Would I need a rack?

[Valgua]

Hi! I have never owned a rack mounted unit, so forgive my ignorance. If I bought the AxeFx 3 it would sit on my desk. Should I still get some type of rack to mount it on? Are there advantages/disadvantages? Wouldn’t a rack cover the air exhaust of the unit (the holes on its side)?

 

[My name is mud]

Hi! I have never owned a rack mounted unit, so forgive my ignorance. If I bought the AxeFx 3 it would sit on my desk. Should I still get some type of rack to mount it on? Are there advantages/disadvantages? Wouldn’t a rack cover the air exhaust of the unit (the holes on its side)?

The rack protect it for scratches etc. And sometimes scratch it too if you put your axe without giving attention . I use a retro gator that make it look like a head cause i find it nice. Depends if you want to put something on it or…

 

[Bioloop]

If you plan on taking & using it somewhere other than home, a rack is a wise choice. It also houses a power conditioner and power amp for playing real cabs.

 

[OrganicZed]

The rack does not obstruct air flow. The body of the Axe-FX III is significantly slimmer than the standard 19 inch rack so there are gaps on either side to allow for ventilation.

 

[Andrew Male]

You do not need a rack if it's sitting on a desk.

 

[mr_fender]

It's totally fine outside of a rack, but you might want to get some little felt or rubber feet to stick on the bottom. It could scratch up your desk without them.

 

[J.C]

Don't forget to post a pic with your drink on it. =)

 

[JOHNNYROCKIT]

Is anyone using a 'shielded' rack enclosure for their AXE-FX?
Just a guess,...I'm thinking this might help.. Maybe I'm all wrong.

My AXE-FX is situated close to my iMAC in my limited space studio.
I'm getting lots of buzzing, EM noise, unless I'm facing in a certain direction.
Even doing that does not eliminate 'ALL' the noise.

 

[sprint]

Is anyone using a 'shielded' rack enclosure for their AXE-FX?

I followed a recommendation by someone here to shield my desktop rackholder using electrical tape along the rails and lining the mounting holes of each racked
component (+ double plastic washers). I use this style of tabletop rack holder for home use.

 

[Bruce Sokolovic]

Need one? No. A good idea to get a cheapo one at least? Yes. Shit happens. Spills, leaks, cats etc etc etc.

 

[JOHNNYROCKIT]

sprint...
My AXE-FX is sitting on my desk.. with no rack to do what you suggested, with my iMAC sitting on top of it.
More clearly... as stated before, studio workspace is limited. Hence, the way this is set up.

 

[Bruce Sokolovic]

Is anyone using a 'shielded' rack enclosure for their AXE-FX?
Just a guess,...I'm thinking this might help.. Maybe I'm all wrong.

My AXE-FX is situated close to my iMAC in my limited space studio.
I'm getting lots of buzzing, EM noise, unless I'm facing in a certain direction.
Even doing that does not eliminate 'ALL' the noise.

I get this too, but I suspect its the 17 miles rats nest of wiring behind my desk contributing to much of the noise.

 

[JOHNNYROCKIT]

Bruce...
Hmmmm! That is part of why I asked about a "SHIELDED" rack case.

 

[Bruce Sokolovic]

Bruce...
Hmmmm! That is part of why I asked about a "SHIELDED" rack case.

I honestly suspect half the problem is my computer case with the glass side.

 

[Overcaster]

Save the money, put it on the table and be done.

 

[ApocalypticKatana]

Ive my axe fx underneath my monitor with no rack enclosure…

Definitely cover your desk or the axe if you go that route

The front corners of the ax3 have definitely scratched my desk ripping the paint off

 

[ModelGuitarist]

I was getting crazy buzzing and intermittent interference when the unit was too close to my computer desk.

Too much EMI in the area.
Pointing the headstock in different directions would yield differing degrees of interference.

I had to move the AF3 to the other side of the room.

I personally find it hard to NOT pick up a protective case for a pricey and delicate piece of electronic gear. If for no other reason than to minimize contact with dust and debris.

A Gator 4U rack case is not even $190. A tenth of the price of the unit, itself. Like buying a case/bag for a $2k guitar.
It pays.

Not only that but it also seemed wise to spend another $100 or so and grab a dedicated "power conditioner" (surge protection) to mount in the case with the AF3.

I'm glad I did and highly recommend it.

 

[DougB415]

Need? Theoretically, no. Should you get one? Absolutely!

 

[Bruce Sokolovic]

I was getting crazy buzzing and intermittent interference when the unit was too close to my computer desk.

Too much EMI in the area.
Pointing the headstock in different directions would yield differing degrees of interference.

I had to move the AF3 to the other side of the room.

I personally find it hard to NOT pick up a protective case for a pricey and delicate piece of electronic gear. If for no other reason than to minimize contact with dust and debris.

A Gator 4U rack case is not even $190. A tenth of the price of the unit, itself. Like buying a case/bag for a $2k guitar.
It pays.

Not only that but it also seemed wise to spend another $100 or so and grab a dedicated "power conditioner" (surge protection) to mount in the case with the AF3.

I'm glad I did and highly recommend it.

I went all in on power conditioning with a Furman AR 1800 voltage regulator. It was a lot of money but I have a lot of gear originating power from it, exponentially worth what the voltage regulator is worth. It’s worth it I think.

 

[Valgua]

Thanks for all the replies! I’m definitely getting a rack if I’ll end up pulling the trigger on the AxeFx!