Rack Bass Amps?

ChiefFrancis · #1 09-24-2010, 12:14 PM

I'm completely noob, I know, but I'd like to know the difference between a rack bass setup and just a regular head/cab setup.

Please teach me as if I didn't know these "racks" existed, which is pretty much the truth.

Thank you!

ItsMichaelYeah · #2 09-24-2010, 12:34 PM

Umm...

Besides that I can go in a rack nothing really.

ChiefFrancis · #3 09-24-2010, 12:36 PM

But what is a rack? Is it a bunch of heads connected together? Is it a head with a preamp? I don't understand what people are referring to or talking about in general when they talk about a "rack."

SactoBass · #4 09-24-2010, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefFrancis

I'm completely noob, I know, but I'd like to know the difference between a rack bass setup and just a regular head/cab setup.

Please teach me as if I didn't know these "racks" existed, which is pretty much the truth.

Thank you!

No different, really, other than the mounting. You can think of a separate head as being a rack mount head mounted in its own dedicated rack or case.

Having a rack allows you to mix and match different power amps, preamps, effects units, tuners, etc., however you want. And you can get a small rack (2-space) or a much larger rack, depending on what stuff you want. But beware....larger racks that have more stuff usually weigh more!!

It all comes down to what gear you want and what sound you like.

ChiefFrancis · #5 09-24-2010, 12:45 PM

So, it's like having two heads that you can switch off between inside a "rack" casing? But you can choose between having multiple heads, a head and a preamp, etc? Just a bunch of effects inside a casing basically?

sammyfallen · #6 09-24-2010, 12:46 PM

A rack mounted amp can be just that. an amp that you mount in a rack...

It can also be a Pre amp of one make + Power amp of one make installed in a rack.

A traditional amp has the pre and power amp in one box (Head Case)

Alot of people use racks due to the extra room for things like Rack Mount Tuners, Rack Mount Effects, Drawers (SP?), Or Just More Storage Space.

I prefer a rack for touring, due to the extra space you have for cables and the like...

JoeVictim · #7 09-24-2010, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefFrancis

But what is a rack? Is it a bunch of heads connected together? Is it a head with a preamp? I don't understand what people are referring to or talking about in general when they talk about a "rack."

one of these
http://www.musik-schmidt.de/images/p...s/BBE-Bmax.jpg

This is a preamp. It determines your tone.

One of these:
http://www.production-room.com/gfx/p...ls402d---1.jpg

This is a power amp. It determines your volume.

This is what they are kept in:
http://www.drumza.com/images/SKBATARackCase4U.jpg

A rack holds the equipment. They can often be seen with other effects such as a tuner or compressor.

The main difference is a bass head is a preamp and power amp all in one. Some heads even include a tuner, or compressor, or other "rack effects".

This is what a rack looks like with stuff in it:
http://is.gumtree.com/image/big/11644496.jpg

The bottom is the preamp, the middle is the power amp, and the top is a tuner.

Racks offer someone the chance to customize what they do and don't need. Different preamps give a chance to get different tonal controls and all have different characteristics. Some people want other effects too, like a tuner. Not all heads come with a tuner.

This is really going to confuse you. Some "heads" are made to be put in a rack. However, you don't have to "rack" them.

Here is a head that has been "racked":
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/...5bdc440b_b.jpg

See the funny handle things on the front of the GK amp? If a head has those, it is meant to be racked.

Traditional heads already come in a rack. The big difference is the rack is only big enough to hold the head. The wooden box structure around your head, thats the rack.

Please ask if this doesn't make sense or you need more explanation.

SactoBass · #8 09-24-2010, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefFrancis

So, it's like having two heads that you can switch off between inside a "rack" casing? But you can choose between having multiple heads, a head and a preamp, etc? Just a bunch of effects inside a casing basically?

Yep, whatever you want.

My advice is, first focus on what sound you want, which means, what amp you want. For me, I like the sound of a Kern IP-777 all-tube preamp (single space rack mount unit) into a QSC PLX 3602 power amp (two space rack mount unit). Since that is the sound I like, and since those items are rack mount units, that means I use a rack. However, if you prefer the sound (and portability) of a Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 or Puma Tecamp 500, then you won't go the rack route. You will just set the lightweight box on top of the speaker cab and call it good (even though some of those lightweight compact amps are rack mountable if you buy the rack ears for them). So I suggest you first decide on what sound you like, and let that steer you.

fishtx · #9 09-24-2010, 01:30 PM

Rack mounting was a way to standardize across different manufacturers so equipment can be consolidated into a single container for easier transport and interconnection...the standard is 19" wide and 1 1/2" tall (i think) for a single rack space...

ChiefFrancis · #10 09-24-2010, 01:33 PM

I think I get it. It's like a toolbox for tools.

gastric · #11 09-24-2010, 01:35 PM

Haha, pretty much.

Check out my for sale thread on my Mesa Big Block. Shows a picture of the amp, then the amp installed in the vintage headcase to give it that all-in-one-head look. But you could also just install it in a standard rack as well. Or don't, and just lug it around naked. The amp itself works the same regardless, it's just how it's mounted (if mounted at all).

ChiefFrancis · #12 09-24-2010, 01:42 PM

Awesome. Thank you everyone! I know now it's just a case full of crap in it! But useful necessary crap all interconnected to allow the player to grab their desired sound whether tuning or tone.

gastric · #13 09-24-2010, 01:52 PM

Keep in mind that most of the rack effects that need bypassing STILL need foot pedals to control them. So you're not too far ahead in regards to cleaning up the floor. My current rig is a 2-channel Mesa Titan and a BOSS SE-70 rack mount multieffects. The Titan has a big 5 button pedal, the BOSS currently has a tiny 2 button footswitch but I plan to add an expression pedal soon. So a bunch of pedals still.

stiles72 · #14 09-24-2010, 02:19 PM

Bass amp head:

Rack mountable head:

Rackmount head mounted in rack with other gear:

Rackmount head mounted in a more traditional "head" housing:

Sartori · #15 09-24-2010, 02:43 PM

Basically, yes, some people like to mount a bunch of gear they use for their sound in a rack. This is especially common with those who use a separate preamp and poweramp (a traditional "head" contains both), though some have rackmountable heads in addition to other gear, like additional preamps, a tuner, wireless, etc.

Myself I prefer a regular head case setup.