Rack systems

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 2:41 pm

So, since I'm going to be buying a new rig here in the next month or so due to mine becoming increasingly ill-tempered, I was thinking of putting together a rack system. I know next to nothing about these things other than the fact the components are all separate. Anyone here have a rack system? Anyone have a BASS rack system? What's a good power amp and preamp?

These are the cabs I'm thinking of getting for my rig:

Avatar 2x10 with neodymium speakers:

and an Avatar 2x12 with neos:

And I'm reeeeeaally tempted to buy one of these come tax time:

Motorhead · Post by **Motorhead** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 3:59 pm

All I know is that color is horrific! Shit you'd be on stage and no one would notice you, just your amp!

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 4:34 pm

Motorhead wrote:All I know is that color is horrific! Shit you'd be on stage and no one would notice you, just your amp!

You apparently haven't seen some of my outfits!

croninburg · Post by **croninburg** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 6:17 pm

Racks look cool, but I'm happy enough with a combo and pedals. I've heard that empty rack slots are dangerously GAS inducing, so that might be something to bear in mind!

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 6:24 pm

croninburg wrote:Racks look cool, but I'm happy enough with a combo and pedals. I've heard that empty rack slots are dangerously GAS inducing, so that might be something to bear in mind!

Well, part of the idea is that different bands can use different configurations. Ultimately I'd end up getting one power amp and maybe a couple of preamps. Some gigs don't require both cabs, some do, and so on and so forth. It'd be nice to just change a couple of cords and be set up for whatever gig I'm doing with whatever band I'm playing with instead of doing all the swapping and shit I do now.

DBS · Post by **DBS** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 6:43 pm

no tits? fuck.

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 7:09 pm

DBS wrote:no tits? fuck.

PABassPlayer · Post by **PABassPlayer** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 11:33 pm

Pfl?yd wrote:
DBS wrote:no tits? fuck.

I use a rack, I have a 6 space loaded with a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0, Korg DTR1000 tuner, Furman power conditioner (with rack lights) and a Shure wireless. It is a deep case and components are not, so everything plugs into the Furman and I only need 1 outlet for my entire rig. I can also store all of my cables and (3 pedal) board in the back. If I get a chance I'll snap a pic of it.

PFloyd, if you get a chance, check out the Genz Benz Shuttle series heads and Cabs....amazing stuff!

edit: Bongo bass....sound/play great, look

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 8:16 am

PABassPlayer wrote:
Pfl?yd wrote:
DBS wrote:no tits? fuck.

I use a rack, I have a 6 space loaded with a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0, Korg DTR1000 tuner, Furman power conditioner (with rack lights) and a Shure wireless. It is a deep case and components are not, so everything plugs into the Furman and I only need 1 outlet for my entire rig. I can also store all of my cables and (3 pedal) board in the back. If I get a chance I'll snap a pic of it.

PFloyd, if you get a chance, check out the Genz Benz Shuttle series heads and Cabs....amazing stuff!

edit: Bongo bass....sound/play great, look

I've looked into the Shuttle amps but the only thing I found lacking was power handling. Of course, if I got a Shuttle, putting it in a rack defeats the purpose for me. It'd be great for smaller gigs, especially with that little 1x12 but when I play in a six-piece band and need to actually be heard, I need something that's going to pulverize kidney stones.

And the Bongo's look is perfect for me. Nothing epitomizes my sound more than a bass that looks like a toilet seat!

PABassPlayer · Post by **PABassPlayer** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 10:02 am

Pfl?yd wrote:
PABassPlayer wrote:
Pfl?yd wrote:
DBS wrote:no tits? fuck.

I use a rack, I have a 6 space loaded with a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0, Korg DTR1000 tuner, Furman power conditioner (with rack lights) and a Shure wireless. It is a deep case and components are not, so everything plugs into the Furman and I only need 1 outlet for my entire rig. I can also store all of my cables and (3 pedal) board in the back. If I get a chance I'll snap a pic of it.

