Building a Desk

[jsipich]

Very nice design mhch! I like the fact that you can adjust the angle of the desktop - mine is angled but it is in place. I am making a piece of 2" rockboard to go over it when I go into critical mixing as you suggested earlier.

But for composition - I shouldn't need it as much. I will be mixing and pre-mastering here before taking it over to my label's new studio - they will be finishing the initial build Thursday so if I get out of work early I'm going to head down to check it out and bring back pics! Maybe I can have them order me up some 703 for me if I tell them I'm going to make them some panels as a trade-off They're not hard to make so I can have a bunch done in a day.

The old "wink wink nudge nudge - buy me stuff, peeps" routine

[mhch]

Almost finished with the first step of building a minimal movable desk, my laptop computer isolation box. See earlier posts in this thread to have a view of the desk design.

This box is designed for a 15" display laptop docked into a port replicator for easy laptop removal. It is made of an internal stand (blue) on which laptop resides (using small sorbothane feet to minimize vibrations). This stand is just resting on the base of the outer box (red), anchored using small tenons (Festool Dominos actually). Rockwool surrounds the laptop compartment.

Cold air gets in under the box base thanks to a 120mm silent fan (6db noise, 600 rpm)), runs under the inner stand, goes across openings in it, then gets out across the opening in the internal board (red), and is extracted by a 120mm silent fan. Explore the sketchup diagram for visualising this (use the provided sketchup layers to easily hide/show the various parts of the IsoBox).

The openings of the inner stand are laptop specific, located where HD, RAM, GPU and CPU cooling is needed (hot spots and air intakes in the laptop).

My current laptop is relatively silent (Dell E6500), but in a quiet room one can notice the HD noise, not mentionning the noise of the internal fan when it starts to spin. When put in the box, there is virtually zero noise (the very light rumble of these silent fans can only be heard when ears are very close to one of them).

Laptop temperature is monitored using the SpeedFan software.

Pics published next week, to make all of this real.

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by SörenHjalmarsson

And for those of you who havent read this post by SAC, I'd say it's pretty spot on!!

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/6515296-post4.html

Sören

That is the funniest, most enjoyable and educational post I've read thus far on GS. I was literally laughing out loud.

I've learned quite a bit the past few days. So glad that I didn't already purchase the huge desk I was planning on getting.

Appreciate all of you guys' help and insight. Planning to do it right the first time, truly.

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by mhch

Another setup, along the lines of what is discussed in this thread http://www.gearslutz.com/board/5578592-post9.html

Are the cpu monitors on speaker stands, or am I seeing this incorrectly?

[hereticskeptic]

Hey SAC,

Can you explain how one might go about making ETC measurements without having a desk at all? I'd love to get a jump on this, and thus definitely want to know how this would work. I know it may seem like a simple thing, but I'd have no idea where to start, as I've never done such measurements, and only know what I'm now learning about acoustics.

Thanks in advance.

[ritelec]

Not SAC but....

Get REW or definitely Fuzz Measure if on Mac.

Read the directions.


Perform tests.

Check out post #16 from supplied link.

I was questioning what could be seen from ETC and SAC replied (thanks again SAC if your out there).

Once you have the peak. Determine the flight distance... and measure with a string technique.

May I Try With A Fresh Slate: Room Analysis Suggestions


-rich


And yes, I still have a work surface for my work flow (that i cut down (minimized), angled, and drilled some 1300 holes in but still have early reflections) ......but I did do an experiment with no desk and the ETC spikes do go away ( I will be reconfiguring to a " more" minimized surface, or make totally gone, in the future...it is that drastic)

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by ritelec

Not SAC but....

Get REW or definitely Fuzz Measure if on Mac.

Read the directions.


Perform tests.

Check out post #16 from supplied link.

I was questioning what could be seen from ETC and SAC replied (thanks again SAC if your out there).

Ones you have the peak. Determine the flight distance... and measure with a string technique.

May I Try With A Fresh Slate: Room Analysis Suggestions


-rich


And yes, I still have a work surface for my work flow......but I did do an experiment with no desk and the ETC spikes do go away ( I will be reconfiguring to a minimized surface, or make totally gone, in the future...it is that drastic)

Hey, I appreciate this! I've heard there may be some issues with REW and iMacs, but I believe Fuzz Measure is the one that works very well, though it costs. Cost isn't an issue for a matter this important, though ability to use the free REW software would of course be ideal, haha.

Did you do the ETC measurements with no desk present whatsoever? You were able to determine the angles, height, placement, etc of various work surfaces based on said measurements? I'm not doubting it whatsoever....I'm actually just super curious as to how the data allows one to determine ideal work surface dimensions and such. Seems cool!

[ritelec]

Originally Posted by hereticskeptic

Hey, I appreciate this! I've heard there may be some issues with REW and iMacs, but I believe Fuzz Measure is the one that works very well, though it costs. Cost isn't an issue for a matter this important, though ability to use the free REW software would of course be ideal, haha.

