Any advice for a rack system

[ArmoredAngels]

I am building out a rack system for my bass and I play djent, metal, and funk. I do not want anything larger than 8u (nor do I think it is really necessary). I don't really care about weight, Im 17 yrs old and deadlift 485lbs and press 185 (my body weight) for reps. If you are against rack systems u better have a good reason because i hate hearing people whine about their 40lb rack. alright enough about my rant back to business.

Right now I'm looking at:
Trip Lite line conditioner 2400w
Korg rack tuner
Ashly Parametric eq
BBE Sonic maximizer
Eden WT800 head bi-amped

I am also looking at a few pedal effects such as the Compressor pedal from Robert Keely, an octave, and fuzz. any recommendations on those let me know

 

[BruceBass3901]

Probably best to chuck this in the Effects forum man

And just a heads up... One of the first things that people will say to change is to get rid of the power conditioner

I don't run a rack, so can't really give any insight, but thought I would just try and help there

 

[FunkMetalBass]

Have you ever used the BBE sonic max? I found that it didn't do much for my sound. You might want to give it a go before dropping the cash on it.

Also, a cheap $50 rackmount conditioner is more than sufficient unless you are running a lot of gear and/or play in areas with horrible circuitry and power surges.

You might consider a rackmount compressor, especially if it's an always-on effect for you.

 

[Dave W]

Im 17 yrs old and deadlift 485lbs and press 185 (my body weight) for reps.

Sorry I'm picking this out of your post, but you can deadlift 485 but you're only benching 185? Or is that an overhead press?

Right now I'm looking at:
Trip Lite line conditioner 2400w
Korg rack tuner
Ashly Parametric eq
BBE Sonic maximizer
Eden WT800 head bi-amped

Why do you want this stuff? I'm not against racks, but usually when people post this stuff they really don't know why they want it, but they saw someone else with it so they figure they need it.

Power conditioner: Overly expensive power strip
Tuner: Okay. Everybody needs one.
Parametric EQ: Is redundant because the WT800 has a para EQ built in
Sonic Max: I got nothing. I don't know why people run them.
Eden: Everybody needs an amp.

 

[ArmoredAngels]

I had been dead lifting for a while but did not press much cause someone told me it would ruin my shoulders (cause it did theirs) so I just recently started Pressing.

 

[ArmoredAngels]

I like racks because I don't like having a lot of moving parts I'd rather keep it all protected on one big box than tote around a bunch of misc crap that takes 30 min to hook together... Expediency my friend

 

[Dave W]

K, but why do you want that specific stuff?

And DLing 485 at 17 is pretty impressive!

 

[Moosehead1966]

BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer. Especially what it does with the low end. I do believe moderation to avoid or minimalize the 'scoop' and loss in the mids BUT.. Totally awesome in my books!!

Marc

 

[ArmoredAngels]

K, but why do you want that specific stuff?

And DLing 485 at 17 is pretty impressive!

Hey thanks man, I appreciate it.

power conditioner because it has $25,000 insurance if it ever fails, and cause I play in some places that the code may or man not b up to code. (I have seen some crazy things in wiring)

Tuner: no explanation needed

parametric eq to dial out some 'hot" frequencies depending on the acoustics of the room so I don't have to screw around with my amp all of the time..

Sonic maximizer to compensate for signal loss in rig, help with dynamics (that are impeded by use of compressor for more sustain) and cutting through the mix

Head: yeah pretty self explanatory

 

[codethechode]

I have two different rack set ups that I use. I love having everything in on place I have to plug in one power chord and I'm ready to go.

I use a gator 8u in that I have a gk 800rb, sonic maximizer 482i, compressor, and a power conditioner. Yes people will say you don't need a power conditioner ( to each their own) I like it because everything is ready to go. Also the bbe does wonders for me. When you have it in your chain there is a noticeable difference when it is on ( once again a lot of pEople will say it's a waste but I love mine). Now here's something to think about. I have a separate 2u rack case that sits on bottom of the 8 with all my effects pedals in it. All I do is run power out of the back of the drawer to the conditioner, as well as, a cable for the signal chain and I'm done everything is already set up.

In the past I had a pedal board and it was cool but i got tired of carrying it around so I went with what I have now. Now obviously that won't work if those fx arent " always on " pedals but it's an idea and something that works great for me.

