Rack Setup??

[Skullkrusher]

Alrighty, I'm looking to build up a nice rack to jam with. Im new at the rack game, but I know that I'll at least nead a Pre-Amp, Power Amp and whatever effect unit I want.............right? I need you guys to steer me in the right direction as far as brand and what not. I appreciate any help you guys can offer. Thanks in advance.

 

[some_dude]

Re: Rack Setup??

Is this literally for jamming (ie, hanging out with friends and playing)? If so, I'd recommend a combo.


Otherwise, what sounds are you after (bands, amps, genres, effects types)? What heads do you like?

 

[Hellion]

Re: Rack Setup??

My main show system is an 6 space rack. From top to bottom: 1) Juice Goose power supply, 2) Audio-Technica 1400 Series FM wireless system, 3) DBX 163x single channel compressor, 4) Digitech GSP-5 (yes, I know it's archaic), 5) BBE 482 Sonic Maximizer and 6) Marshall 8008 SS Power amp.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Rack Setup??

to give an example...my 6 space rack includes:
Rack Rider Power w/lights
Oberheim Digital Echoplex Pro looping device
Roland GP-100 Preamp
Roland XV-5050 synth
Roland GI-10 midi interface
Alesis Nanoverb

I don't use a poweramp, just a preamp direct to the PA. I would ony recommend a rack setup if you really like lots of different sounds and are into the programming it takes to get them all.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Rack Setup??

i use:

furman power conditioner
korg dtr-200 tuner
a rocktron proGAP (as seen in jurassic park)
a rocktron Intellfiex (as seen in jurassic park II)


and a carvin SS DCM-600 power amp



if i was starting from scratch, my choices for preamp/effects would be:

- mesa triaxis (if money were no object), roctron prophesy, carvin tone navigator
- G-major

good luck getting into the rack world .. it's pricey, but fun

cheers
t4d

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Rack Setup??

Is this literally for jamming (ie, hanging out with friends and playing)? If so, I'd recommend a combo.

+1

...you don't make friends with rack gear.

 

[FretFire]

Re: Rack Setup??

+1 for a combo or even head/212. I had a rack setup, and sold it off after playing out with it twice, it was that big of a pain for the type of situations I play in. I was using:

Furman PL-8
Line 6 PODxt Pro
Behringer GEQ3102 dual 31-band EQ
BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer
Peavey PV260 Stereo power amp

It was 8 spaces, 90 pounds (not including my 4x12), and with it and the cab in my truck I didn't have room for a backup guitar. If you're just looking to use this in jamming environments, I'd seriously reconsider. IMO racks are more of a large venue tool, since you'll likely not be the one moving everything .

 

[Skullkrusher]

Re: Rack Setup??

Thanks guys!! I've got some combo amps, so I can always fall back on them. I will primarily use the rack for just jamming with my buddies, but there will be a few gigs here and there. Either way, I just want to get into the rack world.............for the heck of it. I won't go over the top with it. I just want "the basics", if that makes sense.

 

[FretFire]

Re: Rack Setup??

Cool man, good luck! Remember to follow one rule of thumb: Buy a rack with more space than you "need". If you only need 4 get 6-8, if you need 8 get 12, etc. That way you can say, "it's for better air circulation" when you REALLY know it's "in case I get G.A.S. for another gizmo" .

 

[Chi3f]

Re: Rack Setup??

i have the g major and it's a great unit. I'm extremely glad i bought it

 

[DirrtyCraig]

Re: Rack Setup??

I used to have a great rack setup years ago, now I'm straight into a 100 watt head. Heres my old setup.

ADA MP-1 Pre-amp
Alesis Quadraverb Midi-thru the ADA for channel switching
Peavey Classic 120/120 tube power amp.

Over the years I switched the pre-amp from the ADA, to a Peavey rockmaster, Soldano Series II, Mesa Tri-axis and then back to an ADA. I still think the ADA MP-1 is the best rack pre-amp out there and has the best analog chorus I've ever heard.

 

[Robert S.]

Re: Rack Setup??

I'm a rack player so I won't try to talk you out of it but you need to consider a few things.

First off is tube or solid state. Solid state is generally (but not always) less expensive and is usually lighter. If you are moving an all tube rack by yourself it can get old quick. Casters for larger racks is a must. Something like the old Peavey rockmaster or a Rocktron Progap with a single space SS power amp, a G Major and a surge supressor will be very portable and not terribly expensive compared to an all tube rig with all the bells and whistles.

Secondly you will need to find something to control it, usually some sort of midi controller. That isn't a huge deal but it is an added cost and learning curve thing.