Did you do the ETC measurements with no desk present whatsoever? You were able to determine the angles, height, placement, etc of various work surfaces based on said measurements? I'm not doubting it whatsoever....I'm actually just super curious as to how the data allows one to determine ideal work surface dimensions and such. Seems cool!

There's student price on FM if you could work that up.

I tried REW, I was having issues calibrating it with the mac sound card and my 003 rack. I finally had enough and just went for the FM (after much hair pulling to save that couple bucks) but as you said, it's needed and worth the cost. Note that some people do have success with REW on a Mac so you may want to try it.

Yes I did test with no desk present......no desk = no reflection ... (except maybe alittle from the floor).

Dan Dan mentioned using a serving tray.

I'm not saying to use a serving tray but to think in those lines.

[ritelec]

Originally Posted by hereticskeptic

You were able to determine the angles, height, placement, etc of various work surfaces based on said measurements?

No. Angle + or more 6 degrees I think it was. (do search).


Do much reading through this area.


Acoustics/Treatment Reference Guide - LOOK HERE!

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by ritelec

There's student price on FM if you could work that up.

I tried REW, I was having issues calibrating it with the mac sound card and my 003 rack. I finally had enough and just went for the FM (after much hair pulling to save that couple bucks) but as you said, it's needed and worth the cost. Note that some people do have success with REW on a Mac so you may want to try it.

Yes I did test with no desk percent......no desk = no reflection ... (except maybe alittle from the floor).

Dan Dan mentioned using a serving tray.

I'm not saying to use a serving tray but to think in those lines.

Yeah, I saw that Fuzz Measure had the educational discount. Just emailed them about it.

What I'm really curious about, is SAC saying that getting the measurements done without a desk will help to eliminate worrying about random situations that may not pertain to one's specific room situation. I find it so intriguing that we could find out optimal dimensions and placement of the various surfaces, based on measurements with no desk in the room.

So much to learn.

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by ritelec

No. Angle + or more 6 degrees I think it was. (do search).


Do much reading through this area.


Acoustics/Treatment Reference Guide - LOOK HERE!

Oh okay, gotcha.

[ritelec]

You lost me......


The desk creates an early reflection.



To read the room.
You place speakers and move them around to find a good starting point.

You can also place a speaker in the lower right (or left) corner facing the corner, and mic in upper left (or right) corner to check out your room (cattie corner lower upper).

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by ritelec

You lost me......


The desk creates an early reflection.



To read the room.
You place speakers and move them around to find a good starting point.

You can also place a speaker in the lower right (or left) corner facing the corner, and mic in upper left (or right) corner to check out your room (cattie corner lower upper).

I was referring to SAC's mentioning that puzzling over various issues that might arise from certain setups could be avoided, if one were to do measurements without a desk, before setting up a work area. If we're not on the same page, that's okay. It was a specific post of his that I'm referring to, which sparked my initial questions about how this would work, seeing as no desk would be present with which to make decisions on ideal placement. Of course, this was just my uneducated perspective/train of thought, which is why I was asking him how it's possible, as I find it kind of cool and intriguing. If you're referring to something other than what I'm talking about right now, I guess we just lost each other, and that's cool, haha.

[ritelec]

Originally Posted by hereticskeptic

seeing as no desk would be present with which to make decisions on ideal placement.

Yes, or anything else. Just a couple (or one) speakers, a mic, and a room.


We back on the same page?


ha ha ha

[SörenHjalmarsson]

If i remember correctly... SAC was just saying that, instead of speculate on hypotheticals, you could take measurements and determine facts i.e. take measurements with the desk present and adjust according to need...

It's more important to make calculations (prior to building) when you are making a BIG desk, since a small one (allready free from an amount of reflections) will be easier to move to a good position, or tilt slightly if it should prove necessary etc...

[ritelec]

Here also.
Listen to the Music, Not the Room (thanks Soren)

click the "flush mount" link with in here also.
Wall behind the Loudspeaker Cancellation (thanks Dan Dan)

This is interesting.
hunecke.de | Room Eigenmodes Calculator (thanks john the revelator)

And something else.
http://www.bozoel.com/hosted/myroom-...hite_paper.pdf (thanks Andre....I think)


Another.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-wbPTj7x...cs.html?page=2

http://www.acousticfrontiers.com/Room-Modes.html

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by ritelec

Yes, or anything else. Just a couple (or one) speakers, a mic, and a room.


We back on the same page?


ha ha ha

Haha, I believe so!

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by SörenHjalmarsson

If i remember correctly... SAC was just saying that, instead of speculate on hypotheticals, you could take measurements and determine facts i.e. take measurements with the desk present and adjust according to need...

It's more important to make calculations (prior to building) when you are making a BIG desk, since a small one (allready free from an amount of reflections) will be easier to move to a good position, or tilt slightly if it should prove necessary etc...

