Murph_Orpheus Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 (edited) As the title suggests, I'm sure I'm not the only one who has a bunch of leads/plugs etc hanging out the back of a rack system. My question is, is there any convenient way to avoid this mess? My main problem is having to plug all my gear into an extension lead, so that leads to all the wires hanging down the back etc. Is there anything I could buy for the rack system that would do a similar job to the power blocks you can get for your effects pedals in a pedal board? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated Edited February 23, 2009 by Murph_Orpheus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOD2 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 The cheapest solution is to attach a 4-way (or 6-way) mains board inside the rack, then plug all the rack units into this. Cut the mains cables short to cut down on clutter. Then you only have one mains cable (from the mains board) coming out of the rack. The expensive solution is something along the lines of this [url="http://www.dv247.com/invt/47392/"]http://www.dv247.com/invt/47392/[/url] This has IEC outlets at the back into which you can plug all your rack devices (it comes with suitable IEC cords). Then you just need on mains cable to power this. But note - it will not improve your sound any ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 [quote name='BOD2' post='417999' date='Feb 23 2009, 11:04 PM']The cheapest solution is to attach a 4-way (or 6-way) mains board inside the rack, then plug all the rack units into this. Cut the mains cables short to cut down on clutter. Then you only have one mains cable (from the mains board) coming out of the rack.[/quote] This solution lasts only for as long as the next upgrade... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 I have [url="http://www.studiospares.com/Mains-Distrtibution/EMO-E655-Mains-Panel/invt/402690"]one of these[/url] mounted in the back of each of my racks (bass rig, guitar rig, synths etc). They do several different versions with different mains connectors both inward and outward facing - it's always useful to have at least one outward facing socket available. Not cheap but totally reliable - been gigging them for 15 years without a single problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph_Orpheus Posted February 23, 2009 Author Share Posted February 23, 2009 I have a Behringer powerlight in my rig as well that has power outlets at the back, but they look along the lines of these [url="http://www.bulgin.co.uk/HTMLDocs/news/2-4WayOut.html"]http://www.bulgin.co.uk/HTMLDocs/news/2-4WayOut.html[/url] which are no help to me unless I'm missing something Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obbm Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 I use a distribution unit made by [url="http://www.introdelta.com/product-detail_102_11_13-amp-horizontal-pdus.php"]Introdelta[/url]. 1U high and 13-amp outlets. I used to use IEC distribution strips but as most equipment comes with 13-amp plugs I changed to 13-amp as it is a lot more flexible when you need to add additional/borrowed/hired kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph_Orpheus Posted February 23, 2009 Author Share Posted February 23, 2009 (edited) Ok this may make me sound like I know nothing, but is there a way I can use the iec outlets on the back of my powerlight? Most of the plugs I have for my gear are european 2 prong plugs that look like this [url="http://img.alibaba.com/photo/201569288/European_style_plugs.jpg"]http://img.alibaba.com/photo/201569288/Eur...style_plugs.jpg[/url] Edit: I just saw this [url="http://www.introdelta.com/product-detail_175_11_inward-facing-13-amp-pdus.php"]http://www.introdelta.com/product-detail_1...13-amp-pdus.php[/url] and I think it may be exactly what I'm looking for Edited February 23, 2009 by Murph_Orpheus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obbm Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 There are 2 ways you can do it. 1. Cut off the Euro plug and fit an IEC plug at the appropriate length. or 2. Buy some short moulded IEC to IEC cables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joegarcia Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 Easy. [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/0-5m-IEC-Extension-Male-to-Female-Power-Lead-Server-etc_W0QQitemZ170301028767QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL?hash=item170301028767&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A15%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/0-5m-IEC-Extension-M...A1%7C240%3A1318[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph_Orpheus Posted February 24, 2009 Author Share Posted February 24, 2009 I suppose my next question then would be what about the amp situation? A lot of those cables I've looked up are only rated at 6 amp. Also would plugging all my gear in like that affect my sound? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obbm Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 [quote name='Murph_Orpheus' post='418078' date='Feb 24 2009, 03:58 AM']I suppose my next question then would be what about the amp situation? A lot of those cables I've looked up are only rated at 6 amp. Also would plugging all my gear in like that affect my sound?[/quote] I doubt very much that you have much equipment that draws over 6-amps. What have you got in your rack and what is the consumption of each item? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph_Orpheus Posted February 24, 2009 Author Share Posted February 24, 2009 I've never had the mind for calculating voltage and stuff when it comes to what my rig uses up so I'm not quite sure. I have a Mesa Big Block, dbx 166xl compressor, korg tuner, sansamp rpm and the behringer powerlight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_bass Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 For the power I always used a 4-way and sound heavy duty velcro to attack it to the inside of the rack case, then used tie wraps to bundle up the cables. Problem solved for under a tenner and you can always change it later, no cutting of cables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.gif.9ad672bb8b84505709f76b39c8c256ec.gif)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.