KASH Posted April 13, 2009 Share Posted April 13, 2009 (edited) I'm looking for a rack case for my amp head, I want to go with a 'proper' flightcase rack case (not keen on SKB or similar) Is the difference between sleeved and shallow cases worth the money? Here are two potential options: Sleeve: [url="http://www.spider-engineering.co.uk/...p?id=4538-2577"]http://www.spider-engineering.co.uk/...p?id=4538-2577[/url] Shallow: [url="http://www.spider-engineering.co.uk/...p?id=2837-2577"]http://www.spider-engineering.co.uk/...p?id=2837-2577[/url] Edited April 15, 2009 by KASH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASH Posted April 14, 2009 Author Share Posted April 14, 2009 anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASH Posted April 15, 2009 Author Share Posted April 15, 2009 ????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 If your links worked you'd be more likely to get a response! Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASH Posted April 15, 2009 Author Share Posted April 15, 2009 [quote name='alexclaber' post='462784' date='Apr 15 2009, 10:30 AM']If your links worked you'd be more likely to get a response! Alex[/quote] They're working on my computer ...still, any thoughts on the best option? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~tl Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 Try these links instead: [url="http://www.flightcasewarehouse.co.uk/music/typeproducts2.asp?id=4538-2577"]http://www.flightcasewarehouse.co.uk/music...sp?id=4538-2577[/url] [url="http://www.flightcasewarehouse.co.uk/music/typeproducts2.asp?id=2837-2577"]http://www.flightcasewarehouse.co.uk/music...sp?id=2837-2577[/url] Basically, the difference is fairly obvious from the pictures – the sleeved case has an extra layer of padding between the outer case and the rack itself to provide extra protection and shock absorption. I would think a standard rack would be more than adequate for most purposes, unless you have a particularly heavy handed roadie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 You seem to be asking two different things here which aren't necessarily related which is why you've probably had no replies. Anyway here goes with an explanation... Sleeved cases are basically a case within a case with 20-30mm of foam filling the gap. This gives some degree of shock absorbance and can be useful for less robust amps with valves in them. However the extra thickness of the case can make cooling an issue so if it is for a valve amp I would leave at least 1U free for ventilation and if possible 1U top and bottom to be safe. [url="http://www.spider-engineering.co.uk/music/typeproducts2.asp?id=3260-3379"]Here's a typical less expensive 3U sleeved rack[/url]. The sleeving will add about 1-2 to the overall size of the rack so this 3U sleeved rack will be almost as big as a 5U non-sleeved rack, which may be important if size is going to be an issue. Shallow cases refer to the depth of the case from front to back. It should be measured from rack mounting to rack mounting, but some manufacturers measure the whole case minus the lids which normally gives an extra 20mm on the measurement. 'Shallow' is not a definitive measurement as it will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but for the purposes of musical equipment rack cases it's 300-400mm with standard being 400-500 (compared to server racks all musical equipment racks would be considered shallow!). When measuring up your gear to determine what depth you need don't forget to allow for the extra depth of connectors on the back of your amp, and check how much available extra depth is in the lids (some may be foam filled with n o available depth). By proper racks I suppose you mean ones like in the link above. TBH unless you're spending a lot of money (more than in the example above) the only difference between on or these and a good ABS plastic case is the look. The less expensive will generally be 1/4 to 3/8 ply maybe with a thin metal outer skin. The metal ones in particular look rugged but a good ABS case is just as strong and will be lighter for the same size. Also if you are considering a sleeved case, ABS ones like the [url="http://www.spider-engineering.co.uk/music/typeproducts.asp?groupID=2621"]Gator shockmount cases[/url] are far superior in terms of airflow cooling than the traditional plywood and metal sleeved case. Hope that has cleared up your questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASH Posted April 15, 2009 Author Share Posted April 15, 2009 [quote name='BigRedX' post='462796' date='Apr 15 2009, 10:43 AM']You seem to be asking two different things here which aren't necessarily related which is why you've probably had no replies. Anyway here goes with an explanation... Sleeved cases are basically a case within a case with 20-30mm of foam filling the gap. This gives some degree of shock absorbance and can be useful for less robust amps with valves in them. However the extra thickness of the case can make cooling an issue so if it is for a valve amp I would leave at least 1U free for ventilation and if possible 1U top and bottom to be safe. [url="http://www.spider-engineering.co.uk/music/typeproducts2.asp?id=3260-3379"]Here's a typical less expensive 3U sleeved rack[/url]. The sleeving will add about 1-2 to the overall size of the rack so this 3U sleeved rack will be almost as big as a 5U non-sleeved rack, which may be important if size is going to be an issue. Shallow cases refer to the depth of the case from front to back. It should be measured from rack mounting to rack mounting, but some manufacturers measure the whole case minus the lids which normally gives an extra 20mm on the measurement. 