Soliciting Opinions on New Desk Build

[pegger]

So, as my studio (aka a room in the basement) is coming to shape quite nicely. Still have to finish the floors and figure out some more treatment in the room. But in the mean time, I am going to turn to my other hobby, which is woodworking, and build a nice functional workstation.

Key features,
Isolated cabinet for computer tower (damn thing is always too loud even with quite fans)
Elevated platform for near field monitors.
Elevated platform with room for 2 video monitors, or one big ass monitor when funding permits.
Slide out mount for midi keyboard controller and typing keyboard.
..you know...the usual bells and wistles.

My question for the more experienced people who have the experience of working at a well organized workstation is this...

How much expansion room should I consider for 19" rack gear? As it sits right now, I'm thinking of building in room for 6 units. I only have 3 at the moment, and can only think of 1 or 2 more that I want to add. I currently have a presonus firestudio, and 2 furman power conditioners. In the future I may consider a multi headphone amp for que mix sending (although the Presonus monitor station looks pretty sweek for this purpose at the moment and thus a rack space wouldn't be so important for that.

I know maybe it's a little vague of a question, but what in your opinion should I consider for addition modules down the road, just for a hobbyist/fanatic type use? and should I plan for more expansion space in the desk, or just go with a standalone rack?

Thanks for your input.

 

[Mr Clean]

I recently built something akin to what you're intending to build. What I did was have both cabinets to the sides capable of holding 19" gear. That way there is always plenty of room for it should it grow. (I don't actually have any at present) And storage in the meantime. Can never have enough storage space.

You could quite easily put a cupboard door on something like this to hide away your PC. Extend the top shelf for your monitors or build higher ones depending on the height required to bring them in line with your ears.

FWIW this took a couple of days, on and off and £87 in materials. It's solid, big and heavy but it only takes 12 screws to disassemble it to move it, if needed.

 

[pegger]

Very cool! the cost factor is certainly my main motivation to build it myself.
Good idea to keep one side available for future expansion. I'll probably house the units I already have in a smaller top side rack, and leave the space for the future as you suggest.

 

[Mr Clean]

Cost was certainly my main issue. I looked around for a half decent desk that could accommodate what I have and want for the future but couldn't find anything other than ridiculously priced 'PRO' desks. This was a lot cheaper and more fun.

Always plan ahead.

 

[homestudioguy]

Take a look at the very low cost desks built by others on my website based on some modifiable designs of mine..
Most have been built for well under $100.00 US.

 

[60's guy]

A desk is nice to be sure, but you could also build one or two stand alone rack cabinets as I had done. That provides you a bit of mobility in the event that you need to move gear.