Reddit mentions: The best recording studio racks

Errm, perhaps a generic build but pretty simple would be:

CPU: E3 1230 or 1245 (Or better if your budget suits)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-BX80646E31230V3-Quad-Core-Processor-3-3GHz/dp/B00D69PY1C/

Motherboard: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HWLICLO
(Frankly anything with a 1150 socket will work, the asus are usually pretty good value, server motherboards take ECC RAM usually, but that's the main difference, you can customise to get the ports that you want, pcie and ethernet)

RAM - ECC (Error Correcting Code)
this would be an example of some
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kingston-Technology-ValueRam-DDR3-1600/dp/B008LMNXS0/

Power Supply
PSU, if you have built desktops, then you should know, but something between 300-500w will be more than enough, you can use a standard desktop PSU if redundancy // reliability aren't of the utmost importance, but I've run consumer grade PSUs for years 24/7)

Case:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Codegen-500mm-4U-Rack-Mount/dp/B008IB9TH8/
Generic cheap case, I have one, it's not too shabby. If you go for 2u or 1u case, you will need to buy a special size PSU

*** This is a pretty generic guide, I invite anyone to improve it, you can probably find parts for a lot cheaper, or more efficient for the particular use. The use of a 4U case does take up more room than preferred, but it's an easy size to start with, and allows generic desktop PSU).

If this isn't beefy enough for your needs, you can always build multiple, and cluster them for virtualisation, or bump up to an E5 and/or E5 dual processor.

You can use the same build (just change case, and add raid card/SAS expander) if you wanted to build a NAS with many hard drives for central storage, it's a pretty generic/robust setup of components.

If you're looking for a cheap RACK in EU http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B000QDLPHS is decent, just got one. Beware it lacks the depth for rails though.

Please pm me if you would like

As I said, if anyone has any suggestions/changes, please suggest

I'm pretty impressed with the setup I've been able to put together. I have two amps but most of my speakers except for the subs are active. My problem is that my 1000W amp has a good DSP where my 2000W amp is pretty basic. So I keep both and use the 1000W in smaller venues and 2000W when I need a bit more volume (mostly outdoors).

So when I put together my rack, I've got both amps mounted. I use an XR18 for a mixer and that's at the bottom. I've got a WiFi that's been modded to work as a client/bridge so that my gear has it's own network, but it can still connect to the venue's WiFi for Internet. And I mounted a good USB hub and have installed a USB to DMX as well.

I put in a power conditioner and I bought the Neutrik PowerCon (http://www.neutrik.com/en/audio/powercon/powercon-20-a/) connectors so that my active speakers can get their power and signal plugged into nearly the same spot. I bought a 50' extension cord, cut off both ends, and put the PowerCon on one end and the standard C13 connector on the other end. Then I put it together with a 50' mic cable and 50' Speakon and put all three wires into a cable sleeve so it's kind of like one big wire or snake. Since I sometimes work with bands that need monitors, I also made a 25' version without the speakon cable (https://goo.gl/photos/WJMi8ipqJpFFkjok7)

So basically, I have the XR18 and all of it's input/outputs. It's also connected to the USB hub. Above the mixer is a panel where I custom installed the DMX output, speakon connectors that relay to the back of the amps, and all the PowerCon connectors.

The rack itself I picked up on Craigslist for dirt cheap. I was debating buying one where the door turns into a table that attaches to the side but the rack I got has the door sized so it can sit on top and turn into the perfect table size at the perfect height for the controller and laptop.

For some reason I don't have good pictures of the finished product. This photo was while I was still adding connectors to that panel, but you can see the power conditioner that runs to the blue PowerCon to receive power. And if I update later with more pictures, that blue connector now has 6 white connectors next to it for speaker outputs. This photo is one I took while I was in the process of mounting/organizing this thing.

Here's what it looks like on stage

If anyone's interested in seeing the rack from the front now that it's "finished", I'll try to send more pictures later.

I travel a lot, and even though the OP-1 does not feel fragile, I was still worried about it. I usually stuff it inside my backback next to some other stuff, and even though I always take it into the cabin, the backback sometimes takes a beating.

