Here is a brief overview of 19″ racks and cases for live sound engineers:
- 19″ racks are a standard width that allows different audio, video, and computing equipment to be mounted and stacked together in a modular way. The height of the rack is measured in rack units usually expressed as U but sometimes as RU.
- Common rack widths are 19 inches and 21 inches. 19 inch is the most widely used standard while 21 inch racks provide extra space for cabling and ventilation.
- Standard rack heights come in increments of 1.75 inches per U or RU. Common rack heights are 2U, 4U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 24U etc. The total height depends on how many components you need to install.
- 19″ rack cases are protective enclosures used to transport and protect rackmounted equipment. They come with removable front and rear panels for easy access to the gear and also ventilation. On some, shock-absorbing foam and internal bracing helps cushion the equipment from bumps and vibrations during transport.
- When investing in racks, consider getting open-frame racks for permanent installations and rack cases for taking equipment to gigs. Get the right height and depth for your needs. Include extra space for future expansion.
- Use high-quality rails and rack screws to securely mount your gear. Use cable organisers and ties to neatly run all connections and minimise clutter. Label all connections clearly for quick troubleshooting.
- Invest in a rackmount power conditioner/surge protector to protect your equipment from power issues. A fan panel can help with ventilation.
- Two good things to add to a live sound 19″ rack mounted set-up is a poor distribution unit and a light unit so that you can see what you are doing.
- A key benefit of racks is being able to securely transport and quickly setup racks of pre-wired gear at shows. Racks keep connections neat and equipment protected.