Workstation Design

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rochey
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Rochey

Rochey

New member
Hey guys,

I've been looking at the prices on workstartions for studio's, and they seem really really "REALLY" expensive for what they are. So, I've decided to design my own. I have members of the family that are carpenters etc, but they tell me that they need designs drawn, so they have something to follow.

What software do you recommend (prefrably shareware or freeware) to do this.

Also, any tips on how it should be done? I saw what Trackrat did, and I was very impressed. Is the choice of material all that important? Functinality is more important to me than looks. If I can use some cheap kitchen worktop rather than expensive hardwood, then I'd be a happier (and a little better off) man.

Any hints guys?

d
 
My favourite tools for designs of this sort isn't exactly freeware or shareware but cheap enough:

Paper, pencil, eraser and ruler. :)

You shouldn't start using computer design tools unless you can make a basic drawing on paper.

As for materials, MDF is your friend.
 
thanks man,

do you know of any websites where they kinda teach you how to make a good workstation?

and don't even think of posting John's - thats my job!!!:p


Rochey
 
I'll start by saying that if you are not already familiar with CAD programs, then I wouldn't think it would be very efficient to try to learn it just to design a simple workstation. (just my opinion here) Pencil and paper might be the easiest way to go. The carpenters shouldn't need much more than rough drawings with dimensions.

The key to designing them is starting with the rack rails. Get the rack rails and a couple of blank panels. Assemble them making sure they are square and have the carpenters build cabinets around them. These panels come with slotted holes so make sure your in the middle with the screws. It should ensure the racks will fit all your gear. This is basicly what I did. (except I was the carpenter) You can check out the results at Folkcafe.com

A while back Recording magazine had an article with plans for a modular rack system that could be the basis for what you want to do.

The way I built my work station was to construct equipment racks and build a work surface above it. The construction for the racks was very similar to kitchen cabinet carcases except the fronts are angled back. The design is simple. 2 sides out of 3/4" plywood with a 4" x 3/4" strip to attach the rack rails and to make the front 1 1/2" thick. I added a 1 1/2" oak strip just like a cabinet face. Also like a kitchen cabinet you cut a notch at the base and add a verticle and horizontal piece of trim to hold the sides together. Add cross braces at the back and a solid piece of plywood at the top with a couple of triangle braces in the back and you're about done. Choose how you want to finish it. I used formica laminate with oak trim. I built a MDF top with the same details as the racks with a well to lower the console and a riser for the computer monitors.

I also designed it so I could add more racks underneath. That is my next project in a few weeks. I need to add more outboard gear.



Hope this helps some.

Don Goguen
Folk Cafe Productions
 
THAT IS ALMOST EXACTLY WHAT I"M WORKING ON.

fantastic. That's almost exaclty what i've got set up. I needed some space for two monitors, and you've answered that in one swoop.

I'm impressed. Very very impressed. HAve you got any detailed pictures??? The one's on your site are pretty small.

thanks again


d
 
Thats really cool, you guys have really fed my imagination now!!! :)

all i need to do now is find time and money!!!!

Homewrecking is such an expensive hobby.

d
 
I know, the web site could really use some attention but HTML is soooo... boring. I need to get Frontpage and buy a page template to make this easier. Right now I use notetab to design and update (slow).

I used the, build it and they will come, business model and damn if they didn't come. I've been too busy with my day job, the sound company and the studio to pay any attention to web design.

To make things worse I'm ready to begin the next phase in Jan. I spent the entire 01 budget by Aug. this year but will begin to eagerly begin spending any projected 02 income immediately.

I was planning to do a big update when I get the studio completed the way I want it. Right now it's been pay as I go construction so it's done in phases. If you want some specific photo angles I could shoot them with the digital camera and upload them onto my site and link them here. Let me know what contruction details you need. It was really strait forward build wise. 2 boxes and a top.

Don Goguen
Folk Cafe Productions
 
more than anything, i liked the extra height for the monitors. that was a really nice touch!

It looked like you could fit your keyboard underneath then!