So I decided to buy the original softcase, and although it's quite expensive, I love it. Yes, it's not slim and it adds quite a bit of thickness to your OP-1, but it has super soft pillows inside and I have no doubt it will protect the OP-1 if my backback gets thrown around. Plus, I love the little pouch it has, I stuffed the USB cable and a stereo jack cable in there, and it's been great when I'm doing stuff on the go!

Since it sounds like you've already blown a couple pairs of cheap powered speakers and have security problems, I would take a different approach. You will never be able to secure the gain knobs on the back of an amplifier short of modifying the speaker with a metal box over the knob.

Instead of taking a powered approach, consider a pair of passive speakers. You can get excellent sounding slightly older passive speakers on the used market if you are willing to trade weight for price. For instance, look on your local Craigslist for a pair of EV SH-1502 speakers. You should only have to pay $300 a pair and if you can deal with the fact that they're 70lbs they sound much better than any Alto speaker or the cheaper EV ZLX, ELX, etc...

You then need an amplifier - preferably one with a security cover. The EV SH-1502s are very efficient, so you can use a small amplifier. QSC CX 302s are expensive new but very cheap on eBay.

You will also need a stereo rack mixer - again, you should be able to find what you need on eBay. Pick up one of these to protect the mixer: http://www.amazon.com/Raxxess-Locking-Security-Cover-Space/dp/B0006ZXF7O

Put the electronics in an audiopile rack (http://audiopile.net/products/Cases/RUE_Roadracks/RUE_Case_products_page.shtml), put it somewhere safe, and run the cables as far as you need.

I was doing the same thing not too long ago, if you are going to have not much more than 8-10 units of space taken up this should work pretty well:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CD1R84/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details

I use it in my home lab and it works perfectly. It's great if you're on a budget, however if you have the money go for something like the ones already posted.

I used the same adapter to rackmount my USG.

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If you want to rackmount your switch, buy the 16 port version...not that much more expensive.

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I built my rack on this, and it's been awesome: 19" Rack with Wheels

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Here are some other items for your rack:

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Cable Routing

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5U Drawer

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1 U Shelf

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1 U Power Strip (PDU)

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Keystone Patch Panel

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My NAS is rackmount, as well as the UPS.

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I have the keystone patch panel on the back of the rack. I have all my network stuff on the rack (cable modem, NAS, switches, USG, etc.). I bring all of the connections into the keystone patch panel (ethernet RJ45, telephone RJ11 (comes out of cable modem), RF for cable modem, etc). I then route form the other side of the keystone patch panel into the rack. I made the external connections long enough so that I can easily move the rack to work on it (when it's powered up). However, if I need to move it far, everything just disconnects from the back easily.

For a bit more, this might be better. Since its bigger. It has fans on top. Plus wheels for moving it around.

https://www.ebay.com/p/1867157808?iid=162172326535

or even this for $124

https://www.ebay.com/itm/18U-Server-Rack-Wall-Mount-Network-Data-Cabinet-Glass-Door-Lock-w-Venting-Slots/132994147633?_trkparms=aid%3D777001%26algo%3DDISCO.FEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160801204525%26meid%3D78fc6b64e44943449dcac0a3cb801960%26pid%3D100651%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26itm%3D132994147633%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057&_trksid=p2380057.c100651.m4497&_trkparms=pageci%3A22853786-0782-11ea-b3e7-74dbd1803353%7Cparentrq%3A6e2f140716e0a4b7b6eda06cfff3cefe%7Ciid%3A2


Ideally for the Ender 3 - this might even be better. Since its deeper. You could cover up the back with the plexi-glass. Drill some holes on top for ventilation.

https://www.amazon.com/Samson-SRK-12-Universal-Equipment-Stand/dp/B001B84JPW/ref=pd_sbs_23_49?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B001B84JPW&pd_rd_r=673a9844-df8e-473a-a28e-e579799edf0c&pd_rd_w=cHBua&pd_rd_wg=UrqeC&pf_rd_p=52b7592c-2dc9-4ac6-84d4-4bda6360045e&pf_rd_r=SJ5RXMMHM78G6YC3K7P2&psc=1&refRID=SJ5RXMMHM78G6YC3K7P2

Hey! Thank you. My 3550 was manufactured in 2005. Yeah I guess that is kind of interesting how they seem to run forever. The rack is just an instrument rack I got off Amazon. I'll post a link.

http://www.amazon.com/On-Stage-Stands-RS7030-OnStage-Stand/dp/B000CD1R84/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398787864&sr=8-1&keywords=on+stage+rack

If you are referring to the effect this has on my power bill, I couldn't tell you because I live in a dorm on a military base. But I will say that it's only on when I'm using it.

