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What are your thoughts on using a Server Rack/Cabinet/Enclosure in your studio? I'm looking to pick up a few DBX 266 Compressors and I want to mount them in some kind of rack enclosure. Unfortunately, the prices are ridiculously high for something that seems so simple! I've been doing some looking, and for a half way decent beginner rack, I found this one for $100.
Any recommendations?
yes, they are expensive. I built mine out of wood, and just bought the rails to go on front. Works great.
Here is a link to some inexpensive rails if you are handy enough to make your own box:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...ack-rails-pair
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...ntic-rack-rail
12 space rails are in the mid to upper $20s
I actually have a Odyssey CRS12. I recently switched to something with a little more room. This is what I use Gator Cases Studio Rack Cabinet. It has more room and isn't at an angle.
I agree with Amnon, It's alot cheaper to buy the rails and wood then buy a pre-built.
Say Andrew, does your CRS12 have mounting provisions to add wheels? I'm debating between the eight rack unit and the 12. Frankly, the CRS08 is likely more than I'll ever need although I do like to have the option for ventilation panels between certain components.Quote:
Originally Posted by andrewzarian
Hey All,
I found this in my research for something to house my planned gear...If you don't want to spend a lot and get something that looks pretty darn good....
http://www.instructables.com/id/8U-R...LLSTEPShttp://
Thanks Al,
Despite all of the tools I have for essentially anything mechanical, I somehow never have taken to wood and measuring tapes. Since my original post I have found a guy who specializes in making custom racks at what I believe is reasonable.
Sidebar: Do you know where I can find those cup-style protective washers in Step 6 of the DIY photo? I know it shouldn't be a big deal although I'm just picky that way, and would like my gear to retain its 'like new' appearance as long as possible.
Hi Dan... these tables from Ikea are so cheap at ~15 bucks that you could afford to screw up a few and thus improve you woodworking skills :) In my case my niece works for Ikea so I get them at a further discount...
With regard to the washers I found these... http://www.starcase.com/prod-RFSW10_...ers-1159.aspx? and they appear to be just what the doctor ordered...
Well, I didn't want to add to the explanation but I also have a physical impairment that factors into my tooling skills'.
In any event, I appreciate the link and I went ahead and ordered the 100-pack that was quite a deal at roughly 12-bucks, although the shipping was nearly the same amount. Oh well, my son is a musician so I'm sure he'll get good use out of all the extra screws and washers I'll have left over.
Excellent Dan. Glad to hear I could help. Now I just need to get working on my rack. If I ever finish I will post pictures.
It is funny how many things make out of ikea stuff. Here is a mic arm: http://www.ikeahackers.net/2012/03/a...-a-budget.html
Good morning Mike and yes, that's a clever use of a desk lamp that has been MacGyver-ized.
This is what I have at home to hold some of my audio gear:
Raxxess ER-12
I have the 12U model -- It's $109 .. not bad for a rack.. of course I understand some don't have that amount to spend.
Any tips on keeping everything in the rack cool?
Just completed the build on the IKEA rack...stained to match the desk. I purchased some casters that are nearly flush with the bottom of the rack...and used a scrap piece of wood at the bottom to hide the casters from the front...
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/150...c/689/q17r.jpg http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/150...c/546/r1k4.jpg
Well, if you really want to go hog-wild, here ya go.Quote:
Originally Posted by andrewzarian
http://www.custom-consoles.com/isobox.php
Those are awesome Dan... I looked at those but then just decided to make my PC real quiet and get rid of my condenser mic :) Much less money!
One option among many are these...stated as quiet which would be pretty important...http://www.middleatlantic.com/rackac/cooling/uqfp.htmQuote:
Originally Posted by andrewzarian
That's definitely a more realistic approach provided they don't get too loud or create any ground loops.Quote:
Originally Posted by AlBurr
For my real job we use cabinets with built-in cooling with sensor for the computing equipment. They sit in DataCenters so we really don't care about the noise too much... These appear to be better suited to our needs for quiet operation in an audio setting...
