EscapeRocks Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 I finally got the time and decided to simplify and update the rack I use on stage. First thing I did was decrease weight. I went from the old 6U Road Ready metal and wood rack case to the new version of the Gator G-Tour Pro 4u case. The difference is a 34lb starting weight compared to 12.5lb starting weight. Gator did a really nice job. Front and rear rack rails, better latches, and the molded in handles are wide so you don't pinch or hurt your hand when lifting. Next, I figured how to setup my rack so I could go down to 4U from 6U, and have it able to be my rack for Mainstage rig, rack for hardware board rig, or both. The key is my Focusrite 18i20 Gen 2 Audio Interface, that can also be a stand alone 8 channel mixer. That removed the need to rack a separate mixer. Now my rack consists of: Shure PSM 300 Wireless Ear Transmitter Shure BLXR4 Wireless Mic Receiver Focusrite 18i20 Audio Interface/Mixer Power Supply Custom i/o rack panel You all know from previous posts that I like a clean setup, hence the i/o panel. Here are several pics of the setup. overall view. The top two antennas are for the wireless mic. The i/o panel L-R: Neutrik Powercon True1 connector, USB pass thru for Focusrite, trs pass thru to In ear transmitter, MIDI Out and IN to Focusrite, MIC Out from Wireless MIC, MIC In to Focusrite, In Ear Wireless Antenna, TRS Audio In L+R, TRS Audio Out. A couple closeups of the panel Backside showing the pass thru connectors Backside of Neutrik power connector. I cut off the plug of the power unit, stripped the outer jacket, then stripped the separate wires. Each wire then got a quick connect connector. I found these that were solder filled, and the outer coating was shrink wrap. Crimp them to the wire, then heat them for a solid connection. Then just attach to proper terminal: Neutral, Ground, Hot. Here's a power cord with a standard "Edison" plug on one end, and the Neutrik connector on the other. Push it in then turn, and you have a solid power connection. In keeping with my clean stage motif, I have a 4U Hinged panel on the back. That way if I do have to get into the rack, no having to get a screw driver to remove solid panels. Here it is setup temporarily on a tv dinner tray The Macbook is sitting on a Thermal Lake oversized fan. The LED is a fun effect on stage . It made its maiden voyage last Saturday, and everything was perfect. Fast setup. One reason I have the i/o up front, and also went with the Neutrik power connector is so that in cramped quarters, I can sit the rack on the floor facing up, and use my Samson Laptop Stand. So now, whether I use my Arturia Keylab, Roland VR-09, or Fantom X6 up top, I don't have to change the rack or jury rig anything. The MIDI din i/o are for the Fantom X6. I also don't have to use my in ears. That's why I have the trs input for it. My Rolls PM351 sits on my Casio PX5S. I can go wired, or run a trs from the PM351 to the rack for my wireless ears. I'm having fun Quote David Gig Rig:Roland Fantom-08| Yamaha MODX+ 6 | MacBook Pro 14" M1| Mainstage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doerfler Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 I'm having fun excellent post, David. Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathanael_I Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Very nice setup. It takes a good bit of experience to get things simple and EXACTLY right! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quai34 Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Whoooo, great, super neat....The idea of the Neutrix power connector is a very good one....I have a Gator rolling rack 8U, molded one, it's awesome but I have to keep it open for "freshness"....Two Matrix 1000, Tascam Mixer, Lexicon effect, XV5080, Porteus 2000 and A880 Roland brings quite a lot of heat....I'm even thinking to put at the back a one U fan....But to gain weight I could buy some very short power cable form all the units to the power and have no power cables wrapped into the 8U besides my snakes....Then the Neutrix power idea will be great... Thanks a lot for sharing, when my wife will tell me "again changing stuff!!!.? " I will put that on you.... Thanks again Quote Stage 2, C2, NL2X+TC Pedals, P08+Tetra+H9, P12+TC Chorus D50+PG1000, 2 Matrix 1K, Proteus 2K, TX802, Streichfett, Drumbrute. Guitars:G&L Legacy, Asat X2, Ibanez Artstar AS153.Bass: L2000, SR1200&2605. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeyMoe Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Beautiful!!! Quote Montage 7, Mojo 61, PC-3, XK-3c Pro, Kronos 88, Hammond SK-1, Motif XF- 7, Hammond SK-2, Roland FR-1, FR-18, Hammond B3 - Blond, Hammond BV -Cherry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hardware Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Thats cleaner than a lean dick dog. Nice. Quote Magnus C350 + FMR RNP + Realistic Unisphere Mic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Nursers Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Great stuff, love it! Quote The Keyboard Chronicles Podcast Check out your fellow forumites in an Apple Music playlist Check out your fellow forumites in a Spotify playlist My Music: Stainless Fields Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnderGroundGr Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Excellent !!! Quote Kurzweil K2661 + full options,iMac 27",Mac book white,Apogee Element 24 + Duet,Genelec 8030A,Strymon Lex + Flint,Hohner Pianet T,Radial Key-Largo,Kawai K5000W + K1,Moog Minitaur,Yamaha Reface YC + CP, iPad 9th Gen, Arturia Beatstep + V Collection 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Wright Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Great rig David!! Quote http://www.michaelwwright.com https://www.facebook.com MPN Paetron https://www.patreon.com/musicplayernetwork Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Quinn Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Great work David! Your enthusiasm, motivation, and skills are impressive Thanks for sharing. Quote www.alquinn.