I have made a considerable investment into my education. The real question is, "how much is the knowledge I've gained worth?" lol. honestly I don't know how much I've spent. If I wouldn't of spent it on educational material it probably would of went some where else not as intellectually rewarding.

I actually have not considered using that software, but now that you mention it. I'll have to look into it. Thanks for your comment.

Do you have a TV console/cabinet that you could hide it all in? Or perhaps even building your own TV console? Something like this console for starters. Then add a 2U of rack rails for the Unifi switch. Or more and add a rack shelf, depending on your equipment. And finally, put an AC Infinity Airplate T7 fan unit for air intake or exhaust.

I built this entertainment center for a friend, but could have easily changed the dimensions for standard 19" rack equipment. The cabinet door fronts are mesh, and my friend opted to install just normal 120mm fans in the rear.

All the rack are at a set price, there is no rack cheaper than $29... That is how much mine cost, I like it, feels sturdy but I wish it was beefier. It came with a whole pack of mounting screws for each space, which I liked! I would recommend it because of the price and in the end it does the job.

This is available and I currently use it to carry my op-1 and op-z around at the same time, it's quite nice. Has a little bag on the side for cables as well: https://www.amazon.com/Teenage-Engineering-002-XS-801-OP-1-Synthesizer/dp/B00CXSK098/ref=sr_1_3 -- my apologies if it has already been suggested in the thread or your post, just wanted to share what I've been doing/what has worked for me. Best of luck! (edit* It may be a bit "large" for just the op-z, but I still use it for that as well)

This rack is super cheap and very good quality. I received mine yesterday and racked 6 devices on it so far.

Nice wood working, rack looks real nice actually. If you want it to have real rail sidings you can buy these, work real well. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQYV8BQ/ref=sr_ph_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485093027&sr=sr-1&keywords=rack+rails

You'd certainly save time buying a pre-built one. Trust me when I say no serious touring act builds their own flight cases out of 2x4's. OTOH, if you're dead set on doing it, you'd be well advised to look at how pro racks are built - they are quite sturdy. GL!

Even better, I have one of these 😅

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00K6BLKIO/ref=pe_385721_37986871_TE_item

Pretty much all rack mount stuff. The box itself I made. You can get the AV Keystone jacks and 48 port plate at Monoprice. The rails, screws, additional plates and rack mounted power supplies from Amazon.

http://www.monoprice.com/category?c_id=104&cp_id=10426

http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=8630

http://www.amazon.com/Technical-Pro-PS9U-Supply-Charging/dp/B0057RL6DQ

http://www.amazon.com/Reliable-Hardware-Company-RH-6-SRR-Space/dp/B00JQYUI7G

http://www.amazon.com/Reliable-Hardware-Company-RH-RMSET-25-Washers/dp/B00JQYUAQU

http://www.amazon.com/16port-Blank-Panel-Keystone-Jack/dp/B00PEKNW2Y

http://www.amazon.com/kenable-Cable-Management-Universal-Cabinet/dp/B004HTHL20

http://www.amazon.com/CNAweb-Blank-Spacer-Mount-Filler/dp/B01B1T0RZG

http://www.amazon.com/Odyssey-APV01-Space-Panel-Accessory/dp/B0002DV0CW

I had a pile of the keystone jacks from a previous purchase a couple years ago so I did not have to get a whole lot of them. The toslink keystone jack has a issue of popping out which is solved using a zip tie to hold it in.

I got the rails on Amazon. They're pretty sturdy though one piece to another set I bought later did have a flaky paint job http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JQYV8BQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JQYV8BQ&linkCode=as2&linkId=IBSCPXGPANCE667E

I got one of these from a friend that was getting rid of it for damn near free.

