What Rack to choose?

[ZoneofInhibitio]

Ok i've got my setup finally put together.
-GBE 1200
-Line 6 X2 wireless
-Monster Cable Power conditioner
- Gator Drawer
- Gator keyboard holder (For Bass POD)

I've been going back and forth between a new rack. I currently have a 6U eurolite rack. The only problem is its heavy as a mother ****er. Trying to gig every week moving that thing around sucks. Roadyready cases are good but heavy and cost lots of $$$. Gator has some lightweight ones that are cheap. I've been playing with the idea of getting a 2U gator for my head (44lbs.) And a 5U gator for the rest of my ****. Does anyone have any ideas for a cheap light rack solution.

-Evan

www.myspace.com/zoneofinhibitionmetal
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[JustDavid]

Were it me I'd add quality wheels to the bottom of the rack.

[kalle74]

I´d go either multiple smaller racks that would be stacked (yes, the patching is a possible nightmare), or one bigger with wheels, depending on available transportation and the amount of available helping hands...

[realbadgroove]

I use small gators and stack them it works great and is nice for packing

[JackANSI]

Been using a 6U and 4U gators for the last three years without a problem. I switched from a 4U Anvil mainly because of weight but I was also expanding my rig so it was convenient.

If you're going to be using multiple racks, mount the connectors you need on a stamped plate in the back of each rack and label everything. You want the labels to be clear enough so anyone could theoretically setup your rig. (this is mainly because sometimes I am rushing to setup and its nice when anyone can help, then its a quick glance to see if its done right)

I leave the back of the 6U mostly open, just in case I ever want to change something to suit a gig. But there is a 2U punched plate in back that I have all my connectors on (2 post outs for other power amps, a DI out, 2 speakons, 1 powercon, 1 input, and several outputs from different stages through my signal chain (in case the sound guy wants something particular or if I'm running stereo to a satellite rig).

I have all my preamp rack stuff and one power amp in the 6U and I have two other power amps each in their own 4U's. I use a prepunched 1U rack plate and a 3U perforated on the back of those 'satellite' racks and just 1 one of the 2U perforated plates on the front. Then I mount all the neutriks I need on those punched plates (power and signal).

2U Perforated plate:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=262-102

3U perforated plate:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=262-104

1U Prepunched plate:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=262-575

Neutrik power-in (1 per):
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=092-284
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=092-280

Neutrik speaker-outs (2 per):
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=092-059

Neutrik XLR-1/4" (2 per):
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=092-042

I will say that because the gators are plastic, you should try to cover as much open rack space with blacks or perforated plates. It greatly increases the racks stability when stacking them and definitely makes them feel more 'sturdy'.

Also the lids are deep enough that if you want to on the back lid, rig up a cable holder. I just used two pieces of bent aluminum stock and a few pop-rivets to make a place to wind up the power and signal cables on my 4U's.


Having it setup like this allows me to take 'only what I need to survive' without having to un-rack anything or schlep unused gear in/out.

[ZoneofInhibitio]

badass thanks for the posts back ill update you guys on what im gunna do and post a picture of my current rack as soon as i can.

[JackANSI]

Connectors L to R:

Power-in (neutrik powercon)
power-out (powercon, switched with rest of the rack)
4-pole speakon (both amp channels, channel 1 only when using a 2 pole speakon cable)
2-pole speakon (channel 2 only)
Post-effects XLR
Pre-effects XLR
Effects return (locking 1/4")
Effects send (locking 1/4")

[JustDavid]

Originally Posted by JackANSI

Also the lids are deep enough that if you want to on the back lid, rig up a cable holder. I just used two pieces of bent aluminum stock and a few pop-rivets to make a place to wind up the power and signal cables on my 4U's.

Great idea!!

[ZoneofInhibitio]

damn thats a badas idea will take into accout now that i got my GBE 1200..ill post my results