Got you! That makes perfect sense, as I was fairly sure that SAC had mentioned taking some measurements pre-build. I guess I mixed up which instances he was referring to.

I'm on the fence between a small desk desk with face-up racks on the side, or something along the lines of the Sterling Modular Plan Uno. It's definitely gotta be low-profile, tilted and simple.

[hereticskeptic]

Any thoughts on this: Sterling Modular | Studio Furniture and Acoustics

Seems they are saying mdf resonates far less than real wood, which is why many companies use it. What do you guys know about this? I was under the impression that real wood was most certainly the way to go.

[ritelec]

FOOD TRAY.......2 bucks.
Vollrath 86117 Tray, 12"x16" Royal Blue, Fast Food, Rectangular

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by ritelec

FOOD TRAY.......2 bucks.
Vollrath 86117 Tray, 12"x16" Royal Blue, Fast Food, Rectangular

Hahaha!!!

[SörenHjalmarsson]

Originally Posted by lostanda

I consider, that you are not right. I am assured. I suggest it to discuss.

Originally Posted by lostanda

In my opinion you are not right. I can prove it. Write to me in PM, we will talk.

To whom and what are you referring?

[fitZ]

Doggone....I suppose I should throw away every one of my albums and CDs that were recorded, and mixed on all those large format consoles that were, and still are used, as this thread suggests the music has been "compromised" in some way by virtue of engineers "compromised" monitoring environment.

Hmmmmm...the nerve of these recording companies. There should be a LABEL, certifying the music contained on the media was recorded and mixed in a RFZ STANDARDS CERTIFIED CR environment with STEALTH CONSOLES...er...hey...wait. I think I've been taken for a fool... I've spent thousands of dollars on...egads...FLAWED MUSIC!!!

I WANT MY MONEY BACK!! I may even sue for the damage these recordings have done to my "music appreciation judgement". Geeesuz...and to think I really liked these recordings. Crap...now I have to readjust my thinking...and my judgement.

Ya know...on second thought...I think listeners need to be protected from these unscrupulous music recording companies! I'm gonna write my congresscritter right now!! WE NEED LAWS TO PROTECT US MUSIC CONSUMERS FROM LARGE FORMAT CONSOLES!! Did I mention..of all the nerve? Maybe OCCUPY WALLSTREET should move to a large studio! Yea..that'll get the industry's attention.














Nevermind...carry on.

[Bobby Summerfield]

HI Peeps,
Here is my very flexible DIY Work Desk, for both Playing Music, and editing or Mixing ITB.

After 28 years of studio life I am starting to get work related injuries.
This Work Desk has been the best thing i have done to help it.
I hope this will help others too .


TRANSFORMER MUSIC DAW TABLE - YouTube

Cheers
Bobby

[fitZ]

Here is my very flexible DIY Work Desk, for both Playing Music, and editing or Mixing ITB.

Got any plans for it? Or a Sketchup file maybe? And can you tell me what the brand/model of the articulating arms the monitors are mounted to? Thanks

[ritelec]

Originally Posted by fitZ

Doggone....I suppose I should throw away every one of my albums and CDs that were recorded, and mixed on all those large format consoles that were, and still are used, as this thread suggests the music has been "compromised" in some way by virtue of engineers "compromised" monitoring environment.

Hmmmmm...the nerve of these recording companies. There should be a LABEL, certifying the music contained on the media was recorded and mixed in a RFZ STANDARDS CERTIFIED CR environment with STEALTH CONSOLES...er...hey...wait. I think I've been taken for a fool... I've spent thousands of dollars on...egads...FLAWED MUSIC!!!

I WANT MY MONEY BACK!! I may even sue for the damage these recordings have done to my "music appreciation judgement". Geeesuz...and to think I really liked these recordings. Crap...now I have to readjust my thinking...and my judgement.

Ya know...on second thought...I think listeners need to be protected from these unscrupulous music recording companies! I'm gonna write my congresscritter right now!! WE NEED LAWS TO PROTECT US MUSIC CONSUMERS FROM LARGE FORMAT CONSOLES!! Did I mention..of all the nerve? Maybe OCCUPY WALLSTREET should move to a large studio! Yea..that'll get the industry's attention.














Nevermind...carry on.

nice

[Bobby Summerfield]

Originally Posted by fitZ

Got any plans for it? Or a Sketchup file maybe? And can you tell me what the brand/model of the articulating arms the monitors are mounted to? Thanks

Hi Fritz, I just did a hand sketch to build this, as it would change a little , which each persons keyboards QWERTY etc . .

The Stands are from HumanScale

Keyboard Tray and Mouse Platform | Ergonomic Keyboard Support from Humanscale

if you want a sketch i can draw and scan it .

Cheers
B-)

[incurablebeatlus]

Bobby nice desk, that vid was impressive!