Author Topic: Rack Setup (Read 5529 times)

ChrisMetal · « **on:** October 06, 2006, 04:06:16 PM »

Guys need a little help. I'm trying to get a rack system up together eventually, yet I have no idea where to start and whats a recommended system setup. I'm very much in Metal/Rock, such as Metallica, BLS, CoB to Guns N Roses. I've tried searching for guides on the net, yet any I've come across don't go into specifics of what good equipment to get.

Lastly is a Rack setup a worthy investment or is a straight tube/valve amp a better investment?

Any help is much appreciated.

-Chris

P.S. if this is the wrong section, sorry and please move

Dakine · « **Reply #1 on:** October 06, 2006, 05:40:57 PM »

Chris,
there will be a 1,000,001 responses to trawl through on 'whats best' as everyone has their own individual idea's.

If you are trying to use the gear the ppl in the bands you qouted use, be ready to pay ALOT.

A rack setup can be useful and very worhtwhile with all the variations it can render and with everything in one place.
However, alot of 'good' rack components are not cheap.

You mentioned Metallica, well James's setup is/was immense!

Bit more info. needed I think on what you actually want to do and more importantly what you want to spend.

ChrisMetal · « **Reply #2 on:** October 06, 2006, 06:06:27 PM »

K here goes, though my rack setup won't be for some time, I intend to aim for more of the Pantera, BLS, Children of Bodom sounds, I'll have Warpigs installed on my Razorback though, so beefy sounds won't be a problem. I play lots of different styles in my band so I need some versatile kit. I know that big names have huge rack setups, I saw John Petrucci's, its even bigger when you seen it live. But I don't need something like the big names have, cause obviously that'll cost a heck of a lot, and I simply don't have the space in a small hatchback lol.

Anyone who has the same tastes as I do and has experience in building these things is obviously the way to go to aid me in choosing the right kit.

Basically I'm looking to spend £2,000-£2,500. Is this a good starting cost?

Hell Hound · « **Reply #3 on:** October 06, 2006, 06:26:54 PM »

I suggest you to check Engl rack gears, those are really versatile and not too highpriced. A good start point.

ChrisMetal · « **Reply #4 on:** October 06, 2006, 06:31:17 PM »

Whats the quality like of Engl gear? I recognise the name, but haven't heard much about them. these days its all mesa, marshall, laney etc.

Hell Hound · « **Reply #5 on:** October 06, 2006, 06:39:08 PM »

It's all tubes german made, very good for the money. they do many different amp styles but the common sound thing is a mix of Marshall (think JCM800) with a cleaner, tighter german thing going on.
I got an old preamp from Engl and love it!

ChrisMetal · « **Reply #6 on:** October 06, 2006, 07:04:17 PM »

are there any companies that provide services to build rack setups for you in the UK? I searched google, was probably looking in the wrong places.

Hell Hound · « **Reply #7 on:** October 06, 2006, 08:33:07 PM »

I don't understand why you don't do it yourself, just check a few gear and keep it simple. Having tons of racks is no use, mine is simple : tuner, preamp, rackable reverb/mod/delay, poweramp all controlled by a midi pedale board (there's many). One good cab or two and maybe a noise gate and an overdrive in the front for versatility and you're set.
KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid :)

Neemo · « **Reply #8 on:** October 07, 2006, 10:20:14 PM »

Here's my rack setup:

It's not even midi controlled. All the effects and the tuner are in the preamp's fx loops. The loops are switched along with the channels via 2-button footswitch.

Rack from top:

Korg DTR-1000 tuner
Peavey Rock Master tube preamp
Korg DL8000r Delay
Lexicon MPX200 multieffect
VHT 2/90/2 tube poweramp

ChrisMetal · « **Reply #9 on:** October 07, 2006, 10:26:15 PM »

hi there neemo, yeah I checked out your rack, looks awesome. isn't the Korg Delay a multi-effects too? I would of thought so with a setting called hair metal.

BTW I was looking around for VHT poweramps in the UK, but couldn't find any dealers except one, which you have to phone. did you have to import yours or was it pretty easy to obtain in finland?

Neemo · « **Reply #10 on:** October 07, 2006, 11:57:15 PM »

I named the patch Hair metal for kinda joke ;) but yeah, it has some other effects too even though delay is it's main function. I had my local music store order the 2/90/2 for me, VHT has a importer here in finland so It was easy to get a hold of one.

ChrisMetal · « **Reply #11 on:** October 08, 2006, 12:00:34 AM »

yeah as I said, there's like one official dealer here in the UK lol. But I really wanna get one. Is your setup loud? And whats the quality of the effect, do they outgun stomp boxes much? I need something that really cuts through.

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #12 on:** October 08, 2006, 03:01:58 PM »

I would suggest going for a Mesa Triaxis, Roctron Pirhana, ADA MP2 or Marshall JMP1

Add a power amp - Marshall, ADA, Boogie, VHT, KITTYHAWK

Choose an FX unit that doesnt suck tone - TC G Major or a Rocktron Intellifex or whatever
or choose the TC Electronic G system as it has a top class pedalboard built in

2 Speaker cabs as well or a split 4x12

Dakine · « **Reply #13 on:** October 08, 2006, 03:03:25 PM »

been keeping eye out for Piranha myself, darn they are like 'rocking horse shite', i.e. rare.

Whats your thought on the intelliflex Feline? They seem a good multi to have.

Neemo · « **Reply #14 on:** October 08, 2006, 04:19:48 PM »

Quote from: ChrisMetal

yeah as I said, there's like one official dealer here in the UK lol. But I really wanna get one. Is your setup loud?

- Loud? Well, let's just say I've never had to turn it past 2 o'clock ;) The sheer power of the VHT can hurt small animals, it's just Massive. Especially the KT88 power tubes, they don't saturate even at high levels and have a huge low end. Made for metal.

Quote from: ChrisMetal

And whats the quality of the effect, do they outgun stomp boxes much? I need something that really cuts through.

- I really haven't had the chance to A/B compare my effects with many stomp boxes. All I know is that the DL8000r is very sought after at HRI (www.hugeracksinc.com) and it delivers a very lush or precise delay, whatever is needed. Tone coloring is non-existant to my ears. In my opinion it blows the stomp boxes I've tried out of the water.

The MPX200 is from the cheaper side when it comes to rack effects and probably gives the tone some color but the effects I use (Chorus, Delay, Compressor on clean channel) give me the sound I want so, it doesn't really matter I guess :P I seldom use the clean channel so I haven't put so much effort in getting most out of it. Just a little bit something to give it that lush and wet clean sound.