400+ overheated

[CptnOblivious]

My 400+ has been performing great, until today when I put it in a rack case for the first time. After an hour of playing, cranked, it got super hot and blew the fuse. It's an SKB plastic 4 space. Anyone have experience with this amp overheating in a case? Is there a specific case recommended? There doesn't seem to be a huge variety of rack cases available these days. Maybe I need a custom with a vent on the side? Any input appreciated. I'll admit I was cranking the F out of it.

 

[mikeswals]

There is a fan on the side of the Mesa. If your case doesnt have a hole for that fan to draw air in through, its not going to get cool.

 

[agedhorse]

It does need very good cooling, some racks do not have enough clearance on the sides (specifically some SKB and Gator molded plastic cases).

 

[CptnOblivious]

It does need very good cooling, some racks do not have enough clearance on the sides (specifically some SKB and Gator molded plastic cases).

Any good rack case companies to look at? It seems that market is really limited today.

 

[Wasnex]

I have to wonder if perhaps the fan was turned completely off.

Per the OM, the fan should be set to High if circulation is limited.

IMHO, take the amp to a technician.

 

[David McIntire]

Perforating the sides of a plastic case with a drill where the amp draws air into itself can help a lot when using those kinds of cases. Mesa made shock mount racks for these heads. They are heavy, but provide plenty of clearance for air flow. I don't know if they make em new anymore, but they come up used on occasion.

 

[sylvanbass]

Similar thing happened to the one I had years ago in a Gator case, and even warped the case slightly so the back lid wouldn't line up right. I went to a Gator shock mount rack after I had it fixed. Added like an extra 7.5lbs I think at the time (late 2000's), but wasn't that noticeable considering the tank weight of the head itself. No problems at all after that. Damn I miss that amp...

 

[mikeswals]

Perforating the sides of a plastic case with a drill where the amp draws air into itself can help a lot when using those kinds of cases.

That's what he'll have to do because none of them come that way.

 

[CptnOblivious]

That's what he'll have to do because none of them come that way.

I saw one with a vent a long time ago but never again. I'm looking at one now where the handles are on the lids, so I could cut a square out of a side and cover it with wire mesh or something.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

My 400+ has been performing great, until today when I put it in a rack case for the first time. After an hour of playing, cranked, it got super hot and blew the fuse. It's an SKB plastic 4 space. Anyone have experience with this amp overheating in a case? Is there a specific case recommended? There doesn't seem to be a huge variety of rack cases available these days. Maybe I need a custom with a vent on the side? Any input appreciated. I'll admit I was cranking the F out of it.

I bought a "flight case" for my 4pro. It cools just fine. Has nice room, and the case itself is made from a material that doesn't absorb heat.

I went that route because of horror stories about overheating, and molded cases not having enough room.


You should look into a similar case for your amp. Maybe get one more rack space case, and fill the slot with either a blank, or a power conditioner.

 

[CptnOblivious]

I bought a "flight case" for my 4pro. It cools just fine. Has nice room, and the case itself is made from a material that doesn't absorb heat.

I went that route because of horror stories about overheating, and molded cases not having enough room.


You should look into a similar case for your amp. Maybe get one more rack space case, and fill the slot with either a blank, or a power conditioner.

Got a link or company for the case you got?

 

[Jazzdogg]

In

I bought a "flight case" for my 4pro. It cools just fine. Has nice room, and the case itself is made from a material that doesn't absorb heat.

I went that route because of horror stories about overheating, and molded cases not having enough room.


You should look into a similar case for your amp. Maybe get one more rack space case, and fill the slot with either a blank, or a power conditioner.

Intead of a blank plate, use a perforated plate to provide better airflow.

 

[agedhorse]

This is a suitable case for that amp, threaded steel rack rails, capable of handling the weight with a little bit of reasonable handling:

R4UE-14 | 4 space x 14" rack depth 2 Lid Effects or Amp Rack Case (unfortunately it's backordered)

I would suggest however a 6 space version which gives you a little more space for accessories:

R6UE-14 | 6 space x 14" rack depth 2 Lid Effects or Amp Rack Case

Be sure to check the depth, I'm pretty sure it will hang out of the 12" deep (that's clear space rail to rail) w/out the covers. It's critical that the rear feet sit on the bottom of the rack or are suitably blocked. Also, be sure the fan is set to high.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Got a link or company for the case you got?

I found it on Reverb. But, a Google search is where I started.

There's much better cases out there. There's quite a few companies that will make you actual "road ready" flight cases for just about anything. But, this one serves the purposes I needed. Although, I have been looking at ones with wheels and an extendable handle.

 

[DaveParker39]

I wonder if a suspension rack case would help at all. It would give some side clearance between the fan and wall.
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[Headless horse]

There is a fan on the side of the Mesa. If your case doesnt have a hole for that fan to draw air in through, its not going to get cool.

Correct, simple as it is.

 

[baxter_x]

I found it on Reverb. But, a Google search is where I started.

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There's much better cases out there. There's quite a few companies that will make you actual "road ready" flight cases for just about anything. But, this one serves the purposes I needed. Although, I have been looking at ones with wheels and an extendable handle.

Whatch out! I'v used the SVT 4 for many years and it needs some nice cooling. With that rack I'm pretty sure you will face some overheating issues. I had an SKB rack at the time and did face some issues.
However, if you drill holes on its side, you should be good.
Also, if you don't use it in bridge mode, it should also be fine.

 

[baxter_x]

My 400+ has been performing great, until today when I put it in a rack case for the first time. After an hour of playing, cranked, it got super hot and blew the fuse. It's an SKB plastic 4 space. Anyone have experience with this amp overheating in a case? Is there a specific case recommended? There doesn't seem to be a huge variety of rack cases available these days. Maybe I need a custom with a vent on the side? Any input appreciated. I'll admit I was cranking the F out of it.

Not with that amp but wiht that case, yes. Both with my Ampeg SVT 4 Pro and my Mesa Titan V12. Drilling holes on the side and adding a fan that would blow the air in the same way the internal fan does, totally solved the problem.
Both amps were prevented overheating by cutting out for the Mesa and lowering its power for the Ampeg.

 

[cuth]

I have my 400+ in a Grundorf rack case. I drilled a 3” or so hole through the side to line up with the fan. Before that I had it in an SKB and drilled a bunch of smaller holes to ventilate by the fan. I’ve never had an issue with either case. And as others have mentioned make sure the fan is on. There is a switch to turn it off. I keep mine on low and it keeps things sufficiently cool. Good luck.

 

[AcadianBassman]

My 400+ is not in a rack, just sits on top of the cab. One night, after the first set, it was too hot to touch. I shut it down so it would cool during the break. Before going back on, I had a look and found that the fan had been dislodged and had become disconnected. Not sure how it happened but it was a very simple fix. Have a look if that happened. Also, I'm sure you know it has an on/off or speed switch, can't remember. Have a look at that as well. Best of luck, love my Mesa!