Rack case, please help?

TimboSlice87 · #1 09-06-2011, 10:10 AM

I am trying to decide on a rack case. At this point I have and Ampeg SVT4 Pro head and Ampeg 610 cab. I know that the head has a small vent in the back and larger vents on the side (which is a stupid design for a rackmount head). The head is 3U. Im not sure what to do about the side vents, I'm worried about overheating. I know I will want to get a rackmountable tuner, possible a wireless system and power conditioner which brings up another issue...weight. I'm a strong guy buy the head alone is like 40lbs. One thing I considered is a 4U rackcase for the head (with an empty slot for ventallation). And seperate rack case for the other stuff. Or would I be better off with one case?

chokeslam512 · #2 09-06-2011, 10:16 AM

Get a 6U rack, mount everything, leave 1 open space or put a 1U grille in it. I think you will be fine. If you are worried about overheating it, you could always get on of the Gator cooling fan systems,that should mount to the back side of the case and draw more airflow. Maybe also try not to do any outdoor summer gigs.

gnjpowell · #3 09-06-2011, 10:20 AM

I started with a 6U rack for a similar setup: Yamaha PB1, dbx 266xl, QSC PLX1804, DTR-1000 and a wireless rx. Too HEAVY! Switched to a 2U for the QSC and a 4U for the other bits. Now have the added advantage of leaving the 2U with the QSC at home when playing only through FOH.

Bass_Pounder · #4 09-06-2011, 10:23 AM

I gig with a Carvin B1500 (3 space), and used to use an 8 space rack for everything.

I found it simpler to use two 4 space racks now.

Rack #1 holds the B1500, and a Korg tuner. For "simpler" gigs, I can just grab the one rack and have enough.

Rack #2 has a power conditioner, a wireless, a compressor, and a sonic maximizer.

It is a real simple connection procedure. The output from the wireless goes to the input of the amp, and the rest is connected via the FX loop.

slap5string · #5 09-06-2011, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnjpowell

I started with a 6U rack for a similar setup: Yamaha PB1, dbx 266xl, QSC PLX1804, DTR-1000 and a wireless rx. Too HEAVY! Switched to a 2U for the QSC and a 4U for the other bits. Now have the added advantage of leaving the 2U with the QSC at home when playing only through FOH.

+1 - Not a bad idea to have the amp (largest generator of heat) by itself - and tuners, compressors, wireless units by themselves in another case.

Rockmusician · #6 09-06-2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimboSlice87

I am trying to decide on a rack case. At this point I have and Ampeg SVT4 Pro head and Ampeg 610 cab. I know that the head has a small vent in the back and larger vents on the side (which is a stupid design for a rackmount head). The head is 3U. Im not sure what to do about the side vents, I'm worried about overheating. I know I will want to get a rackmountable tuner, possible a wireless system and power conditioner which brings up another issue...weight. I'm a strong guy buy the head alone is like 40lbs. One thing I considered is a 4U rackcase for the head (with an empty slot for ventallation). And seperate rack case for the other stuff. Or would I be better off with one case?

PM Sent

mlwarriner · #7 09-06-2011, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimboSlice87

another issue...weight. I'm a strong guy buy the head alone is like 40lbs.

start playing guitar perhaps???

on a slightly more serious note - gator (and probably others) makes a rack series that have a pair of skate wheels on one side and a telescoping luggage handle on the other. set it down, slide the handle out and roll away.

as for the heat issue - i've run dozens of amps in different configurations inside racks, from all-tube mesa 400+ heads to ampegs to whatever. even with side vents, there's generally enough room between the head and the inside wall of the rack to allow "enough" ventilation. if you're that concerned, get one of those wee little clip-on fans and clip it to the back edge of your rack when playing.

my $.01, FWIW.

TimboSlice87 · #8 09-06-2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass_Pounder

I gig with a Carvin B1500 (3 space), and used to use an 8 space rack for everything.

I found it simpler to use two 4 space racks now.

Rack #1 holds the B1500, and a Korg tuner. For "simpler" gigs, I can just grab the one rack and have enough.

Rack #2 has a power conditioner, a wireless, a compressor, and a sonic maximizer.

It is a real simple connection procedure. The output from the wireless goes to the input of the amp, and the rest is connected via the FX loop.

Good idea. I decided to go ahead and order a 4U for my head. It's made by Eurolite. I prefer the look of it, over the plastic ones. If that works out well, I plan on getting a second one for additional equipment. Thanks all.

Buster Brown · #9 09-06-2011, 01:02 PM

Don't worry about the 4Pro and venting.....go to WallyWorld and purchase one of those small "portable" electric fans ($6.95) put it at the back of your case and let it circulate air. Works like a charm.

My rack is full - 4Pro, Furman, Tuner and a Wireless unit. Never had a problem with overheating.

Cheers!!

*edit" You're worried about 40 pounds!?!?! Come with me when I'm playing my CL....

Alex1984 · #10 09-06-2011, 01:54 PM

40 lbs isn't that bad. Out of the items that you listed, I'd probably get rid of the power conditioner. I'd prefer a stompbox tuner too if you got other pedals.

Gearhead17 · #11 09-06-2011, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex1984

40 lbs isn't that bad. Out of the items that you listed, I'd probably get rid of the power conditioner. I'd prefer a stompbox tuner too if you got other pedals.

Power conditioner is nothing more than a surge protector with lights. The rack case, plus the 4 PRO and other gizmos is going to add up to a lot more weight. Easily 60lbs plus. If you are complaining about a 40lb head already, think about what a rack case is going to do..... You can always get two rack cases - one for gizmos and the other for the head.