That's why I carry an UPS.
Not needed in my setup.
That's why I carry an UPS.
Not needed in my setup.
For those gigs where you can't roll a large rack, I have my small system...
It still has a rack-mounted PC and a keyboard drawer with power purifier mounted on the back side of the rack. It's heavier than I'd like, but fits in a rolling bag/case that I can carry up the stairs by myself. I have another small rack for my light controller and wireless microphone system that I can take to events where this small system is a necessity.
Still... 700 pounds is seriously heavy for a mobile DJ rack. That's even too heavy to lift up onto a curb. That's more than I could push up a ramp into my minivan. It must have had several amps mounted in it or something. I can't imagine how you could get enough stuff into a rack to make it weigh 700 pounds, but it would be totally impractical for a DJ who works alone!It's a long story - but this particular individual has several sets of equipment and can configure almost anything for any situation. 'Bertha' is a SOB.
I totally agree![emoji4]...I like the idea of rolling in and being 'set up' - but not with that much weight.
You know... even with a pre-wired rack, there's still some setup required once you get to the venue. With my racks, the most complex stuff is pre-wired inside the rack and all those wires are hidden. But I still have to hook my controller to the back of the rack. I have 2 monitors to hook up, speakers, subs, audio monitors, light controller, projector and/or video camera if I'm using them, WiFi router, etc. Except for XLR cables for my speakers, for most of these connections I'm running Cat5 cables into RJ45 jacks on a panel on the back of my rack, and all the conversion is going on inside the rack. It makes the setup pretty quick, but it still takes a little time.... I like the idea of rolling in and being 'set up'...
You know... even with a pre-wired rack, there's still some setup required once you get to the venue. With my racks, the most complex stuff is pre-wired inside the rack and all those wires are hidden. But I still have to hook my controller to the back of the rack. I have 2 monitors to hook up, speakers, subs, audio monitors, light controller, projector and/or video camera if I'm using them, WiFi router, etc. Except for XLR cables for my speakers, for most of these connections I'm running Cat5 cables into RJ45 jacks on a panel on the back of my rack, and all the conversion is going on inside the rack. It makes the setup pretty quick, but it still takes a little time.
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Even the power here isn't great... I have two voltage regulators in my rack just to be on the safe side. Occasionally I'll plug speakers or lights into an outlet at a venue, but usually everything is run back to my rack and plugs into one of the power regulators. Maybe it just makes me feel better; might not even be necessary. [emoji4]With the severe voltage variations and power failures down here everything goes through a voltage regulator and my studio gear has several UPS and voltage regulators covering them. My gig gear also has voltage regulators and UPS backup to keep things alive.
These are the venues where a site pre visit is paramount and hiring strapping young men to the lifting is important, price you gigs accordingly, I have venues I refuse to work at do to accessibility issuesA trailer will get it there - it won't get it up the 4 steps, thru the door and up the next 4 step to the stage.
it won't get it across the lawn to the pavilion. Or gravel driveway.
I have a number of gigs like this every year..except for my etx18 sub I can pick everything up myself - and up the steps too.
Had one venue like my first line there - in the back/side door, curb was tall, then 3 steps outside, thru a double door, up 2 steps then open a skinny door then 3 or 4 steps to the stage. Dolly was pointless and useless.
I'm dreading the day I take a gig at one venue - 8 steps outside (think old courthouse), then marble lobby, then a full set of steps and more really, no elevator in the building, then across the hall and round past the bar and down 3 steps into the main hall...across that and DJs either setup at the far end (up 3 steps) or on the mezzanine level...anotehr flight up - and put teh speakers on the main level.
It's these load ins that have you thinking that maybe even the laptop battery should have been left at home!
"Strapping young men"??? (LOL)... I don't know any! Where do you find them? [emoji4]These are the venues where a site pre visit is paramount and hiring strapping young men to the lifting is important, price you gigs accordingly, I have venues I refuse to work at do to accessibility issues
I guess we don't have one of those in Oklahoma City... probably a good thing; my wife would be spending all her time shopping there. [emoji4]At the strapping young men store - duh...
Did the rack mounted computer several years back. Way too heavy and bulky. Laptops much more mobile. I'm pretty certain I'd never try that again.
His trailer gave him a little help - floor mounted winch.
Like I said, he had enough stuff .. he could have been configured for anything, tiny, small, medium, large and extra large. For whatever reason, Bertha was the system of choice the majority of the time. I like the idea of rolling in and being 'set up' - but not with that much weight. To get onto a stage, it took 2 people lifting one side at a time.
The stairs are the biggest issue... tight situations, not so much. My rack is less than 24" wide, so it will go anywhere I go. It's also very maneuverable. My rack is the Gator Cases rack, and it's lighter than most racks the same size (14U). For a noob like me, having everything pre-wired in the rack is extremely beneficial, as it simplifies setup and allows me to concentrate on performance preparation. I'm getting ready to add DMX light control, and having the audio side set allows me to add a little more complexity. For me, having too much to set up and think about prior to the gig is NOT a good thing.[emoji4]I much rather prefer to have a system that's easy to transport and move that may require a little work once it's there. The rolling set up loses its luster very quickly when stairs or tight situations occur.
I much rather prefer to have a system that's easy to transport and move that may require a little work once it's there. The rolling set up loses its luster very quickly when stairs or tight situations occur.