Ultimate Support Nucleus-Z Explorer Workstation Desk

Name: Ultimate Support Nucleus-Z Explorer Workstation Desk
Brand: Ultimate Support
Rating: 3.5 (8 reviews)

Studio Desk with Shelf and 2 x 4-space Rack Modules

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Item ID: NucleusZExp

Ultimate Support Nucleus-Z Explorer Workstation Desk

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Grace Your Space with the Nucleus-Z Explorer

When space is limited but professionalism is a must, the Ultimate Support Nucleus-Z Series studio desk is the answer. Offering the same types of pro features found in the larger Nucleus Series, the Nucleus-Z gives you ample workspace in a compact, stylish, and ergonomic workstation that will impress your friends, clients, and collaborators. Constructed of rugged powder-coated medium-density fiberboard, Nucleus-Z starts off with the Explorer, a basic desk with monitor shelf and two four-space rack modules — to which you can add options such as a floor-standing rack and keyboard shelf. The full-blown Nucleus-Z Navigator includes all the options. Sweetwater knows that an optimized professional workspace, with all your essential tools right where you need them, is crucial for maximum creativity and productivity. Enhance your studio space and your workflow with the Nucleus-Z Series workstation from Ultimate Support.

Ultimate Support Nucleus-Z Explorer Workstation Features:

Basic desk with monitor shelf and two 4-space rack modules
Ample workspace in a compact, stylish, and ergonomic studio desk
Rugged powder-coated medium-density fiberboard with internal work-surface stiffener
Includes cable management tray

Resources

6 Best Studio Desks for Bedroom Producers

Sep 26, 2022

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Tech Specs

Type: Studio Desk with Shelf
Finish: Black
Monitor Shelf: Yes
Rack Capacity: 2 x 4U
Build Material: MDF
Height: 40.4"
Width: 64.50"
Depth: 28"
Manufacturer Part Number: 18113

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Reviews

3.4

Customer Photos & Videos

I bought it a year and a half ago, I wish it was a little shorter, And it's not easy to assemble I did it by myself but I have over 30 years of recording studio experience working with outboard gear installing I am moving them around I recommend this because it is very sturdy and the clients love it

Long term review.

I've had mine since 2017 and it's survived 3 house moves and 2x 6.5" Yamaha monitors plus an Amazon adjustable monitor arm holding a 32" tv.

Build quality is surprisingly good for the price.

Only concern is that the monitor has apparently caused the desk to sag a bit in the middle. The photo is after my most recent move where I mounted the monitor arm directly to the desk (instead of the clamp I used to use) and swapped the tv for a wide screen monitor.

The ONLY complaint I have is that they didn't provide the right size screws for the rack rails that attach to the desk . The holes they pre drilled line up with the oversize punch out holes on the rack rails . Someone wasn't paying attention. I had to purchase the proper screws , no really big deal , however still was an oversight . Love the desk overall . Feels pretty solid

First of all this is a tall desk. It's about 4 inches taller than a normal desk. I had to replace my chair with an extended height chair to be able to use this desk. Not to bad for me because I like to sit a little higher anyways. Also have another person with you to assemble this desk, it will help. Also get a cordless drill! Lots of screwing and the screws are really tight into the pre-drilled holes. This desk is heavy and is very sturdy! I would recommend this desk!

The first thing I should mention is that this desk is BIG. Both in height and length. It's work surface is 34 inches tall (4 inches taller than your normal desk, doesn't sound like much, but it is - quite a difference if you use a regular chair) and it is about 63 inches wide. Very large for any normal desk. The bridge on top of the desk is even taller. While you can place a video monitor or two on top, you should expect to to buy adjustable arms that will bring the screen down to a comfortable viewing level to relieve neck strain. Audio monitors installed horizontally on the bridge sound amazing. Vertically, the high frequency driver will most likely be ineffective unless you use the desk in a standing position.

This desk is made with MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) which is powder coated. MDF is strong and will only swell if it is not treated. The Explorer has a thick layer of coating which will prevent it from having any issues during the first several years of it's life unless the surface is punctured. However as I observed, the coating is very thick and and very hard to puncture.

For the downsides. It is big. And I mean big! Make sure you are ready for the size of this desk in your room. Secondly, expect to have to buy more of the Nucleus-Z line to make it fit your needs. The lower add-on shelf for a keyboard was almost immediately desired while the normal surface of the Explorer seemed perfect for mixing. An additional problem is that the highest rackspace on both sides can only be used by gear that does not have any knobs or buttons that protrude very far from the face of the device. Because of the angle of the racks, the overhang of the bridge prevents anything from extending out very far from where the surface of the device would exist. This is most noticeable with power conditioners and patchbays but could also be seen with modular synths and 500 racks. This can be overcome by designing your rack layout before purchasing the desk. Putting the lowest clearance devices in the top rackspace will ensure that you will not have any problems.

When I received my desk, I noticed that the packaging was very beat up by the shipping company, however the desk was packaged very well and there was no damage to it.

During assembly I found that one of the pilot holes for one for the screws was missing. This counts as a manufacturing defect and after contacting the manufacturer, they offered to take the entire desk back and replace it with a new one, but also gave the option to drill a pilot hole myself. They gave me the specs to drill the hole and I did so without incident. I get the feeling that this is not a normal occurrence with them as the support technician had to consult with higher levels of management at the company.

Additionally, I HIGHLY suggest an electric screwdriver as someone else had suggested. This desk is put together with such high tolerances that driving any screws manually will quickly become tiresome and even painful. After about 20 screws I went to my local hardware store and picked up an electric screwdriver to finish the job. There are about 80 screws! I made sure to only tighten the screws about 90% of the way and finished them with a manual screwdriver to make sure I didn't over-tighten any of them.

After the desk was built, I noticed that it is very solid (AND HEAVY! About 119 pounds) with the exception of a very slight wobble from side-to-side when physically forced. While this may not be noticeable to most people, it will be noticed mostly with cheap video monitors that have factory stands. An upgrade to an adjustable monitor stand is highly recommended.

All of the metal parts of the desk are made of 1/8" metal and are very HEAVY. They are much heavier than I expected for the size. Even the adjustable feet of the desk are very large and heavy.

While the desk isn't perfect and isn't quite the quality of a $2000+ desk, it is very solid and has the feel of something much more expensive than what was paid. It took about 10 hours to complete construction including breaks, contacting support and a trip to the hardware store. Without problems and with an electric screwdriver I would estimate that it would take about 2.5 hours or less to build including breaks.