PFloyd, if you get a chance, check out the Genz Benz Shuttle series heads and Cabs....amazing stuff!

edit: Bongo bass....sound/play great, look
I've looked into the Shuttle amps but the only thing I found lacking was power handling. Of course, if I got a Shuttle, putting it in a rack defeats the purpose for me. It'd be great for smaller gigs, especially with that little 1x12 but when I play in a six-piece band and need to actually be heard, I need something that's going to pulverize kidney stones.

And the Bongo's look is perfect for me. Nothing epitomizes my sound more than a bass that looks like a toilet seat!

The shuttle 6.0 with (2) 4 ohm cabs is 600 watts. It has everything my swr workingpro 700 had and has better tone and clarity. I bought 2 Genz small cabs for little gigs and practice, then I just slide it into my rack and plug into my SWR 1x15 and 4x10 cabs for bigger shows. You gotta plug into one to really appreciate it. I had my doubts untill I plugged in.

slay · Post by **slay** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 3:45 pm

what is that a music man? im not likeing it, but im sure it plays nice.

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 10:12 pm

slay wrote:

what is that a music man? im not likeing it, but im sure it plays nice.

Yeah, they sound and play awesome and the look is icing on the cake.

My current basses are a little too conservative, I need something a little more. . . interesting.

Motorhead · Post by **Motorhead** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 10:39 pm

Pfl?yd wrote:
slay wrote:

what is that a music man? im not likeing it, but im sure it plays nice.
Yeah, they sound and play awesome and the look is icing on the cake.

My current basses are a little too conservative, I need something a little more. . . interesting.

My buddy has a 5 string musicman, it sounds ace

slay · Post by **slay** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 10:51 pm

that bass reminds me of a 57 chevy with its huge body and curves.

when I think of a music man bass I think of this style which looks great.

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 10:52 pm

slay wrote:that bass reminds me of a 57 chevy with its huge body and curves.

when I think of a music man bass I think of this style which looks great.

blaaaaaand.

summers_eve · Post by **summers_eve** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 12:22 am

slay wrote:that bass reminds me of a 57 chevy with its huge body and curves.

when I think of a music man bass I think of this style which looks great.

I'd like that, but it just isn't PFloyd's style.

Acid Flashbakc · Post by **Acid Flashbakc** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 4:10 am

slay wrote:that bass reminds me of a 57 chevy with its huge body and curves.

when I think of a music man bass I think of this style which looks great.

my friend has one and it was too bland for me as well. even in the sound department. but then again i'm spoiled with by brother's warwick 5 string thumb n.t.

Tweel · Post by **Tweel** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 1:56 pm

the music man is tight, my bass player has the ampeg SVT rack unit with the power conditioners and other effects. but when he really wants to kill, he lugs out his original ampeg SVT with all its 400 watts of tube goodness. all this through two 15" black widows

i heard the Genz are as light as a phone book, is this true?

PABassPlayer · Post by **PABassPlayer** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 2:13 pm

Tweel wrote:
i heard the Genz are as light as a phone book, is this true?

The head is 3.75 lbs, the single cab is 11 lbs.
Great for old geezers like me.

Mescalito · Post by **Mescalito** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 4:37 pm

PABassPlayer wrote:
Pfl?yd wrote:
DBS wrote:no tits? fuck.

I use a rack, I have a 6 space loaded with a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0, Korg DTR1000 tuner, Furman power conditioner (with rack lights) and a Shure wireless. It is a deep case and components are not, so everything plugs into the Furman and I only need 1 outlet for my entire rig. I can also store all of my cables and (3 pedal) board in the back. If I get a chance I'll snap a pic of it.

PFloyd, if you get a chance, check out the Genz Benz Shuttle series heads and Cabs....amazing stuff!

edit: Bongo bass....sound/play great, look

I'm no bass player, but the bass player I uses Genz Benz and I think they sound really good.

basstard · Post by **basstard** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 1:46 am

I play bass and i have a rack system, and it depends in how much you want to spend, my rack consists on a Gallien krueger 1001rb, KORG dtr 2000 tuner, power conditioner, and a BBE maxcom compressor.

