| Author | Message | ||
| stout71
Advanced Member Username: stout71 Post Number: 215 Registered: 7-2011 |
I'm having a problem with my rack (a good 50 pounds in an 8-space rack) sliding around on top of my 2X10 cabinet. The rack does have rubber feet, but it doesn't seem to matter when I hit certain notes on the E or B-string (varies per instrument). The other night, the rack slid right off the front. Luckily I was standing in front of it, so there was no damage except to the back of my knee. Are there any products out there, or makeshift remedies? | ||
| flpete1uw
Advanced Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 341 Registered: 11-2011 |
Jerry, I use small pieces of Velcro to hold in place small boxes. Strategic pieces could be just enough to stop some of these issues. It defiantly won't hold 50 lbs from falling but might be enough for what trying to do which stop some of the effects of vibration. Also removable. Pete | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 2045 Registered: 2-2005 |
How about a foam pad? I've been hearing vibrations from my racks lately and been thinking about doing something like that to isolate my rack from the speakers. Keith | ||
| kilowatt
Intermediate Member Username: kilowatt Post Number: 137 Registered: 12-2004 |
I have been using a 1" thick, high density foam slab under my rack for years. I also have an 8 space rack, and it doesn't move at all. It also eliminates any vibration. Regards, Pete | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11449 Registered: 5-2002 |
A folded towel or blanket can also be effective. But my preference has been to set the rack on a milk crate or other sturdy stand next to the speaker cab(s). This helps eliminate any problems that cabinet vibration can cause to rack components. The milk crate or similar box can do double duty as something to carry things in for load-in and load-out. | ||
| jzstephan
Advanced Member Username: jzstephan Post Number: 267 Registered: 1-2012 |
 Auralex Subdude | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3556 Registered: 10-2002 |
I use two pieces of camping mat (high density foam) folded and taped which stops anything sliding around and also damps most of the vibrations from the cabinets so there aren't any rattles coming from the rack. You can just about make them out in this pic..  They fit nicely into the rear rack cover when I pack it all away. Graeme | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 334 Registered: 6-2012 |
Here's Phil's rig from a recent performance on May 24:  Unfortunately, it appears to be at least a 2-man job to place that rack on top of that road case - ! Wherever possible, I place any amps, rack gear, etc. to the side of the speakers. I believe that exposing delicate electronic equipment to additional vibration for extended periods of time is potentially detrimental to its performance. | ||
| jcdlc72
Advanced Member Username: jcdlc72 Post Number: 366 Registered: 11-2009 |
Now I want to know what´s on Phil´s rack... specially what is that laptop on the sliding table for. | ||
| stout71
Advanced Member Username: stout71 Post Number: 216 Registered: 7-2011 |
Guys, thanks so much for the suggestions. I should have my hands on a piece of 1" HD foam in the next day or two. I will see how that works. I already have an Auralex Gamma that I use under my cab to de-couple it from the floor. I'm not sure how well it would work between the rack and the cabinet, though. Also, I agree that optimally I would want to separate the two completely. I will have to think about that and maybe try it at a gig to see how it goes. Thanks again. | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 335 Registered: 6-2012 |
Re: Phil's laptop - dooood - how else you think he keeps up wit his Facebook posse during gigs - yo? Seriously - I was in the front row for this performance and watched him use it dial in his tone. It appeared that it retained some past settings that he then further tweaked to his preference immediately prior to starting the gig. He waited until the room was filled with people - smart guy. People are like giant pillows - they absorb sound waves. I'm guessing that he knows this and used the laptop to assist him with making the appropriate adjustments. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3550 Registered: 5-2009 |
David ___ How about an RTA ( real time analyzer) program on the laptop ? Were there any calibration microphones that you could see ? Wolf | ||
| dead_head
Junior Username: dead_head Post Number: 40 Registered: 5-2014 |
Perhaps the laptop is used to tune his Meyer powered cabinets to room dynamics per venue? | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3551 Registered: 5-2009 |
Perhaps the Meyer Sound "System Integration Tools" http://www.meyersound.com/products/compass_rms/ http://www.meyersound.com/products/mapponline/pro/ http://www.meyersound.com/products/sim/sim3/ | ||
| jcdlc72
Advanced Member Username: jcdlc72 Post Number: 367 Registered: 11-2009 |
Wow..... just Wow. When you thought you had it all figured out regarding High quality sound on stage... | ||
| rjmsteel
Advanced Member Username: rjmsteel Post Number: 228 Registered: 7-2008 |
Anthony Jackson uses the Meyer Sound system for his $$$ rig also. Totally agree with Dave and others to place components on or in a separate unit next to the speaker cabinets. For me I have a 8 Space Middle Atlantic (all Aluminum) rack with casters, which houses my DS-5, Furman power "strip" and amps. Then I place my SF-2 on top of that (at an angle) to accommodate setting changes. I can wheel it next to the speaker cabinet stack or where ever I prefer to make tone changes or provide space on stage. | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 336 Registered: 6-2012 |
