Rack Setup?

Aborted · #1 03-18-2011, 04:57 PM

Hey all,

I've been considering a rack solution for some time now. My question is: what does a standard 8U rack have in it?

I've seen a few variations but a widely practiced (as far as I can tell) setup is:

Power Conditioner
compressor
amp head
tuner
wireless patch system

Is that right? Should I go for something different than that? I'm playing with 3 other guys (2 guitarists / vocalists, 1 drummer). I do feel I need a compressor as per some of the videos I've watched on Youtube. Is there something critical EVERY good bassist should have in a rack system?

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks.

GrowlerBox · #2 03-18-2011, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aborted

Is there something critical EVERY good bassist should have in a rack system?

An amplifier. Other than that, it's no holds barred. You may want to have the preamp and amp combined, but if I were going with a rack, I'd have separate units to facilitate swapping around.

And forget the power conditioner unless you like the extra flashing lights. Put the money towards another good unit.

Rick Auricchio · #3 03-18-2011, 06:36 PM

Do you use a compressor now? If not, then why even consider one?

Your question makes little sense. An 8RU rack cabinet can hold any number of equipment combinations. What you put in the rack depends on your needs, not just to fill space.

The main reason for a rack is when people use a lot of equipment and the rack makes it more portable. People don't buy empty racks just to fill them up.

Aborted · #4 03-18-2011, 07:41 PM

I currently use a friend's Ampeg SVT3PRo head, he also has a floor tuner that I use. I'm going to be investing in my own equipment and I personally feel that if I'm doing this, a rack solution would be hugely beneficial, now and in the long run.

I guess I'm just looking into stuff I might need that I havent thought of yet.

Make sense? lol..

BurningSkies · #5 03-18-2011, 08:04 PM

I lived for over 10 years on a 4 space rack without trouble. I also gigged with a 5 space due to having a tube amp...but really unless you like carrying unnecessary gear get the SMALLEST rack that fits all you need.

Fer instance, power 'conditioners' and I use that term very derisively and sarcastically are pretty much a waste of a space. Unless you have a couple grand for one that actually does something, then they're heavy and big.

I have and used to carry a rack tuner because it was quicker and easier than a pedal while being more precise. That's no longer the case and I'd much rather carry a Polytune in my bass' gig bag instead of a big piece of rack gear.

If you don't use or see the use of a compressor, then don't get one. I use them in the studio all the time. I would never use one in my live rig.

These days, I'm putting together a new rig for my setup. I've got a one space preamp and a 2 space power amp...and a 3 space rack for the whole thing.

georgestrings · #6 03-19-2011, 01:36 AM

I gig this rack 7-8 times per month, and it has everything I need:

IME, anything larger than a 4U rack gets old real quick if you gig with any frequency - unless you have a road crew, that is...

- georgestrings

monkeyking · #7 03-19-2011, 05:07 AM

Mine's a little different, but mostly the same. Tuner, pre-amp. power amp, and a backup head. SKB rack with telescoping handle and wheels. Of course, the backup is "overkill" in many opinions, but then again, there isn't much that sounds dumber than "Sure I have a back up. It's at home."

impactwrench · #8 03-19-2011, 06:55 AM

I got a 4U rack as part of a CL deal. I thought a power conditioner was just another name for a rack mounted power strip, because when you have 4 slots, and two of them are amp head, and the other one is power conditioner, what else can you fit? Tuner I guess, but I have a pedal tuner and usually only tune once a night. I guess I use it more for amp protection, because the knobs are protected by the rack handles if it falls. Otherwise, I wouldnt bother with a rack. If I had a 1 U head like an MB500 I might mount both heads in the rack for ease of carrying at gigs.

LiamPodmore · #9 03-19-2011, 07:08 AM

When i get my stuff im going to be splitting it into 2 different racks for ease. a 3U for my head and a second 3U containing a wireless and rackmout multi-FX. That way its easier to carry 'cause i dont have 1 heavy rack and when i dont need my amp i dont have to carry it.

Liam

capnjim · #10 03-19-2011, 07:25 AM

36 C's are always nice.

georgestrings · #11 03-19-2011, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeyking

Of course, the backup is "overkill" in many opinions, but then again, there isn't much that sounds dumber than "Sure I have a back up. It's at home."

I can see where you're coming from, but I don't ever see myself lugging around 2 amps in one rack - for playing bass, anyways... I usually just keep a DI on hand as a "spare amp" for gigging, and that practice has never caused me a problem(several thousand gigs over the years)... On the rare occasion that I actually do bring a backup head, it generally stays outside in a vehicle...

To each their own, though...

- georgestrings

georgestrings · #12 03-19-2011, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiamPodmore

When i get my stuff im going to be splitting it into 2 different racks for ease. a 3U for my head and a second 3U containing a wireless and rackmout multi-FX. That way its easier to carry 'cause i dont have 1 heavy rack and when i dont need my amp i dont have to carry it.