Also if you are running stereo you'll need to cart around 2 speaker cabnets, or at the very least wire a multiple speaker cab for stereo. you could run in mono, but why buy a bunch of stereo gear (usually) and then shoot a mono signal. Thats a lot of added expense for nothing.

I have a cute and rather tight, medium sized rack. I used to keep it all in an eight space rack but it really was too heavy to be practical. I split the whole thing into a four and and eight space rack to make it more portable and had Lastwinj from this forum build a set of break out boxes that convert all the patching to 7 pin DIN and the speaker jacks and wires were converted to neutrix. It's very easy to move and everything is on wheels.

I figure I have about $7k into it though so it's definately not a rig on a budget. You could probably build a SS rack for 1/10 of that off of Ebay, speakers not included.

Stuff:

Rack 1
Mesa Boogie SUS-4 eight space shock mount rack
Furman conditioner
Korg ToneWorks Tuner
Rack mounted Shure ULXS wireless
Triaxis preamp
BBE 362
TC Electronics G Major
Rocktron IntelliPitch

Rack 2
Mesa Boogie SUS-4 four space shock mount rack
Furman conditioner
Mesa boogie 2:90

Rocktron MidiMate midi controller
Ernie Ball volume pedal (expression)
2 - Mesa Boogie 90 watt 3/4 back cabs
A lot of wire

 

[Boleslaw Gers 666]

Re: Rack Setup??

I've got:

Furman RP-8L
Marshall JMP-1 tube preamp
Marshall 9200 tube power amp

I am planning on getting the Rocktron Intellifex or Marshall JFX-1 effects units if I ever get one. I hear they are both great. The Rocktron unit has one of their HUSH noise suppression units built in, though, which is a plus. If I get the JFX-1 I will put a HUSH in there too. But, never put the power amp next to the preamp or the power amp may overheat. It's all pretty complicated, but worth it in the end I think. I must mention Christian (The Guy Who Invented), because he taught me almost all of this stuff and I'm just passing it on to you. He really is a huge help with rack stuff, he could probably tell you better than I could.

 

[some_dude]

Re: Rack Setup??

I currently use a 6U rack.

1u - Empty (will fill this spot with a Korg Tuner)
1u - Furman PL-Plus power conditioner
2u - Mesa Rectifier Preamp
2u - Mesa 2:100 power amp

One of these days I plan on racking all my pedals, which will take another 5U...(one for the switcher, 4 for the pedal shelves).....

 

[Duke of Metal]

Re: Rack Setup??

ART power Conditioner
ADA MP-1 3TM (Soon to replace with somthing else)
Carvin T100 Tube Poweramp
Old Marshall 412 straight with celestion 75s

I was using a Rocktron Intellifex as an effects unit, but decided to sell it to buy either a new guitar or replacement preamp.

I'll buy an effects unit later on most likely.


Duke

 

[54stratlover]

Re: Rack Setup??

I like the marshall jmp-1 and the mesa tri-axis. power amps I like the marshall el34 power, and the 2:90 6l6 power amp. But for the price they are an expensive toy, but fun.

 

[Skullkrusher]

Re: Rack Setup??

Alrighty, I got myself a 4 space rack unit.............for REAL CHEAP. I was thinking of getting a 6 space, but I couldnt pass this up. Anyway, its going to be a work in progress, so what component should I get first?

 

[FretFire]

Re: Rack Setup??

I'd say either the preamp or power amp, whichever you can find a deal on first .

 

[Duke of Metal]

Re: Rack Setup??

Alrighty, I got myself a 4 space rack unit.............for REAL CHEAP. I was thinking of getting a 6 space, but I couldnt pass this up. Anyway, its going to be a work in progress, so what component should I get first?

Make sure you didnt get the cheap Roto model type rack case. The ATA model that has covers and rack rails on the front and back is the better model. The Roto model has only front rails and the back cover is flat with 2 little red turn dial locks.


Duke

 

[MrHeavyMetal]

Re: Rack Setup??

Alrighty, I got myself a 4 space rack unit.............for REAL CHEAP. I was thinking of getting a 6 space, but I couldnt pass this up. Anyway, its going to be a work in progress, so what component should I get first?

buy a new ss Peavey 260 $290 and scrounge a used Marshall JMP-1 on ebay and you'll be in business. I got my JMP-1 on ebay for $300 and my VS 120/120 for $275. and later scrounge a BBE sonic maximizer and you're addiction is only beginning lol. once you go rack, you'll never go back...

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/481343/