A room in our house was earmarked for a small project studio from the outset. Not only music was to be produced and mixed there – it was also to be suitable for video editing and voice recordings or even podcast productions. Finally, such an environment needs to encourage creativity and support workflows efficiently.
I also used to modify simple desks in this way and also added a keyboard drawer. Unfortunately, such solutions are usually never ideal and the DIY keyboard drawer resonates. Outboard equipment has to go somewhere, but should be easy to reach and operate. This is particularly important for patch panels and effects units. The monitors need a place at ear height and then a display also needs to be accommodated. Once this has been solved, the issue of cable management comes into play.
Control centre in the studio: the Zaor Miza 88 XL Flex studio table
My choice for the right studio furniture fell on a Zaor Miza 88 XL Flex studio table in Cherry/Black. Alternatively, there is also the Wenge (grey)/Black colour variant. Zaor has tables for every studio application and almost every budget. The Miza 88 XL Flex has 3 levels. The studio monitors and one or two displays can be placed on the top level. In my case, it’s a 38-inch Curve display from LG, which can be positioned very flexibly using a monitor swivel arm with gas spring. The screen would otherwise be too high, especially when working intensively on the computer. The monitor arm allows it to be raised to an optimum working height.
The mouse, keyboard and, for example, smaller keyboards, effects or controllers can be positioned on the second level. Behind this – and this is one of the most practical functions of the Zaor Miza 88 XL – there are three 4 U racks, which are also slightly angled. This allows devices such as preamps, effects units and patch panels to be installed in such a way that they are easily accessible and easy to read.
The third level is an extremely stable pull-out shelf for keyboards, which is also large enough for 88-key models (hence the name of this table). If you are using a 61-key keyboard, for example, a controller such as a Novation Control XL or an Ableton Push 2 will also fit next to it. With the Miza XL Flex, the height of the keyboard drawer can be adjusted. This means that higher keyboards or workstations can also be accommodated and you can choose the perfect compromise between body height, device height and legroom. I opted for a device height of 80 mm and with my height of 1.86 m I can still sit very comfortably. The height adjustment is designed in such a way that it can be changed at a later date without having to make any major modifications.
Delivery and assembly of the Zaor Miza 88 XL Flex
The Zaor Miza 88 XL Flex is delivered in two large packages. One with 68 kg and one with 38 kg. Everything is perfectly and securely packed. The large package is easy to transport with the integrated carrying straps. I have already unpacked the individual parts outside and transported them to the assembly site. The side panels are relatively complex due to the pull-outs for the keyboard, but are already fully pre-assembled. Very good!
Part of the packaging can be used as a base for the assembly so that the parts are not scratched during assembly. However, you should bear in mind that the dimensions and weight of the table when assembled mean that it will not fit easily through normal-sized room doors and should be assembled at the installation site if possible.
The parts are connected with wooden dowels and special quick-release metal fasteners. Nothing needs to be glued or drilled. Plastic threaded bushes are also available for the perforated rack rails. If you can assemble IKEA furniture, you can assemble Zaor Miza!
If you follow the instructions, the entire table can be assembled in 60-90 minutes. I was able to do most of it myself . I only needed help to assemble the second side panel – the table is tilted on its side. The side panels are relatively heavy and you have to hit several pegs at the same time to make them fit together.
You also have to tilt the table back into its normal position at the end, which would be very tricky even for strong guys like me on my own. It’s best to get someone to help you – it’s even more fun to set up together.
Once the table is in the room, you realise how solid it is. Although it only consists of the usual furniture construction panels, it is extremely sturdy. The dimensions of the Miza 88 XL should not be underestimated either. As a precaution, I had designed my room with the 3D software Sketchup to see if the table would fit in.
Incidentally, the Zaor Miza was available in the Sketchup library (Warehouse). Also the GIK Acoustic Absorber on the wall.
This is how I set up my Zaor Miza 88 XL Flex
I set up the racks so that the patchbay and audio interface are in the same rack to avoid unnecessarily long cables. The patch panel is installed in the lowest position so that inserted patch cables do not hang over the audio interface and its displays.
