The desk is part of the sound

What it needs

Top

At least 160 × 80 cm, solid and heavy enough not to ring.

Height

About 72–76 cm, a starting point. A summary of the European desk standard gives 74–76 cm for fixed sitting desks (NEN-EN 527, as summarised by Coolblue); OSHA asks for 50–72 cm of leg room underneath. Fit it to your chair.

Monitor stands

Tweeters at ear height, pointed at you, and lifted off the desk so it reflects less (Dynaudio). Genelec puts the acoustic axis at 1.2–1.4 m and allows up to 15° of tilt (Genelec).

Rack bays

19-inch rails for an interface, outboard or a power strip.

Keyboard shelf

Pulls out under the top so the screen stays centred.

Cable channel

A tray along the back; power and audio on opposite sides.

One rack unit (1U) is 1.75 in, 4.445 cm, and rack gear is 19 inches wide (EIA-310 / IEC 60297, checked 2026-10-08). The number of units that fit is worked out from the desk height, less a 3 cm top.