Hey gang, I was wondering if anyone else is "chompin' at the bit" for modern, ClassD/Switchmode powered bass amp housed in a 1U standard rack mount chassis? Like a Sansamp RBI, coupled with the switchmode amp that's in their VT 1000. Most of the new micro-amps come with a rackmount plate that takes up two spaces. I know there's the Demeter VTBP-201-800D, but at $1700, buying two of those would bust my budget and probably land me in divorce court. I know its do-able. I just have never had the need or desire to carry my amp around in a gig bag; mainly because I need/want all the rest of the gear in my rack.
Just my personal take on this. There are plenty "heavier" (like 15-30lbs) rack mount heads. The big bonus of SMPS and Class D output is light weight and small size. Putting a 5 lb 800 watt bass head in a 10 to 20 lb rack case just defeats somewhat the notion of a easy to carry lightweight amp?
By the way makers like G-K have a rack kit that maintains the 1 space. RACK KIT MB500, MB800, MB FUSION 500 & 800 - gallien-krueger.com
Any desire for a ton of watts in a 1ru package, yes. Any desire to replace my 2ru power amp and spend a grand, no, not really.
Thanks for the replies guys. B-String, the new G-K's got past me; the Fusion series looks like a real winner. I assumed they were taller like my two Genz Benz Shuttle 9's. The GBS9's eclipse the 1U rack height so their rack ears make the heads take-up two rack spaces… Ugh!!! What I'm after is to minimize my total rack space height (Max 8U) and maintain a wet/dry rig, with an IEM system and effects. Thanks again, this has been a big help. {} {}
Those two Shuttles would fit on one 3ru blank, and you'd gain an ru. Plus getting rid of anything for 'Gary Vox' may save space too
Why do I want to cram the designer into 1u? Why not 1/2u and quarter rack width while we are at it eh? Sleeves off a vest to me - I want a 6sl7 [or some genius making it happen SS] into a rock solid 70v + set of stiff rails and could not care less how high the stack is - or that it wants full rack width - no really - all these format questions are silly ******** by my lights*. That said - Nice of you to keep it all under the weight of a bag of concrete if you please *[forgive me Charlie I know you like to squeeze the burn but you rock for other reasons thus your brains are wasted on this silliness IMO - of course you were wasted and trying to find your way home to begin with so I guess that's all sorted]
They make 1u power amps. Some of them are inexpensive but run hot and aren't great (Stewart World) but the ones that are solid cost some real loot (powersoft, lab gruppen, bryston).
I'd love a full rack class d. I'm still bummed and confused why Peavey didn't do it. They have 1.5 rack amps called headliner. Which is the same as 2 really. So why not just make it 2? So close. So so close.
Don't forget to leave breathing room...... sometimes you have to leave a space open above the gear that generates a good amount of heat.
{} I know this is 2U therefore double the size you are looking for, but in its defence it also has analog/digital effects w/ metronome and tuner, headphone out on the front panel and 3 preamp tubes easily accesible from the rear (no tools required to swap tubes) and a line out. All in a shallow rack. Did I mention It sounds amazing? The Kern preamp is still one of the sweetest units ever made.
The Demeter is worth every dollar - it's really the one to beat in my experience. Keep an eye on the classifieds and score a used one.
Any desire for 200+ watts in a 1ru package, yes. Any desire to replace my 2ru power amp and spend more than $300, no, not really.
i LOVE my Stewart World!!! best amp i've used in 35yrs. class H is 1000x faster switching than class D! that alone accounts for something very awesome along the signal path, imo. YMMV
Speaking of such things...This showed up in my FB feed a week or two ago. S.O.S Bass Preamp Although I have no idea how they're doing a 1U 6SL7. I can't believe there's room to do it.