GK RB head in two-space rack?

[Mystic Michael]

I own a Gallien Krueger 700RB-II amp head, which I keep in a three-space SKB shallow rack. Why three spaces, you ask? Well since the RB heads are vented at the top of the amp - not at the sides or the front/back like most amp heads - I thought the extra space might be needed, to make sure the head receives adequate ventilation while in use (I'll be gigging it soon, but haven't used it just yet).

Now I'm beginning to think that was unnecessary, and that a regular two-space shallow rack would work for the RB just fine, without any danger of the amp overheating. For those of you RB players - any of the RB models - who have been using it with a two-space rack, have you ever experienced any overheating as a result of constricted airflow to the amp? Any such problems at all with using two spaces?

MM

 

[ashtray]

I can't recall now - I think I used to run my 400rb-III in a 2 space for a bit. Eventually added either a rack compressor or tuner though and moved it to a 3 space. I don't remember any heat issues with the 2 space but will let someone else chime in with more recent experience.

 

[B-string]

Fortunately, air is drawn into the top and exhausted out the front. If you have 3/4" clearance at the top of the amp, you should have no trouble.

 

[GoatBass]

I run my 700RB-II in a two-space SKB shallow rack. No overheating issues here.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Fortunately, air is drawn into the top and exhausted out the front. If you have 3/4" clearance at the top of the amp, you should have no trouble.

This! I used to do so with a couple of 700RB (first version) with no issues.

 

[Mystic Michael]

Bump for more replies...

I've just sold off my three-space SKB Shallow X-rack. The new model - the Roto-Molded Shallow Rack - appears to be superior in every way. I'm looking specifically at the two-space model:

Roto-Molded 2U Shallow Rack | SKB Music / ProAV

Here's what I really need to know: For those who are using a GK 400RB-IV, 700RB-II or 1001RB-II amp head (3.5 inches tall) with a two-space SKB rack (any SKB rack with 3.5 inches of interior height), do you find that there is, in actual usage, at least a half-inch of clearance between the top surface of the amp and the interior top surface of the rack?

In my experience, official measurements are not always equivalent to actual measurements, so this is a valid question. Although I have the amp head, I don't own the two-space rack. So I can't actually see for myself how much clearance exists.

Any RB-series head that uses a heat sink on the rear panel instead of fan vent on the top panel isn't applicable to this question. I need only to gather more user experiences regarding two-space rack clearance for the top fan vent.

Thanks,

MM

 

[Jeff Scott]

My guess is there is your 1/2" of needed space in that rack.

 

[1bassplayinfool]

My 1001RBii lives in a 3sp rack at the moment. If I took the rubber feet off I'd gain a little more room on top.

 

[Mystic Michael]

OK, I've researched this enough. A two-space rack it is.

MM

 

[Mystic Michael]

My new SKB Roto-Molded two-space Shallow Rack arrived last night. It is indeed a great fit for a GK 700RB-II.

Only downside (for me) was that the mounting slots on the GK's rack ears didn't quite sync up with the screw holes on the SKB rails. Most of the screws were a very tight fit, with one that I could ratchet down only about halfway. It's the best I could do.

No matter. The amp is in there very snugly - I even had to take off its rubber feet. Yet to my relief, there is in fact some clearance between the top surface of the GK and the inside top surface of the SKB - at least the better part of an inch, I'd say.

MM

 

[Chef]

Fortunately, air is drawn into the top and exhausted out the front. If you have 3/4" clearance at the top of the amp, you should have no trouble.

Yup. Just what Jason at GK told me too
My 1001RBII is in a two space SKB rack.

 

[maraton]

Yup. Just what Jason at GK told me too
My 1001RBII is in a two space SKB rack.

Hi, I am new member and i have question about right rack for my brand new GK 700 rbII. After some researches , including Talkbass, I bought 2u rack. Just in case, my friend contacted GK (Jason), who wrote back: " We recommend a 3 space rack to allow more clearance above the for venting". So Im a little bit confused. Is it necessary to sell 2u rack and buy 3u rack? Thanx!

 

[arbiterusa]

So Im a little bit confused. Is it necessary to sell 2u rack and buy 3u rack? Thanx!

I would.

 

[moley6knipe]

I went for a deep, 3U, rack for my 700 because 1) manual said so 2) the extra height and depth means I can fit a box with my cables in the rack for transport 3) the ****ing guitarist insisted on knocking the previous amp (SVT 3, 2U) over at every opportunity. 3U more stable when stood up!

 

[Chef]

GK told me the amp needs 3/4” of clearance over the top.
Which my 2 space rack provided.
So that’s what I did with no issues

 

[Paulabass]

They are fine in a plastic rack as there is plenty of airspace. I wouldn't put one in an Anvil style case since the top would lie almost directly on it.

 

[mesaplayer83]

GK told me the amp needs 3/4” of clearance over the top.
Which my 2 space rack provided.
So that’s what I did with no issues

Yeah, I've run a 700rb-II in a 2U SKB case in the past without any issues - this is the only pic I could find of it...

 

[Chef]

pretty sure that's the same rack I used.

 

[RumbleBot]

Been running this track for over 15 years without a problem!

 

[maraton]

Thank you for the quick answers! Gk 700 rb manual advice is one rack space above the head (1.75"), and their rack bag is 3U. So, its seems that 2U rack is enough, but 3U is safer. Now im not in hurry.