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanL Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Question, why do you use wireless in ears and a wireless mic? Do you move around on stage or is it for the clean look? Quote Live: Korg Kronos 2 88, Nord Electro 5d Nord Lead A1 Toys: Roland FA08, Novation Ultranova, Moog LP, Roland SP-404SX, Roland JX10,Emu MK6 www.bksband.com www.echoesrocks.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobadohshe Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Oh my god it's so beautiful. Quote Kawai C-60 Grand Piano : Hammond A-100 : Hammond SK2 : Yamaha CP4 : Yamaha Montage 7 : Moog Sub 37 My latest album: Funky organ, huge horn section https://bobbycressey.bandcamp.com/album/cali-native Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluMunk Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Is it possible to have GAS for someone else's DIY/setup? If so, I've got it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ITGITC Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 As always, I'm impressed with your skills, David. Tom Quote "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." - Victor Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobadohshe Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Is it possible to have GAS for someone else's DIY/setup? If so, I've got it! Same. At least some serious inspiration. Quote Kawai C-60 Grand Piano : Hammond A-100 : Hammond SK2 : Yamaha CP4 : Yamaha Montage 7 : Moog Sub 37 My latest album: Funky organ, huge horn section https://bobbycressey.bandcamp.com/album/cali-native Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EscapeRocks Posted September 27, 2018 Author Share Posted September 27, 2018 Thanks guys. I really appreciate the kind words. One reason I like to post my projects is to hopefully give others ideas. I've learned so much from the forum over the years so I just like paying it back. Question, why do you use wireless in ears and a wireless mic? Do you move around on stage or is it for the clean look? Dan, I don't always use the complete wireless setup, especially on small stage gigs where I sit. On our full show gigs, I play guitar on a couple songs, as well as keytar. Having the wireless headset mic means I don't have to run back to my keys wen it's time to sing. All in all, I've always been a gadget freak and love looking at things and building things. It's why I have 6 different stands I can bring; why I customize some of my boards (paint), and so forth. Lots of trial and error. Quote David Gig Rig:Roland Fantom-08| Yamaha MODX+ 6 | MacBook Pro 14" M1| Mainstage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real MC Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Lots of trial and error. Indeed. In the past 30+ years of gigging I must had built at least four stage rack configurations. This time around, I went the modular route as I tend to play many styles. I abstracted the common components that would be used for any genre into one rack, then other racks (IE traditional sounds, analog monosynth, processors for polysynths) as needed for particular genres. I also paid attention to weight so they don't get too heavy (I no longer use racks bigger than 12U, most are 8U or 4U). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Beaumont Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Having the wireless headset mic means I don't have to run back to my keys wen it's time to sing. Same here but with an additional twist. I quickly found that being able to my head or move up to higher octaves I don't worry about having to have my mouth in front of the mic. I see why a lot of drummers do use them, its very freeing. And one less long cable to lay! I play guitar & bass on a couple songs so they are on wireless too. And your not tripping over cables! Quote Boards: Kurzweil SP-6, Roland FA-08, VR-09, DeepMind 12 Modules: Korg Radias, Roland D-05, Bk7-m & Sonic Cell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EscapeRocks Posted September 27, 2018 Author Share Posted September 27, 2018 Having the wireless headset mic means I don't have to run back to my keys wen it's time to sing. Same here but with an additional twist. I quickly found that being able to my head or move up to higher octaves I don't worry about having to have my mouth in front of the mic. I see why a lot of drummers do use them, its very freeing. And one less long cable to lay! I play guitar & bass on a couple songs so they are on wireless too. And your not tripping over cables! Exactly! My guitar and Keytar are also both wireless Quote David Gig Rig:Roland Fantom-08| Yamaha MODX+ 6 | MacBook Pro 14" M1| Mainstage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthaholic Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 The key is my Focusrite 18i20 Gen 2 Audio Interface, that can also be a stand alone 8 channel mixer. That removed the need to rack a separate mixer. Im actually looking at doing something similar, replacing my Yamaha mixer with an audio/midi interface that doubles as a stand-alone mixer. I assume youve been happy with that Focusrite? I like the larger knobs. Looks great! Im a big fan of smaller, lighter, more compact. Quote The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EscapeRocks Posted September 27, 2018 Author Share Posted September 27, 2018 The key is my Focusrite 18i20 Gen 2 Audio Interface, that can also be a stand alone 8 channel mixer. That removed the need to rack a separate mixer. Im actually looking at doing something similar, replacing my Yamaha mixer with an audio/midi interface that doubles as a stand-alone mixer. I assume