On-Stage Stands SMS4500-P Review – Functional Desktop Stands

Studio monitors are an essential part of any studio. But studio monitors stands are just as important. In this review, we check out the On-Stage Stands SMS4500-P. A capable and affordable set of studio monitor stands for your desk.

The On-Stage Stands SMS4500-P is a quality pair of budget studio monitor stands. With a couple of great features, they are a good choice for people that want to elevate their monitors to the correct height. Here are the most important points before we check them out in more detail.

Features

The On-Stage Stands SMS4500-P is a great option for budget-conscious artists. They are an attractive and versatile set of studio monitor stands. The all-black appearance blends in perfectly with most studio monitors and studio spaces. With a large and stable base, they are a great choice for small to medium-sized studio monitors. Below we take a closer look at these impressive and cheap studio monitor stands.

Flexibility

The SMS4500-P features the same pin-lock system you’ll find on their other floor and studio stands. This system offers a potential height option of 9″ to 12.5″ (23cm – 32cm). This is a great range, especially for taller people that may find other stands too short. 

The adjustable tilt allows you to find the sweet spot for your monitors.

Initial assembly is a little fiddly but once everything is together these function very well. Switching between levels of the pin-lock system is also easy and quick. Though I do recommend you make adjustments without your studio monitors on them. Once locked in they are sturdy and dependable.

Further flexibility is also available due to the 0-15 degree tilt option. This allows you to angle them if required but the tilt mechanism isn’t as secure as the pin-lock height system. You may experience a little imbalance, especially with heavier speakers.

Stability

The On-Stage Stands SMS4500-P offer a good level of stability for your studio monitors. The wide base features four rubber feet that reduce vibrations. They also grip your desk and keep your stands secure. The central column also keeps its position securely thanks to the pin lock system.

The large top plate gives you plenty of room for your studio monitors. These are great for small and medium-sized studio monitors. The EVA foam covers the whole plate and adds to stability. The lip is an extra addition to help keep your monitors in place especially if you use the tilt feature. But large monitors may overhang beyond the plate.

The SMS4500-P is a good choice for monitors that can be placed horizontally.

You do have the option of laying your monitors on their side if you want a more stable fit for larger monitors. But most modern studio monitors feature a design that is better suited to standing upright. 

The SMS4500-P does have a load capacity of 45 lbs. (20.4kg). But as you move into larger and heavier monitors these do start to show their weaknesses. Large monitors don’t feel as stable. It is an overly generous load rating. Despite this, the SMS4500-P does provide excellent stability for all but the largest and heaviest monitors out there.

Build Quality

The SMS4500-P from On-Stage Stands is an aggressively priced set of studio monitors. Because of this, I was anticipating that the quality of these may not be the greatest. But these were a lot better than I thought they would be.

The tough steel frame, base, and top plate don’t feel flimsy. But there have been some reports of poor welds. Considering how many positive reviews are out there it is likely this is a very rare issue potentially even with one production run.

The On-Stage Stands SMS4500-P features tough steel construction.

All the bolts and fastenings are also decent. The weakest component is probably the tilt functionality. It can be a tight fit which can lead to having to apply undue pressure. I’ve also seen reports that in some cases it is too loose which introduces instability and imbalance. Once again these issues seem to be limited.

For something this cheap and mass-produced at this level, there are always going to be some outliers. Just in case you run into issues I’d suggest buying from a reputable dealer with good customer service.

The other minor quibble I have is with the EVA foam. It does help secure your monitors but is a little on the thin side. You can still hear a little resonance. This is especially the case with lighter monitors. To reduce this you can look at adding an extra layer of foam.

I have to admit I am been a little over critical of these stands. They are exceptionally cheap so you can’t set your expectations too high. When you factor in that manufacturing issues are very rare it’s hard to complain.

Dimensions

The On-Stage SMS4500-P offers a large stable base that can fit comfortably on most studio desks. The top plate also offers plenty of room without introducing stability issues.

The SMS4500-P features a large tiltable top plate.

At 15.9 lbs. (7.2kg) each, these stands are solid and sturdy. Lighter stands are more prone to tipping especially from accidental small knocks. These strike a good balance between size and weight distribution.

Value

The SMS4500-P are cheap studio monitor stands. Despite the low price they are well-constructed and offer a range of useful features. I love the security of the pin-locking system and the generous top plate. Component quality is also great at this price point. If you are in the market for affordable desktop stands the On-Stage SMS4500-P is worth considering.

Customer Reviews

The On-Stage SMS4500-P has overwhelmingly positive reviews. Nearly 90% of people gave them a score of 4 or 5-stars. This just highlights how On-Stage has struck a great balance between features and affordability.

Benefits of Decoupling

One of the easiest ways to improve the sound in your studio is to focus on decoupling your monitors. Decoupling is simply the act of removing the connection of the monitors with other large flat surfaces.

Low frequencies travel through surfaces causing vibrations.

Sound travels in vibrations. And these vibrations can travel through surfaces. Not only can this rattle your studio gear it will also lead to unwanted artifacts in your sound. Decoupling your monitors leads to tighter bass and clearer mids and highs.

Studio monitor stands are one of the easiest ways to decouple your monitors from your work surface. It may be an extra expense but it is worth it for the improvements in sound quality.

Other Options

Desktop stands are the most popular option for lifting the height of studio monitors. As a result, there are plenty of options available. Below are some other choices worth considering.

Gator Frameworks GFW-SPK-STMN-DSK Review

This set of studio monitor stands from Gator Frameworks is very similar to the On-Stage SMS4500-P. It also features the same pin-lock system and tilt functionality.

• If you do need taller stands these can extend from 10.5″ – 14″ (27cm – 35.5cm).
• Solid and dependable build quality. Great stability.
• A slightly more refined look and appearance compared to the SMS4500-P.

IsoAcoustics ISO Review

If you do have a bit more to spend the IsoAcoustics ISO is one of the best desktop studio monitor stands available. Excellent features and plenty of flexibility.

• Superior decoupling and isolation from surfaces to help eliminate vibrations.
• Tough and solid ABS plastic for maximum durability.
• Height is adjustable to 8.75″ (22cm) which may be too short for some.

Ultimate Support MS-80B Review

Some people don’t need height adjustability. In that case, the Ultimate Support MS-80B is a great alternative. Excellent build quality and features are the highlights.

• The high-density acoustic foam keeps vibrations at bay and secures your monitors.
• Excellent build quality and a refined and smart appearance.
• These are a lot more expensive than the On-Stage SMS4500-P.

Should You Buy?

The On-Stage SMS4500-P is an impressive set of desktop studio monitor stands. The pin-lock system provides plenty of security. Balance and stability are also solid with appropriately sized monitors. Build quality is also a lot better than you’d expect at this price point. It’s a value buy but still very capable. If you are on the lookout for cheap desktop stands the SMS4500-P is worth adding to your shortlist of options.