If you want to go the way of power amp and preamp, check on carvin power amps, very reliable and made in usa, also check older peaveys and crowns.

as far as preamps, if your budget is big check the Demeter rack preamps, those things are nice, check also BBE bass preamps, a lot cheaper and very nice, and last but not least Check the sansamp Rack preamp.

You really need a power conditioner, they go for about $80 and they keep clean and protected power going to your rig.

Putting a rig together is a matter of taste and what are your needs, and be prepared to try and fail..

Check also the DBX 116 compressor, very nice for bass but expensive

DBS · Post by **DBS** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 10:07 am

basstard wrote:I play bass

you're joshin!

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 6:19 pm

Okay, I ordered those cabs and a Carvin DM1500, got a rack, a power conditioner, and a rack tuner. All I need is the preamp. I'm leaning toward something snappy and modern, something growly but has a good slap tone for the times when I'm doing that.

PBB please!

Kellan · Post by **Kellan** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 8:02 pm

I have a friend who plays bass for a living. He just bought something from Mark Bass recently after his Gallien/Krueger head took a shit on him and he swears by this thing. I hold this guy's opinion in high esteem and since he gigs constantly he doesn't settle for anything less than quality stuff (he spent an absolutely ludicrous amount of money, I think around 5k, to have some luthier make a C-extension on his double bass).
I don't play bass so I don't know, but if you haven't checked them out I would.

PABassPlayer · Post by **PABassPlayer** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 8:28 pm

Pfl?yd wrote:Okay, I ordered those cabs and a Carvin DM1500, got a rack, a power conditioner, and a rack tuner. All I need is the preamp. I'm leaning toward something snappy and modern, something growly but has a good slap tone for the times when I'm doing that.

PBB please!

sansamp....there is no other.

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 10:27 pm

Kellan wrote:I have a friend who plays bass for a living. He just bought something from Mark Bass recently after his Gallien/Krueger head took a shit on him and he swears by this thing. I hold this guy's opinion in high esteem and since he gigs constantly he doesn't settle for anything less than quality stuff (he spent an absolutely ludicrous amount of money, I think around 5k, to have some luthier make a C-extension on his double bass).
I don't play bass so I don't know, but if you haven't checked them out I would.

I looked at some of the MarkBass stuff actually but can't find any of it around here to even try. The budget I put together was $2,000 for everything and any MarkBass stuff would have put me over that.

PABassPlayer wrote:
sansamp....there is no other.

I haven't tried their stuff, but I hear this time and again. Any particular model you'd recommend?

PABassPlayer · Post by **PABassPlayer** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 10:04 am

Pfl?yd wrote:
Kellan wrote:I have a friend who plays bass for a living. He just bought something from Mark Bass recently after his Gallien/Krueger head took a shit on him and he swears by this thing. I hold this guy's opinion in high esteem and since he gigs constantly he doesn't settle for anything less than quality stuff (he spent an absolutely ludicrous amount of money, I think around 5k, to have some luthier make a C-extension on his double bass).
I don't play bass so I don't know, but if you haven't checked them out I would.
I looked at some of the MarkBass stuff actually but can't find any of it around here to even try. The budget I put together was $2,000 for everything and any MarkBass stuff would have put me over that.

PABassPlayer wrote:
sansamp....there is no other.
I haven't tried their stuff, but I hear this time and again. Any particular model you'd recommend?

Your will find better prices than GC, but this link has a good description and several pics.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Tech-21-San ... 1145283.gc

The new design ($$$$)
http://www.tech21nyc.com/psa_1_1.html

A sound bite of the PSA 1.1
http://www.tech21nyc.com/sounds/psa_sounds/PSABss-S.mp3

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Fri Dec 26, 2008 11:20 am

PapaBass, check this thing out. I wants it!

PABassPlayer · Post by **PABassPlayer** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 1:09 pm

Pfl?yd wrote:PapaBass, check this thing out. I wants it!

