3D Printing for the Studio
Nerding out in the Music Factory
3D printing has come a long way in a few years. A decade ago, $1500 would buy a printer that one would break down on a regular basis, would spend most of its time printing upgrades that only go to improving its functionality so that one could once again improve it a bit more, and serve as a girlfriend repellant. Now it only costs about $200 to do all this. It is like a weekend pass to Progstock, which only supplies the girlfriend repellant.
If you are considering adding one more useless skill to your resume, here are two recent projects that have added functionality to my studio.
The Eurorack Cable Holder
This quick and dirty project printed in No-One-Will-Ever-See-This-Pink is the Eurorack Cable Holder and Table Clamp designed to screw together and attach to your desk or other flat surfaces.
This print took about 2 hours in total and organizes my modular rack cables so I always know where they are. If, that is, I remember to put them back!
Credit: Drew Robertson
Link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3517569
Parametric synthesizer stand
Utility-wise, this has been one of the better additions to my smaller synths. A customizable wedge that can be made into the size and shape that you want it to put a smaller keyboard, drum machine, or modular system into a more ergonomic position.
This print takes a bit longer — about 4 hours for each wedge, and is a bit more heavy duty.
Credit: Adam Heinrich
Link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4671555/comments
Getting Started 3D Printing
https://all3dp.com/2/3d-printing-for-beginners-all-you-need-to-know-to-get-started/
https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/gettingstarted
https://3dinsider.com/3d-printing-guide/
BTW — if you are like me and buy the cheapest and most gaudiest colors on sale opting for form over functionality, you can simply pick up some Rust-oleum filler/primer. It will smooth out the lines hiding any imperfections, it sticks to almost any plastic, and gives a clean surface to use other paints on to match your studio.
Addendum
I have been printing and building for about two years and I’ve used these on several upgrades to my studio. From an under-the-desk mount for a MacBook whose screen has decided to stop working and is now relegated to running an external monitor, to attachments to microphone stands. This section may be fleshed out as I get a chance to write more, but for now, if you have any questions, please ask! — clif