The Essentials of a Perfect Studio Desk Setup

The Importance of a Well-Designed Studio Desk

For any music producer or artist, the studio desk is at the heart of their home studio setup. Whether you’re recording, mixing, or producing, your desk needs to be functional, ergonomic, and tailored to your workflow. At Pastos Co, we build handmade studio desks to order, to measure and to spec. Each desk is designed to maximise productivity while keeping your workspace clean and organised.

Choosing the right studio desk means selecting the features you truly need without overloading it with unnecessary extras. A well-thought-out, custom desk is more than just furniture—it’s the foundation of your creativity.

Essential Features of a Studio Desk

To create the perfect home studio desk, it's crucial to balance functionality and simplicity. Here are the key features we recommend for a streamlined, efficient setup:

• Retractable Keyboard/Synth Tray: Whether you're using a MIDI controller, keyboard, or synth, having a retractable tray keeps it accessible without taking up space on the desktop. The keyboard trays on our studio desks are supported by heavy duty rails which soft lock when fully extended and fully closed. They can take a lot of weight so if you have a bulky Korg piano and you are a heavy handed player, the tray will take it easily!
• Monitor Shelf: A raised shelf allows you to position your studio monitors and screens at the perfect height for both sound and ergonomics. Keeping your monitor shelf at ear level ensures optimal listening while maintaining a clean workspace. 
• 19" Rack Storage: Studio equipment like audio interfaces and compressors can be heavy and bulky. Having 19" rack storage built into your desk keeps these items organised and within reach without cluttering the desktop. As standard, our studio desks are equipped with 2x 3u slots under the monitor shelf. We can also customise that space for more storage if required.
• Cable Management: Integrated holes for cable management are a must to keep cables and plugs out of sight, making your studio look neat and tidy!
  
  

These features ensure that everything you need is close at hand without cluttering your workspace, helping you stay focused and productive.

While it can be tempting to load your desk with every possible feature, a clean and minimal workspace is often the most productive. A desk overloaded with accessories can slow you down, while a simplified setup allows you to focus on what matters most—your music.

The Importance of Desk Height: Customised for Comfort

One of the most overlooked aspects of a studio desk is height. Since studio desks often have multiple layers, it’s important to ensure that each layer is at a comfortable height for long-term use. Here’s what you should consider:

• Keyboard Tray Height: For comfortable play, the synth tray should be at a height where your arms are relaxed, preventing strain during long sessions.
• Desktop Height and Monitor Shelf: The monitor shelf should allow your screen or monitors to be at eye level, ensuring proper posture and preventing neck strain 
• Legs Height: Different setups might benefit from fixed height or adjustable height legs. The height adjustable legs are the most commonly requested feature on our studio desks. With a height range of 62-127cm and up to 4 saveable height presets, there will be an optimal height for you, whether you are playing, working on the top desk layer or if you prefer to stand for a bit!

Why Choose a Custom Studio Desk from Pastos Co.

At Pastos Co, we believe every workspace should be unique. Our studio desks are made to order so you can customise everything from dimensions to leg height and features. Need extra width for your MIDI controller? No problem. Want to add 19" rack storage units under the riser shelf for extra equipment? We’ve got you covered.

We use only high-quality, sustainably sourced timber, ensuring your desk is not only beautiful but built to last. Our custom desks are designed to handle the weight of heavy equipment without warping or splitting, and each one is crafted with care to meet your exact specifications.

Studio 19” Rack Storage Units

Beyond the desk itself, we also offer studio 19" rack storage units. These are perfect for storing rack-mounted gear that doesn’t need to be on your desktop but still needs to be easily accessible. Available with rubber feet if used on desktop or hairpin legs / castor wheels if used as standalone units, they are the perfect sidecar to your studio desk!

The Right Desk Makes All the Difference

Your home studio desk is more than just a piece of furniture—it’s an integral part of your creative process. At Pastos Co, we ensure that each desk is made with care and precision, tailored to your needs, and built to support your workflow. Whether you're a seasoned music producer or just starting to build your home studio setup, our desks provide the perfect combination of functionality, simplicity, and customisation.

Explore our range of studio furniture, and let us help you create the perfect workspace to bring your music to life.