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Hate my Rack/Rig....is simpler better?

manbass

manbass

May 20, 2004
700
220
Tampa Bay
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#1
My Rack is:

Bass > GK 400 RB IV > (in loop) > BBE 362 NR sonic max > dbx 160 compressor > Korg DTR2 strobe tuner > (out loop) > Schroeder 1212L
> Board PA Post Pre

I plug 2 basses into an A/B pedal every gig, in case one craps out, then go into this rack line. Its all signal processing instead of effects, I dont use effects.

My A/B switch keeps shorting so I took that out , then the dbx got fussy 2 weeks in a row, so I bypassed the loop entirely.

I dont "hear" any use for the compressor at gig volume, its just useless, my technique isnt so sloppy anymore that I need it for leveling anyway. The BBE doesnt get heard for its enhancement, although its noise reduction is helpful depending on the grounding situation.

So I think I'm going to change out this rack rig and put a single head in its place....no more chain of signal processors. Its beginning to be an overlapping, over complicating, overdone application.

Anyone been here and done it and been happier with a simpler rig?
IE Bass>Amp>Cab.
 
#6
Bass --> Boss TU2 --> BBE Opto Stomp --> Genz Benz Shuttle 3 Combo.
The Tuner may come out and move to the Tuner Out on the combo. I like a little compression, though...even live.

Whatever you do, dump the rack. There's just no need anymore.
 
#8
SteveC said:
Whatever you do, dump the rack. There's just no need anymore.
Click to expand...

JimmyM said:
I dumped my rack two weeks ago and I couldn't be happier.
Click to expand...

I disagree. This is up to the individual musician, as most gear choices ultimately are. I've owned rack setups and heads for years. I currently have both a Shuttle 6.0 head and an F-1X/DCM600 rack. I've owned a number of different preamps and power amps.

I was never much into rack-mounted effects, though. To me, the "rack" always meant the separate preamp and power amp. Keep it smaller, keep it lighter, if effects are needed, do 'em on the floor.

If you can only afford one thing to amplify your bass, then sure, go for the modern tiny powerful head. If you can afford to own other equipment, and you have either the need or the want for more, the rack system, when properly designed, will be very satisfying.

I love my Shuttle. But do I love it more than the F-1X/DCM600. No! That rack has something that the modern tiny head will never have.

But the Shuttle is much smalller and lighter. There is a place for it.

There may not be a need for a huge, 150 pound, 12 space rack, but my rack is three rack spaces and weighs about 30 pounds. That ain't bad at all for the tone it produces.

Bottom line, I disagree that there is no need for a rack setup for a bassist. Some will decide to do away with a rack completely. More power to 'em. Not me!
 
#9
I'd say whats your definition of "simpler"?.....I went from a combo Ampeg rig (which was a good amp) to a rack system,I found the rack/cab rig to be just as simple as the combo,yes thers more to tote at gigs but I find it more than makes up for in quality sound.My rack system is also an all Ampeg set up.Don't get me wrong I have nothing against a light weight good sounding combo bass amp,For me?.....I found the rack rig gives me much more options.tis better to turn down than to struggle to try and turn up!:p




Spector club member # 109
Ampeg club member # 436
 
#10
MichaelVee said:
I disagree.
Click to expand...
How could you disagree that I couldn't be happier ditching the rack? ;)

Well fortunately for you, racks are here to stay, but I have successfully replaced all my rack gear with non-rack versions that I can mount on a simple 1/4" piece of plywood (except of course for the head), so it feels good not to have to tote an extra 50 or 60-lb. box.
 
#16
Heres me rack minus the tuner...the dbx is a 163 "overeasy".
th_rack.jpg
 
#17
I run a simple rack. Eden 400, by-pass to Sabine tuner, Eden 2x10 XST.
Dropped the effects pedals. A rack is indispensable as far as protection & setup time.
Tried a Eden gig bag,too much handling and no protection.
One note about the new mini bass heads. I'd like to see a mini rack come out.
That would be the balls. We should bug the case companies to make them.
I asked SKB if they had considered it and they said no. Once again if we bug them
maybe marketing would pick up on it. Necessity is the mother of invention.
 
#19
After playing racks for 20 years, I finally went to a head speaker setup and found it to be freedom, and hassle free. With a rack it was always possible to add something. Which can be a GAS enabling syndrom feeding frenzy. I still have a two space rack to carry a tuner and power regulator. If you pick wisely, ie. try before you buy, I think a head and speakers that are designed to be played together work great. In other words you should be able to twist the knobs any which way and not be concerned that you are going to blow something up. Also warranties are much easier to use if you have a matched system. In my setup I have four cords to hook up and I am done. Power x 2, speaker, and instrument. Done. This lets my focus be on music, which I think is the point. If there is still a GAS syndrome to feed, you can then try and find the right cables, the sweet spot to mic the cabs, and the right mics to use. If you want to use tubes, then you can go down that path, but I decided to stay a STOCK guy and not tread down that path. Tata.

G&L SB-2>Marshall VBA400>Marshall VBC810 >Heil PR40 mic to the board
if big gig or needed distortion sounds-Lehle P-split> Trace Elliott Speed Twin>Marshall VBC810 >Heil PR30 mic to the board

or SB-2>Acoustic 450>Acoustic B200H>Acoustic 106

or SB-2>Kustom 200>Kustom 3-15
 

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