Rackmount amps

[3'scompany]

I've seen many people using rackmount preamps and power amps but never really understood the concept. While I realize that it's kinda a cool idea, and a very expensive one that's good for showing the size of your pocket book, why is it any better than me putting my triple rectifier head in a shock mount case and having rack spaces above it? All the preamps I see are usually only 2 channels while a lot of good heads are all 3 channels. I personally like the versatility of 3 channels. Are you able to mix and match pieces to better narrow down your tone? I've been playing guitar and into the gear for quite a few years now but have never had anyone explain this to me. Other than "cool-factor" and compact size, I don't really see any advantage.

By the way, I am putting both my heads in a case with some rack spaces and was wondering if anyone has any ideas for pieces I could put in my rack to help with my tone or overall live performance ability. So far I've got a furman power conditioner, a 482i BBE sonic maximizer, and a korg rack tuner. I 'm looking for a good, but not outrageously expensive rack mount wireless system and I'm staying away from rackmount effect processors. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Rackmount amps

I don't think that utilizing a preamp/processor and rackmount power amp (like I do) is "better" than your triple rec amp and rack equipment above it. Noone has all the answers and everyone takes a different road in their quest for the perfect tone. Having played through some very nice amps myself over the last 26 years, I don't think I'm finished in my quest, but my current route dictates my equipment preferences for the moment.
As far as wireless units, I've have very good luck with Audio Technica's 1400 Series. They're UHF, metal chassis units that take up half of a single space. I currently own 2 of them and couldn't be happier with their performance. Good luck!

 

[Artie]

Re: Rackmount amps

One thing too, to keep in mind, the 19" standard rack mount, preceeded electric guitars by decades. All kinds of equipment, including industrial amps, were made this way for a long time before Leo came along. Certain pro-audio companies then added guitar amplification to their line. The 19" rack mount has always been around, though.

 

[aleclee]

Re: Rackmount amps

I'm not a rack guy but here are a few reasons folks have rack rigs:

• Ability to mix & match preamp and power amp
• Simplified setup/teardown. The only connections are guitar -> rack -> speakers and foot controller -> rack.
• Stereo FX
• MIDI control of patches where one button press on the foot controller changes amp channel and switches FX on/off. No more tap dancing to go from clean chorus + reverb to uneffected crunch.
• Rack FX are generally of higher quality than stompboxes

 

[Burkwieser]

Re: Rackmount amps

Versatility!!!

 

[gordon_39422]

Re: Rackmount amps

Versatility!!!

+1

As stated earlier, protection in one case provides for simple set-ups!

 

[lastwinj]

Re: Rackmount amps

One thing too, to keep in mind, the 19" standard rack mount, preceeded electric guitars by decades. All kinds of equipment, including industrial amps, were made this way for a long time before Leo came along. Certain pro-audio companies then added guitar amplification to their line. The 19" rack mount has always been around, though.

so have the industrial 24" types.

germ