Starting to put together a rack rig...help!

[vaijem777]

Here's the deal: I've decided to take a step into the world of rack gear. I've never owned ANY rackmount equipment, but have a pretty good idea of what I want. But, I'm really not sure if there's anything I'm leaving out, so I would greatly appreciate any insight, suggestions, comments...anything!

I just purchased a Rivera TBR-1SL amp (thanks Chris!), and will be building the rack around that. The other items that I've going to add are:
-Furman PL-PRO Power condition/light
-Korg tuner
-Dunlop Rackmounted Crybaby
-TC Electronics G-Major or G-Force...haven't decided yet.

All of this will most be going into either a Mesa or SKB shock-mounted rack. Either 8- or 12-space. If it's 8-space, that I would not have room to add any additional items. But, I'm not sure that I'd really need much else...I'm not a huge FX guy, and really just want some nice choruses, delays, maybe a Leslie patch, etc. The G-Force would probably be overkill, but...it'd be cool to have the pitch shifting stuff just for fun.

Anything else I'm overlooking?

Also, what would be a good foot controller? I've heard of the Ground Control, but really know nothing about it.

Thanks in advance!
Chris

[Gresh]

Nice rig you're starting there.

If you go to voodoolab.com you can read a little about the new ground control, but the description really leaves a lot to be desired and there isn't a manual to download.

I am also looking for a solid controller so I have been looking at the Rocktron Access...it is expensive as the dickins but it looks to be the most robust controller out there, minus the CAE custom stuff. The rocktron site has the manual you can read. With this one you can set up your patches to match your set list with up to 10 sets with 50 songs per set and 15 presets per song. The only thing it is missing is PC interface for programming. But it is also like $800 or something close to that.

Another option is the Lexicon controller.

[bammbamm]

I would get a 2ndary fx module for other tone shaping options, I know the G force has TONS of fx, but you may wanna add a delay to a patch that it may not be available on, which has happened to me b 4. The ART X-15 is also a pretty good controller that is affordable as well.
You will LOVE the DCR crybaby, WAY versitile !
The one rack unit I really have come to love is my Replifex, the tails of the delays and reverbs can spill over into the next patch you select, which adds continuity to your sound and solos.
Anyway, it sounds like you're gonna have a great sounding system !


Bamm

[bduersch]

Chris--

I've recently assembled 2 racks, one for gigs and one for practice. I had used combo amps and modeling amps for years prior to getting into the rack business, so it took me a while to get the hang of things.

The gig rig is set up like so:
Crybaby 95Q -> Boss DF2 -> Mesa Triaxis -> G-Major -> Mesa 2:90 -> Johnson 2x12 cabinet
(powered by a Rackrider power strip, controlled by an ART X-12, housed in an SKB 8-space rotorack)

The practice rig is set up like so:
Bad Horsie -> Boss DS1 -> Marshall JMP1 -> Lexicon MPX500 -> Tubeworks 962 -> Mesa 1x12 cabinet
(controlled by a Digitech Control 7, housed in a 4-space soft-sided rack)

I set 'em up like this so if any piece of the main rig "blew up", then I could swap out for a component in the practice rig without anything being significantly different (at least in terms of capability).

For FX, I really like the G-Major. It's reasonably priced, very flexible, and sounds great (and it has delay/reverb spillover, too!). MIDI implementation is pretty good, which is critical for a rack system. The Lexicon isn't really optimized for guitar tonally, and it switches super-slow via MIDI, so I really only use it for reverbs.

For controllers, I have pretty basic needs, but I have used the Ground Control before and it is one of the most flexible, well-built controllers I've seen for the money.

--B

[vaijem777]

Thanks for the info so far guys! Right now, I'm definitely leaning towards the G-Major, based on the fact that it's about 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of a G-Force. I'll most likely get a second FX unit eventually, but my needs are pretty simple. My backup/small gig/practice rig will still be my Mesa Mark IV combo and assorted FX on the Furman pedalboard, so the rack rig will most likely only be used for larger gigs.

I'm definitely leaning towards the Ground Control right now, but the C.A.E. RS-10 looks pretty cool too Of course....it's a LOT more $$.

I should at least be able to get the rig up and running with the basic components that I previously listed, but I think I'll go with at least a 12-space rack, just so I still have room to grow a little.

Of course...figuring out how to hook all of this stuff up is going to the fun part! Things should start trickling in next week, so I'll definitely keep the thread updated.

Keep it coming!
Chris

[kent]

Stay away from the Lexicon MPX R1 foot controller. I've had trouble with both it and my Lexicon MPX G2 and I am waiting for an opportunity to send them both back to Lexicon for repairs but I never have enough time off. It will be the second time I've sent them back to the manufacturer and I've never sent any other piece of gear back in 12 years of playing professionally. Go with the TC stuff and look into the new Gound Control pedal.

[Gresh]

Keep in mind if you go with the DMC Ground Control, you are going to want some expression pedals to hook in to it, there aren't any included, nor are they included with the Rocktron unit...what do you expect for close to a Grand!?!?!?! What up with that?

I picked up a used Behringer midi controller that I got in the deal for the G-Major. New they are only $119 from *******. It isn't the most flexible thing out there but the manual is clear and it's got two expression pedals built in...reviews on HC are very positive and for the price it was a no brainer...if I don't like it, I can use it as a door stop or a cat bowl or something.

Yamaha has a decent looking controller as well.

[MorbidAngel]

Chris!


I know you will love the Rivera, It has so many options you will be dizzy at first! as Kevan told me, Download and print and READ, RE-READ and then read the manual again!

I will also mention, do NOT skimp on cableing. This is a REALLY important part of a solid, noiseless rack rig. I am still trying to figure this stuff out, but I would suggest magami or george L's but don't use george L's connectors.

also make sure you have some sort of ground lift on one of the units, and also make sure you have some EQ in there somewhere, it will be a healthy helper if you can;t find the sounds you want straight out fo the box *but that is really moot since this thing is the swiss army knife of amps*

In short, have fun! get that sweet SRV tone, and you will hvae a kilelr time with this rig!


*I'll let you know when the cash gets here as well. As of thursday 06/27/02 it's still not here*


Later bro!

Chris