Ampeg SVT3 Pro PREAMP OUT Balanced or Unbalanced? NEED A DEFINITETIVE ANSWER QUICK!!!

[BassYerFaceoff]

I don't think you are going to find it.

I toured with dozens of QSC amps doing thousands of gigs without a single amp failure. I think you are worrying about nothing.

If you handle your gear rough enough to damage the QSC amp without the rear bracket, you will have already damaged your SVT-3 with the brackets installed.

It's your choice, good luck.

So you are saying that there IS a rack that THAT weird little hole directly in the middle of the back of the SVT WILL work and the QSC will also be IN THERE but ONLY be able to be attached at the front panel?

I'm not thinking about handling my gear roughly...rather I'm thinking about hitting potholes on the road or turbulence in the air. REALLY. I'm sorry man but I looked up to you but you really seem kinda... cynical??? I don't know whether it's because I'm not using your preferred gear or what but... man, I looked up to you on here. Take a vacation or smoke a doob or SOMETHING. Thanks....

 

[agedhorse]

Most racks with rear rails can be used with brackets for the rear mounts. Usually fabrication is necessary, including customization of brackets.

 

[BassYerFaceoff]

Most racks with rear rails can be used with brackets for the rear mounts. Usually fabrication is necessary, including customization of brackets.

THANK YOU.

 

[fourstringburn]

Ok... So this sort of applies to this thread but not really...
I decided to go with the QSC PLD4.2 with which I can do ALL kinds of stuff with... MOST importantly ADJUSTING that wattage to my cab... (Spoke to QSC reps to confirm and it will do what I need). Also thanks @agedhorse.

Now to the OFF topic part which I didn't want to create another thread for and I couldn't really find an answer for on other threads...(I looked but maybe not hard enough) Unless one of you long time members know where to EXACTLY point me.

The QSC PLD4.2 has a DEPTH of 9" and my AMPEG SVT3PRO has a DEPTH of 15"... (*edit* BOTH are 2u and 19" wide I believe).

I have NEVER owned a rack case. I WANT to make sure that the front and rear of BOTH are firmly secure. The QSC has both front and rear (although the rear looks like it connects to the "side" or laterally although this could become a sematics battle lol BUT the Ampeg has no REAR connection except for one weird little hole directly in the middle of the back pretty much labeled MUST USE FOR RACK MOUNT... which makes sense because it a heavy amp (The SVT... and yeah I wouldn't expect it could hold on firmly without bending something only by front end support... physics n' such).

What can I buy as a rack (hardshell) that can be breathable, tough, ACTUALLY FITS BOTH SECURELY, ATA compliant AND has shock absorbsion (rubber washers?) in the event of a hard knock?

PLEASE HELP SOMEHOW!

If I understand you correctly, your wanting rear mount supports behind the rack.

What I do is have the heavier amp (which should be the QSC) on the very bottom rack space and use some stick on rubber feet underneath it to support the back end of the amp and simply have it sit on the bottom of the rack. This takes the stress of the front rack ears. Put some more between the Ampeg and the QSC.

These can be found at any hardware store and in many thickness depths (or double them up) that should be at or real close to what you need. You can also use 2 small door stops too.

 

[BassYerFaceoff]

If I understand you correctly, your wanting rear mount supports behind the rack.

What I do is have the heavier amp (which should be the QSC) on the very bottom rack space and use some stick on rubber feet underneath it to support the back end of the amp and simply have it sit on the bottom of the rack. This takes the stress of the front rack ears. Put some more between the Ampeg and the QSC.

These can be found at any hardware store and in many thickness depths (or double them up) that should be at or real close to what you need. You can also use 2 small door stops too.

YES! Rear mounted supports!
Actually the SVT IS WAYYY Heavier BUT I get what you're saying and THANK YOU. I've never had to use a rack for gear until now. Much appreciated!
I'm still open to suggestions on a TRUE work (company that already manufactures this) for this!

 

[fourstringburn]

Actually the SVT I WAYYY Heavier

Surprised by that!

I was recalling an older class H QSC amp that I had that was truly a "boat anchor"

 

[agedhorse]

The lighter QSC amps do not need the rear supports, my experience (Bob Lee can confirm) is that they are included for backwards compatibility to legacy installations.

My experience applies to the QSC PLX series 1, PLX series 2, CX and PLD.

 

[BassYerFaceoff]

Surprised by that!

I was recalling an older class H QSC amp that I had that was truly a "boat anchor"

No no this QSC is of a much newer type of boat anchor! (don't anchor a boat with it... not heavy enough unless it's a canoe) lol Look it up (NOT AFFILIATED JUST SPREADING A WORD) QSC PLD 4.2.
It's only like 17 or 18 lbs maybe. The SVT3PRO IS like (guessing) 30ish... Dunno really but DEFINITELY the heavier and larger of the two.

 

[BassYerFaceoff]

ok Qsc PLD 4.2 16.5 lbs. and Ampeg SVT3PRO 26.5 lbs.

 

[BassYerFaceoff]

The lighter QSC amps do not need the rear supports, my experience (Bob Lee can confirm) is that they are included for backwards compatibility to legacy installations.

My experience applies to the QSC PLX series 1, PLX series 2, CX and PLD.