youve been happy with that Focusrite? I like the larger knobs. Looks great! Im a big fan of smaller, lighter, more compact. Thank you! Yes I have been very happy with the Focusrite. The software that comes with it to set it up, pretty much allows you to send any input to any output. You can also save those "scenes" to recall later..via the software. Just as I have variations of my Mainstage Concerts based on what rig I am using, I have a few scenes saved for the Focusrite based on the same. At the gig, once hooked up, I first load the proper Focusrite scene, then launch the proper MS Concert. FYI: Mainstage is the very last thing I launch in the chain. I turn on my boards, then turn on Focusrite. I then launch Midi Monitor to make sure I am getting a signal. If using internal hardware sounds, I make sure the meters on the Focusrite are registering. Once I make sure all my inputs are working, I launch Mainstage. So far, sticking to this process has kept any gremlins at bay Quote David Gig Rig:Roland Fantom-08| Yamaha MODX+ 6 | MacBook Pro 14" M1| Mainstage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Great work! As many know, I am also a rack and rig junkie in general. I've done several revisions and have been thinking about doing another rack project to make a "mini" version of my bigger rack. I have some of the gear needed for this, but it will also require investment. So I have been a little slow to move forward. Seeing threads like this ignites a new fire! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EscapeRocks Posted September 27, 2018 Author Share Posted September 27, 2018 Thank you!! Quote David Gig Rig:Roland Fantom-08| Yamaha MODX+ 6 | MacBook Pro 14" M1| Mainstage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyS Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Looks absolutely terrific,,, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTalking Posted October 31, 2018 Share Posted October 31, 2018 Now that you've bought a new Mac Mini, will you switch to that instead of a laptop? If so, what will you use for keyboard/monitor for your Mini? Just curious...I love seeing what you're doing with your rig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonnor Posted October 31, 2018 Share Posted October 31, 2018 Great work! As many know, I am also a rack and rig junkie in general. I've done several revisions and have been thinking about doing another rack project to make a "mini" version of my bigger rack. I have some of the gear needed for this, but it will also require investment. So I have been a little slow to move forward. Seeing threads like this ignites a new fire! Hey Eric, you check out David's power connector? Let's work on adding a couple to your pedalboard junction box. Then run a clean power cord up to the Nord. Hit me offline and we can discuss. Quote Gear: Hardware: Nord Stage3, Korg Kronos 2, Novation Summit Software: Cantabile 3, Halion Sonic 3 and assorted VST plug-ins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EscapeRocks Posted October 31, 2018 Author Share Posted October 31, 2018 Hey Eric, you check out David's power connector? Let's work on adding a couple to your pedalboard junction box. Then run a clean power cord up to the Nord. Hit me offline and we can discuss. The discovery of the newer True1 version of the Powercon cables was literally a game changer (to use a cliche'd term). They are modular, have different available panel connectors, and are robust. Quote David Gig Rig:Roland Fantom-08| Yamaha MODX+ 6 | MacBook Pro 14" M1| Mainstage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric Posted October 31, 2018 Share Posted October 31, 2018 Hey Eric, you check out David's power connector? Let's work on adding a couple to your pedalboard junction box. Then run a clean power cord up to the Nord. Hit me offline and we can discuss. The discovery of the newer True1 version of the Powercon cables was literally a game changer (to use a cliche'd term). They are modular, have different available panel connectors, and are robust. Yes! I'd love that in my rig and have been searching for some way to do power differently alongside the multi-pin rig that vonnor made for me. Currently I use a long 15-20' IEC right angle attached to an extension cord and all of this is zip tied alongside my multi snake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EscapeRocks Posted October 31, 2018 Author Share Posted October 31, 2018 Now that you've bought a new Mac Mini, will you switch to that instead of a laptop? If so, what will you use for keyboard/monitor for your Mini? Just curious...I love seeing what you're doing with your rig. I will be reconfiguring my rack. The i/o panel will be different, and will move to the rear. I have a 1U rack tray designed for the Mac Mini. The open space where a second Mini would fit is where I will place one of my already owned 1TB SSD drives in a USB 3 housing. Since I already have a couple large capacity SSD (Samsung EVO 850's) I didn't have to spend the $$ with Apple. The internal 256GB is plenty for how I use it. As far as monitoring, I have a couple options. I can use either my iPad, or a cool little 10" HDMI monitor. I have. Once I launch Mainstage and make sure everything is setup, I rarely interact with the laptop other than occasional glance just to see how things are doing. I control everything from my keyboard controllers. I also have an Apple Magic Trackpad that I've had for a while. Quote David Gig Rig:Roland Fantom-08| Yamaha MODX+ 6 | MacBook Pro 14" M1| Mainstage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTalking Posted October 31, 2018 Share Posted October 31, 2018 Very cool, David, thanks for the info! I'll be following along as you post about it. (Yes, I am your rack stalker.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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