The studio desk is the centerpiece of your creative space. It should have everything you need at arm’s length to keep the inspiration flowing! Not only that, but it should be comfortable, fit your space, and keep your workflow neat and organized. Here are some of the top studio desks in 2024.
A Great Mix Requires a Great Working Environment
Think about it: do you do your best work when you’re uncomfortable? Do you do your best work having to balance a MIDI keyboard on your lap? When your speakers are in an awkward position and the sweet spot is skewed? You get the idea…
The proper desk consolidates all of a studio’s moving parts. Some of them have rack space built-in for your outboard gear; many have tiered surfaces for computer keyboards, controllers, displays, and monitors; and above all, a great studio desk should be inspiring and ergonomic.
Personally, I cannot understate the importance of having the right studio centerpiece. When all those pieces come together, you can really be proud of your set-up and how easily you can access all your tools.
Things to Consider While Shopping
Obviously, everyone’s needs are going to be a little different. Size is going to be the #1 factor in home studios. From there, a mixer might not need room for an 81-key controller, though a songwriter/producer might. You know your needs best, but here are a few things to keep in mind.
Footprint
Size. How much room do you have in your home studio space? Can you fit a large 72″ desktop, or would 48″ make more sense? Studio desks come in all shapes and sizes, so be realistic about what your room can handle.
Keyboard Space
Is there a slide-out tray for your computer keyboard, or even a large slide-out for controllers? This may or may not be an important factor to you.
Tabletop Space
Tabletop space is probably second in importance after the overall footprint. Depending on the amount of peripherals you have, like MIDI controllers and the like, you might want a nice, deep tabletop for coffee cups, keyboards, mice, your laptop, USB hubs, guitar picks, and the list goes on.
Monitor Placement
Finally, do you want a desk with built-in monitor space? Usually it’s in the form of a raised tier above the main tabletop; most folks put their monitors and display on this section. If you have monitor stands, then you might not need the extra space built into the desk.
The 5 Best Studio Desks for Home Mixing in 2024
On-Stage Stands WS7500
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The WS7500 is the quintessential “studio desk.” The simple design features a slide-out keyboard tray, a 43″ main surface, and a 39″ upper shelf for monitors and displays. The frame is sturdy and minimal, so it doesn’t look like a hulking piece of furniture in the middle of your room.
It’s perfect for smaller sized rooms, and though it doesn’t have any rack space, you can expand the set-up with additional On-Stage pieces.
Zaor MIZA X2 Workstation
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Zaor manufactures high-end studio furniture. Their designs are super modern and futuristic looking, as seen here with the MIZA X2. Highlights include a huge tabletop, integrated IsoAcoustics monitor stands on the raised tier, and three 4U rack bays for your outboard gear. This desk is fancy, to say the least—best for large home studios or professional environments.
Walker Edison 3-Piece Contemporary Desk
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This breaks the first rule of any studio: you’re not “supposed” to put your desk and monitors in the corner! It’s an acoustic nightmare, sure, but sometimes we have no other option. With limited space, maybe you’re setting up a studio in your bedroom and have to utilize whatever free square footage you have.
This is a pretty straightforward office-style desk, so you won’t find any special studio additions here. However, this is a great value, and sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do—an unconventional studio set-up is better than no studio!
Studio RTA Producer Station
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This beast of a desk has all the bells and whistles. The main tabletop is a generous 72″ long and 30″ deep, while the raised tier is nearly 67″ long—plenty of room for a large display and pair of nearfield monitors. It also has a pullout keyboard tray, a bit of shelving for additional storage, and a ridiculous 48U of total rack space.
This is the most feature-rich desk at its price. You could very easily house all of your equipment within this piece of furniture.
Sessiondesk Gustav
Gustav by Sessiondesk is part of the company’s Basic Series, but it’s by no means a boring desk. This is a premium studio desk with 18U of rack space in two 9U bays, integrated cable management, built-in platforms for nearfield monitors, and a spacious tabletop with plenty of depth for a large display that won’t be too close for comfort.
Middle Atlantic Products MDV-DSK 2 RackBay Desk with Overbridge
The Middle Atlantic MDV-DSK 2 RackBay Desk is engineered for optimal studio efficiency. It features dual built-in rack bays, each with 14U of space, allowing easy integration of studio equipment. The overbridge provides additional space for monitors and speakers, facilitating a centralized and ergonomic setup. This desk’s robust design ensures stability and longevity, even under heavy load. Its sleek, professional appearance fits well into any studio environment, making it a top choice for audio professionals.
RAB Audio ProRak 48 Music Production Desk
The RAB Audio ProRak 48 is designed with the modern music producer in mind. Its 48-inch width and ergonomic height make it suitable for extended production sessions. This desk includes several rack spaces, allowing for seamless integration of outboard gear and audio interfaces. The black finish not only adds a professional look but also resists scratches and scuffs. Additionally, cable management features keep the workspace tidy, enhancing focus and efficiency. This desk is a solid investment for producers looking for functionality and style.
Argosy Halo Ultimate Workstation Desk with Original Hautelink Pattern Desktop
The Middle Atlantic MDV-DSK 2 RackBay Desk is designed for superior studio functionality. It includes dual rack bays, each offering 14U of equipment space, perfect for integrating essential studio gear seamlessly. The overbridge enhances the setup by providing extra space for monitors and speakers, promoting a centralized workspace. This desk’s sturdy construction promises durability and stability, crucial in a professional studio setting. With its sleek, professional look, it complements any studio decor, making it an excellent choice for audio professionals seeking a reliable and efficient workspace solution.
(BONUS!): Ikea Studio Desk Hack
For under $100, you can put together a small studio-style desk with a few purchases from Ikea.
Simply attach the Capita legs to the Lack shelf, and you’ve built yourself a raised tier. Put that on the Lagkapten desk, and you’ve got yourself a DIY studio desk with a few inexpensive purchases from Ikea. Credit to Ikea Hackers for the suggestion and in-depth guide.