Between the audio interface and the patch panel, I installed a feed-through panel with a brush, which is usually found in server racks in the IT sector. This allows cables to be fed cleanly from the table top to the rear. In addition, the flexible brush end also allows me to reach the switches on the top of the Behringer PX3000 patchbay later.
Such a brush cover is available for around 15 euros. I also chose the right-hand rack for the patchbay and audio interface because they are not covered by the screen when I adjust it downwards on the swivelling arm.
A bass preamp with tubes and another preamp were positioned in the centre. As with the Klark Technik Klark Teknik 76-KT and the KT-2A, care should be taken to ensure that the air slots remain clear. That’s why I mounted these devices on top. The slightly angled arrangement of the racks in the Zaor Miza XL leaves enough space above the top unit for air circulation.
There are permanently attached Velcro strips on the back through which the cables can be routed. They can also be used to secure a socket strip. However, it is advisable to fit screw-on socket strips here. I also designed cable guides and made them with the 3D printer. These allow me to run signal and power cables separately from each other and help to keep things organised.
The monitor speakers are decoupled from the upper tabletop by two foam absorbers from Adam Hall to prevent it from vibrating. As I mentioned at the beginning, I attached my large curved monitor to the table with a monitor arm. As this weighs 9 kg, a somewhat more solid model had to be used here. The choice fell on an Amazon Basics monitor mount with cable guide and gas spring. As the leverage effect exerts a lot of force on the top plate of the Zaor table, I took the precaution of reinforcing this area with a 16 mm screen printing plate in a suitable format.
The Zaor Miza 88 XL Flex in practice
I have now spent many hours on the new Zaor table. I liked my configuration straight away and it has proved to be very practical. With a height-adjustable swivel chair, I sit comfortably for every task and have everything within easy reach. The keyboard drawer is very stable thanks to the special design. Nothing bounces or rolls back. The height is just right – even for use with a pad controller. Now, I’m not a trained keyboard player and it’s not my main instrument. This makes it all the more important to have the keys at the optimum height and within sight.
However, I have also made a small modification here: If you want to pull out the drawer, you have to grip the plate. Depending on the weight of the devices on the pull-out, this can be a little more strenuous, which is due to the sturdy construction. I therefore designed and 3D-printed two handles, which I screwed to the underside of the pull-out.
This makes it much easier to push the pull-out out and back in again. You should also make sure that you don’t place the table on a very soft or deep-pile carpet, as this will also slow down the rollers on the pull-out.
A neoprene mat, as normally used by gamers, absorbs keyboard bumps and also serves as a generous mouse pad. Especially when recording video tutorials, this also effectively reduces background noise from the keyboard and mouse.
The strongly rounded real wood moulding on the front of the second level is very pleasant. This allows you to rest your arms comfortably without a sharp edge hurting you.
Conclusion
The Zaor Miza 88 XL Flex studio table is a great addition to the (home) studio and not just for musicians and producers, but also for video editing or voice applications such as voiceovers or podcasts. The pull-out can also be used for a keyboard, mouse, mixing console or video editing controller.
1.100 euros for this model is no mean feat and for many people a new synthesiser or preamp is more interesting than a studio table like this. But once you have worked with it, you realise how much it supports you in your creative work because everything has its place. The monitor speakers are at the right height, the cables are hidden away and keyboards and computer keyboards no longer get in each other’s way.
Of course, a studio with such special studio furniture from Zaor also looks more professional and I now enjoy spending many hours in my small home studio even more. When you earn money with music production, video editing, etc. Every improvement to the working environment helps you to work faster and more efficiently . But even if it’s just a hobby, an optimal environment gives you more time for the real thing: realising creative ideas in your precious free time.
Before you sink your money into the umpteenth compressor plug-in or virtual instrument, you should think about buying a piece of studio furniture like this, because it will have a much more positive impact on the way you work than yet another plug-in.
About Zaor
Zaor is a manufacturer from Romania that specialises in studio furniture such as tables, racks and speaker stands that are made by musicians for musicians. Zaor offers tables for project studios as well as special tables for mastering studios or the broadcast sector. In addition to the well-known models, Zaor also offers customised studio furniture, allowing you to furnish your entire studio with millimetre precision.
Zaor studio furniture is available from well-known online music retailers such as Thomann.
More information: https://zaorstudiofurniture.com/
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