'Shallow' is not a definitive measurement as it will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but for the purposes of musical equipment rack cases it's 300-400mm with standard being 400-500 (compared to server racks all musical equipment racks would be considered shallow!). When measuring up your gear to determine what depth you need don't forget to allow for the extra depth of connectors on the back of your amp, and check how much available extra depth is in the lids (some may be foam filled with n o available depth). By proper racks I suppose you mean ones like in the link above. TBH unless you're spending a lot of money (more than in the example above) the only difference between on or these and a good ABS plastic case is the look. The less expensive will generally be 1/4 to 3/8 ply maybe with a thin metal outer skin. The metal ones in particular look rugged but a good ABS case is just as strong and will be lighter for the same size. Also if you are considering a sleeved case, ABS ones like the [url="http://www.spider-engineering.co.uk/music/typeproducts.asp?groupID=2621"]Gator shockmount cases[/url] are far superior in terms of airflow cooling than the traditional plywood and metal sleeved case. Hope that has cleared up your questions.[/quote] Thanks man, that's very helpful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASH Posted April 15, 2009 Author Share Posted April 15, 2009 sorry to go back to this again...so, unless I get an expensive shock mount rack case, the difference between the sleeve and shallow in terms of protection is not that big right? I have a solid state amp, so a normal shallow case (despite the model and manufacturer) is enough, correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 No sleeve and shallow refer to two different things that are not mutually exclusive. Shallow is an approximate description of the depth of the rack from front to back, whereas sleeve refers to extra padding around the top, bottom and sides of the rack. Unless the equipment you are intending to rack is not overly robust then you probably don't need the extra expense of a sleeved or shock mounted rack case. It might be useful if you posted back with a list of all the equipment you indent to fit in this rack case and I'll recommended you a couple of suitable models for you to look at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASH Posted April 15, 2009 Author Share Posted April 15, 2009 [quote name='BigRedX' post='463171' date='Apr 15 2009, 05:13 PM']No sleeve and shallow refer to two different things that are not mutually exclusive. Shallow is an approximate description of the depth of the rack from front to back, whereas sleeve refers to extra padding around the top, bottom and sides of the rack. Unless the equipment you are intending to rack is not overly robust then you probably don't need the extra expense of a sleeved or shock mounted rack case. It might be useful if you posted back with a list of all the equipment you indent to fit in this rack case and I'll recommended you a couple of suitable models for you to look at.[/quote] I'll use it for my GK1001RBII (2u) and will get a rack tuner. I want a 4U as I have to leave 1u free on the top of the amp head for air circulation as the fan is on top rather than in the back. I am thinking long term protection, I'll be doing a fair amount of travel in the summer including road and flying so I want something that offers reasonable protection at good price...looking at £100ish region. I suppose I don't need a bomb proof case, no valves here, so it's just a matter of getting something rugged and durable. I do prefer the ply and alum flightcase ones rather than ABS...but it's just a matter of personal taste Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stewart Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 [quote name='KASH' post='463507' date='Apr 15 2009, 11:02 PM']I'll use it for my GK1001RBII (2u) and will get a rack tuner. I want a 4U as I have to leave 1u free on the top of the amp head for air circulation as the fan is on top rather than in the back. I am thinking long term protection...[/quote] I'd go for these every time (light, tough and seemto last forever): [url="http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~name~SKB-ATA-Effects-Rack---4U~ID~7500.asp"]SKB ATA Case[/url] A shallow case won't be deep enough for the GK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASH Posted April 16, 2009 Author Share Posted April 16, 2009 [quote name='Stewart' post='463513' date='Apr 15 2009, 11:13 PM']A shallow case won't be deep enough for the GK.