How big should a rack case be depth wise?

[abcdefranklin]

I have a gk 800rb furman m8dx korg dtr2000 How deep should a rack case for all this be? And the rack case will be set on top of a 8x10 cab if that matters

[anderbass]

Since many 8x10 cabs are comparatively shallow and I personally don't like the look of my rack overhanging the cab, I'd measure the depth of the cab and all the rack units, and then double check the rack cases dimensions to find the shallowest rack case I could get away with. (most rack case rear covers are deep enough to still fit over the patch cords even if the case itself is flush with the back of your deepest rack unit)

Lots of small stages I play require my cab to be all the way up against the back wall, so having a shallower rack case would also allow more room behind for better air-flow/cooling.

I always prefer using the shallowest rack I can get away with, but one potential drawback here is if I ever decide to upgrade to a new piece of rack gear that's too deep to fit.

[Rick Auricchio]

+1. Once you have the depth of the components, you know the absolute minimum rack depth. Then add for cables and plugs between the units; this can add two inches or more due to plug sizes. Then add a bit as necessary to allow airflow around the components.

There really isn't a magic formula; you just stack the components on a table, hook up cables, and do some measuring.

[abcdefranklin]

thanks guys!