weeks so I can't wait to have my own music/computer room to set up properly rather than just a desk in the corner (of a room with only ONE power point!!!).

That's better than what I have right now though haha. I really like Theory's desk because it's actually a L desk! Isn't that cool? (but hogs more space )

 

[Venom of God]

I really like it how he has that extra platform on top, I may look into building something like that for mine (just a bigger version than what I put under my monitor). Get the biggest thing you have the space for though, you spend a lot of time there and don't want to be sitting things on top of each other!

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

I have had a computer office desk from Ikea since 2001... It is about to turn 10 years old, it has moved with me from Boston, to Los Angeles and about 5 or 6 apartments in los angeles...

I don't remember the cost, I dont think they make the one with the exact legs I have on it, but they still make the top part...

I still have the same basic computer setup on it... but now it is with 2 x 23" displays...

(I wish I still had all this gear but not producing as much anymore)

(pic from 2002)

(pic from 2003)

This is the current table top on Ikea:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50178798

Then add legs... I have a side extension on it that is not visible in those pic's.. I have another computer on the side table too...

 

[superbassman2000]

+1 for IKEA
if you can, go to an ikea store and check out what is out there. I just bought a Micke for 70 bucks and I love it. It's nothing special, just a double wide desk with two drawers. It's got room for my monitor, keyboard, mouse, midi keyboard and speakers--everything I need.

 

[theory028]

Is that a joke? Haha. I have a rather large office desk with just one big flat surface that does the job, though I currently only have one monitor going as I can't find a way to get my second on there and still like how it looks (it is a creative environment, after all!). I would like a MIDI keyboard at some stage though but I'm not sure where I could put it. Maybe on a stand off to my left.

Just took a picture then so here it is! I have no idea what that smokey looking stuff is on my mouse pad, cameras pick up some weird things sometimes

Right now my girlfriend and I live in one bedroom in a share house, looking at getting our own apartment within the next couple of weeks so I can't wait to have my own music/computer room to set up properly rather than just a desk in the corner (of a room with only ONE power point!!!).

The pictures that I posted don't show the jungle of wires under the surface of the desk. I strategically hid those from view. There are more cables on the desk than I'd like to have, but bringing my desktop back down to the apartment will help with that (the USB and HDMI cables could then be tucked away).

That looks like a really nice setup! I see that you're rocking the Scarlett 8i6. How do you like it? I am really enjoying my 18i6; there are more input options than I could ever utilize in my apartment. Plugging the bass directly into the instrument input yields surprisingly great results, so I'm very happy. It's great for headphone practice.

 

[EricF]

These are a couple of old setups from the condo I used to live in...
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They're both standard office/computer desks with a shelf I picked up at a local home improvement store. The important part is getting your monitors set at ear level.