Amp running hot in rackmount case

BrianS198 · #1 12-12-2010, 01:09 PM

I've been considering buying a mold rolling case for my bass head and eventually a rackmount tuner and a power conditioner. I figured I would go with a 6U just to make sure I had enough room for anything and some extra (Maybe a compressor down the line or something) but with all of this, do I run a pretty high risk of overheating my amplifier? I'm looking at buying this:

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...ase?sku=712531

My amp is a GK 700RB-II with the fan placed at the top and the order I was considering for the rackmount from top to bottom would be Power Conditioner - Tuner - Amp. Should I get fans installed if I go this route? Or do you have any other general advice for transferring my gear into a rackmount?

Thanks a lot!

**mikeddd** · #2 12-12-2010, 01:20 PM

Being that your amp has the fan on top, just leave 1U of space above the amp. I.E. buy a case 1U bigger than what you need and use that extra space as the ventilation room for the amp. Problem solved. That's a nice case. I've looked at that one myself.

Floyd Eye · #3 12-12-2010, 01:40 PM

Leave an empty spot above it and Bob's your uncle.

Nev375 · #4 12-12-2010, 01:48 PM

I'd be worried about rolling my rack around on wheels over rocks and cracks and bumps.

Von Felgenhauer · #5 12-12-2010, 01:52 PM

that's what i've always been concerned about myself, that's why I just went ahead and got myself a foldup hand truck for that kinda money

georgestrings · #6 12-12-2010, 05:03 PM

I've run a 700rb-II in an SKB 4U rack case with it on the bottom, a DTR-2000 tuner above it, and an XDR-95 wireless receiver directly above that... I played plenty of gigs with that setup in temps over 90F, and never had any overheating problems... The tuner is shallow enough to allow for plenty of fan operation in the amp...

Save your money and pass on the power conditioner - buy a Belkin or similar surge strip, and you'll be just as protected, yet save space, money, and weight...

Lastly - I'm not a big fan of those rolling cases, as they seem to me that they'd subject your gear to alot of unneccesary bumps... Here's what my setup looked like back then:

billfitzmaurice · #7 12-12-2010, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianS198

My amp is a GK 700RB-II with the fan placed at the top and the order I was considering for the rackmount from top to bottom would be Power Conditioner - Tuner - Amp. Should I get fans installed if I go this route?

Leave a half-space above and below the amp. A rack mount power strip w/surge protection is OK, but don't pay more than $50. If you think you need better 'conditioning' ask G-K what they think first.

BrianS198 · #8 12-12-2010, 06:58 PM

Thanks guys. I understand the cynicism behind the power conditioners for sure. I wasn't looking to get anything fancy. I just wanted something that would help prevent ground loops and something that organized all of my rack items into one power button, you know?

As for the rolling case, you don't think this is a good idea? Better to carry the case by hand then? I figured that the stuff would be fastened enough to where bumps wouldn't be a concern. Plus I always have the option of carrying it, then rolling it on smooth surfaces.

Nev375 · #9 12-12-2010, 09:35 PM

I guess it depends on where you play. I don't see many long stretches of smooth floor where my gear goes. It's sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, old rough floors and stairs most of the time.

To dampen that sort of vibration you would need a spring suspended inner rack. --Or a hand cart with large pneumatic wheels as Von Felgenhauer suggested. (much cheaper, plus it hauls your other gear as well)

BrianS198 · #10 12-13-2010, 06:09 AM

Okay, I can definitely associate with that. It looks like I'll be rack shopping for awhile. :P

Thanks guys.