how important is getting a rack case to protect the Gtpro?

[skultrap]

At the moment, my GT-PRO is just lying on top of my GT-PRO box in the corner where the box lies on the floor.

This is actually my first rack unit. Would you have any suggestions to help out a newbie on taking care of it? I don't plan on bringing it out to gig or whatever, but i've been concerned about dust going into the inputs since my mother has a sewing machine in the basement.

do any of you have it just lying around freely instead of set up in your rack case?

I've also seen power conditioners in racks, although I'm unsure of what they do.

[ASHJN]

It depends on what you are looking to do. If the Pro is your only unit, you do not need a power conditioner. Power conditioners are good when you have a lot of units and are transporting your rack alot, because they act as a rack mounted power strip. If you do decide to get a rack case, an SKB or Gator case would be fine since you are not moving it out of the house that much. A rack case would always be a good idea, but not necessary. You need to decide what other rack equipment you need before you get a case though so you can decide how big of a case you need

[delt]

I'll be getting myself some rack rail in the next few days, & then probably make a rack case out of this little drawer/cabinet thingy i have, which is just the right width.

For the moment my telec eq5, gt-pro, and gx-700 are on top of a little 1x12 practice amp.

[Matt_B]

Right now, if you want to take the GT Pro anywhere, you can put in the box. However, the box is just cardboard and it won't last forever. One good drenching in the rain and it could fall apart.

Look at it this way, the GT Pro wasn't designed to just be sitting around on not in a case. It doesn't have rubber feet (you could add them though) so it can slide off of what you have it placed on and fall on its face, which could damage the unit and that won't be covered under warranty. It could fall backwards and, if anything is plugged into the rear jacks, those could be damaged. Once again, that won't be covered under warranty.

If you own even just a single piece of rack gear, it's worth the money to invest in a case for it. You can get racks pretty cheap. There are rack bags which provide adequete protection for the non-touring player. Shop around on -line and you will find rack cases/bags for under $100. Considering what the GT Pro cost you, don't you think it's worth it to spend a little extra cash to protect your investment'?

Now, regarding rack mount power conditioners, the good ones are much more than just "rack mount power strips" and the cheap, that's all they are is rack mount power strips.

A decent power conditioner will filter AC line noise and protect your gear against excessive voltage (surge). If you want to learn more about power conditioners, go to Furman's web site (http://www.furmansound.com/products/pro/pwr_cond_seq/cond/_15a/series2_15a.php). They are THE name in power conditioners so you'll find all the info you want there.

[delt]

> It doesn't have rubber feet

You sure? Mine does, square ones about 2cm x 2cm x 3 or 4 mm.

[ASHJN]

Mine does too

[Matt_B]

My GT Pro was out of the box and in a rack before I ever plugged it in. I never noticed rubber feet so they must be pretty small.

[skultrap]

even with those rubber feet, i wouldn't trust it!