Wolf - No calibration mics that I could see. Although my pic is poor quality (low light, cell phone cam, unsteady hand), what you see is exactly what was there for the entire performance that night. I quickly snapped it right after Phil finished his sound check and left the stage. He blocked most of my view of the laptop screen, but I did manage to get a glimpse of what appeared to be a complex bar graph of frequencies (peaks & valleys) and he definitely used the laptop in conjunction with his rig to dial in his tone. Re: "high quality sound on stage" - that's a understatement. I was about 10 feet away from his rig and his sound was massive, but not loud. It filled up the entire low end and also cut through a dense mix of THREE guitars, a keyboard and drums without overwhelming the vocals. Absolutely amazing. ;-) Sorry for the partial hijack. (Message edited by davehouck on August 05, 2014) | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1810 Registered: 5-2002 |
The laptop does control the speakers. There are crossover points, phase alignment, and a number of other variables that can be used to tune the system. I haven't heard it in person, but for $25k it should sound great. I don't have a problem with my rack slipping around, but I do use some of the rubbery stuff that is used to line dish cabinets to make sure my laptop doesn't slide around on top of the rack for my location recording rig. It works well. I might also work for keeping a rack from slipping as it's slightly tacky. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3557 Registered: 10-2002 |
I live in permanent awe of those of you who play venues large enough to allow the bass player more than 2 square feet of stage room and can park your rack next to the cabs.:-) Graeme | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 337 Registered: 6-2012 |
Just tell the drummer to NOT use half his/her cymbals and floor toms and only one bass drum and you'll be stylin'... Presto: instant real-estate. Also - the law of the jungle dictates that whoever shows up first can make the land-grab and the rest will just have to deal with the leftover space. | ||
| murray
Intermediate Member Username: murray Post Number: 165 Registered: 7-2007 |
That is so true about 'who shows up first' picks their spot. I set up the PA as well as playing bass and that is my rule. I wish people could arrive in reverse order from where they play, though - ie. front line arrive last and drummers first. Glynn | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3558 Registered: 10-2002 |
oh I dunno Glynn. I prefer to get the backline and cabling sorted before the drummer starts to place his kit. (after he's put his carpet down so we know where he's going.) Graeme | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3558 Registered: 10-2002 |
oh I dunno Glynn. I prefer to get the backline and cabling sorted before the drummer starts to place his kit. (after he's put his carpet down so we know where he's going.) Graeme | ||
| wideload
Advanced Member Username: wideload Post Number: 207 Registered: 6-2003 |
I'm getting to the point where I need something to keep ME from sliding around when I play. Getting old sucks... | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 338 Registered: 6-2012 |
Ah - the drum carpet provides yet another opportunity. Wait til the kit is set up and the drummer disappears for a quick adult beverage (or something) prior to starting the gig. You then deftly use the carpet to slide the entire kit over a bit to accommodate your re-configured bass rig. You can tell I've had to deal with this a lot... | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 2048 Registered: 2-2005 |
Even better slowly cut an inch or two off the carpet each time the drummer isn't around. After a while you should be able to pickup a little more real estate. Keith | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 339 Registered: 6-2012 |
Excellent idea! And - as a bonus you could save those pieces of carpet and use 'em to cushion your rack case in the unlikely event that you are unable to obtain the real-estate required to place it to the side of your speaker cab. Problem solved all around at no expense to the bass player - win / win! | ||
| peoplechipper
Senior Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 467 Registered: 2-2009 |
I just heard the best joke from a drummer...yeah, I know, what?...he said "all I have to do is leave my drumsticks on the dashboard and I can park in handicapped spots no problem..." Tony | ||
| rjmsteel
Advanced Member Username: rjmsteel Post Number: 229 Registered: 7-2008 |
As I completely concur with the postage stamp area to set up in at more times than not, it certainly is a matter of getting prime real estate early, even if (as pointed out in my case the preference to setup my rack next to the driver cabinets). With that said there is always the option to place the rack next to where the player is standing, in front of but not blocking the cabinet drivers, (I do this so I can easily adjust the Superfilter), especially since we generally, I suppose, for those of us Bassists, are at the edge of the stage. Note: not in the case of a pit type situation such as when Pauldo is performing at some of his gigs. I suppose it really depends on your band, placement of the player/instrument etc. The rack next to or offset from the speaker cabinets works out pretty well for me; given that I think we are always trying to improve our setup configurations. A Work in Progress at times and sometimes satisfaction in our setup happens - at least for a while - whew! |
