Members Battlemode Posted January 25, 2010 Members Share Posted January 25, 2010 I'm putting together a little 4 space rack for a small pa. It has a 1u compressor, 1u eq, and a 2u solid-state power amp. My question is about the power amp (a crest fa-800): where should i put it in the rack? I know that in regards to heat and ventilation it should go on top, but I'm worried (and this might be silly, I'm not familiar with rackmount gear) that having the big heavy amp on top might not be safe for the smaller gear below in case that it rips off of the rails somehow and falls inside the rack. Is that something I should even be worried about, or does it never really happen? If I did put the amp on bottom, vents on top of the amp would be covered, but a fan at the back and a vent on the front would be open. Would that be enough to cool the amp? What's the best course of action? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jwlussow Posted January 25, 2010 Members Share Posted January 25, 2010 Is the back of the rack going to be open or are you installing a fan to help circulate air? I would generally put the amp or the heaviest piece of gear on the bottom. No real reason but I perceive the rack to be more stable that way. Not sure it really matters in the long run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Gregidon Posted January 25, 2010 Members Share Posted January 25, 2010 I'd put the amp on the bottom as well. Keep the back of the rack open and don't worry too much about it. This is not an issue now, but keep in mind that if you add another amp, make sure that they circulate air in the same direction (otherwise each will be pulling in the other's hot exhaust air). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Coaster Posted January 25, 2010 Members Share Posted January 25, 2010 as long as there is adequate ventilation you should be fine. if you really want to be safe install some rear supports, even if the amp is on the bottom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Battlemode Posted January 25, 2010 Author Members Share Posted January 25, 2010 Thanks! The rack is very deep, and I plan on keeping the back off anyways so everything should work out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted January 25, 2010 Members Share Posted January 25, 2010 Position in a rack does not change the ventilation of a fan cooled amp. Best putting it on the bottom for stability, and be sure there is adequate air flow. Also, some Crest amps from that era are side to side ventilation, extra care is needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Coaster Posted January 25, 2010 Members Share Posted January 25, 2010 my crest sucks from the front and blows out the sides. i'm pretty sure my AB amp does the same but not positive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted January 26, 2010 Members Share Posted January 26, 2010 my crest sucks from the front and blows out the sides. i'm pretty sure my AB amp does the same but not positive. Depends on the AB. Some sucked from the side and vented out the back. The 600/900/1100's were all like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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