I don’t know about you, but I’m always struggling to optimize my personal studio setup. Having bulky master keyboards around makes everything a bit more complicated, so when I come across quality furniture pieces like this I’m obviously all eyes.
I’m talking of KEY 88, the new workstation just launched by high-quality studio furniture-maker UNTERLASS Studio Furniture.
Austrian engineering graduate Arno Unterlass is the namesake brains behind UNTERLASS Studio Furniture. He also happens to be a musician and producer in his own right, so perhaps it’s inevitable that he would one day apply his considerable creative skill set to producing his own range of studio furniture with an enviable eye on ergonomics and exacting design standards to suit so many pockets.
Fortunately for those intent on adapting to today’s changing workspace requirements, Arno Unterlass is not one for standing still, however. Having noticed an increase in the number of requests from (film) composers for a keyboard- accommodating workstation smaller than the company’s key player, the DUODESK KEY 60, but without any inbuilt 19- inch racks to maintain clean lines while still offering a spacious work surface, the all-new KEY 88 is the well-thought- through solution.
So, as implied by name, heavyweight 88-note master keyboards favoured by the film-composing community can comfortably be accommodated with the KEY 88, thanks to the proven ULGDS (UNTERLASS Linear Guides Drawer System) also used in the DUODESK KEY 60 and DUODESK KEY 60 oT. The basic components of this high-tech system are frequently found in industry — namely, a lubricant- and maintenance-free linear guide system featuring special steel parts promoting precision and stability when working with master keyboards of up to 30kg in weight. Unlike conventional keyboard drawers, the ULGDS — height-adjustable between 93, 108, 123, 145, 160, and 175mm — can be locked in any position and allows the keyboard to be pulled out as far as needed (within reason) while still providing a stable playing platform. Those heavyweight master keyboards are accommodated comfortably by a metal base plate, purposefully manufactured from 2mm-thick sturdy steel so as to maximise available legroom below for playing purposes.
Power-coated white MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) makes for a durable, scratch- and impact-resistant KEY 88 workstation structure that’s as easy on the eye as it is spacious, providing a generous 160cm x 70cm work surface that can comfortably accommodate a variety of devices, including UNTERLASS Studio Furniture’s own (optional) stylish steel shelves for nearfield monitors. Sensibly positioned (top and rear) cable outlets and a flexible cable channel (at the rear) complete this abundantly spacious, master keyboard-accommodating workstation that once again demonstrates designer Arno Unterlass is on fine form.
The KEY 88 is available to purchase directly from UNTERLASS Studio Furniture for €1,300.00 EUR (excluding VAT).
Optional nearfield monitor steel shelves are available for €200.00 EUR (excluding VAT) per pair.
For more in-depth information, please visit the KEY 88 product webpage here.
