Studio furniture plays an important role in the operation of any studio. While this passive component of the studio design serves as the physical foundation for the equipment that will be used around it, it is sometimes barely given more than a casual thought as to its design and installation.

The technology behind studio furniture may not seem sophisticated, but the craftsmen behind the work can usually quote all kinds of specifications pertaining to load tolerance, resistance to warping and durability of materials. In the end, many manufacturers create a quality product that will last for many years. Some details in manufacturing materials are important to consider, but it is easy to get lost in the specifications. A certain exotic material from some distant land may seem like the perfect choice, but in the end, the long-term durability is what matters most.

The most common material debate is between the use of plywood or particle board. Those opposed to particle board cite that it crumbles and warps too easily. This may be true of materials from several years ago, but particle board materials today are manufactured to some of the highest tolerances of any man-made material. Thicknesses are tightly controlled to thousands of an inch. Plywood likewise is a quality material, although the thickness tolerance is a little looser. It is important to know that when particle board is used, it must be an industrial-grade material and not an underlayment grade. Underlayment grade will crumble when screws are used on it.

When a surface material is laminated, the coating must be applied to both sides or the material will warp. By balancing the panel, the absorption of moisture and stresses from use will affect both sides, reducing the likelihood of warping.

A new addition to studio furniture designs is the use of solid-surface materials for the countertop. Materials such as Corian and Gibraltar provide a durable surface that is forgiving of scratches and blemishes. A scratch can be removed by sanding and buffing the area. The surfaces are strong and nonporous, which resist stains. Larger sections can be custom formed to hide seams for a continuous surface. Solid surfaces can also be cut into a variety of shapes without the need for edge molding.

Two distinct paths

Most studio furniture can be classified as modular or custom. Custom designs cost more and are manufactured to specific instructions. The modular approach includes the classic cabinetry designs as well as the workstation design.

One advantage to the modular cabinetry approach is that it usually lends itself to easy furniture reconfigurations. The workstation approach also has some modularity to it, typically providing several basic pieces that can be arranged in various ways to create the final design. Some applications may begin with a modular approach and then customize it to fit a specific need.

Whether choosing a custom package or an off-the-shelf approach, the end result can still look fabulous. When a studio project is started, the furniture is one of the first items needed before installation can begin. With custom choices and exotic materials typically comes a longer manufacturing time.

The workstation designs offer a great deal of flexibility, and by their design have an open look and feel. Conventional cabinet designs will usually provide a stronger base to work from, but they also offer an inherent wire management and power system that is hidden from view. In addition, the cabinetry can usually provide a space for a punch block connection panel or other wire distribution point.

Equipment cooling is an important consideration. While equipment needs have changed, the largest producers of heat -- cart machines -- have almost completely disappeared. Instead, studios are being loaded with more computers and computer monitors. In most cases, a passive airflow will be sufficient to maintain an appropriate ambient temperature. The addition of vents to rear panels can help. In some cases, additional forced air may be necessary.

The bigger problem from the introduction of computer-based equipment is noise. More and more equipment relies on cooling fans, which can be a noise problem. If the computer must be placed within the studio, try to place it as far away as possible from any open mics. The computer can also be housed within the furniture, which will attenuate its noise.

A showcase studio begins with the equipment foundation. The studio furniture acts as a passive partner in this system. By making the right choices today, this foundation will faithfully serve its purpose for many years to come.

Resource Guide

Selected manufacturers of studio furniture

Spacewise Broadcast Furniture Products offered: Expression, Delux, Radial, All Talk, DQS, Airshow, Daves 800-775-3660 www.spacewise.com

Middle Atlantic Products Products offered: Edit Center, Multidesk, racks 973-839-1011 www.middleatlantic.com

Harris Products offered: Quickline, Primeline, Smoothline, custom 800-622-0022 www.broadcast.harris.com

Wheatstone Products offered: Preference, Eclipse, Tech Line 252-638-7000 www.wheatstone.com

Arrakis Systems Products offered: Radius-XP, Modulux, custom 970-461-0730 www.arrakis-systems.com

Studio Technology Products offered: Basis, custom 610-925-2785 studiotechnology.com

Omnirax Products offered: Forte, Presto, Prostation, Force, custom 800-332-3393 www.omnirax.com

Winsted Products offered: Various modular systems 800-447-2257 www.winsted.com

Mager Systems Products offered: Sound Choice, custom 623-780-0045 www.magersystems.com

RAM Systems and Communications Products offered: custom furniture, racks 800-779-7575 www.ramsyscom.com

Forecast Consoles Products offered: Imagemaster consoles, Modular Component consoles, Masterail, custom 800-735-2070 www.forecast-consoles.com

TBC Consoles Products offered: Modular, Freeform, custom 888-266-2653 www.tbcconsoles.com

Murphy Studio Furniture Products offered: Elegant Series 619-698-4658 www.murphystudiofurniture.com

Marketec Products offered: Solutions 800-557-8861 www.marketec.com

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The furniture accessory

Equipment racks are just as important as studio furniture. Besides the utilitarian factor of the steel rack, there are variations designed to offer environmentally sealed uses or special sound isolation functions. Here are some companies that offer equipment racks in various designs that can complement a studio furniture decision.

Amco Engineering 800-833-3156 www.amcoengineering.com	APW Enclosure Products - Stantron 800-558-7927 www.apw-enclosureproducts.com
Chatsworth Products 800-834-4969 www.chatsworth.com	Electrorack Products Co 714-776-5420 www.electrorack.com
Ergotron 800-888-8458 www.ergotron.com	Kae 801-977-9553 www.kaecorp.com
Liebert 800-877-9222 www.liebert.com	Progressive Marketing Products 800-368-9700 www.deltadesigns.com
Raxxess 800-389-RAXX www.raxxess.com	Signal Transport 510-528-6039 www.sigt.com
Taytrix 201-222-2826 www.taytrix.com	.

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