The MixStand story
MixStand was born from frustration. Chicago musician and entrepreneur Dan Morrell spent years working in his home studio, cycling through cheap desks that wobbled, couldn't handle the weight of his gear, and had cable management that was more chaos than organization.
After his third "studio desk" collapsed under the weight of monitors and outboard gear, Dan decided to build his own. He wanted something that could actually handle professional equipment, looked good enough for client sessions, and was designed by someone who actually understood studio workflow.
That first desk — built in his garage with premium birch, steel framing, and every cable management feature he'd ever wished for — changed everything. Friends and fellow musicians started asking where they could get one. Within months, MixStand was born.
Part of a larger mission to support musicians and creators
MixStand is the newest member of the Mixmastered family of companies, all founded by Dan Morrell with one goal: create high-quality tools and spaces that help musicians make better work.
Professional recording and mixing services in Chicago. Dan's flagship studio where he's produced, mixed, and mastered music for artists across genres for over a decade. The studio is where every MixStand desk prototype was tested in real-world sessions.
Premium acoustic treatment panels handcrafted in Chicago. Started because Dan couldn't find affordable, good-looking acoustic panels that actually worked. Now supplying studios, podcasters, and home theaters nationwide.
Because we're musicians first, we understand what you actually need. We've spent thousands of hours in studios. We know the frustration of gear that doesn't fit, cables that turn into spaghetti, and furniture that fails when you need it most.
Every MixStand piece is designed with input from working professionals — producers, engineers, DJs — who use these desks every day. This isn't furniture designed by a committee who's never touched a mixer. It's built by people who live this life.
From design to delivery, every step is done with care
Every product starts with real-world needs. We talk to musicians, sketch designs, build prototypes, and test them in actual studio sessions before finalizing.
We source premium hardwoods (birch, oak, walnut) and industrial-grade steel from trusted suppliers. No particle board, no shortcuts. Each piece of wood is inspected for grain quality.
Built in our Chicago workshop. CNC precision cutting combined with hand-finishing. Every joint is checked, every surface sanded smooth, every piece assembled with care.
Hand-applied wood stains and protective clear coats bring out the natural grain. Steel components powder-coated for durability. We don't rush — each piece cures fully before shipping.
Every desk is fully assembled and inspected before it leaves our shop. We load-test, check all moving parts, verify dimensions, and ensure cable management routes are clear.
Custom packaging protects your investment during shipping. Clear assembly instructions included (though most pieces arrive 90% assembled). White-glove delivery available for local orders.
We use materials that last decades, not years
Birch: Our most popular choice. Tight grain, naturally light color, exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Takes stain beautifully for custom finishes. Resistant to warping from heat and humidity — critical for studios with lots of equipment.
Oak: Classic and timeless. Open grain creates distinctive character. Slightly heavier than birch but equally durable. Natural warm tones complement any studio aesthetic.
Walnut: Premium dark wood with rich chocolate tones. Dense, strong, and stunningly beautiful. Each piece has unique figuring. Our most requested wood for high-end installations.
We use 12-gauge cold-rolled steel for structural components. Powder-coated in matte black or charcoal for corrosion resistance and clean aesthetics. All joints are welded, not bolted, for maximum rigidity.
Premium soft-close drawer slides rated for 100+ lbs. Industrial-grade casters with locking brakes. Stainless steel rack rails. Every bolt and screw is zinc-coated to prevent rust.
Hand-rubbed oil finishes bring out natural wood grain while providing protection. Clear coat options for high-gloss or satin looks. All finishes are low-VOC and studio-safe (no off-gassing that affects recordings).
Chicago has a rich history of both music and manufacturing. From blues and house music to industrial fabrication, this city knows how to make things that last.
Building MixStand in Chicago means we have access to skilled craftspeople, metal fabricators, and wood workers who take pride in their work. It means supporting local businesses and keeping jobs in our community.
More importantly, it means we can oversee every aspect of production. Dan personally visits the workshop regularly. Custom orders get hands-on attention. Quality control isn't outsourced to a factory overseas — it happens here, where we can touch and inspect every piece.
Chicago's music scene — from legendary studios like Electrical Audio to the thriving indie and electronic communities — provides constant inspiration and feedback. We're building furniture for our neighbors, our collaborators, our friends.
We'd rather build 10 perfect desks than 100 mediocre ones. Every piece gets the time and attention it deserves.
Furniture should outlive trends and technology. We build desks your grandkids could inherit. Solid construction, timeless design, repairable if needed.
Studio furniture should inspire creativity, not detract from it. Beautiful design that works as hard as you do.
Responsibly sourced hardwoods. Minimal waste through precise CNC cutting. Local production reduces shipping emissions. Built to last means less landfill waste.
Founder, MixStand & Mixmastered Family
Dan Morrell is a Chicago-based musician, producer, and entrepreneur with over 15 years in the music industry. What started as a passion for music has evolved into a mission to create better tools and spaces for creative work.
As a working producer and engineer at Mixmastered Studios, Dan has seen firsthand the challenges musicians face — from terrible room acoustics to furniture that fails under professional use. Each business in the Mixmastered family solves a real problem he experienced personally.
When not in the studio or workshop, Dan is performing with his band, mentoring young producers, or probably building something new. He believes that musicians deserve better than the status quo, and he's committed to creating products that actually serve their needs.
Visit danmorrell.com to learn more about his music and other projects.