Lockable Rack Drawer, cool?

celestialtrash · #1 10-17-2011, 08:16 PM

Just came across this while looking for something to fill the 1U space left in my SKB 6U rack. i'm almost certain it will fit but the dimensions are in some alien measurements that i don't understand...

Rack Drawer
anybody ever have or use one of these? i'm trying to decide whether a lockable drawer would make any sort of sense to a gigging musician. in the rack right now is an amp, power conditioner, and rack tuner. i have pedal effects that i never use and think wireless is just lame when your standing 8 feet from your rig. idk.. just me.. so what else is there thats handy? i'm feelin the drawer...

here's my rack 1SKB-R6 US Series 6U Roto Rack by SKB Industrial Shipping Cases

Morning Beer · #2 10-17-2011, 08:27 PM

Don't know of any reason why it wouldn't work. If it was me I don't think I waste the $, 1 rack space isn't much room.

celestialtrash · #3 10-17-2011, 08:39 PM

i was curious about the depth, wasn't sure if it was made for a rack like mine or one to hold a server or something.

no, not much room but the 1 rack space is enough to fit a a laptop or maybe some other small really important things....... but yea, they average around $100 so you would have to have the right bankroll i guess..

Morning Beer · #4 10-17-2011, 08:43 PM

the drawer is an inch too deep.

**mikeddd** · #5 10-17-2011, 08:47 PM

1U = 1.75". All audio rackmount equipment is measured by how many Rack Units "U" they take up. That 1U drawer is too shallow to be useful. You could throw keys and a cell phone in there, but that's about it. If that works for you, it's your money and your rack.

Make sure the depth will fit in whatever rack you have.

celestialtrash · #6 10-17-2011, 08:51 PM

nooo, ok well what about this one?? it looks more shallow and half as much as the other one.
1 Space 1U 19" Locking Lockable Deep Rack Mount Drawer DJ Rack Case Equipment | eBay

hrgiger · #7 10-17-2011, 08:51 PM

sounds like a perfect instance to just let the life-giving air flow. or put in a vented block off if you have too...

BurningSkies · #8 10-17-2011, 08:57 PM

Its about as useful as a power conditioner.

celestialtrash · #9 10-17-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrgiger

sounds like a perfect instance to just let the life-giving air flow. or put in a vented block off if you have too...

yea i know, i like the vented covers a lot. im just weighing out my options and seeing if anyone else could find one useful. it's not much space, but if you need a little storage space and have the extra room to spare, i guess it works. they also makes rackmounted fans, but that just seems like overkill.

Pilgrim · #10 10-17-2011, 09:01 PM

Put in a blank panel with a few vent holes in it. You buy them in rack units (RU), too.

The 1.75" rack unit is a well known measurement used by all professions working with 19" rack mount equipment. Radio, TV, music and many other professions use rack mount equipment.

prd004 · #11 10-17-2011, 09:01 PM

I have the 2, 3, & 4 space drawers in my home studio and they are quite handy.
A one space is pretty slim but it could be useful, especially if you wanted to loose the keys, wallet and cell phone while you are performing.
The other thing to consider is they are heavy, it will add some weight to your rack.

JimiLL · #12 10-17-2011, 09:04 PM

1U is useful... instrument and patch cables, batterys, set lists/ cheat sheets, place to keep wireless transmitters, keys, wallet, phone.... i could go on. And you could fit all those in one at once.

Bigger rack drawers start to weigh a lot

celestialtrash · #13 10-17-2011, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimiLL

1U is useful... instrument and patch cables, batterys, set lists/ cheat sheets, place to keep wireless transmitters, keys, wallet, phone.... i could go on. And you could fit all those in one at once.

Bigger rack drawers start to weigh a lot

i wasn't sure if 1 unit would be enough room for a couple cables but i could find this very useful if they do fit. my only other concern is if the airflow is necessary through the front, the back is all opened and i would organize the rack with the drawer on top, then the tuner and conditioner to give my amp the most breathing room. $50 is tit too, especially if it prevents my phone from getting lost.. again..

georgestrings · #14 10-17-2011, 09:40 PM

Do not want - same thing with the power conditioner...

I DO see plenty of uses for wireless, though - crossing the stage without getting tangled with bandmates, and getting out front during soundchecks are HUGE plusses, IME...

Personally, I don't want a rack bigger than 4U for this sort of thing, and surely wouldn't want the additional dead weight of a drawer in one... I've played enough gigs to know that a big, heavy rack gets old fast - got everything I need right here:

Bass_Pounder · #15 10-18-2011, 08:59 AM

If you REALLY need a drawer, then ditch the useless "power conditioner".

That will give you 2 rack spaces for a drawer.

celestialtrash · #16 10-18-2011, 08:59 AM

heeey, i like my power conditioner. IF ANYTHING, i can plug my cell phone charger right into the front of it. my only other concern is if the drawer will rattle when i move sum bass notes through it. jimi?

celestialtrash · #17 10-18-2011, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass_Pounder

If you REALLY need a drawer, then ditch the useless "power conditioner".

nah, thats ghetto.

BassmanPaul · #18 10-18-2011, 09:54 AM

Years ago I thought that a 2U rack drawer would be a cool addition to my racks. They would be able to store cables and strings and all sorts of handy things. I bought a pair. They were strong and exceedingly heavy. They were actually heavier than my power amp!!

They are both sitting in my garage. Free to anyone in my area who wants them!

lowendblues · #19 10-19-2011, 04:41 AM

It would be OK if you were going to be hanging around,, but it could give you a false sense of security.....If you you had a laptop or wallet locked up in your drawer and stepped out for a while, and someone wanted it bad enough, they would just steal your whole rack, then you'd be out everything.

will33 · #20 10-19-2011, 06:27 AM

Meh, a handy place to put pocket stuff during the gig I guess. As far as being "lockable", that's useless. If somebody is going to take something, they're going to walk off with the whole rack. As pointless as have the tiny lock on a guitar case.

+1 to those who said leave it open for airflow or lose the overpriced powerstrip (conditioner).