Want to elevate your studio monitors for better sound and desk space? I’ll show you how to build speaker cradles using plywood, acoustic foam, and gas spring wall mounts. These DIY boxes keep my M-Audio BX5 monitors secure and vibration-free, with no sag after months! Easy project, awesome results.
What You’ll Learn
- How to measure and cut plywood for a snug speaker fit.
- Adding acoustic foam to eliminate vibrations.
- Shaping stylish front panels with a jigsaw and paint can template.
- Painting and finishing for a pro look with Plasti Dip.
- Mounting cradles on gas spring arms for adjustable positioning.
Tools and Materials Needed
Note: Ensure gas spring mounts support your speakers’ weight (e.g., 15–20 lbs). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Here’s what I used:
- 120 Grit Sandpaper
- Color-Changing Wood Filler
- Flat Black Spray Paint
- Black Plasti Dip
- Plasti Dip Metalizer
- Heavy Duty Gas Spring Monitor Wall Mount
- 1 Inch Open-Cell Acoustic Foam
- M-Audio BX5 Carbon Black (My Speakers)
- 1/2 Inch Plywood – Local Lumberyard or Home Depot
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I’m showing you how to make speaker cradles to elevate my studio monitors. These are plywood boxes attached to gas spring wall mounts, like computer monitor arms. Measure your speaker’s length and width, making the box’s inner dimensions 1 inch larger for foam.
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The extra space lets you glue in open-cell acoustic foam for a tight fit, isolating the speaker to remove vibrations and acoustic resonance.
00:01:09 - 00:01:52
You’ll see half-inch gaps around the speaker for foam. For the front panel, I trace a semicircle using a paint can lid to match the driver shape, cutting it with a jigsaw to avoid obstructing sound.
00:01:52 - 00:02:27
I add rounded flares to the panel sides with the paint can for aesthetics, cutting with a jigsaw. Sand all edges with 120-grit sandpaper—time-consuming but key for a professional look.
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Glue the box with Titebond II and tack it with a nail gun, acting as a clamp. The glue does the work; nails hold it until dry, like building a cabinet.
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Attach the front panel with glue and nails, ensuring accuracy to avoid side shots. If nails misfire, pull them and use wood putty. These aren’t heirlooms, so minor flaws are fine.
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Sand again to smooth joined edges, then fill nail holes with color-changing wood filler (pink when wet, white when dry) for a flush finish.
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Paint with flat black spray paint, then apply Black Plasti Dip to fill imperfections. Add Plasti Dip Metalizer for a subtle sparkle, avoiding a plain box look.
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Bolt the cradles to gas spring monitor wall mounts, drilling through the wood. Add 1-inch open-cell acoustic foam inside, with a back hole for power/audio cables. The fit is tight—no straps needed.
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Ensure mounts support your speakers’ weight (mine are 15 lbs; mounts handle 20 lbs). Link to mounts below. Position mounts like computer screens—up, down, in, out. My elevated setup isn’t textbook but saves desk space and gives imaging I love.
00:08:58 - 00:10:20
Mounted for months, no sag or adjustments needed—rock-solid. Easy project with a table saw or skill saw, jigsaw, and sander. Hope you found this helpful! Enjoy building!
Pixel Peddler
THE BALLAD OF
STEVIE PEARL
