Re-racking my rig - Thoughts

[therecordinghous]

Originally Posted by Remoteness

That's pretty cool Lynn, but many of the forum members have to hump their own gear and one huge rack usually doesn't work very well in the (single person) lifting department.

Many of my so called "portable" racks weigh hundreds of pounds.
Our portable dates are clearly not a one person gig.
That's why we also have a few small racks, so we could handle smaller dates when applicable.

you are right. stuff can get heavy quick. however, what he described is pretty much exactly what my rig is. it all fits in a single 12 space rack and is perfectly manageable by one person. i manage it myself most occasions. i do prefer to move it around on my multicart.

[noamraz]

Thanks Lynn,

Heavy or not, This is a point of view matter ;-)

Well - The rig is already working in it's modular way (preamps and recorders) racks, Though it takes time to set-up, It will hopfully about to change with multi-connector installation, I am thiking how to make it done.

The advantages of splitting the rig to different racks by purpose/type has payed up actually, I am taking the preamps with me from time to time and not long ago i have rented the recorder system for a customer that had all the preamps he needs at his location.

[noamraz]

I'm sketching the Multipin/Inputs/Outputs/Electricity back panels for my racks - It's about time to get it done

Two racks, Preamps (32ch of preamps) and Recorders (48 ch)
I am still recording only 32ch but will soon add 16 more preamps and MADI front-end so i will be able to record 48ch.

What i am thinking at the moment:
Preamps rack (2*ATI 8mx2 & 2*Audient ASP008)

Outputs: Multipin output 32ch + DB25 and/or TRS (Passive without xfrmrs)
Inputs: I will leave some space to connect directly to the preamps

Recorders rack
Inputs: Multipin input 48ch
Outputs: 48*TRS output (I dont think that i need Multipin output as i am rarely using the analog outputs).

Two questions:
1. Preamps output, I need an alternative to the Multipin to interface other rigs and backup recorders, Since i have quite a lot DB25-TRS cables and they are usable for most of the "standalone" 1u 8ch preamps i am thinking of making DB25 outputs parallel to the Multipin output. Am i on the right direction?

2. Preamps rack to Recorders rack interfacing, Preamps are 32chn and recorders are 48ch - I need the options to accommodate external preamps and/or the futuristic additional preamps rack (16 additional channels). How do you do it?

Will appreciate any ideas thoughts! Thanks

[noamraz]

It seems like i'm heading the ELCO route - It is quite hard to find such connectors but i will get a bulk and tool kit for myself, I like that kind of connector for connecting two racks, Everytime i can avoid soldering, I'm there ;-)

So, Back to sketching board-

Recorder's Rack (48ch)-
3 * 56pin - Inputs (48 ch)
3 * 56pin - Outputs (48 ch)


Preamps Rack 1 (32ch) -
2 * 56pin EDACs - Outputs
plus
2 * 56pin EDACS - Outputs in Parallel (For splitting purposes)

Why 56pin and not 90pin EDACs? Looks like working with 16 channels snakes makes my life easier in terms of connecting external/additional preamps/recorders.. I can't figure out a cost-effective way to use largers EDACs (90pin) with 48ch recorders and two preamps rack, One 32ch and one 16ch..
The plan is to have eventually two racks of 32 channels each..

If i go the EDAC way, I will need to prepare some EDAC-TRS fanouts - Any advices with such fanouts?