Is it safe ?

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Nah, but really, i do have a question.

Moving all my studio stuff into a single rack, as opposed to it just sitting on my desk. Would it be safe to plug all the studio stuff (currently presonus firepod, eureka and m-audio tampa) onto a surge protector extension cable, and just leave each unit turned on. And just use the switch on the extension cable for turning them all on or off?

 

[Shoewreck]

Gear isn't supposed to be turned off this way, so you'd better turn it off in last in chain to first in chain sequence and on in first to last... I'm a bit nerdy guy, though, so doing so makes me a great pleasure, but everyone should threat electronic devices right.

 

[Shoewreck]

I think I should develop an on/off sequence timer that would do it in one button press... Damn, am I nerdy?

 

[bluestarbass]

I think I should develop an on/off sequence timer that would do it in one button press... Damn, am I nerdy?

They have it already, furman makes them. I remember the rep showing me that and i thought what a good idea that was. I have to turn all my gear off in sequence so i dont get horrible noises comming out of my monitors or anything else for that matter.

 

[Shoewreck]

So, nearly every good thing worth inventing has already been invented. How does that device work? Does it break the power supply to every device in chain or does it push all the switch buttons (the craziest way I could imagine, so my favorite one)?

 

[bluestarbass]

It just powers the outlets off one at a time, like every 5 seconds or something like that. You only press 1 switch. That reminds me, put that back on the list of stuff I need to get.

 

[bassbrad]

Putting everythng in a rack and using a surge protector/power conditoner is a good idea but using the power supply as your master on/off may lead to problems. My rule has always been it it has a switch use it, there may be a shut down / power up sequence necessary for the unit to perform properly or save data that would be negated by a switching power source. You might loose preference or other settings if you do not properly power on/off those units.

 

[DocBop]

I would add a UPS to your list they are getting cheaper these days. The reason is isn't so much for graceful shutdown, but for clean power. Power dips can/are bigger problem than spikes. With a USP you have steady filtered power.

The problem with switching things on from power strip is the surge on the circuit and low power to the devices with all of them fighting for full power to power up. Some gear there are dependencies on order they are cycled on and off so have to read your manuals. I know the place I have been doing work lately has two full racks of gear. One is a full rack of Digidesign gear and a power conditioner. That the whole rack is powered on and off at the power conditioner. The second rack is all power amps and each amp is powered on and off separately. I would suspect because power amps are a huge power hit as they power up. Also the Digidesign rack is powered up first, then the amp rack.

So answer is RTFM and consider hitting a computer store for a small UPS unit. They will try to sell you a big USP tell them you just want it for clean power not uptime.

 

[SkiingLizard]

well I've always powered virtually everything up off 1 switch... but I do turn off my monitors off first and on last...
never had a problem
and I have way more gear than the OP...

digi002, synths, compressors, effects units etc

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

We'll i could easily turn the monitors on and off individually, and the tampa.

It was more the firepod and eureka, which both have fiddly rear switchs.


DocBop, were you suggesting something like this? :

http://www.clickonit.com/item/158813

 

[KPJ]

I just picked up one of these for my home computer.

Invalid Link Removed

Surge protector and UPS with replaceable battery. $50. I don't know if there is a UK version, but something like this should almost be standard to protect against spikes and outages.

 

[KeithPas]

Yeah , yeah its safe, its the safest thing in the world!!!!!!!!!
I don't know jack about recording stuff but that scene from "Marathon Man" totally rocks.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I just picked up one of these for my home computer.

Invalid Link Removed

Surge protector and UPS with replaceable battery. $50. I don't know if there is a UK version, but something like this should almost be standard to protect against spikes and outages.

We are pretty lucky here, the lines seem to be far more stable than what you guys in the US get.

I'll have a look into it, but i dont really have much cash left to spend on studio stuff atm.

Yeah , yeah its safe, its the safest thing in the world!!!!!!!!!
I don't know jack about recording stuff but that scene from "Marathon Man" totally rocks.

Hehe, aye, after writing the thread title, i thought the thread needed it