So, setting up a rack rig: Musts?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Joeytpg
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Joeytpg

Joeytpg

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Ok, I was gonna ask privately some people, but instead of bothering them I'll make it an open question maybe you can all shed some light.

I'm a noob when it comes to rack rigs, so far I've only owned heads and combos and since I'm getting an awesome preamp and a Digi GSP1101 I need to make this rack rig.

I wanna keep it as light and "small/portable" as possible.

What should a BASIC rack rig have? do I NEED power conditioner?, do I NEED a space for the GSP? the GSP will mostly be used in the studio for recording purposes and just overall practice, but it won't be an integral part of the rack rig, so I'm thinking about not devoting a Rack space for it.

What do I NEED to have in there?

I have a pedal board so I won't be using multi FX (in case I want to I can bring the GSP later on)

finally HOW do you set all that stuff up? how to connect it all so it works ?
 
I think a list of what you're planning to use would help. If it's all pedals, a rack pre and power amp, then you could get by with just a 6 space rack and power conditioner. that may leave some room to grow.
 
well I use mostly pedals, I don't really use multi FX units. This rack rig will be in the studio BUT I don't wanna make it too big since I don't like heavy rigs. I'd prob.
 
Most power conditioners are just surge protectors that cost a lot of money. I velcro'd a surge protector in the back of my rack. A voltage regulator is more meaningful, but may not be necessary.

These things get heavy quick. I had a 6U rack with a Rack Wah, Chandler SDE, and SLOr and that thing was really damn heavy. If you are using a tube power amp with large transformers, I'd stay to 6U or less or concede to a big rack on casters.

You just cable it up like anything else. I had a rack case with rear rack rails that I didn't use. So I used twist-ties through the rails to keep the cables together logically and out of the way. I'm sure Friedman would have vomited looking at it, but it definitely worked.
 
so a conditioner or a regulator is not needed right? I can just have a 4U? two slots occupied by the pre amp and two by the power amp
 
Stacking separate racks - power amp rack, pre and FX rack - is also a helpful way to go with regard to weight and transport.
 
brianiac5150":285nkfsf said:
Stacking separate racks - power amp rack, pre and FX rack - is also a helpful way to go with regard to weight and transport.
Click to expand...

Oh that sounds interesting. that way I can have a small rack with pre, GSP, and another pre if I feel like in the distant future, and keep the Power amp in another rack alone.
 
Carvin makes some good looking and reasonably priced rack cases and Musician's Friend has some, as well.

I've personally owned a six space MF case and it was very nice, well built and heavy. Those can be both pluses and minuses. Most important is protection, though, and I felt it was great for that.
 
Go with a Monster power supply surge protecter.


A list of what you have will help
 
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