 

[Wes Whitmore]

I also like rack units, but only because I like to have everything in one light case prewired and ready to go. I went with the Gator 6U shallow unit. I needed at least 6U and wanted back rails, and I didn't want any deeper of a case than I had to. Many times I just set the rack right on the floor if I don't have a cab or a case to put it on. The only 19" gear in it is a Roland VB-99, and the singer's Shure wireless receiver. My poweramp is an ultralight GK 500MB on a 19" shelf, and I use a regular surge strip velcro'd on top of the amp. My Line6 G30 is also in there. I also have a charger for my cell phone since it always seems to die at midnight. Who knows why.

I have some rack mount surge strips sitting around. I like them because the buttons are really easy to find, and some of them have the down lights that help me see in there. I didn't have room for it, so it's back in the closet again.

I think it is Georgestrings on here who goes modular and carries a could of shallow SKB effects racks loaded with various goodies. That way, he only brings what he want to for that gig, Vitals like tuner and amp can be in one, and wireless and other processors are in the other. Seems to work well for him.

As for gear, it's a personal thing. Who knows what you will like. Start with the vitals like a tuner and amp and see what else you need.
Wes

 

[Son of Bovril]

no reason to use an outboard eq or sonic maximizer with the Eden WT800, it has 5 bands of eq already and the ehnace knob IME (arguably) will get you the same effect as the sonic maximizer. You also don't need a power conditioner.

So basically you could get a decent rackmount wireless (if you move around), a tuner and a compressor if you really want one and that would be a complete rig. Or you could just have a tuner and compressor pedal and just rack your head separate

 

[CL400Peavey]

no reason to use an outboard eq or sonic maximizer with the Eden WT800, it has 5 bands of eq already and the ehnace knob IME (arguably) will get you the same effect as the sonic maximizer. You also don't need a power conditioner.

So basically you could get a decent rackmount wireless (if you move around), a tuner and a compressor if you really want one and that would be a complete rig. Or you could just have a tuner and compressor pedal and just rack your head separate

+1

If it were me here is the run down of my signal chain:

Bass

Stomp box tuner: I like to have it at my feet so I dont have to turn around to see it. I also like having it as a mute pedal.

Effects: If you use them.

Pre Amp: Pick a flavor that suits you. Rack it.

Power Amp: I like separates. You need more power, get a bigger amp. Your amp dies, use a different one. Your pre amp is still working.

fEARful.



Power Conditioner: Just a glorified power strip.
Sonic maximizer: Mid cut much? The scooped sound may not sit well in a band mix.

Wireless: Up to you, one more thing to go screwy, not for me.

 

[ArmoredAngels]

+1

If it were me here is the run down of my signal chain:

Bass

Stomp box tuner: I like to have it at my feet so I dont have to turn around to see it. I also like having it as a mute pedal.

Effects: If you use them.

Pre Amp: Pick a flavor that suits you. Rack it.

Power Amp: I like separates. You need more power, get a bigger amp. Your amp dies, use a different one. Your pre amp is still working.

fEARful.



Power Conditioner: Just a glorified power strip.
Sonic maximizer: Mid cut much? The scooped sound may not sit well in a band mix.

Wireless: Up to you, one more thing to go screwy, not for me.

Ok,

Tuner, I see where you come from but i hate stuff at my feet unless absolutely necessary, but point well taken..

def agree with you on the separation of pre and power amp

power conditioner, ill do more research and talk to more people, but the Trip lite has lifetime warranty and if it ever fails they cover your damage up to $25,000.... but I'll give it some serious thought

Sonic Maximiser: good point i'll talk to my sound guys and see what they think too

Yes I move a ton and like flexibility of a Line 6 digital wireless pack too


fEARful !!!!!! I am pretty hell bent on getting one for at least part of my cabinetry!!

 

[ArmoredAngels]

Thank you guys all of you who posted for helping me out and keep the good info comin!!

mike

 

[JimmyM]

The only advice I'd give you is don't buy anything unless you're sure you need it. A lot of times people buy compressors and EQ's and processors because they see famous people using them, only to find they liked it better without them. I'm certainly not against using them at all, and I have and will continue to use them, especially cool effects. But don't buy them just to fill up the rack spaces. As far as "power conditioners," they're all just glorified power strips so get the cheapest one, forget about the front lights that do no good anyway, and be done with it.

