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Ok so I've been getting ready to build an ata flight style case for my live gear (mixer, processing, and amps). I'm torn between an all in one unit similar to the one below, and seperate ones. My problem with having the amp rack on the stage and not in front of me when mixing is that from time to time throughout the night I will find that my amp will PERIODICALLY clip for a quick second. Is this something I shouldnt worry about, or is there something I can do to avoid this? I have a 16x8 snake, and I know having the amps on stage will reduce speaker runs, but I never use more than a 50' cable (and my snake is 50') anyway. The way I see it, until I am at bigger venues, mixing 100' from the stage, then having an all in one case should be ok. Sorry if I'm rambling, just lots of thoughts. what are yours before I start building?

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dvdhawk Sat, 12/05/2009 - 08:13

Numerous thoughts / not much time......

The occasional clip light is nothing to panic about. A compressor/limiter on the Mains would take care of that nicely.

Can you draw a diagram of a typical stage plot?
Where does the stagebox of your snake end up?
Do you end up 25ft. in front of the stacks for a mix position?
Do you take someone with you to help push something that heavy up a ramp?
Ever played a gig that you have to carry your system up steps?

If I were going to work the concept in your picture, I'd build 2 identical racks + mixer case. Make them stackable like that, but 3 separate pieces.

Maybe that's just me.

anonymous Sat, 12/05/2009 - 08:35

Basically all of the places I run sound at are small-medium. Rarely do I get a good mix spot. Lastnight was the best I've gotten in awhile, and I was still only maybe 20' from the FOH. I had plenty of snake, although I had to think hard to make the most of my speaker cables and put the in the best configuration (not much of a big deal though-just need a couple more 50 footers). I normally tuck the stage box behind a sub and run mic/instrument cables in front and/ or behind as much as possible to keep cables from getting trampled on the whole night on stage.

I normally have someone to help me load/unload. Ive had one gig, and one coming up with steps. I try to avoid those. I know what you are getting at though ;)

I think the main reason I like the all in one approach is because for the majority of my shows, it'd be all set up minus snake, speaker cables, and power. Not to mention, it is cheaper to build 1 big case rather than 3 separate ones....

I've got to say Dave, you must not be joking when you say you are at a lack of time, because that has got to be one of the shortest posts of yours, atleast in my threads! :lol: :cry:

Spase Sat, 12/05/2009 - 10:47

Some of that stuff is generally HEAVY. I would also put them in three cases. That might not be perfect for every situation - and you'll have to make three trips in places where you would be able to do one - but you'll be MUCH happier the first time you have to lug it up more than a few steps.

moonbaby Sat, 12/05/2009 - 16:14

First off, listen and heed the others that say K I S S :Keep It Small Stupid!
You will end up HATING lugging/pushing/huffing that monster of a rack around.BTW, how are you getting it into your trailer? Maybe it will BE the trailer? LOL!!!!

And, sure, you can put the power amps onstage IF you can manage the current draw without blowing breakers when the Marshalls and SVTs start to roar. So be sure you've thought out a proper power management/grounding scheme that won't blackout the stage...or a performer.

dvdhawk Sat, 12/05/2009 - 21:14

stealthy wrote:

I've got to say Dave, you must not be joking when you say you are at a lack of time, because that has got to be one of the shortest posts of yours, atleast in my threads! :lol: :cry:

You'll notice I posted on your thread before I even responded on my own thread.

If you would ask "yes" and "no" questions, think of the time we'd save. :) But your questions are never that black and white. Anyway I hope you're getting something out of it .....

anonymous Sun, 12/06/2009 - 13:46

dvdhawk wrote: [quote=stealthy]

I've got to say Dave, you must not be joking when you say you are at a lack of time, because that has got to be one of the shortest posts of yours, atleast in my threads! :lol: :cry:

You'll notice I posted on your thread before I even responded on my own thread.

If you would ask "yes" and "no" questions, think of the time we'd save. :) But your questions are never that black and white. Anyway I hope you're getting something out of it .....
I am definitely getting alot out of it, keep em coming :)