When we hear tracks by legends like Rick Rubin or Finneas, we often marvel at the production—but rarely do we consider the seemingly simple gear behind that clarity. One such underrated piece? The speaker stands.
You could have the best monitors money can buy, but if they’re placed incorrectly, their performance plummets. From LA studios to makeshift bedrooms, music producers at every level use speaker stands to elevate both their gear—and their sound. Let’s take a peek into some of their studios and explore what kind of stands they trust to support their sonic vision.
Why Producers Obsess Over Speaker Placement
Before diving into specific producers, it’s worth understanding why speaker stands matter so much in professional music production:
- Elevation = Accuracy: Monitors must sit at ear level to reflect accurate frequencies—especially in the mids and highs.
- Isolation: Good stands prevent vibrations from transferring to surfaces, preserving clarity.
- Flexibility: In dynamic environments, adjustable height and mobility can make or break a mix.
Even the most sophisticated software won’t save a mix if the acoustics are skewed due to poor speaker positioning.
What Speaker Stands Do Famous Producers Use?
1. Finneas O’Connell
Best known for producing his sister Billie Eilish hauntingly intimate tracks, Finneas has an ultra-minimalist setup—often working from his bedroom. But simplicity doesn’t mean compromise.
His monitors? Neumann KH120s.
His choice of stand? Adjustable, lightweight tripod speaker stands, enabling him to adapt positioning even in smaller spaces.
“I need the flexibility. Myspace changes depending on how I’m working that week.” – Finneas
Want similar flexibility? Consider a stand like the 5 Core adjustable tripod speaker stand, which mimics this adaptability with up to 72” height and a foldable tripod base.
2. Rick Rubin
A master of minimalist setups and natural acoustics, Rubin has produced everyone from Johnny Cash to Kanye West. His Malibu studio famously had few visible tools—but tons of invisible precision.
His monitors are typically freestanding on custom high-weight stands that help minimize floor resonance.
He avoids desktop placements, insisting that speaker isolation brings out a mix’s depth and texture—especially in vocal-led arrangements.
3. Sylvia Massy
Known for her work with Tool and System of a Down, Massy thrives on controlled chaos—using vintage tube gear and even recording in empty nuclear facilities.
Despite her wild approach, she’s methodical with monitoring. Sylvia uses robust speaker stands with decoupling pads to eliminate structural noise, crucial when mixing high-pressure rock tracks.
4. Andrew Scheps
Scheps, who has mixed Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adele, and Metallica, is a strong advocate for ear-level positioning. He often works in-the-box but remains traditional when it comes to monitoring setup.
In a mix breakdown for Waves Audio, he emphasizes adjustable speaker stands that allow him to recreate a consistent listening environment—even when he travels.
“It’s all about that triangle—ears to monitors to brain.” – Andrew Scheps
5. Hans Zimmer
Zimmer’s orchestral layering for films like Inception and Dune demands precision. His studios feature multiple nearfield and far field monitors—mounted on custom stands built for specific sonic angles.
Zimmer’s setup proves that speaker placement is not just technical—it’s strategic. With the right stand, each speaker delivers exact localization, which is vital when mixing cinematic scores.
What to Look for in a Studio-Quality Speaker Stand
If you’re aiming to replicate the setups of world-class producers, here are non-negotiables:
- Adjustable Height: Match ear-level positioning to preserve frequency accuracy.
- Tripod Stability: For producers working in adaptable or home spaces, tripod speaker stands provide solid support with easy transport.
- Weight Capacity: A stand should easily carry the load of heavy monitors without any tilt or sway.
- Anti-Slip Pads or Feet: Avoid any vibrations or slippage that can distort the mix.
- Compact and Foldable (optional): For traveling engineers or hybrid studio setups.
For example, this high-quality speaker stand from 5 Core checks all those boxes with rugged steel construction, up to 72” height, and a 132 lb capacity.
How 5 Core Helps Producers Upgrade Without Breaking the Bank
While many top-tier producers have access to custom gear, emerging creators need value and performance. That’s where 5 Core shines.
This manufacturer has earned a reputation for durable, gig-ready gear that’s perfect for:
- Home studio setups
- Mobile DJs
- Project studios
- Live PA rigs
Their speaker stands combine industrial-grade materials with ergonomic design—delivering what pros need at a budget-friendly price.
Real-World Reviews from the Audio Community
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’ve toured with these stands and they’re built like tanks. Set them up fast, no wobble, and they hold my KRK monitors perfectly.” – Jason, Touring DJ
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I mix mostly in-the-box but needed something solid for my Genelecs. These were shockingly good—no vibrations, clean angles.” – Nadia, Studio Producer
Conclusion
The takeaway from the world’s top producers is clear: if you want pro-level sound, start with pro-level positioning. That means investing in the right speaker stand—not just throwing your monitors on a desk.
Whether you’re building your first bedroom setup or upgrading a full studio, your monitoring deserves the best foundation.
Ready to level up?
Check out the tripod speaker stand built for serious audio creators Or explore more options from 5 Core’s speaker stand collection to match your exact studio vibe.