Question about Rackmount Cases

[Dennis Smith]

Something not yet mentioned is how you're planning on securing your gear inside of a rack. Does the amp you're looking at racking need front AND rear mounting or is it light enough that only mounting it to the front rails will be sufficient? If the amp is at all heavy its own weight will eventually warp the front faceplate and rack ears/rails after many miles and shows of rough load-ins/outs, so it may be worth considering a rack than lets the amp site flush on the bottom of the rack enclosure itself and takes te pressure off of the rail mounting points of contact. However, then you open up the can of worms regarding regular vs shockmount racks and if the extra bulk and weight is worth the protection from drops or trauma.

I'm using an SKB Roto Shockmount 6U rack for my Furman Power Conditioner, Aguilar DB659 and Aguilar DB728. It's super heavy all loaded up (around 110 lbs) and has me actually looking into buying an Ampeg SVT or VR because its LIGHTER by comparison (sad, huh? ), but the SKB functions perfectly and is about the best "buy it now" option out there IMO without getting into custom-made ATA cases which I'm looking into.

If you happen to be around Austin then shoot me a pm and we can meet up over a beer and you can check out my shockmount rack!

Yes, the amp has rear mounting as well. Also, It weighs 40 pounds on its own.

 

[Dennis Smith]

i personally dont think you need the extra space "for breathing room" for the amp.
i would go with a 5space for what you wanted.
heres me..............................
View attachment 627852

What brand case is that?

 

[Dug2]

What brand case is that?

skb 4space roto rack

 

[Dennis Smith]

Thanks for all the info and advice.... I have a pretty good idea what I'm after now. I'll post a pic of the new rig after I get it all together....

 

[Dug2]

right on

 

[neckdive]

Here's a few photos of my rolling SKB 6u to the mix. I have an 4u SVT II (non pro), a 1u Korg Pitchblack tuner and a Line 6 G90 wireless.

The power strips are inside in the back. I have one main one velcroed to the bottom which has a long 15' HD cord, and another with wider spacing power strip velcroed above it for wall warts and anything else. I coil all of the cords with large rubber bands and coil the main 15'cord up and tuck it inside, plugging it into the wallwart strip so it won't bounce around during transport.

In the photo I use a fan clipped to the lip of the back corner which works incredibly well keeping things cool. Playing at home at low volumes, the amp never gets hot so I don't need the external fan.

The tuner is so small leaving a full 1u space above the amp. Even the wirless as about half depth so there's plenty of space above the SVT. The whole rack is pretty heavy but its on rollers. For any accessories, I use a computer laptop bag piggy backed to the pull handle for one trip.

 

[Dennis Smith]

Here's a few photos of my rolling SKB 6u to the mix. I have an 4u SVT II (non pro), a 1u Korg Pitchblack tuner and a Line 6 G90 wireless.

The power strips are inside in the back. I have one main one velcroed to the bottom which has a long 15' HD cord, and another with wider spacing power strip velcroed above it for wall warts and anything else. I coil all of the cords with large rubber bands and coil the main 15'cord up and tuck it inside, plugging it into the wallwart strip so it won't bounce around during transport.

In the photo I use a fan clipped to the lip of the back corner which works incredibly well keeping things cool. Playing at home at low volumes, the amp never gets hot so I don't need the external fan.

The tuner is so small leaving a full 1u space above the amp. Even the wirless as about half depth so there's plenty of space above the SVT. The whole rack is pretty heavy but its on rollers. For any accessories, I use a computer laptop bag piggy backed to the pull handle for one trip.

View attachment 628571 View attachment 628572 View attachment 628573

Your pic Is very helpful....I was going to get that same exact tuner. So... I should be sufficient with a 4U with a power strip vs a 6U with a power conditioner. That tuner should leave plenty of clearance for ventilation.

 

[ArtechnikA]

Your pic Is very helpful....I was going to get that same exact tuner. So... I should be sufficient with a 4U with a power strip vs a 6U with a power conditioner. That tuner should leave plenty of clearance for ventilation.

The Pitchblack is only about 3" deep.
I like my Carvin "power conditioner" for the lights and the sequential power up/down.
I understand it's not really regulating or conditioning much.

So - yes. IMO, good heavy-duty power strip would do just as good a job.
I have been thinking about uprating my wireless to a G90 and I'd rather be without the power conditioner than the drawer...
Since I have a deep rack case there's plenty of room for stuff like a power strip in the back.

 

[Dennis Smith]

I think I'm sold now on the idea of getting a 4U deep case now.... I didn't really consider the added weight before...and it looks like I'd have plenty of ventilation.