back of the rack racking help (SKB)

[cleantone]

I was wondering what my best bet might be. I have a few SKB racks. The standard ones, I forget the model off hand. I want to put some XLR patchbays on the back side of the racks. To have my preamps wired at all times. I still want the back panel to come off of course. I am not talking about mounting a patchbay on that panel. I would rather have the XLR inputs on the back than the front. Maybe I need a machine shop to help a bit. Do they make any rack units that screw on in the front but extend to the back for mounting of a backward unit? That would be prefered over trying to cut and bolt on rack panels potenially screwing up the case and maybe comprimizing it's structure some. Does this make sense? Is there a better option? With the cases I own already of course.

Thanks!

Edit... I just looked at the SKB site. There actually may be rear rails already. I never noticed if there is. I'll have to look a little later.

[Gravity]

If you don't have rear rails already and it's an SKB, then forget about it. If it were an ATA style case you could buy rack rails and mount them with bolts and plywood spacers you'reself, but trying to modify an SKB would be a nightmare.

As for the XLR panels, just get som Middle Atlantic or Raxxess panels with 16 knockouts to fit either Neutrik or Switchcraft panel mount connectors and a few pop rivets and you're golden that way. You can custom wire the whole deal. Tha'ts what I did. Works a charm.

[cleantone]

Okay I am not crazy. My 12 space doesn't have back racks. Maybe it is a newer feature. That would be nice. Is there no product that can be attached to the front rack but reach to the back to add a unit? Maybe some shelf unit would work. Any ideas?

Oh and I was planning on getting a couple or prefab 12 channel XLR patch bays. The Hosa PDR369 looks suitable. I can probably get them at cost from a friend. Of course I can rack them in the front but I would rather have the cable mess in the back I think. I suppose the bottom of the rack would be okay too. Not ideal though.

[fifthcircle]

Some roto-cases have back rails as an option. The original cases have punchouts for the little clips that can go on the back.

Personally, I try for better quality cases and only use SKB as a last resort. They have a cute laptop/record case that is pretty cool, but not much else of substantial use.

My favorite cases are unfortunately quite difficult to get in the USA. It is these ones: EUROMODULE They are light weight and actually good quality.

--Ben

[Remoteness]

I have modified plenty of old and new SKB cases with good results.

I have installed connector panels and thyey are still in use today.

I will look for some pictures for your review.

[nathanvacha]

How about using a rack-drawer? Have the rear of it drilled for xlr punchouts.

That gives you a nice metal case to do all your wiring inside and puts the input jacks near the back of the case.

[theDBC]

Originally Posted by cleantone

I was wondering what my best bet might be. I have a few SKB racks. The standard ones, I forget the model off hand. I want to put some XLR patchbays on the back side of the racks.

Check Road Ready. I have two 4 space and one 6 space, all three have front and rear rack rails.

[cleantone]

Okay obviously I can buy a new rack. If I wanted to do that I would. I am looking for an accessory that will work with my existing gear. I think a shelf or drawer might be the best bet. I can't believe nobody makes a 2 space unit that screws on in the front but extends to the back for rear mounting. Looks like that is the case though. Thanks.

[Graham Tobias]

the coolest back rack panels I've seen are hinged. They have all of the connectors and such, and cover up the wire mess, but if you need to get back there, you can just swing the whole panel out of the way.

[Remoteness]

Originally Posted by cleantone

Okay obviously I can buy a new rack. If I wanted to do that I would. I am looking for an accessory that will work with my existing gear. I think a shelf or drawer might be the best bet. I can't believe nobody makes a 2 space unit that screws on in the front but extends to the back for rear mounting. Looks like that is the case though. Thanks.

Middle Atlantic makes a 2U rack mountable UCP chassis with front and rear UCP panels.

We have a few of hem in the shop.

[Remoteness]

Originally Posted by Graham Tobias

the coolest back rack panels I've seen are hinged. They have all of the connectors and such, and cover up the wire mess, but if you need to get back there, you can just swing the whole panel out of the way.

We use swing out panels...

Here's Middle Atlantic's version of the swing out rack panel.

We also use their swing out vents -- I really dig them a lot.