Got a 4-space rack, only 3 units filled. What else should I get?

[PolkaHero]

So far I've got a QSC PLX 3002 power amp and a BBE BMAX-T preamp in a four space SKB rack. I'm considering the following pieces of equipment:

• Furman power conditioner
• Korg DTR tuner
• dbx compressor
• A different-sounding preamp from mine such as a Sansamp RBI (solid-state)

What do you guys think? I don't want anything that will add alot of extra weight. I'm leaning towards the tuner, but is there anything else out there that would be beneficial to an already decent setup? Thanks!

 

[fenderbluesdude]

id probably go with the tuner

the furman power conditioner is nothing but a glorified power strip

 

[johnbegone]

I have a power conditioner and a tuner in mine, but if I had to choose one or the other I guess I'd choose the tuner.

 

[Lyle Caldwell]

Well, the Korg is just a glorified cheap tuner, too.

I'd say a blank rack panel for now, and then really try a lot of other pres and compressors before adding something else to your rig.

 

[basicallybass]

You CAN'T go wrong w/ an RBI...but then again, I think you might like it more than the BMAX (half the price too) and you'll be in the same boat again, w/ an empty spot. I'd go w/ a Middle Atlantic spacer (1 sp. perforated)...they look great and allow for increased air circulation. I've always advocated allowing your power amp that extra space for cooling (even if a fan is present/installed).

this link is a pic of the 2 space variant:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--MIDVT1

 

[Lockout]

I've got a somewhat related question concerning power conditioners...

Furman makes a whole bunch of different power conditioners, but is there really any difference between the cheapest (Rackrider series) and the more expensive (PL-PRO series)? I could understand such a huge difference in price between a power conditioner and an actual AC regulator, but I've seen Furman power conditioners (not including the AC regulators) that range from $40 all the way up to $350, and I don't understand it.

Is there a major difference between these models that would make a more expensive one worth buying? Or are they all just "glorified power strips" like everyone says?

 

[PolkaHero]

You CAN'T go wrong w/ an RBI...but then again, I think you might like it more than the BMAX (half the price too) and you'll be in the same boat again, w/ an empty spot. I'd go w/ a Middle Atlantic spacer (1 sp. perforated)...they look great and allow for increased air circulation. I've always advocated allowing your power amp that extra space for cooling (even if a fan is present/installed).

this link is a pic of the 2 space variant:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--MIDVT1

But my QSC cools from front to rear. A blank space above the amp isn't necessary. How would you compare the sound of the RBI to the BMAX-T?

 

[Chad Michael]

...is there anything else out there that would be beneficial to an already decent setup? Thanks!

Yes.

If your setup is already decent, leave the space empty. Take the money and buy an expensive dinner for you and your significant other .

 

[IvanMike]

imho the furman conditioners are tops
its like paying for insurance - you could get by your whole life with no accidents
the pl plus and pl 8 offer pretty decent protection from spikes, teh plus lets you see the voltage that the wall is giving you
they also offer a degree of noise suppression from "bad" power
the pl pro has additional protection, the big thing with it is that it will protect from huge power surges - like lightning strikes
i use pl pros, but i got them cheep (150), otherwise i probably would use pluses unless i had a lot of really expensive stuff (like in a recording studio and/or big money mic pres and compressors)
i would vote power conditioner 1st, compressor second, tuner dead last

 

[Munjibunga]

Tuner.

 

[CMac86]

I've got the SansAmp RBI and a BBE BMax T. I like having them both. For marching band, jazz band, and the other bands where i double on BG and DB, it's nice to be able to leave one preamp setup for upright work and one setup for electric. Really reduces switch time to me. [i'm 18 and a senior in high school]

There is a huge [to my ears] tonal difference between the BMax T and the RBI. I haven't [still haven't even after all this time] sat down and really just fiddled with the tonal settings on the BMaxT. I've found a sound that works for me, i modify it a little bit here and there-but i don't think i know how to currently/can't get the same degree of tonal variety out of it that i can the RBI.

With that being said, if it wasn't for the price that i got the BMax T for-i'm not sure if i would have ended up with this preamp despite the praise it's received on here-not a negative thing, but just since i don't know if i would have paid $600+s&h or tax for this VS. an Ampeg SVP or Billy Shehan, etc for however much they go for.

I bought my Bmax T off of someone on here for $300 shipped and i bought my SansAmp RBI off of a guy here for i forget how much-less than $250 i believe.

If you just play bass guitar [no doubling]-i don't really think there'd be that much of a reason beyond you wanting another pre, to get one. I'd probably leave the space open and then fill it with either the tuner or the glorified power strip err Conditioner. I do want to buy a conditioner and then get some really short AC cables so that i can clean up the inside of my rack a bit-rather than having a power strip with various lengths of AC cord hanging out the back of my rack.

As far as the tuners go-i've always just used the little Korg CA30s or whatever they're called. The hand held ones. I think a rack mount tuner would be nice, but for me-it doesn't make so much sense.

Compressor-i can't comment on as i don't use a compressor. The one on the BMax T, i leave disengaged.

A vent panel or other type of filler, if you want it-go for it, i'd probably just soon leave it empty than put one of those in.

That's all

 

[PolkaHero]

I ordered a vented filler panel for now. I guess I don't have any absolute need for any of the above items right now. Thanks for all the advice, guys!

 

[Stinsok]

Don't get anything. Keep your signal path short and your sound as clear as possible. I know, that empty space is calliing to you -"fill me!"

 

[DougP]

i had the same issue, so i bought an Aphex 204. i love it.

 

[7thbass]

This might possibly change your life:
http://www.funklogic.com/dd301.htm

try 2:00 on the vintagerator and 9:15 on the tuberator and let the tone flow.

 

[slinkp]

LOL, I was just about to suggest some Funk Logic gear.
Too bad the Palindrometer is 3 spaces, that thing kicks some serious ass.

<img src="http://www.funklogic.com/images/makepalbigger.jpg" width="796" height="220" />

 

[basicallybass]

This might possibly change your life:
http://www.funklogic.com/dd301.htm

try 2:00 on the vintagerator and 9:15 on the tuberator and let the tone flow.

That is SO original! I immediately purchased one; and can't wait to hear how it sounds!

 

[basicallybass]

But my QSC cools from front to rear. A blank space above the amp isn't necessary. How would you compare the sound of the RBI to the BMAX-T?

I know this is a little late to reply, but for the sake of others that might be remotely interested...
For the $$$ the RBI cannot be beat! A feature, aside from its wide spectrum of tone that IMO puts it over the BBE is the ability to send a separate level to the house system through the DI. I think this is the biggest mistake made by the engineers at BBE (not including a separate control for DI level). So when using the BBE, you feel the need to come up in volume onstage, you crank the master...well guess what(?) You just pissed off the soundman...(screwing w/ his levels) - and if you're smart...don't mess with the soundman. He can make or break you out front.
Bottom line: RBI=easy live application tones (surprizingly tubey - if you want) at an unbelievable price. Under $600...the RBI gets my vote... - and I think they can be had brand new for $299!