DIY Radio Studio Desk Build

 

We go back to the humble beginnings of TSS (That Streaming Show) back in late 2018 now broadcasting under the name of SN Radio (Streaming Network Radio), we were impressed by the growth of our online radio station in that time. Come mid 2020 we decided that our studio desk was in urgent need of an upgrade.

We were also chasing better audio to improve our sound so we purchased 2 DBX286s preamps along with a DBX166xs and a DBX215s. We also were adding a Roland video mixer as we have multiple cameras in our studio for viewer’s to come in and watch the show. Then come the job of stripping back the desk to a blank canvas and see what we can build with the limited space we have.

The problem we faced it was obvious that our studio does not have the room for a rack mount system for all our audio equipment. We had to come up with a way that we can just include all the equipment within our desk.

 

You can see the desk stripped back ready for the build and if we can pull this off it will allow us to bring in all our new equipment. We darted off to the hardware shop to get some supplies, Melamine timber which we call it here in Australia and around the world often called Particle board plus some screws etc. We were lucky that we own a mitre saw, router, plane which will give us great cuts and a decent sort of a job that we hope to expect.

We come up with a design and cut all pieces as we had to plan and the results actually come together very fast, in the end it looked like a flat pack ready to be assembled. We must also suggest we did NOT purchase this pack in anyway and we actually did have to build this from scratch. This was my first D.I.Y in transforming a plain flat desk into something much more practical for our radio studio.

You can see below the desk altogether and it all went to plan, on the left side is a bay below for our Mackie HM-800 8 Channel Head Phone Amplifier. You can see above that is a shelf for any future addons or just to store your crap that does tend to build up over time 

In the middle below is a spot for our Mackie ProFXv2 16 channel mixer, yes that’s right it may seem to be to many channels but we here at SN Radio actually have filled those channels. To date we only have 2 spare channels free but with some new ideas in the pipeline we are sure to fill those remaining channels.

Above the mixer is the spot we have allowed for our Roland HD Video Switcher V-1HD, as mentioned above our crazy live shows we have multiple cameras in our studio which viewers really do enjoy.

 

To the right we have the bay to fit our new DBX166xs Compressor Limiter Gate, we also have a DBX215s Graphic Equalizer then the perfect amount of room left to fit 2 DBX286s Mic Pre Amps. We are also considering expanding into voice overs which also added to our decision to add the DBX166xs and the DBX215s.

You can also see on the top of the desk the mounting spots for our two Rode PSA1 Studio Boom Arms for our microphones.

 

You can now see below the end result with all our equipment fitted and actually being tested during our live show “The Night of Madness”

In the picture it does not look very big at all but it is actually 1650mm wide and for both of us here in the studio. With guests it works really well for our internet radio studio requirements.

When you are broadcasting live you are always looking for the best equipment so your streams and your facilities are perfect and within your budget. If you are looking to start broadcasting and the thought of starting your own Online Radio Station sounds like fun. It is a ton of fun and your options are totally endless.

In the world we now live with online streaming continuing to grow its amazing what offers are out there. What you can do if you put your mind to it, your mind is what holds you back.

If you have a idea and whether it be broadcasting live with your own radio station or maybe your looking to start your own podcast, life is to short not to give something new a go. So go out and enjoy yourself life is precious.

If you have any questions about this post hit me up and Im happy to help with your questions.

Take care

Posted By: Andrew