Liam

That's a smart strategy, IMO - I almost went that way, but instead put together a small pedalboard that has a spare wireless receiver, tuner, and DI box... I can always use that in the even that I don't need to bring an amp - still, for someone that uses effects on a regular basis, I think you're taking a smart approach...

- georgestrings

39-Bassist · #13 03-19-2011, 08:03 AM

I use a rack with just about everything you have said except I put a drawer in the bottom. holds my cables, tools, etc.

cableguy · #14 03-19-2011, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

I lived for over 10 years on a 4 space rack without trouble. I also gigged with a 5 space due to having a tube amp...but really unless you like carrying unnecessary gear get the SMALLEST rack that fits all you need.

Fer instance, power 'conditioners' and I use that term very derisively and sarcastically are pretty much a waste of a space. Unless you have a couple grand for one that actually does something, then they're heavy and big.

I have and used to carry a rack tuner because it was quicker and easier than a pedal while being more precise. That's no longer the case and I'd much rather carry a Polytune in my bass' gig bag instead of a big piece of rack gear.

If you don't use or see the use of a compressor, then don't get one. I use them in the studio all the time. I would never use one in my live rig.

These days, I'm putting together a new rig for my setup. I've got a one space preamp and a 2 space power amp...and a 3 space rack for the whole thing.

I went from a 5-space rack to a 3 space. Pre-amp and power amp, thats all. I use a pedal tuner and also a Sansamp bass DI so I can take tuner/DI if I want to go direct for sdmall gigs or practice. My rack consists of Tech 21 RBI and carvin power amp. Unless you use all the other stuff it just adds weight and looks cool.

JimiLL · #15 03-19-2011, 10:54 AM

6 Space head for me:

GBE 1200 : 3 space
Wireless, tuner and "power conditioner" take up the last three

gnjpowell · #16 03-19-2011, 10:59 AM

I started with a SBK 8U rack. I found it was a bit of a hassle to deal with size & weight-wise. Switched to two, a 6U for the wireless rx, pre-amp, tuner & compressor; and a 2U for the QSC PLX-1804 amp. Now I can just grab the 6U and run when I don't need the amp. Looking at getting a micro amp now for reh.

ddhm · #17 03-19-2011, 11:08 AM

You could use a crossover (if the amp doesn't have one) and you have 2 cabs as well as 2 power amp channels.

I suggest against compression honestly. They are cool in the studio but not really necessary in a live rig. I have found that they inhibit your ability to naturally control your dynamics. If you are playing metal, they could be useful since there aren't too many dynamic changes.

There are neat tricks you can do with a compressor such as compressing the mess out of the low end output of a crossover. That's useful in some situations.

Be mindful that if you are buying a "power conditioner" that you actually get one. Most of the "power conditioners" are just a rack mount power strip. an actual "conditioner" will cost more money. Goodness knows that AC power can be dirty but it's not too often a real problem.

BurningSkies · #18 03-19-2011, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cableguy

I went from a 5-space rack to a 3 space. Pre-amp and power amp, thats all. I use a pedal tuner and also a Sansamp bass DI so I can take tuner/DI if I want to go direct for sdmall gigs or practice. My rack consists of Tech 21 RBI and carvin power amp. Unless you use all the other stuff it just adds weight and looks cool.

It will be interesting for me to have a 3 space. For the past 3 years or so I had divorced myself from carrying a rack unless it was for recording or for PA use. I've used a LMII in a shoulder bag for going on about 3 years now and while I really like the sound, it's 500w isn't quite enough and the power compression drives me nuts.

Part of what the OP may want to look at is if he's got to heft his big ol' 10 space rack up onto a stack if it's 80+ pounds worth of gear it can be difficult to get it up there safely and securely without a hand. I had a Mesa SUS-4 deep rack for my 400+ and I nearly herniated myself just loading it out of my car and up my second floor walk up, much less hefting it up to eyeball height on stage. The rack weight nearly as much as the amp.

zon5string · #19 03-19-2011, 11:36 AM

Here's mine. Pre, comp (used as limiter only), non-functional, but humorously-labeled space-filler Funk Logic DD-301 - Digilog Dynamicator (because SKB didn't make a 3-space rack and I didn't want to spend the $$$ for an anvil-type), tuner. Surge protector "power strip" (with 15' cord) velcroed in the back. Power amp in separate 2-space, so I can use it with other things, or not use it at all.

KsPiNeSh · #20 03-19-2011, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capnjim

36 C's are always nice.

Indeed they are

To the OP - I used to lug an 8-space with my wireless, conditioner, preamp, and GBE 1200... it got hella old. If you're going to be moving it regularly, add a power strip to your gear bag and find a way to keep it to 4 or less.