I have to say that looks absolutely awesome...but a $1500.00 price tag!
Yikes!

JesseJames · Post by **JesseJames** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 1:42 pm

PABassPlayer wrote:
Pfl?yd wrote:PapaBass, check this thing out. I wants it!
I have to say that looks absolutely awesome...but a $1500.00 price tag!
Yikes!

That's a lot of money to shape an inaudible tone.

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 1:44 pm

JesseJames wrote:
PABassPlayer wrote:
Pfl?yd wrote:PapaBass, check this thing out. I wants it!
I have to say that looks absolutely awesome...but a $1500.00 price tag!
Yikes!
That's a lot of money to shape an inaudible tone.

. . . well, I wouldn't even bother plugging in if I played metal.

JesseJames · Post by **JesseJames** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 1:46 pm

I wouldn't bother plugging in if I played bass. Of course, as bad as I am at guitar, I shouldn't bother plugging that in either.

croninburg · Post by **croninburg** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 1:48 pm

Pfl?yd wrote:
JesseJames wrote:
PABassPlayer wrote:
Pfl?yd wrote:PapaBass, check this thing out. I wants it!
I have to say that looks absolutely awesome...but a $1500.00 price tag!
Yikes!
That's a lot of money to shape an inaudible tone.

. . . well, I wouldn't even bother plugging in if I played metal.

The bass player in Efflux has mimed when we've played new songs before

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 1:50 pm

JesseJames wrote:I wouldn't bother plugging in if I played bass. Of course, as bad as I am at guitar, I shouldn't bother plugging that in either.

When you play electronic-prog-funk freakouts, the bass is generally the most prominent instrument.

JesseJames · Post by **JesseJames** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 1:51 pm

Pfl?yd wrote:
JesseJames wrote:I wouldn't bother plugging in if I played bass. Of course, as bad as I am at guitar, I shouldn't bother plugging that in either.
When you play electronic-prog-funk freakouts, the bass is generally the most prominent instrument.

I'm sure the whole 3 people in the crowd appreciate it too.

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 1:51 pm

croninburg wrote:
Pfl?yd wrote:
JesseJames wrote:
PABassPlayer wrote:
Pfl?yd wrote:PapaBass, check this thing out. I wants it!
I have to say that looks absolutely awesome...but a $1500.00 price tag!
Yikes!
That's a lot of money to shape an inaudible tone.

. . . well, I wouldn't even bother plugging in if I played metal.
The bass player in Efflux has mimed when we've played new songs before

ha, that shit would even be hard to mime correctly.

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 1:52 pm

JesseJames wrote:
Pfl?yd wrote:
JesseJames wrote:I wouldn't bother plugging in if I played bass. Of course, as bad as I am at guitar, I shouldn't bother plugging that in either.
When you play electronic-prog-funk freakouts, the bass is generally the most prominent instrument.
I'm sure the whole 3 people in the crowd appreciate it too.

C'mon now, the opening band generally has more than that in it. And don't forget the bartender.

JesseJames · Post by **JesseJames** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 2:27 pm

Pfl?yd wrote:
JesseJames wrote:
Pfl?yd wrote:
JesseJames wrote:I wouldn't bother plugging in if I played bass. Of course, as bad as I am at guitar, I shouldn't bother plugging that in either.
When you play electronic-prog-funk freakouts, the bass is generally the most prominent instrument.
I'm sure the whole 3 people in the crowd appreciate it too.

C'mon now, the opening band generally has more than that in it. And don't forget the bartender.

I was including the bartender and the sound guy in that 3.

slay · Post by **slay** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 7:20 pm

i was just at a music shop to check out the boxing day deals and there was a dude playing the ENGL powerball with a ENGL cab and goddamn this amp has some godly gain.

Pfl?yd · Post by **Pfl?yd** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 7:32 pm

A wonderful example of tons of instruments playing at once and the bass guitar right there in your face where it belongs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLc2Jx58aIU