Studio Cable Tidy System

I’m looking at a new design idea – a cable tidy system for your home studio.

If you’re like me, you end up with drawers full of cables that get tangled, it’s not great. So how about a wall mounted home studio cable hanging system helps you get more organised?

This is still at the design stage at the moment, but the key features will be:

• Modular design based on a “french cleat” system, so that various “hangers” can be added and can be moved about to suit your needs
• Birch plywood
• Wall mounted
• Optional “Eurorack” patch cable hanger
• Optional shelf on the top
• Optional “pen pot” hanger
• Optional lengths

I created a more detailed “design brief” below, which I’ll take into account in my final design. In the meantime, let me know what you think! mike@homestudiorack.co.uk

You can see the current idea in 3d here:

Here is my design “brief” for the home studio cable tidy:

1. Functionality

• Cable Management: The design should effectively organize and separate multiple cables, minimizing tangling and allowing easy access.
• Capacity: It should accommodate a range of cable types and quantities, from slim audio cables to thicker power cables.
• Ease of Use: Quick and straightforward insertion and removal of cables should be possible, and it should be simple to label different cables if needed.

2. Material Considerations

• Plywood Quality: Use high-quality plywood, preferably with a smooth, sanded surface to avoid splinters, as it will need to handle flexible cables without damaging them.
• Thickness: Choose a plywood thickness that offers structural integrity, typically between 10-12 mm, to ensure durability while maintaining an elegant appearance.
• Finish: The plywood should be finished with non-toxic wood stains or varnishes to prevent wear and enhance the aesthetic.

3. Aesthetic Design

• Studio Setting Compatibility: The design should have a modern, minimalist style that blends well with studio environments. Natural wood finishes often work well for both professional and home studio aesthetics.
• Customization: Consider options for personalization or branding, such as engravings or color stains, to suit the customer’s taste or match studio equipment.

4. Modularity and Adaptability

• Scalable Design: The cable tidy should be modular so that it can be expanded or reconfigured based on the user’s needs, making it useful for both smaller home setups and larger professional studios.
• Mounting Options: Offer options for wall mounting, desk mounting, or free-standing versions to adapt to different studio setups.
• Flexibility: Slots, holes, or grooves should be designed to hold different cable diameters securely while allowing flexibility for various configurations.

5. Safety

• Rounded Edges: Ensure that edges are rounded to reduce the risk of damage to cables or injury to users.
• Cable Strain Relief: Incorporate features to prevent cable strain, such as loops or grips, to minimize wear on connectors and reduce the risk of disconnection.

6. Acoustic Considerations

• Non-Reflective Finish: The finish should not contribute to sound reflections or create unwanted noise within the studio environment. A matte finish is preferable to reduce the possibility of glare and sound reflection.

7. Stability and Durability

• Weight Distribution: The design should ensure that the cable tidy remains stable, even when accommodating heavier cables.
• Joinery: Use strong joinery methods, like finger joints or dowels, to ensure longevity and durability under frequent use.
• Load Bearing: Ensure the structure can bear the weight of multiple heavy cables without bending or breaking.

8. Environmental Considerations

• Sustainable Sourcing: Use FSC-certified plywood and non-toxic finishes to make the product more environmentally friendly.
• Waste Minimization: Consider utilizing offcuts and scrap plywood in the design, aligning with sustainable practices.