Build me a rack rig!

[pjg]

I'm thinking about progressing from my GNX3 to a small rackmount system. I'm a play at home kinda guy so I don't need anything that has to survive a drop off a three story building but I want good sound quality. I'm thinking of basing it around the G Major. I also play 99% of the time into headphones, so right off the bat I want a G Major,headphone amp,power conditioner, and tuner.I was also pondering a sonic maximizer based on reviews.

My budget is around $1200 or so. Based on what I want and the budget, is my project workable? Do you guys have any suggestions as to particular models for the components I want? Are there any other must have components?

[Newc]

Re: Build me a rack rig!

If the G-Major or other preamp you'd use has a Headphone out (such as the ADA MP-1) you won't need a separate headphone amp unless you're going to have a bunch of people also playing.
A power conditioner probably won't be needed either. Those are mostly used if you're on a curcuit that has constant dropouts like an industrial freezer/cooler (like a bar) or something that otherwise puts a heavy drain on the household current.
Using a power conditioner can, in my experience, cause a breaker to trip from the heavy constant drain it places on the house itself. This is especially true for older homes with old wiring.

A rackmounted tuner is a handy convenience for live applications, but can be overkill (money-wise) for the home-body.

A separate preamp and fx unit will generally get a better sound than an all-in-one unit, however if you're going with a 4-space rack, that's 2 spaces right there. If you add a 2-space power amp, that's your 4 spaces with no ventilation between the power and preamps.

[Ozz666]

Re: Build me a rack rig!

Not sure about a headphone amp...there are none I can think of myself...there are some preamps with them though.
Here's what I'd do personally:
Mesa 20/20 ~ $400-$500
G major ~ $300-$400 or a Rocktron unit
Furman pL-Plus ~ $100
4-6 space rack ~ $100
BBE ~ $100

For $1200 you'd have a killer setup! There are a decent amount of preamps with built in tuners as good as a stand alone unit like a rackmount Korg (so it's not needed).

- Joel

[jgcable]

Re: Build me a rack rig!

You need a preamp too. The G-major is just an effects processor. Here is my suggestion. Ditch the majority of the stuff you are looking for and go with either a
POD XT Pro or a Boss GT-Pro and couple either one up with a Mesa 20/20. Done.

[hippietim]

Re: Build me a rack rig!

get a tube preamp - Soldano SP-77, Hafler Triple Giant, ADA MP1.

[Fretburner]

Re: Build me a rack rig!

If you haven't tried a Rocktron Piranha do yourself a favor and do so. They sound killer and I just happen to have an extra one kicking around! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Inazone]

Re: Build me a rack rig!

If you can't find a preamp with a built-in tuner, you could also track down a Furman PL-Tuner, which is a power conditioner and tuner in one rack unit. It has a mute button for silent tuning, plus the usual pull-out lights and dimmer control. That's what I use to run my rack gear.

[khabibissell]

Re: Build me a rack rig!

The GMajor has a tuner built into it as well.

[jgcable]

Re: Build me a rack rig!

Again... keep in mind. The G-Major is an effects processor. You still need a preamp to base all this stuff around.

[Rupe]

Re: Build me a rack rig!

[ QUOTE ]
get a tube preamp - Soldano SP-77, Hafler Triple Giant, ADA MP1.

[/ QUOTE ]

+1

I played out for years using an MP1 and/or Triple Giant with a Mesa 2:90, and I still find myself using the MP1 (which has a headphone jack). Pair one of these up with a Mesa 20/20 and the g Major and you will have an awesome rig.
The Soldano sounds great as well but is the least versatile of this bunch.

[Bert]

Re: Build me a rack rig!

+1 on the Piranha

Probably worth considering the new Mesa recto recording preamp too. I haven't heard one yet, but want to check one out. Just wish it was MIDI controllable!

[Robotechnology]

Re: Build me a rack rig!

Used Rocktron Voodoo Valve or Marshall JMP-1... Furman Power Conditioner... Peavey Classic 50/50 or Carvin T100... and the G-Major or a Rocktron Intellifex (or Xpression). You will neatly be within your budget with any combination of these [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] Never heard a Piranha so that's why I didn't mention it but, it's probably very good too. You can also get a Rocktron Velocity 120 SS or MosValse SS power amp to save on weight & money if you don't need tube power.

[pjg]

Re: Build me a rack rig!

Lots of stuff to look at here.......

One of my major concerns is headphone capability. I'll have to keep that in mind.

[Ozz666]

Re: Build me a rack rig!

Ahh....forgot the TC El. was only effects...well then I'd personally go with:
Mesa 20/20 or possibly a Rocktron Velocity power amp
POD unit (don't know mch about them) I think they have headphone capability
Furman PL-Plus
4-6 space Rack

[toejam]

Re: Build me a rack rig!

[ QUOTE ]
Lots of stuff to look at here.......

One of my major concerns is headphone capability. I'll have to keep that in mind.

[/ QUOTE ]
Well, your GNX3 has headphone capability, right? You can just use that into a power amp and speaker cab and pretty much be done. Unless the sound quality of the GNX really sucks and you're looking for better tone, then you'll need a separate preamp. Just my 2 cents.