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Re: question for nomadic loopers



Title: Re: question for nomadic loopers
At 11:25 PM -0400 9/15/01, diatom drone wrote:

i, a former software-only looper, am now in possession of several rack units
in addition to a mixer. and i'd like to start doing more shows. henceforth,
i need some rack cases!

A lot depends on your budget. Shock-mount military spec cases can cost more thatn $500 even for a 6-space unit. SKB cases and the like are much cheaper and may give you less protection.

You weren't specific about how many rack spaces you need, or about the specific units you'll be racking. Also, what's the form factor of your mixer?  For example, if you have just four rack spaces of processors, and these are not too deep, you could get a rack bag and take it as carry-on luggage (assuming you can get it through security!). This protects you from the baggage handlers.

If you do have to check your equipment, you'll be wanting ATA-rated shock-mount cases. Anvil is perhaps the best-known brand, but there are many others. Just do a Web search to get an overview. The "ATA" rating simply means the case has passed a series of tests "in strict conformance to all applicable procedures called out in the Air Transportation Association Specification 300, Category 1, Military testing procedures applicable to MIL-STD. 810 C, D & E and various ASTM testing specifications." Star Case lists test results for their ATA cases at http://www.ata-cases-air-transport-association-cases-flight-case-ata-case.com/starfactstests.html.  Star also has a helpful chart of case types they manufacture, with a grading system to help select one suitable for your needs. http://www.ata-cases-air-transport-association-cases-flight-case-ata-case.com/casetypes.html

I've had experience with several types of road cases. The most common are the made of heavy-duty clad plywood, with metal reinforcements at all corners and edges. Some use dense foam for shock mounting, in a layered construction of outer protective shell, foam, and inner mounting frame with rack rails front and (optionally) rear. It's a box-within-a-box. I've seen some cases in which the inner box could slide out so that the actual stage setup was less bulky than the shipping configuration.

Moulded cases typically use a shock mounting system with several heavy-duty shock absorbers (not unlike automotive shocks) that connect the outer shell to an inner mounting frame. Such systems tend to be lighter weight, and they have the added advantage of providing air space around the equipment. I have a couple of Aarmor mil-spec cases of this type, and they are very tough.

It is important to be aware of the fact that even with a tough outer shell and a good shock mounting system, the way your equipment is mounted is also important. If your individual rack gear is deep and heavy, you need to provide some support for the rear of each unit, particularly if you're leaving a space between them for air circulation. If you don't do this you will find that when (not "if") the baggage handlers drop your case, the equipment will flex and bend the mounting ears of their faceplates. Be sure to provide such support both below AND above. Just because you have "THIS END UP" and big arrows on your case doesn't mean the baggage handlers won't drop it upside down on the tarmac.

An just one final thing: Sudden shocks aren't the only things that will afflict your equipment in transit. I've arrived at gigs to find that my equipment rattled, and on opening up the case I found that in-flight vibration had caused components to come unscrewed. It's best to give your gear a listen before you turn it on. A loose nut floating around on a circuit board could cause a short.
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