Space-saving Tips for Keyboard & Synth Players

Nothing is certain for keyboard and synth players except cables and trying to save space in the studio. While that’s not strictly what Benjamin Franklin wrote, it highlights an issue keyboard-based artists face worldwide: limited studio space. Your keyboards, modules, and peripheral gear take up a lot of space. And that’s not even counting other essentials, such as an audio interface, a computer, a mixer, or studio monitors. Luckily, since Sweetwater began life as a mobile recording studio in the back of an old VW bus, saving and maximizing space is in our DNA. This article contains tips and tricks that you can use to capitalize on every square inch in your studio — and then some. Read on for space-saving tips for keyboard- and synth-based studios.

Build What You NeedElevate Your Setup — LiterallyInvest in ModulesCable Storage & OrganizationKISS: Keep It Streamlined — SeriouslyMake Use of “Unusable” SpacePatchbaysRackmount Your Most Used Gear

Build What You Need

If you’re relocating your synth room or need a fresh start, then consider how you will work in the studio. What’s your dream workflow? Are you tracking individual synths at a time or melding multiple instruments into one dynamic performance? You cut down on excess gear and clutter by designing and building a room that suits your purpose. For example, suppose the centerpiece of your studio is a Korg Nautilus 88 88-key synthesizer workstation that also serves as a MIDI controller. In that case, there’s no need for an external controller. Just plop it on the desk, and you’re good to go. Setting up your room with intention helps ensure your space is optimized for your music-making process. And that’s the perfect foundation for saving space from the get-go.

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Elevate Your Setup — Literally

If you have enough keyboards and synth gear, then you’ll eventually run out of tabletop space — no matter how much studio real estate you have. That’s where tiered keyboard stands and other elevation tools come into play. With a 2- or 3-tiered keyboard stand, you can store and use multiple keyboards without taking up any extra floor space within your studio. Envision this: your studio has four X-style keyboard stands, but you have eight synths you want to use. You could get a quartet of 2-tiered stands to accommodate them all. That’s two times the synths for the same space. Or you could get three 3-tiered stands. That eliminates a stand and gives you room for an extra synth. How’s that for space savings?

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If you’re out of floor space for your keyboards, then don’t fret! You could opt for wall mounts. As the name suggests, a wall mount turns the walls of your room into keyboard stands. Just ensure you drill the mounting screws into the studs, and you’ll be good to go.

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Invest in Modules

Synth modules are an excellent way to save space. A module is a compact desktop or rackmount-format instrument without a bulky built-in keyboard like a self-contained standalone synthesizer. That’s quite a space savings, especially when compared to a full-size keybed. So, how do you play so many different synthesizers if they don’t have keyboards? That’s where the modern miracle of MIDI comes in. With 5-pin MIDI or MIDI-over-USB, even the humblest MIDI controllers can function as your studio’s mission command center. Add clever routing in your DAW or MIDI hub; a single keyboard controller can easily play any synth in your room.

Desktop synth modules save a lot of space, but it’s the modular world where you’ll save the most space. Migrating to Eurorack synthesis serves two purposes. Firstly, you can build a setup that’s all your own with all the essential components you need and none of the extras you never use. Secondly, Eurorack modules are super compact and save even more space.

Cable Storage & Organization

Cables are the connective tissues that unify your studio. Smartly storing them helps you save space and stay organized. There are multiple ways to organize the cables in your studio. First, let’s address the elephant in the room — patch cables. If you’re a synthesist, then you have more than your fair share of patch cables. But somehow, when you need an extra-long one for a crucial connection, it’s nowhere to be found. Adding a patch cable organizer to your space allows you to organize and store your cables so they never go missing. What about instrument and mic cables? We have organizers for those, too, which prevent a rat’s nest of cables and give you low-profile storage space on the wall, over the door, or attached to a table. Of course, you can’t go wrong with having a few extra hook-and-loop cable ties to keep larger cables under control.

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As for the cables running from your synths to the computer or the mixer, you can streamline those bad boys, too! This is less about saving space and more about leveling up the visuals of your studio. Hook-and-loop cable ties allow you to control cable runs neatly. You can use hook-and-loop fasteners to affix troublesome cables directly to your synth stand for clean visuals before they run off under your studio desk. Instead of having cables stretched across the floor, gaffer tape holds them down to prevent tripping or unwanted disconnections.

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KISS: Keep It Streamlined — Seriously

This tip might sound silly or overly obvious, but that doesn’t stop it from applying to most keyboard and synth players. Keeping things streamlined and efficient naturally reduces unneeded clutter or gear. Remember how investing in synth modules lets you have more synths in your studio? That’s a perfect example of streamlining your studio. What are some other easy streamlining tips? We’re glad you asked. Below are some simple streamlining tips anyone can use.

Make Use of “Unusable” Space

Not every synth cave is created equal. And that’s especially true if your setup is in an awkwardly shaped room. Just because you’re contending with a sloped roof or weird wall feature doesn’t mean that space is useless. Whatever the case, that “unusable” area of your room can be a valuable space-saving tool. Consider storing your less-utilized music-making tools in spaces such as these. The super-low space where a sloped ceiling meets the floor or wall is excellent for cable runs or storage. You can also consider storing cases, microphone boxes, and other peripherals there to keep them out of the way.

Patchbays

Constantly plugging and unplugging different gear is a massive annoyance for any sane music maker. But you don’t need an interface with tremendous I/O capabilities to keep everything plugged in at once — especially if you’re the type who only records one or two signals at a time. If this sounds like you, then a patchbay will change how you work in the studio. Instead of unplugging your keyboard, lugging it out of the way, and plugging in a new unit, you can plug in a few patch cables. The next time you need the sound of a specific unit in your setup, turn to the patchbay’s front jacks and connect the specific patch points for the gear you want to record. It’s that simple. If you want your keyboards accessible whenever you need a different unit, then you need a patchbay.

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Rackmount Your Most Used Gear

If you have the space to spare, then you can purchase an external sidecar to store equipment, such as the patchbays mentioned above, synth modules, or any other external gear in your setup. A sidecar is simply a standalone rack enclosure placed somewhere in your studio. Typically, sidecars come with 19-inch audio rack rails for mounting standard audio gear. There are even select Eurorack chassis compatible with the 19-inch format, enabling you to keep your Eurorack gear alongside your compressor or patchbay.  

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If you’re interested in rackmounting your gear but don’t have a ton of real estate for extra furniture, then think about getting a studio desk with built-in rack space. That way, you level up your setup with more storage space without massively changing the feel of your room. Not sure what sort of studio desk is right for you? Check out Sweetwater’s “Do You Really Need a Studio Desk?” article for more information.

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Maximize Your Space with Sweetwater

Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, every synth head or keyboard-based artist can benefit from a little more room in the studio. If you’re looking for more ways to streamline your setup or have questions about any gear listed in this article, then don’t hesitate to contact one of our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700. They’re more than happy to help.

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