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Sound Reinforcement - Forums for Live Sound Professionals - Your Displayed Name Must Be Your Real Full Name To Post In The Live Sound Forums => SR Forum Archives => LAB: The Classic Live Audio Board FUD Forum Archive => Topic started by: (Brian) Frost on September 19, 2006, 03:28:35 AM

Title: Favorite Rack Power Strip
Post by: (Brian) Frost on September 19, 2006, 03:28:35 AM

So I know that a furman doesnt do much more than provide some outlets, and some lights for the foh rack, does someone have a preference for which level of rack mount power strip I should look into and why?

I like the idea of a built in volt meter (not that useful but nice to see) and wonder if the amperage meter is worth the extra money? is it accurate? does someone else make something better?  LED lights?

Thanks

Title: Re: Favorite Rack Power Strip
Post by: The Guy on September 19, 2006, 08:30:55 AM

It all depends on how much money you want to spend, but to my understanding, there's SurgeX and then there's everyone else.    

-JB

Title: Re: Favorite Rack Power Strip
Post by: Bennett Prescott on September 19, 2006, 08:57:26 AM

Jim is correct... that was the case a year or so ago and, although Furman has come out with their SMP technology I understand from people in the know that it just ain't the same.

SurgeX plugged into your power, everything else plugged into it (including other rack power strips, use whatever's cheapest at that point). If you want to have really good power, use a SurgeX followed by a line active battery backup.

Title: Re: Favorite Rack Power Strip
Post by: Tom Young on September 19, 2006, 09:21:44 AM

I also am 100% behind SurgeX and know of nothing else that tackles the surge part as well.

They are just releasing improved peformance surge protection, etc in the form of "Advanced Series Mode".

Check their website.

Title: Re: Favorite Rack Power Strip
Post by: Marty Bilecki on September 19, 2006, 09:22:38 AM

  I have a couple of  Monster Cable    PRo2500's and have just ordered a few more..      It weighs 11 pounds and is built really well..   I have more than a few  Furmans that are getting tired..

http://www.monstercable.com/pro_audio/productPagePro.asp?pin =2141&LastPage=Monster%20Pro%20Power

Title: Re: Favorite Rack Power Strip
Post by: Brian Bolly on September 19, 2006, 11:53:54 AM

Another vote for Surge-X.  I've been using them now for several years after seeing/hearing some Furman horror stories.  I've witnessed the aftermath of a couple installs that went through some horrible lightning storms, and the gear that was on the Surge-X survived.

OTOH, here's what happens when your Furman eats it (photo from Dave Stevens from some years back)...

Title: Re: Favorite Rack Power Strip
Post by: Josh Evans on September 19, 2006, 03:50:06 PM

If the money is there go with a surgex!!! if not Samson makes one thats cheap.

Title: Re: Favorite Rack Power Strip
Post by: Rob Spence on September 19, 2006, 04:42:44 PM

I have several Furman units.

The one I like best has the lights and a horizontal row of LEDs to show voltage. You can glance at them to see if the voltage is holding as things get powered up. You can also watch the dynamics of the LEDs to see how soft the power source is.

I also have the one with the voltage/amp meter. Since my FOH gear is the only thing through it, it only shows an amp or 2 so isn't very useful to me.

Title: Re: Favorite Rack Power Strip
Post by: Rodd Lowell on September 20, 2006, 08:39:09 AM

Where is a good place to get SurgeX stuff?

Title: Re: Favorite Rack Power Strip
Post by: bob schwarz on September 20, 2006, 09:25:58 AM

With due respect to the Surgex, I can't discount the Furman PL Plus. I have 5 of them, including one that at one time looked like the Dave Stevens' model. A Numbnuts gennie operator decided to check the neutral connection under load. That put approx. 180 volts into my sound system power leg. The Furman saved my  Apogee system and 9 wireless.  Furman fixed it for 65 bucks. Bob

Title: Re: Favorite Rack Power Strip
Post by: Tim Padrick on September 24, 2006, 12:13:00 AM

If you can afford it, get SurgeX.  If you can't, and need the lights, get what you can get cheap.  If you don't need the lights, get the rack mount Tripp.

Title: Re: Need lights? add them 1RU
Post by: Mike McNany on September 25, 2006, 10:18:27 AM

While from a less than appreciated maker, a 1RU vented panel with TWO gooseneck lights for $20 is pretty good for rack lighting.

 http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-RL2-1U-Rack-Ligh t-System?sku=183714

Mike McNany

Title: Re: Need lights? add them 1RU
Post by: Nathan Lehouillier on September 25, 2006, 02:29:16 PM

Nice for $20! You just need a piece of gaff to make it look the part.

Nate KDS&L

Title: Re: Favorite Rack Power Strip
Post by: Jens Brewer on September 25, 2006, 09:29:14 PM

Has anyone tried one of these?: http://www.mpathx.com/index.php

I'd be interested in getting one if it's reliable.  Anyone here a distributor?