Setting up a rack

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mike3354
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Mike3354

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Ok, I figure this might be the place to post this, as it is a sort of newbie question, but if it's not i can repost in The Rack section.

So, I'm looking to set up a rack, and can't find the overview I'm looking for with the search option, but I might just be overlooking things.

I understand the stuff that goes in it, like preamps, effects processors, equalizers, things like that. But what basic stuff do you need in every rack? I know you sometimes need fans/blank racks spaces to disperse some heat. What about those power conditioners (usually Furman) I see a lot. I just don't want to set up my rack and overlook something like this, resulting in damaged gear/not enough rack spaces/things like that.

Thanks.
 
You put in what you need. That's really all there is to it.

Sure, a power supply might be a good thing for most racks - Vent panels will be needed for some, but not for all.

The only thing you really need in "all" racks are rails that aren't stripped and a decent supply of rack screws. Everything else is up to you.
 
Thanks! Now i think i'm armed with enough information to start setting up a rack.
 
Ask not what you need to set up a rack, but what you need to run a more effective recording or mixing rig. As you discover a need for something, then you get it and start building a rack.
 
I have no idea what you're setup looks like, so heres a "basic rack".

Power Conditioner (surge protection and provides outets for other equipment).
Patchbays (All equipment is hooked into the back so you can re-rout things quicky).
Preamps (boost signal from mics, instruments, etc to send to a/d converters).
Effects Processors (ad reverb, delay, etc to your setup).
EQs (Allows cutting and boosting of certain frequencies for more pleasant sound).
Compressors ( Lowers signal level of "loud parts" so the overall volume is less varied).
Gates ( Basically glorified auto-mutes for removing unwanted noise)
Headphone amplifiers (distribute headphone signal for multiple listeners)
Drawers (storing things)
Blank panels (finisheds off the look
Vents (Allows air circulation
Fans ( Allows air circulation)

Thats a very basic overview of some common rack equipment. But most importantly, you will achieve better sound with less equipment until you know you need more. Start with nothing, and when you encounter a problem (i.e. levels change too rapidly to control) search around for what piece of equipment would solve that problem (i.e. a compressor).
 
what im running the Line 6 POD Pro as my effects processor/gate/compresser, can it also be used as a poweramp too? or no? b/c im like 99% sure it can be used as a digital interface if i wanted to plug it into a computer and start recording
 
A Pod can NOT be used as a power amp. It can be used as a single interface for a single input (basically just like any other piece of digital gear). It'll also split a mono signal into dual mono or stereo (w/printed effects).
 
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