 

[BurningSkies]

Ok,

Tuner, I see where you come from but i hate stuff at my feet unless absolutely necessary, but point well taken..

def agree with you on the separation of pre and power amp

power conditioner, ill do more research and talk to more people, but the Trip lite has lifetime warranty and if it ever fails they cover your damage up to $25,000.... but I'll give it some serious thought

Sonic Maximiser: good point i'll talk to my sound guys and see what they think too

Yes I move a ton and like flexibility of a Line 6 digital wireless pack too


fEARful !!!!!! I am pretty hell bent on getting one for at least part of my cabinetry!!

I agree. I'd be trimming some of that stuff out of the rack quickly. It always seems fun to put together a big rack until you have to load it and unload it every night and even if you can lift 64598446 pounds, it gets wearisome when the pounds are of limited use.

I can understand an EQ unit, but if the Eden has a para, I'd probably get a graphic (like a 31 band), then if you're finding the para not doing it for you in a room, switch to the graphic for a different functionality. I personally have never needed it.

Check the fine print on the power conditioner...I think you'll find that they don't pay out often. And that the protection it offers isn't anything that a decent power strip can provide...like a rack mount power strip mounted in the BACK of your rack, saving you a space.

The maximizer doesn't do it for me either... I find that a lot of guys use them to put stuff back that was taken out by other processing.

I prefer to keep it to no bigger than 4 RU for portability. I used to use a Korg rack tuner, but now find it quicker and easier just to have my Polytune on hand and use it right before sets.

 

[barryaudio]

Power conditioners are definitely not needed. You can buy a power strip with the same (if not more) liability insurance. Power is well "conditioned" here in the US. What you need is surge protection. If you are really concerned about power source, buy a $7 outlet tester to ensure that you are always using grounded outlets with correct polarity.

Amazon.com: GE 50542 Receptacle Tester, 3-Wire Light Improper Wiring Indicator: Home Improvement

+1 on a pre with parametric EQ. IF you are using a power amp, not bass amp. If you are going with that Eden, then I will echo what BurningSkies says.

if you go poweramp option, go with one that has DSP. If you want insurance for your cabs, there is a worthwhile investment. HPF and limiter are nice to have if you are going to push your cabs to their limits.

sonic max: I've gone back and forth on this. I used to love it, but I dont anymore. I would say, if you like the sonic max, then you might as well just get one of the 1U BBE preamps and kill two birds.

tuner: Korg pitchback is great. If you dont like stuff at your feet, then it might not be for you. One of the reasons why I do like the PB is that it makes it easy to change basses quickly during live use (while tuning, it mutes).

 

[billfitzmaurice]

power conditioner, ill do more research and talk to more people, but the Trip lite has lifetime warranty and if it ever fails they cover your damage up to $25,000.... but I'll give it some serious thought

If the manufacturer of a single piece of your gear recommends using it fine. They won't. All the 'conditioning' required is done by the power supplies of your gear. As for the rest, there are more than a few amps that do everything you want all by themselves, with no outboard gear at all. That's the expedient way.

 

[JoeDaddio]

Power conditioners are definitely not needed. You can buy a power strip with the same (if not more) liability insurance. Power is well "conditioned" here in the US. What you need is surge protection. If you are really concerned about power source, buy a $7 outlet tester to ensure that you are always using grounded outlets with correct polarity.

Amazon.com: GE 50542 Receptacle Tester, 3-Wire Light Improper Wiring Indicator: Home Improvement

+1 on a pre with parametric EQ. IF you are using a power amp, not bass amp. If you are going with that Eden, then I will echo what BurningSkies says.

if you go poweramp option, go with one that has DSP. If you want insurance for your cabs, there is a worthwhile investment. HPF and limiter are nice to have if you are going to push your cabs to their limits.

sonic max: I've gone back and forth on this. I used to love it, but I dont anymore. I would say, if you like the sonic max, then you might as well just get one of the 1U BBE preamps and kill two birds.

tuner: Korg pitchback is great. If you dont like stuff at your feet, then it might not be for you. One of the reasons why I do like the PB is that it makes it easy to change basses quickly during live use (while tuning, it mutes).

I like my power conditioner because it looks cool in my rack

It's got lights on the front and back, too, which is nice at times. And a bunch of LEDs. Everyone knows that the more LEDs one has on their rig the better!


joe