After looking at that, I'd rather find / obtain something like this (obviously something bigger / smaller depending on taste / needs), then install some rails of the proper into it, then install your hardware. My previous employer actually did something like this for an Extron / Crestron hybrid automation installation into a credenza for a conference room. They had their maintenance folk install a small / quiet 'muffin fan' into it to provide some air flow.

It is a 4u Guitar Amp case, I think. Similar in concept to this:
https://www.amazon.com/Gator-Audio-Rack-Standard-GR-4L/dp/B0006JETUM/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1487624037&sr=8-6&keywords=4u+amp
I picked it up on Ebay 3-4 years ago, and it's been rock solid :)

I bought them from Amazon through reliable hardware I believe.

I regret not getting the square slots though. I'll find the link for it and edit my comment.

e: http://www.starcase.com/custom_steel_rack_store.htm

A little more expensive for easier mounting, flexibility and compatibility. The cage nuts give you a bit more leeway if your rails aren't mounted 100% perfect.

e2: These are what I bought specifically, but I would still recommend the starcase square slot rails.

never seen the Adam Hall stand sbefore but they look a lot like the On-Stage 12U stands, which are cheaper per U:

12U stand

that style of rack is designed to be bolted to a floor. you can still use it without doing so but you'll want to keep the center of gravity low and not use any equipment that hangs out too far in the back.

also network racks usually require cage nuts which is an extra expense (are there just square cutouts along the rails instead of threaded screwholes?)

you may be best off selling that rack and buying a ordinary studio rack. they are generally less expensive than network/computer racks.

i own these two racks to give you some ideas:

OnStage RS7030 Rack Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CD1R84/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZWBvzb62TK8W9

Odyssey CRS08 8 Space Carpeted Studio Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NRTL8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AXBvzbEA3WPMV

I've got one of these, and am pleased with it:

OnStage RS7030 Rack Stand
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CD1R84

12U for $30

Perhaps a basic tabletop rack stand would be a good choice. I suggest this one

racks. go vertical! i have studio racks on 2 of three tables around my chair, can really pile in equipment. even non-rackmount equipment can often be velcroed to blank panels.

edit: i have a couple of these ($29);


OnStage RS7030 Rack Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CD1R84/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DPsbAbA0H67YA

and a couple of these ($119)

Odyssey CRS12 12 Space Carpeted Studio Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DVD7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OOsbAbNTNRDN9

i recommend both for different use cases

Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002BG4O8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is ideal but I may upgrade to something that has wheels.

I've got one of these and I'm really happy with it. It's only $30, too. It's not covered or enclosed but I kind of like that about it.

if it's going to be on the floor you could get something like this, and with enough clearance/cable slack roll it out when you need to service something.

I have the OnStage RS7030 Rack Stand from Amazon. It's holding a couple routers and switches. The very bottom space is largely unusable due to the angle of the stand. Cheap, solid rack.

This is rather inexpensive is you don't mind open sides. Dunno if I would trust it for a live gig (despite the name) but I have one in my home studio mostly full and it does the job.

Woa, check out the AUX port on that thing! Can you say 1990 :P

 

Hosted Servers:

What are you using the servers for? Depending on use, they might serve you better to be hosted. Websites, game servers, etc benefit a bunch from a good datacenter connection. Also they do not bog down your line. A lot of ISPs also do not allow you to host your servers locally (yea I know, they normally don't really care).

A core i3 machine with 8Gb or more of ram will do most of what you need (?). If you watch for deals on newegg or amazon, you might be able to snag one for around $300.

 

Rack:

This is not wall mounted rack, but it's a 12U rack (10-11U really, 12 with some finagling) for $30. They don't come cheaper than this.

It's sturdy and the holes are standard Us, so your networking gear and servers can slot right in. It's meant for music equipment, thus it's slanted upwards, but you can tweak it to not be. Even when it is, you can use 11Us of it with shallow gear.

 

Networking:

Depends what you need and what for. Cheap trendnet unmanaged 8 port switch does the job for most things. If you want to learn about networking, I would say pick up a couple of Cisco 2950 Catalyst switches. These are not plug and play, and they are not gig (only FastEther), and you will need to get them off ebay or so, as buying new is either impossible or just crazy expensive (support contract = $$$).

Along with those switches, again for learning cisco, get a 2621 router, or anything similar that doesn't cost much at all. They are old as crap, are FastEther only, and are less powerful than a home router today, but they will teach you all the basics of Cisco and more.

