modular rack system update

[DankStar]

OK, so after a lot of thinking I decided to go with the following for now for my rack stuff (I call it modular since I'm keeping the pre and power amps separate):



A new XSPRO 2-space rack off ebay for the preamps - a killer budget priced rack case that closes up nice. The JMP sticks out the back a couple of inches without the back door on, but that doesn't bother me at all. It all packages up nice for transport. I'd totally buy another one of the XSPRO cases.

I was thinking about maybe another XSPRO for the carvin (also sticks out with back door off & fits with door on), but when I saw a good deal on a lightly used 2-space pearson ($30 incl. shipping) I went with that. I don't think I could build a box that cheap. It's lighter than I thought it'd be. I'm not a huge fan of the carpet but I can live with it for now. I might cover it with orange tolex or something down the road for giggles. The one thing that shocked me was that they show these pictures of huge handles on the sides. But it's only on one side! I didn't see that coming. I guess they want you to carry it like a suitcase.



I know a lot of you like huge racks where everything is in one rack with room for more & wheels (and an elevator with a bellhop) but that wouldn't quite work for me at this stage. I need my stuff to fit in my man closet, on a shelf system. And there's times I just want to grab the preamps for stuff.

I'm still toying with the idea of ditching the two 1 x 12"s and going with a 2 x 12" cab where it could be run in mono or stereo. Or at least two 1 x 12"s that are identical in shape.

 

[Jeff5]

Re: modular rack system update

That's cool. I've been thinking of doing that as well. It will really help hauling the thing as the power amp combined with everything else is a beast.

 

[DankStar]

Re: modular rack system update

yeah, the power amp is pretty heavy; I couldn't imagine combining it with other gear and a case and moving it around easily. I'll probably downsize someday to a single spaced valvestate or velocity type power amp but it wouldn't be for a better tone cause I'm loving the sound of the carvin.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: modular rack system update

In my rack days I had an ENGL preamp, Eventide processor, and Marshall EL34 100/100 in a single rack.
It was retardo heavy!!

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: modular rack system update

If I recall correctly, the Marshall JMP-1 has a pair of ECC83/12AX7s glowing away inside of it. The Digitech effects processor does not.

There is an argument for positioning the unit in most need of ventilation nearest the top of the rack case. There is also an argument for mounting the entire rig in a single flight case and leaving air gaps between the individual devices. Add blanking panels at the front of the case. A wheeled "trolley" case would take care of weight problems.

 

[DankStar]

Re: modular rack system update

The digital unit is super shallow - meaning at least one of the vent holes for the tubes on the jmp are still exposed (another is covered by the gsp unit). I did a little heat test and the digitech gets much hotter for some reason. But as of yet I don't run them at the same time. Most of the photos of jmps have the unit stuffed right up against other gear. I think maiden uses two units right on top of each other.

Sadly, even when I do run stuff I only seem to play for like 30-45 min bursts here and there. My days of being able to play for 4 hours straight are long gone. I almost got a 3 space for the carvin to let it breathe but it's got a fan, it's open on the back (with some space on the sides), there's no top vents, and there's no other equipment with it to further heat it up.

If I was a touring musician I'd probably do the trolley type thing.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: modular rack system update

What's the deal with the JMP-1? Is it a Marshall sounding preamp or was it Marshalls foray into the 80's rack preamp tones?

 

[DankStar]

Re: modular rack system update

What's the deal with the JMP-1? Is it a Marshall sounding preamp or was it Marshalls foray into the 80's rack preamp tones?

I'd say both - it does a great 80s marshall jcm800 type thing, but can also do ac/dc to as heavy as maybe priest's jugulator. I think one of its big selling points was it being midi-controlled.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: modular rack system update