:p

Rochey
 
I built a little extra rack space under the riser. I have a CD player on one side (2 spaces) and the Digi 001 and a 6 ch. headphone amp on the other side.

The mixing board only gets used for tracking and sometimes sub mixing from the Tascams so I didn't want to make it central. Just about everything else is done via keyboard. That's why it's front and center.

I'll take a couple of pictures and put them up tonight if I have the time. It all depends on what my kids have planned for me this evening. Parenthood is such an adventure.

Don Goguen
 
We just bought a new home. And I am undertaking the project of building my new studio from scratch.

Fun...fun...fun. :)

Console design is probably giving me the most fits.
 
Folkcafe -- Thank you so much!
I've looked at your photo's along with other peoples work, and i think i've come up with a final design. My only problem at the moment is that i don't know how high the base of the table will be. I was thinking maybe 70cm off the ground, and then I could add my mixer & stuff from there.

Take a look at my design, and you'll see what I mean.

Admittedly, it's heavily influenced by trackrat.

Thanks again

d
 

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heres the other picture

d
 

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any comments guys?
I go home (to the UK) in 3 days time, i'd really like to start work on it then, but before then, i NEED OPINIONS!

thanks again

D
 
Rochey,
It looks fine, but you are the one who has to be happy with it. I mean, Folkcafe's is obviously right for him but wouldn't suit my needs, etc.,.......
When I was working out what I needed, I was mainly inspired by TrackRat's and Blue Bear's work areas. I then took lots of time to sit and visualise working with that type of layout until I had a clear picture in my mind of what I wanted. I intend making some minor changes from the experience of using my "furniture" now, but essentially the concept I came up with is what I built and it I ain't got no complaints.

Good luck,

ChrisO :cool:
 
I think it's the design ill'll stick with.

The two rack mount sides will not be stuck down to the desk, so that they won't be fixed to anything, and can be reused if i decide to change the table a bit more. Maybe i'll screw them down for safety.

I like the mixer in front of me when I mix. Even if I only use a 8in 8out Delta 1010 (no SPDIF stuff -- YET!). Mind, it is possible to buy multiple 1010's -- hmmmm....

I liked trackrats fold-out rack. That was pretty cool. I will be using that on the patchbay on the left hand side. The patchbay on the right hand side will probably be fixed.

Folkcafe's monitor stand was good too! It'd be good to put my 1010 there, out of the way. Possible any mastering modules too. At the moment, I think i'd stick my amplifier there. and maybe a compressor.

The idea is that, over the next 2 years, i'm going to be buying a lot of rack stuff. So, i want the space so I can literally just PLUG AND PLAY. know what I mean?

I will post news on how i'm doing as and when it happens.

have fun guys.

Rochey
 
Ausrock's right. You have to build it to suite yourself.

Try this. Have a seat in the chair your going to be using and figure out the dimensions based how you work. What piece of gear is the most important to you. Design the workstation so what you need most is in reach. For me it was the keyboard and screens. For you?

Also some good advice is to base the design around monitor placement. What you see in on my desk is what I have used for years as my real world set of speakers. I am still saving up for some good nearfields and left space next to the computer monitors. For this you really have to take the room and workstation placement into consideration.

Another part is figuring out what you'll need down the road. Do you have a long range plan? Is there a couple of pieces of gear that you know you are going to get at some point soon. If so make room for them. You can always cover the holes with blank panels but you will find that you can never have enough rack space.

The bulk of my work revolves around live recording. So most of my work gets dumped into the computer via the Tascams. I do some projects in the studio but will track into the computer using the Digi 001. Once I set levels on the console for tracking and headphone mixes, all I need is access to the headphone amp and keyboard. So my workspace may seem sparse to some who work differently.

I'm starting to get more demand for studio time and now need a bit more outboard gear I knew I would be adding more stuff at some point, so I made mine so I could add more rack space. I'll be building these in a couple weeks.

Happy building. You'll have to share the results.

Don Goguen
Folk Cafe Productions
 
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