I think I'll either get a custom rack or install it on top of the SVT and use the foot buffers mentioned by @fourstringburn.
I must say once again that I've NEVER used a rack so therefore I wonder about how SOLID just the FRONT mounts could possibly be on a rack mount when physics comes into play.
Once again... not familiar with racks AT ALL.

 

[BassYerFaceoff]

The lighter QSC amps do not need the rear supports, my experience (Bob Lee can confirm) is that they are included for backwards compatibility to legacy installations.

My experience applies to the QSC PLX series 1, PLX series 2, CX and PLD.

Thanks.. who is Bob Lee? I'm kind of still learning this site.

But the manual clearly states that it must be rack mounted front and rear 4 points... just sayin'...

*edit* If he's the BRUCE LEE of QSC then I MUST know!

 

[agedhorse]

Bob Lee is the applications engineer for QSC.

You say you haven't ever worked with rack equipment, are struggling with this whole rack concept and second guessing everything, making it much harder than it needs to be.

I have built hundreds of racks (professionally) for the touring and installation market as a former dealer for brands such as QSC and have offered advice based on this experience.

 

[Wasnex]

Thanks.. who is Bob Lee? I'm kind of still learning this site.

But the manual clearly states that it must be rack mounted front and rear 4 points... just sayin'...

*edit* If he's the BRUCE LEE of QSC then I MUST know!

QSC makes factory rear rack supports in 3" and 7"...I don't know if they fit this particular amp though.
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You can also order rear support brackets from companies like Audiopile...I would assume some costume fitting would be required with these. ERD | Rear Support Brackets

 

[OldogNewTrick]

Bob Lee is the applications engineer for QSC.
You say you haven't ever worked with rack equipment, are struggling with this whole rack concept and second guessing everything, making it much harder than it needs to be.
I have built hundreds of racks (professionally) for the touring and installation market as a former dealer for brands such as QSC and have offered advice based on this experience.

Happy Holidays everyone !
Just read through this entire thread... wow, just amazing.
@agedhorse, your "contenance" is absolutely saintly.
Me, definitely grumpy old fart territory. LOL
Between the entertainment still some good info to be found.
Carry on !

 

[BassYerFaceoff]

Bob Lee is the applications engineer for QSC.

You say you haven't ever worked with rack equipment, are struggling with this whole rack concept and second guessing everything, making it much harder than it needs to be.

I have built hundreds of racks (professionally) for the touring and installation market as a former dealer for brands such as QSC and have offered advice based on this experience.

Happy Holidays everyone !
Just read through this entire thread... wow, just amazing.
@agedhorse, your "contenance" is absolutely saintly.
Me, definitely grumpy old fart territory. LOL
Between the entertainment still some good info to be found.
Carry on !

Thanks... I guess I've learned SOMETHING here. What that is I'm not sure but it was something...

Happy Holidays and I hope you feel good about your status umongst us slow learning slugs. I just play bass, write a BUNCH of stuff and know WHAT I like my sound to sound like.

 

[BassYerFaceoff]

QSC makes factory rear rack supports in 3" and 7"...I don't know if they fit this particular amp though.
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You can also order rear support brackets from companies like Audiopile...I would assume some costume fitting would be required with these. ERD | Rear Support Brackets

Thank YOU for a reply that was nicely placed. Seriously. I will bookmark your answer so I can look further into it. THANK YOU!

 

[ctmullins]

Read the documentation that comes with your gear. It will spell out exactly what is needed regarding rack installation. That way you can be sure. Don’t go borrowing worry.

 

[fourstringburn]

Thank YOU for a reply that was nicely placed. Seriously. I will bookmark your answer so I can look further into it. THANK YOU!

Rear rack ears will work but not all racks have rear rack rails to install them on so I wouldn't get too excited yet. I used rear rack ears before but I had to get some rack rail and cut it to fit and install them on back sides of my rack.

I would wait till you get a rack or look for one with rear rack rails then your in business. Many of the Gator cases come with rear rack rails...

Or, go the cheap way like I did with 1/2 inch high stick on rubber feet on the rear corners of the amp!

The weight of the amps will hold down the rubber feet. The front ears are screwed into the rack and securely hold it in place but even with all 4 rack screws tightened, the rear of the amp will sag a bit. Even if you put the amp on the lowest rack space (which you should), there is still some room between the rack bottom and amp bottom. This is where some rear support should be used.

 

[agedhorse]

Sag and damage in not an issue with most short chassis, 2 space lightweight amps. It's a non-issue, a solution looking for a problem.

The SVT-3 would benefit from rear mounts if you plan to handle your gear roughly, butbif you do, the SKB and gator plastic style racks are totally inappropriate for such use.

 

[fourstringburn]

Sag and damage in not an issue with most short chassis, 2 space lightweight amps. It's a non-issue, a solution looking for a problem.

My SVT-8 weighs 23lbs and sags a bit in the rack. It has a depth of 18 inches which is similar to his SVT-3. While it probably won't hurt it because Ampeg uses steel for their chassis, I would rather not put any extra stress on it. That's why I simply use some rubber feet to keep the amp level. Surely nothing is wrong with that.

butbif you do, the SKB and gator plastic style racks are totally inappropriate for such use.

Why would that be?