This thing along with the Randall Rt2/50 poweramp sounds like its the end all be all amp/rack. I'm seriously looking into upgrading to this rack setup in the future along with a Monster 2500 Power Conditioner and some FX. Has anyone ever used this gear(the Randall preamp and poweramp) before, what do you think of it? I think I remember reading that Soul has or was planning on getting one. What do you think of it man?
BUt anyways, I know this is the newer/newest series of models the Randall put out, but why do you think musiciansfriend lists it as discontinued, while other places like music123 still sells it?
Musiciansfriend

music123

Also, does anyone know where I could buy and which companies make a sturdy, reliable, preferably light weight rack cases/units (you know, the thing you screw rack gear into)?

It sounds like a good idea, but I'm not sure if its great or not. Anyway, I'd go for a SKB or roadready shockmount case if you have any tubes in your setup.

__________________

I've read many great reviews about the RM4 but one thing you have to understand is that neither of the modules are exactly the sounds that they try to reproduce and they come really close at best. If you want to try the Randall I'd recommend trying the Egnatier too because it was the first to use modules. Other poweramps worth looking into might be the VHT 2/50/2 or a Mesa 2:90 or 2:50 (or 50:50 cant remember).

__________________

Does anyone know if the Alesis Quadraverb is discontinued? I cant seem to find it anywhere new.

EDIT: Also, whats the difference between an effects rack case and an amp rack case, or is it the same thing?

I didnt want to start a whole new thread to ask this question so...

How does rack gear actually stay suspended into a rack case? For example, lets say I have a 8U rack space and I screw in power amp that takes up 2U in the middle of the case. The power amp itself weighs about 50 lbs lets say, so how does it stay there without anything underneath it and without bending the screws in half?

It would be nice if someone could answer my other questions in this thread...

Look it up on Alesis' website. Rack cases are all the same unless otherwise specified, such as a head case or something. They all should measure 19" wide or something. And to answer your final question, thats why you put multiple screws in, and power amps are normally on the bottom since you dont really change the settings on them all that much.

__________________

Putting the poweramp on the bottom makes sense, but how about a 50 pound preamp. Can 4 screws in the front really hold up that much wieght without getting bent out of shape? If there is an obvious answer I apologize since I'm not very knowledgeable and am relatively new to the whole rack thing.

Well, if its good equipment, the rack itself is usually pretty strong steel, as well as the screws, which are pretty thick, not like house framing thick, but thick for holding shit like amps and stuff. Racks were originally designed with computer equipment which for the most part is lighter.

__________________

Yea, i don't think the produce it anymore, however, you can pick them up on eBay fairly cheaply all the time. I got mine for £50 in mint condition- its a really nice unit, however it isn't perfect; it colours the sound a little too much, and it doesn't have a proper bypass either. Aside from that, a great reliable little unit

__________________

No, they are discontinued, many years ago.The one I just sold was from 94'. It went for $234AU, to give you an idea.

Oh, ok. I was hoping that the Quadraverb didnt color your tone, oh well. I actually started another thread about rackmount FX units and now that I think about it I'm leaning more towards a TC Electronic G Major, but thats the topic for the other thread so I'll leave it at that.
So back to this thread. This company looks like it makes reliable, tough and sturdy rack cases. What do you rack guys think of these http://www.audiopile.net/products/C...es_cutsheet.asp

Looks like standard racks. I myself prefer shockmounted racks.

__________________

I believe the one in the link was a shockmounted rack. It had an inch of foam around the perimeter. I heard of people leaving 2 spaces open on their rack to put a rack drawer for cable and other accessory storage. Is the "rack drawer" something else to buy or do you just put your stuff in the empty slots and put the front and back panels back on the rack case?

Forget my above question, I figured that out.

Now, for shockmounted rack cases, do you guys think that 1 inch of foam on all sides is sufficient and will protect the equipment well, or should I try to find something with more foam in between the inner and outer shell of the rack?

Thanks for any advice.

One inch should be good provided you aren't a klutz and dropping your shit all the time, then you're just tempting fate.

__________________