Is a power conditioner a MUST???

[jpwannabe]

Hi I was wondering if its a must to have a power conditioner in your rack setup? I don't really want to occupy another space in my rack.

[jemsite]

biggest waste of money outside of monster cables for your rig ...glen

[jay ratkowski]

If it is truely a voltage regulator, it's worth it to me.

Of course it's a waste of money until you fry an amp.

[davester1234]

Originally Posted by jemsite

biggest waste of money outside of monster cables for your rig ...glen

well, I agree with the monster cables, but power conditioners SIMPLIFY things considerably.

I don't have one, and at gigs, friends who do have a MUCH easier time. They need ONE plug...I have to haul powerbars around and such which some might see as fun...but I don't....and it protects your gear.

Don't overpay tho, but if you can get one at a steal, pick it up.

[jemsite]

you're describing a multi-outlet extension cord.

"power conditioner" is nonsense. i can see a "surge protector" (if your rig is not insured) but those don't require a rack space and none of this is foolproof... glen

[jpwannabe]

what are the difference between a "power conditoner" and a surge protector? Thanks

[geetarmonkey]

Originally Posted by jemsite

you're describing a multi-outlet extension cord.

"power conditioner" is nonsense. i can see a "surge protector" (if your rig is not insured) but those don't require a rack space and none of this is foolproof... glen

Seems like that's exactly what the power conditioner is, is just a rackmounted surge protector. It's just a little more neat and tidy than having all those cords running to a surge protector, especially when the only plug on stage is 20 feet from where you are and you have to go through all the trouble just to be close up to your rack.

I disagree that it's a waste of money. They aren't that expensive anyways.

[jemsite]

well the power conditioners are often overhyped & overpriced "multi outlet gangboxes" set in a rack w/ minimal usefullness. surge protectors, often available dirt cheap that sense power load and if needed close the circuit (shut off) to prevent equipment damage.

neither will improve tone, etc... glen


edit - if you're hell bent on one of these for a rack, grab something like the Furman RP-8 for $45. They won't stop "interference" and other things they advertise and the pricier ones are a sheer waste of cash.

the same thing at homedepot without the rackmount (that can sit behind your rack) is $19 w/ cash warranty on protected items

your mileage will vary.

[jpwannabe]

I kinda agree wiz glen,
if your purpose of getting a furman is for plugging all our equipment
into it, why not just get a multi-plug cable. It will still fit in the back of your rack case, and you won't need the additional space+weight in your rack.
I was also thinking most of the power surges aren't designed for audio equipment?

[Jammy]

I made this today - its basically a rack mount multiblock with an on/off switch, fused, and will soon have a built in circuit breaker. Its cost me about £40 in parts (the case was £30 )
Ah wel...here are some pics...

http://www.solar.myby.co.uk/misc/andy/rackback.JPG
http://www.solar.myby.co.uk/misc/andy/frontrack.JPG

Its got 8 outputs, and im thinking of having some 9v outputs on the back too - theres alot of room left in the case

[davester1234]

Originally Posted by jemsite

you're describing a multi-outlet extension cord.

exactly...simplifying.

Anyway, don't have one, but I know that I get all kinds of signals coming thru my amp, like radio stations and everything....washing machine noises etc.

If this would classify as the type of interference that would be eliminated by the 'clean' power provided by a furman, I'd like that. My power bars certainly don't help in that respect.

[jemsite]

the furman, etc. wont help those problems ... glen