Rack mount hardware or system: What do you use?

[BMWCCA]

I hope this is the right spot for this question:
I've enjoyed seeing postings of various members' system but it seems many of you have the same problem as do I; lots of stuff, stacked up wherever! Those of you who have your systems racked, what system, erector-set, or in-cabinet hardware have you found that worked for you, carried the weight, and (if a stand-alone) looked good doing it? I'm looking for an affordable rack or the hardware to build rackability into a cabinet, shelf, or closet space. Might be needed for new construction at a later date, too. Ideally this would include a hinged rack that would swing out for access, or designed into the wall or closet to allow access from behind. Rack on wheels might also work, depending on what I can afford and space ("...the endless frontier"). This would be mostly to hold Crown D-Series amps and a Crown tuner, and Soundcraftsmen pre-EQs and tuners comprising three-to-four systems. I'm looking for something that would allow flexibility and frequent swapping. What do you use and do you have sources/links/photos? Of course all systems will be pushing JBL speakers.
Thanks!

[toddalin]

Not a rack mount per se, but...

I designed this cabinet so the three "columns" are 19.25" allowing the use of rack equipment. The glass doors, then the lower panel come off and the shelves can slide out. I can then stand up within the cabinet, behind the equipment to wire it up.

Not only do the shelves slide out, they are adjustable up and down to allow for different sized equipment.

The unit was made of Formica covered MDF and the legs below the bottom panel are 2"x4"s.

[boputnam]

I'm looking for something that would allow flexibility and frequent swapping. What do you use and do you have sources/links/photos?

Long ago went to a conventional, industrial 19-in rack. On casters. In the pantry. Another in the office/studio where even the gear that doesn't have rack ears is stacked - here I have a patchbay for the never-ending trailing and patching.

The eons of stereo shrines that dominate a family room are long-gone, IMO. College tricks. Once you get it outa sight, you can't believe it ever WAS a shrine. It's also pretty easy once you get the gear outa sight to preserve some WAF for the on-going gear upgrades...

I'll try and take some pics of both. Horribly industrial, I assure you...

[Fred Sanford]

I'm moving, and will be using mostly 19" racks and maybe some big, rolling bread racks when re-assembling at the other end. Our unfinished utility room will be the home for most of the gear, at least the stuff we don't need to touch & feed media into.

Take a look at http://www.middleatlantic.com/ even if just for ideas. Check out the AXS and SRSR systems for inventive solutions.

Here's some of the JBL gear for a system we installed for a client in NJ, see what you think of this :

http://tinyurl.com/y96mvb

je

[BMWCCA]

Take a look at http://www.middleatlantic.com/ even if just for ideas. Check out the AXS and SRSR systems for inventive solutions.

Now that's nice stuff, especially this one:


I'm afraid to research the price but thanks for the link!

[alexkerhead]

I am a vintage audio person, minus the CD player and DVD player for obvious reasons.

I haven't had the patience to get everything situated yet, so I will update the images when I can.

[UreiCollector]

I'm using Middle Atlantic shelves in my theater. The quality is top notch, and the final product looks great! As for the mounting rails, I just used a couple of loose rails and mounted them straight to a 2x4 frame, and then set that frame into the wall. Once the frame was set, and walls were painted, I just put up some trim to dress it up nice. Simple.

The rack is mounted into closet space, so I can access the rear of the rack by simply walking into the closet.....much less complicated than using a sliding rack....and far less expensive!

[HipoFutura]

I'm interested in the topic as well, and started a similar thread several months ago. Unfortunately I have yet to find what I consider the "perfect" solution. I'd like to see a single integrated system that provides rack mount slots as well as shelves. And of course it has to be beautiful! Stainless, chrome, smoked glass, rose wood; who knows! My quest if further complicated due to the fact that my Phase Linear gear does not conform to the standard 19" rack. May end up building something.

Don

[doodlebug]

Now that's nice stuff, especially this one:


I'm afraid to research the price but thanks for the link!

I know a local millwork house that has 3 of those pull-and-spin rack systems - or something similar that they have used to build in audio components. They typically do the whole interior and have to deal with that sort of thing. The supplier provides the hardware and they then engineer them into whatever cabinetry they're installing.

If there's interest, I'll check with them to get the product details. Mind you, this stuff is intended for the cabinetry market not the consumer.

Cheers,

David

[moldyoldy]

Pretty good info here, standards, dimensions, etc.;

http://plans.thefrankes.com/Tutorials/rackrails/

[Robh3606]

I use a combination of Pro racks and a converted garage sale special audio rack. My main system is triamped and I have EQ's on the 3 front channels. There are 2 active analog crossovers and a Behringer 8024 for RTA use. I ended up stacking two cabinets to get the rack room needed. Racking made all the difference. I would never have been able to stack it and have it work well.

Rob

[Robh3606]

This is my 2 channel Biamp rack. This was a $15 garage sale pick up by my wife. It fit 19" rack gear so I took out the shelf and the bottom LP rack and added the rack mounting bars from PE. I think I have about $30 in the cabinet and it works great.

[BMWCCA]

This is all very helpful information, and some great systems. But allow me to ask one question off the topic.

Robh3606: Do you figure the PS-200 and the D150A-IIs are about equal or how do you use/compare them in your system?

Anyone know anything about this company that made this small portable rack system? I can't find anything about it: Hammond Industries

[Fred Sanford]

I've got a Yamaha demo unit rack that looks similar to that one:

http://tinyurl.com/ymxl22

I use it in the studio, PA & monitor amps/xovers/eqs on the bottom, guitar amps/bass amp/FX at the top. 20 RU. If you want another pic of it empty, PM me with your e-mail address.

je

[moldyoldy]

.....Anyone know anything about this company that made this small portable rack system? I can't find anything about it: Hammond Industries....

You Betcha!;

http://www.hammondmfg.com/

Well-regarded company.