What should I do with empty rackspace?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mshilarious
  • Start date Start date
mshilarious

mshilarious

Banned
I'm not sure how this happened.

My rack is:

3u of preamps (digimax LT, MP20, dual MP)
1u of converter (AI3)
1u of headphone amp (Oz)
2u of power supply
4u of computer
2u of power amp
3u of CD/tape

16u total in an 18u rack. I'm pretty happy with everything I have so far. As you can see I don't have outboard dynamics or effects, although I haven't felt that I needed them. I have 4 inputs and 2 outputs open on the converter.

Is there anything cool, maybe even vintage, that would be fun to add? Only rules are: must be rackmount, no wall warts (won't fit power supply), under $300 (used) per u.

The best suggestion gets their choice of whatever crap I have laying around that I don't want, which includes . . . hmmm, a 16" bodhran, a blank 3u rack panel, a cheap Pioneer 6x9 speaker . . . actually if anybody wants that stuff, lemme know. I'll look around, there's more, I gotta clean up this place :(
 
first off... computers come in rack mount forms?? cool i didn't not know that... where can i look at them on the net?

as for the rack space... if you really want to save money but still look impressive, go to ikea and steal some of those cardborad boxes that look like vcr's and stuff. they've fooled me a couple of times....
 
minofifa said:
first off... computers come in rack mount forms?? cool i didn't not know that... where can i look at them on the net?
Click to expand...

There are a bunch of vendors . . . try rackmountnet.com, for example.
 
Get a bigger rack and leave some more open spaces for cooling all that stuff.

Heat is your gear's worst enemy.

Well, heat and phantom power.;)
 
There are a bunch of vendors . . . try rackmountnet.com, for example.
Click to expand...

cool, i did not know this....
are there any versions that are not servers?? most seem to be. how about connectiigy and parts? are they the same as regular computesr? for instance can i put the same kind of sound cards and video cards in them?
 
Most rackmount PCs would be used in a server environment, but I just bought a rack case and put my own components in it. Be careful of rack depth though, a lot of these boxes are deeper than 20"


OK, so what should the knobs on a Dynamicator actually do? Maybe I'll build a stereo outboard effects unit:

Comporator "Squishen" to "Biggen"

Maybe a limiter/expander.

Tuberator "Frosty" to "Pop!"

Obviously a tube character control, without adding gain. Hmmm.

Vintagerator "Ugh" to "1001001"

Now this one I can't figure out. Probably some sort of EQ, but what? To me, "Ugh" should be vintage Animals, and 1001001 is quite obviously '80s era Rush.

Also what should the path be--left to right (comporator to tuberator to vintagerator), or something else?
 
You need a rackmounted cigarette lighter! They make these for computers, but I'm not sure about rack gear.

Or get yourself a 3630 and replace all the wording with the humorous "suck level" phrasings of your choice.

Send me the goodies!!
 
c7sus said:
Get a bigger rack and leave some more open spaces for cooling all that stuff.

Heat is your gear's worst enemy.

Well, heat and phantom power.;)
Click to expand...
Ditto.
Empty spaces are.... cool.
 
minofifa said:
cool, i did not know this....
are there any versions that are not servers?? most seem to be. how about connectiigy and parts? are they the same as regular computesr? for instance can i put the same kind of sound cards and video cards in them?
Click to expand...


www.newegg.com

Best place for computer parts.

Just make sure it accepts full height pci cards.

Don't worry about it being a "server" case.

NL5
 
Maybe one of those PAIA kits. You could build the preamp one and have something around for color.
 
What C7sus said. Aside from cooling, placing spaces between pres and power amps reduces transformer hum. Amps need room to breathe.-Richie
 
Richard Monroe said:
What C7sus said. Aside from cooling, placing spaces between pres and power amps reduces transformer hum. Amps need room to breathe.-Richie
Click to expand...

Actually the rack is divided 6/12, pres on the bottom & computer, power supply, and power amp on top, with a shelf in between. All of the major heat-generating equipment has fans, I arranged the gear so as not to block case vents, and my cables are meticulously organized to avoid blocking air flow.

However, the point is well taken, perhaps I'll leave 1u for rack fans.

That still leaves me with 1u. I found this for a DIY project (which I'll build for the funkaudio panel):

http://music-club.rutgers.edu/headfonz/Comp5/Comp5.html

That will be by far the hardest thing I've built, but it sure looks fun. Also I was thinking maybe a guitar MIDI converter, but one of these days I'm going to admit to myself that I just don't understand MIDI and I should concentrate on audio.
 
mshilarious said:
Is there anything cool, maybe even vintage, that would be fun to add? Only rules are: must be rackmount, no wall warts (won't fit power supply), under $300 (used) per u.QUOTE]

For recording bass- (both are only one rackspace)

BBE BMAX Preamp $300 I played through one about a week ago and was impressed
Tech 21 RBI $300

or an ART Pro VLA. Nice optical compressor for just a little over your budget.
Click to expand...
 
what other "crap" do you have laying around?

there is a big bonfire at my place this weekend!! :D


seriously, i love junk, make me a list and ill make some offers
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top