so few racks?

krstko · #1 02-12-2013, 01:49 PM

Hi
There is lots of talking about effects on TB, but I got to ask: why is there so little talk about rack units? I think they are cheaper and way more portable than full pedalboards. So why is so little people using them?

bigchiefbc · #2 02-12-2013, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krstko

Hi
There is lots of talking about effects on TB, but I got to ask: why is there so little talk about rack units? I think they are cheaper and way more portable than full pedalboards. So why is so little people using them?

It's just a guess, but probably because controlling them while you're playing usually requires a large complicated midi foot controller that you have to program. Whereas with pedals, you just plug it in and step on it. It's much more plug-n-play.

ga_edwards · #3 02-12-2013, 03:01 PM

Cheaper? Really? If it's all budget rack gear compared to boutique pedals maybe.

Racks are also a bugger to transport IMO too compared to a pedal board, depending on size of course. A big unwieldy pedal board will more than likely translate into an even bigger and more unwieldy rack of refrigerator proportions.

bassgod0dmw · #4 02-12-2013, 03:01 PM

Large and heavy. I definitely don't think a rack is more portable than a pedalboard.

Pilgrim · #5 02-12-2013, 03:05 PM

I use a lightweight Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0 on a 12T speaker, total weight 36 pounds. For mo'power I add a Shuttle 2x10, weight 32 pounds.

Why would I want to pay for rack-mountable effects and then drag a rack unit that's as big as my combo amp around???? My pedalboard is in a padded nylon carry case and is lighter and easier to move around.

Gadgetjunky · #6 02-12-2013, 04:15 PM

simple, line level vs instrument level, so mixing a rack unit with pedals gets to be a mess. Rack fx like to be in fx loop. I've tried and studied it and it's just more complicated than most want to deal with.

That said, there are advantages like parallel and reordering fx in patches, I just think the weakness in Dirt is the biggest limitation.

MCS4 · #7 02-12-2013, 04:34 PM

My 3-space rack with a 1500 watt power amp and a preamp is already as big and heavy as I want to lug around.

metaball · #8 02-12-2013, 05:17 PM

i have some rack gear, mostly old multi fx boxes. i prefer my pedals for guit & bass.

Jazz Ad · #9 02-12-2013, 05:24 PM

I use racks for PA. Pedals are more convenient with instruments.