I have just build a DIY rack unit and am looking for some tips on what to put in it. I mainly make progressive/tech house and minimal techno type of stuff, though not limited to that. To make it a bit easier, I have put numbers below representing the unit (U) spaces in the rack and what I currently have. I am looking for some tips and advice on what to put in the empty spaces:

1. Phonic PPC8000E Power Conditioner and Rack Lighting
2. MOTU 828 Mk2 Audio Interface
3. Steinberg Midex 8x8 MIDI interface
4. Behringer PX3000 48 Point Balanced Patchbay
5. Behringer PX3000 48 Point Balanced Patchbay
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

I was thinking of trying to pick up a compressor/EQ/channel strip, a limiter, an exciter and a multi effects unit. I also have a few hardware synths too, so was considering picking up something like the Line 6 Pod/Behringer V-Amp for guitar and/or bass rack units to run synths through and get some creative sounds going.

Feel free to drop some recommendations for the empty spaces in my rack

 

What is your budget and are you going to use microphones to record external sources?

 

Might use microphones and guitars, but will be minimal. My MOTU 828 has 2 mic preamps on front panel for these that I plan to probably use, using the sends on the MOTU to then send the signal to the effects chain.

Budget, as always, is as cheap as possible, but willing to pay more that rock bottom if it means getting decent gear as I'd prefer decent over cheap, obviously.

 

It sounds to me as if you have all your needs covered and really don't need anything else, or do you?

 

Not an absolute necessity, but after we got an Art MPA II, I couldn't live without one. Great entry level budget tube preamp. Everything just sits properly in the mix and has those beautiful tube harmonics on it.

 

Not sure what your intentions are, but your best bet is to save up as much $$$ as you can, and buy some good stuff to last a lifetime.

Heritage audio 1073 clones (x2). (buss warmth (line), stereo micing)

Thermionic Culture Vulture (samples and stems, utility)

Thermionic Culture Phoenix (buss)

Retro Sta-Level

Retro 176

Many more to choose from


More affordable items :

500 series rack might be your best bet. w/ CAPI VP28 preamps, Serpent SB4001 buss compressor or TK-501 buss comp.

Rolls RMS755 comp. (buss)

Wooly Mammoth Standard issue (warmth & character through sterile pres only)

RADIAL EXTC SA to send stems line level to Hi-Z for mixing through pedals. (stand alone)

STAM Audio SA-2A (the best authentic LA-2A clone - better than WARM audio)


Your money may be best spent first on better AD/DA, monitoring, monitor controller, room treatment, and good cabling.

Check these Pro Audio dealers :

Vintage King Audio
Front End Audio
Zen Pro Audio

 

Last edited: Apr 28, 2016

- a drawer for cables and a "first aid" soldering kit with some spare jacks and connectors
- a rack unit with only vents

 

These.

Save your $$$ until you're compelled to spend it.