Depending on your rack configuration it would my sense to work out the air flow. Perhaps utilizing 2 units. One for intake and one for exhaust.
I am curious Andrew...are you having overheating issues on some of the equipment? Even if not it will always prolong the life of electronics if you can keep a stable temp. It's the fluctuations that will kill ya...
Here are a few picture of our rack. During the summer the room heats up pretty quickly. I have been having some overheating issues with the Qor32 and the Axia Node. Now since its the winter there are no issues
http://www.gfqnetwork.com/wp-content...io-2013-14.jpg
http://www.gfqnetwork.com/wp-content...io-2013-15.jpg
http://www.gfqnetwork.com/wp-content...io-2013-09.jpg
Dang, when I grow up I'm gonna have a rack filled like that! Kidding aside that's a fantastic set-up and quite humbling for us pagans. I'm still waiting for my rack to arrive and I'm somewhat embarrassed that all I have is a couple of items to put in it. I plan on adding a few components but I pray that I won't outgrow it ($). :confused:
Wow @andrewzarian that looks like some serious stuff.
Based on how crowded er well equiped your rack is you might want to consider these..spacing them out where you have blanks or rearranging to get the best air flow for the hotter components.
1u Rack Cooler
http://imageshack.us/a/img209/7388/2xhe.pnghttp://imageshack.us/a/img29/4474/uct9.png
Quote:
Originally Posted by andrewzarian
I live in the desert where it’s hot and dusty so after racking my brains out (sorry, couldn’t resist) I finally came up with a solution. Anyway, it was Christmas and it seemed like a good idea at the time.
Front Arrival: http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/...7001258-X2.jpg
Back Arrival: http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/...7003053-X2.jpg
Side Arrival: http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/...7005948-X2.jpg
__________________________________________________ ___________________________
Front Closed: http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/...3431258-XL.jpg
Back Closed: http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/...3434558-XL.jpg
Front Open: http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/...3494499-XL.jpg
Back Open: http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/...3463058-XL.jpg
Top View: http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/...4041541-XL.jpg
__________________________________________________ ___________________________
Front w/Door View: http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/...6571143-X2.jpg
Front Open Close-Up: http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/...6581373-XL.jpg
Back Close-up: http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/...3470042-XL.jpg
Back Fans: http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/...3470763-XL.jpg
BTW, that thing' resting on the inside floor is actually the rear scoop that gets mounted on the back door. Air is drawn in from the front bottom fans via a bottom scoop, and is forced out by the rear door fans.
More photos to follow…
That's beautiful...maybe next Christmas... Can't wait to see it fully loaded up with gear...
Thanks Al,
Yeah, it's pretty 'cool' and very quiet running. For now I have the Mic pre and the Furman as I wait for some special mounting hardware. Next up I’m shifting to room acoustics. As I posted elsewhere I'm in no hurry and that's a good thing' if you know what I mean.
I realize that some others' may say you don't need gear like this for the trade, but that doesn't stop the passion to want it! :p
Dan...my wife looked at me today and said "when you gonna start making some money doing that?" to which I replied "never" and she walked away :) So I am with you as I'm in no hurry...I don't need this to be a second job and spoil all the fun :) And in reality my wife agrees but she just likes to poke fun every now and then... Now if I went out and got an ISOBOX she might change her mind...need to let the credit call cool off for a few months.
I definitely agree and I don't even have a wife. But when I did it was very important to keep em' on your good side, otherwise they can make your life very uncomfortable. We may wear the pants in the family but they seem to run everything else.
UPDATE: More on point, the 'IsoBox Post' is great provided you have the space. Despite countless measurements prior to ordering, it exhibits a larger presence than you may think and it can easily overpower a smaller room. Also, the rear door scoop is not illustrated on their website so the depth goes from 38 to 43". Frankly, I think you get more bang for your buck with the Iso-style desk but I had a specific goal in mind.
