Running guitar gear through a UPS

[Inazone]

Does anyone do this? I am paranoid of power problems damaging my gear at practice and at shows, but the "pro" power conditioners are out of my price range. I do have inexpensive Furman units, but I don't expect them to prevent serious damage if there is a major surge. I've considered running everything through the Furman and then into a small UPS as an extra precaution, but don't know if there would be any added benefit or not. We have a number of servers at work that run off of the low-end APC units, but unfortunately there aren't any spares that I can borrow to test with my guitar equipment.

Worth it?

[mantis]

I use one. It gives me confidence if something happens. Battery is cleaner power then right from the outlet. Mine filters out noise emi and rf. It's a surge protector as well. As long as the unit you use don't rob you of dynamic range then your fine. Make sure the one you use has a high current outlet or outlets on it.

Dan

[lerxstcat]

I've thought about doing that but haven't thus far. I'd check specs and if it offers the same level of protection for less $, do it.

But when considering whether a top-line conditioner is in your price range, consider that you may have already lost an Xtreme and a DST8080 to bad power by your own suspicions. So how much gear has to fry before it's worth it to protect the rest? Sure it's not sexy, but if it protects the rest of your stuff, which seems to be getting wiped out now, then isn't it worth it?

Of course, again, I don't have one, just a surge strip and a GFI. I don't know if the GFI will save the gear but I'm pretty sure it will save ME in case of a power problem.

[Cleveland Metal]

I'd say it is a LOT better than not having one at all.

I tend to think that most issues arent so much from power surges as much as brownout conditions that force the unit to draw more amperage that it would at the higher normal voltage.

[Inazone]

I'm going to check out some of the smaller units. I know there are a few on the market that are basically surge strips and battery backups in one. Since I have a couple different rigs that I use on a regular basis, it needs to be something portable (ie. not stuck in a rack) that I can use anywhere.

I'll report back to HQ when I find something!

[Inazone]

Well, I was defeated in the first round of this adventure. I bought the smallest (cheapest) APC unit, which as I guessed is basically a bulky power strip. It is only rated for 185W output, which unfortunately is not sufficient for even basic power-strip function with my Crate practice amp and two pedals. I haven't decided whether I will return it or use it for my PC. Even the next highest model in APC's product line, which is not much of an improvement, is considerably larger and heavier...and costs quite a bit more.