Get a spool of cat 5e (you really don't need better, especially if it's for learning) a crimper and a bunch of RJ-45 ends. Make your own cables for pennies.

 

If you instead want quality gear for your home network, go for an Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Lite as the router, an Ubiquiti UniFi as Access Point, and a Netgear or Trend-Net business class 24 port gig switch. You don't really need managed for your own house.

Economies of scale. Everyone uses these not just homelab users so they're cheaper.

At $110 I have no problem getting one of the nice ones for my shop(oscilloscopes tend to be sensitive) and HTPC setup.

Edit: They even have cheaper ones down at $58 with good reviews.

This is the RS7030 tabletop rack.
Here’s an amazon link;

OnStage RS7030 Rack Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CD1R84/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fE0aBbB9HFSNS

It is an audio equipment rack I got on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CD1R84/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cisco is going to be loud

Check out this rack if you want one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000CD1R84/ref=pd_aw_sbs_e_1?pi=SL500_SS115

As for cisco equipment, if you had to keep it realllly small AND want equipment, look at an 1841 router and a 3550 switch. Both can be reused for future cisco certs.

Get some VMs going on a machine along with GNS3.

What about a sliding shelf, that way you don't lose space in the drawer to the sliding mechanism

NavePoint Sliding Rack Vented Server Shelf 1U 19" 4 Post Rack Mount Adjustable 14" - 17" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A6JQX0K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MfNNBbN8NWDX2

In the middle it's just one of these with a Novo 24 mounted to it, the Volcas are on this, and on each end the Maschines and monitors are on these.

EDIT: On a table. On a floor. In a house. On Earth. In orbit.

Have you experienced any spacing issues with those round-hole rails?

I built my own 12U wooden rack and used these.

The spacing was so bad I only had 6U of usable space.

https://imgur.com/Y8jrzEm

https://imgur.com/nHXFqi4

I picked up a 24U Dell rack with square holes for $70 and threw sides and roof on the wood rack and it's now a doghouse.

Rack Rails: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JQYV8BQ/
Sliding Rails: https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-ProLiant-DL360-G5-G6-G7-Server-Rail-Kit-1U-364998-001-365002-002-364996-001/331823485170

This is what I used. $155 seems reasonable: https://www.amazon.com/Samson-SRK-12-Universal-Equipment-Stand/dp/B001B84JPW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517978436&sr=8-1&keywords=samson+rack

http://www.amazon.com/SKB-4U-ATA-Effects-Rack/dp/B0002BG4DE

It's actually a 19u rack

Here are some "Rack Essentials"

Shelfs/Rails:
https://www.amazon.com/NavePoint-Adjustable-Mount-Server-Shelves/dp/B0060RUVBA/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1510637469&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=1u+rack+rails&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Navepoint-Fixed-Vented-Server-Adjustable/dp/B01A6JQYDG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1510637496&sr=8-6&keywords=1u+rack+shelf+sliding

https://www.amazon.com/Navepoint-Sliding-Vented-Server-Adjustable/dp/B01A6JQPFI/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1510637508&sr=8-8&keywords=1u+rack+shelf+sliding





Drawers:
https://www.amazon.com/NavePoint-Server-Cabinet-Locking-Lockable/dp/B009WS7TSW/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1510637549&sr=1-4&keywords=1u+rack+drawer


Fans:
https://www.amazon.com/AC-Infinity-CLOUDPLATE-Airflow-cooling/dp/B00ZQPDB7I/ref=sr_1_5?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1510637586&sr=1-5&keywords=rack+fan


Switched PDU
https://www.amazon.com/Eliminator-E107-Control-Center-S-Switch/dp/B000GASJF2/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1510637607&sr=1-1&keywords=individual+switch+pdu

Maybe you will find some of that stuff useful...

This has different prices for shallow vs standard racks

Maybe they have a few bad batches, see one star reviews on https://www.amazon.com/Samson-SRK-12-Universal-Equipment-Stand/dp/B001B84JPW/?th=1

I've had the exact problem with paint in the screw holes, and problems getting the screws in.

I prefer rectangular holes for cage nuts and screws. More flexible that way, too.