[/quote] Are u sure? These are the dimensions: 19"W x 3.5"H x 8"D what are the alternatives as for more 'traditional' flightcases? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stewart Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 [quote name='KASH' post='463687' date='Apr 16 2009, 09:57 AM']Are u sure? These are the dimensions: 19"W x 3.5"H x 8"D what are the alternatives as for more 'traditional' flightcases?[/quote] I'm sure that the SKB shallow case will be too shallow. I don't have details of any other makes, but Google is your friend... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 I'd go for a [url="http://www.spider-engineering.co.uk/music/typeproducts2.asp?id=3680-4677"]Boschma 4U case[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASH Posted April 16, 2009 Author Share Posted April 16, 2009 (edited) [quote name='BigRedX' post='464168' date='Apr 16 2009, 05:21 PM']I'd go for a [url="http://www.spider-engineering.co.uk/music/typeproducts2.asp?id=3680-4677"]Boschma 4U case[/url][/quote] looks good. any suggestion for a 'traditional' ply and alum flightcase alternative? Edited April 16, 2009 by KASH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASH Posted April 17, 2009 Author Share Posted April 17, 2009 suggestions on rack cases welcome...I just can't get over the looks of the plastic ones...don't know, they maybe great, but I don't like the looks :ph34r: ...any 'traditional' flightcase suggestions? 4U up to £100ish to accomodate GK 1001RBII and Korg rack tuner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASH Posted April 22, 2009 Author Share Posted April 22, 2009 OK...last shot, between these two, which one would you buy? [url="http://www.flightcasewarehouse.co.uk/music...sp?id=4538-2577"]http://www.flightcasewarehouse.co.uk/music...sp?id=4538-2577[/url] [url="http://www.flightcasewarehouse.co.uk/music...sp?id=2837-2577"]http://www.flightcasewarehouse.co.uk/music...sp?id=2837-2577[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~tl Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 [quote name='KASH' post='470124' date='Apr 22 2009, 10:23 PM']OK...last shot, between these two, which one would you buy? [url="http://www.flightcasewarehouse.co.uk/music...sp?id=4538-2577"]http://www.flightcasewarehouse.co.uk/music...sp?id=4538-2577[/url] [url="http://www.flightcasewarehouse.co.uk/music...sp?id=2837-2577"]http://www.flightcasewarehouse.co.uk/music...sp?id=2837-2577[/url][/quote] I'd personally buy the second... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobo_Grimmer Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 Just as another idea. I always recommend [url="http://www.bustercases.co.uk/"]Buster flight cases[/url] Give James a buzz and he'll let you know what you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 I'd get a 2U, cut a hole above the the fan on the GK, and use any tuner other than an oversized overweight overpriced rack tuner. Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASH Posted April 23, 2009 Author Share Posted April 23, 2009 [quote name='alexclaber' post='470559' date='Apr 23 2009, 12:03 PM']I'd get a 2U, cut a hole above the the fan on the GK, and use any tuner other than an oversized overweight overpriced rack tuner. Alex[/quote] Just bought one 2nd hand for £55 and I'm not a DIY guy...I just want to know if the difference between these two cases (sleeve and shallow) is worth the price difference, considering the protection they offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 Good move getting it secondhand. Decent rack tuners are nice to use but when you're moving your own gear the novelty of the flashing lights tends to wear off after a few years, in which case you can shift it to someone else without loss. You're racking a head that is tough enough to be used unracked so I'd get the smallest lightest case you can, it'll be more than enough protection. No serious DIY involved in cutting the holes above the fan - you can just drill lots of holes to let the air through. Bear in mind that most rack cases have about 1/2" of free space above and below the official rack area which may be enough space to allow the airflow you need without a free space or holes in the top. Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASH Posted April 23, 2009 Author Share Posted April 23, 2009 cheers Alex in that case, would you say the normal version will be enough? is the 'sleeve' version just a marketing trick or it can really handle more abuse...cause they're not really shock mount are they? (just a thought) I don't have to worry about valves for a start and as i said before, the ABS cases are not visually apealling to me ( i find them really ugly to be honest, some sort of military phone box! ) so I shortlisted these two versions of more 'traditional' flightcases. the GK seems quite rugged so maybe the normal version will do the job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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