Studio Power Advice Needed

[Hybrid88]

Hi Guys, sorry for the annoyance but I'm just after some seasoned knowledge that I know this place has in spades.

I'm thinking about setting up my rack gear at the moment and just mulling over how I'll power it. I'm hoping to use one of these; http://www.furmansound.com/product.php?div=03&id=M-10xE

So the question is, if I plug all my gear into that, assuming I always power on my speakers/amps last can I for example have all my rack gear turned on at the units and just use the Furman as a "master" switch?

My concerns are: will the power on surge/current draw cause any issues? Could it affect the rack gear in powering it on this way? Also will the Furman cause hum if I install it in the rack space directly below an audio patch bay?

Thanks for the help

[simonstav]

I for one think that the Furman gear is a waste of money, fine if you want a IEC rack mount power board but other than that not for me.

I did see an interesting Kramer box the other day PL50, Power controller monitor. This may be more what your looking for, you can power units up on different circuits at preset times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=38GyO7bqkYA

[SteveL]

The Kramer box looks good but it is $1500 rrp here in Australia for just 5 outlets. ouch

[simonstav]

Yeah my bad, I don't look at things like price over functionality.

[gigpiglet]

hi mate
i dont use furman brand... i actually cant remember the brand that i have (and not in the studio to check)
but exactly same concept as what you are saying

i use it as a master switch for all my outboard etc
and its a circuit breaker (whether or not all the power surge stuff will work or not - it is effective at turning off when something on either side of it is wrong) which i can say from experience.
not sure if that would save all your gear in any situation, but its better than nothing, and for the ease of having the master switch, and some little ampere readouts to have an idea of knowing what im drawing
its not much money to "waste"

[simonstav]

Gareth, something like this? These are what I use in my live racks.



http://highclass.net.au/index.php?action=product&id=274

[Drumstruck]

I'm using an alternative brand 8 power power board / surge protector (actually 6 of them).... so not directly relevant, but I'd tend not to use the board switch as a master for 2 reasons:

1/ The "master" power switch is the only part of these boards that has failed me (twice - and both boards were replaced by the supplier) - all it did was fail to function as an on/off switch - the boards' surge protection has tripped a few times so I assume it has protected some of my gear

2/ When I tested using the "master" with my powered speakers it made an unpleasant thump

Rule 1 - err on the side of caution

[gigpiglet]

something just like that simon!
makes racks easy to cable up
gives and easy on/ off for the whole rack
and gives you some understanding of current

if you put them in sensible places, then you can power your studio (or OB van, or live rig) in sensible ways..
eg: im just doing a 2 track in the box mix, i dont need to switch on the outboard rack
or: im just editing on the computer, i dont need to switch on the console
etc etc

good the power bill
good for the environment
and good for just keeping the place organised!

[Hybrid88]

Ok cool, thanks guys - looks like it shouldn't be a problem, thinking I'll leave a rackspace between the Furman and the patch bay just to be on the safe side. I *hate* hum at the best of times haha

Cheers for your help