Will I Have Heat Issues?

betwinxt · #1 01-14-2008, 07:23 PM

So there are some approaches to this question on the search but I really wanted an opinion based on my actual gear, rather than try and guess based on other people's experience...

I'm thinking of filling my rack like this, from top to bottom:

Furman M-8D
BBE BMAX (Solid State)
GK 700RB

That would completely fill the rack I have, and I was wondering if everything is likely to be fine as far as heat is concerned. I see plenty of racks that are completely full, but like I said, I thought I'd get some opinions based on what I run in particular. Thanks for the help!

agreatheight · #2 01-14-2008, 07:39 PM

If I am not mistaken, the 700 vents upward so I would leave at least one space open.

CONFIRMED - the fan definitely vents up, I just checked.

bassgod0dmw · #3 01-15-2008, 07:11 AM

I would also leave a space on top of the GK. It' a stupid design...

olaff421 · #4 01-15-2008, 07:32 AM

No worse than Ampeg's design of the SVT series. How can you expect to properly mount a side venting amp in a rack case without modifiying the rack or getting a special one? I've seen people do it, but I don't trust it.

bassgod0dmw · #5 01-15-2008, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olaff421

No worse than Ampeg's design of the SVT series.

I didn't know about Ampeg's design, so I'll say that's stupid too!

Don't their engineers know that most people buying rack equipment would much prefer to have a smaller rack than a large one...thus making the most of any available space?

betwinxt · #6 01-15-2008, 06:13 PM

Yeah, I hadn't even thought of that (which is why I'm thankful for a resource like this) and now I have to either find a different pre or get a new rack...neither of which are particularly appealing...blast!

Thanks for the help though!!

TomB · #7 01-15-2008, 07:21 PM

Why not just skip the Furman... you don't really need it.

JanusZarate · #8 01-15-2008, 10:53 PM

What rack case do you have, BTW?

You may have enough empty space on the top side to provide decent ventilation. A lot of plastic/metal rack cases have extra space on top. Wooden ones have none at all.

Also... do you really need the BMAX? The GK is great alone.

But if you do like the BMAX that much... it's a different story. If you're going to run a preamp into another full-fledged amp, why not just get a poweramp instead? Then venting wouldn't be an issue, and it'd be cheaper than getting the 700RB (if you don't already have it).

Preamps into other preamps can produce mixed results, anyway... have you tried out that combo yet, to be sure it's even what you want?

betwinxt · #9 01-26-2008, 02:36 PM

I'm using an Odyssey rack. I'll check on the space at the top, and I'm thinking it has a little room, but I'm not sure if that is enough to keep the amp cool.

I'll also agree that the GK does a good job on it's own, but I have an EUB that needs a bit more in the preamp dept. to get the tone I like out. I was thinking as well of using the DI from the BMAX at gigs, since I've heard good things about it, and haven't really been super satisfied with the DI on the 700RB. Could you comment a little more about some of the problems you are aware of when using multiple preamps? By running from the BMAX into the 700RB am I risking my rig, or risking tone? I haven't tried it yet, as the stores around here haven't had the BMAX in, but I'll definitely be trying it before I buy it. Thanks!

JanusZarate · #10 01-26-2008, 10:48 PM

Rig risk? None at all.

Tone "risk"? It's a subjective question. Some people like it, some people don't.

This comes up all the time with heavy-coloring preamps like the SansAmp stuff (but that's because they're really more than just preamps). Most other preamps, not so much. As they always say around here... trust your ears. What I'm not too fond of, others love, and vice-versa.

Personally, I'm of the camp that if my bass and amp can't deliver what I'm looking for, I need to replace - not add onto - one of them.