What’s the Best 19 inch Flight Case or Rack for Me? |
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Most audio gear, including amplifiers, mixing consoles, effects units and wireless microphones systems, are available in what’s called the 19” format. This refers to the standardised width (roughly 48cm) of the matching flight cases and racks that any 19” gear can be loaded into. Even though this is a highly practical and universal solution, there are a few things worth keeping in mind when you’re shopping for a 19” rack or flight case. In this Buyer’s Guide, we offer the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t included, don’t hesitate to contact us! 1. What Can I Fit Inside a 19” Flight Case or Rack?Thanks to the standardised width, various kinds of equipment can be mounted in a 19” flight case or rack - including purpose-made amplifiers, effects units and recording gear that all usually have pre-drilled mounting holes. In some cases, it’s even possible to install gear that’s smaller than the 19” format by using special rack mounts. Rack mount kits include brackets that you mount to the device before you install the unit in your rack or flight case. Some devices come complete with rack mounts, while with others you’ll have to pick up a rack mount kit separately. While it may also be that your gear doesn’t support 19” rack or flight case mounting (check the manual!), you can often use shelves or drawers to secure smaller equipment or accessories. 19" Flight Cases & Racks
2. Should I Get a Flight Case or a Rack?When you want to install any 19” gear, you can choose between a rack and a flight case. Racks are great for studio use or as part of the fixed installation of a restaurant or pub. If you plan on travelling with your gear, go for a 19” flight case instead. Any gear is installed in the same way, but better protected against impacts. Since most cases also allow you to remove the front and back panels, you’re always given full access to any controls, inputs and outputs.
3. What’s the Difference Between a Double-Door and a Combo Flight Case?Double-door flight cases feature doors on the back and the front. After removing these, you can not only easily control any mounted gear, but connect everything up, all while the case retains structural integrity. With combo flight cases, it’s also possible to remove the top lid, making them a great solution for gear such as mixing consoles. If your set-up doesn’t include a mixer, you’re best off with a more compact, double-door flight case.
4. What’s the Best Height for Me?Next to a standard width, 19” equipment also makes use of standardised height dimensions called rack units. One height unit, also referred to as 1U, equals 44.45mm. To guarantee there’s enough room for easy installation, manufacturers tend to make sure there’s a little bit of slack. When picking the right rack or flight case, it’s best to plan ahead. Chances are you’ll upgrade or expand your rig in the future, and when you eventually do, it’d be a shame to find out you’re lacking the space needed to mount new gear. So, go for a few more rack units than you need right now and bear in mind that you’ll need ventilation and ample space for connecting cables. Any (temporarily) unused space can be simply closed off using rack panels to keep out dust, or you could mount a rack drawer so you can store accessories. Tip: Using the ‘Number of vertical rack units’ filter in our Flight Case category, you can quickly find a flight case that offers the preferred amount of space. Double-Door Flight Cases
5. What About the Right Depth?While the height and width of all 19” racks and flight cases conforms to standardised dimensions, the depth is different for each model. If all you’ll be mounting are wireless microphone receivers, a shallow case will do. On the other hand, if you want to install a medium-size amplifier, you’re likely to need more installation depth. As such, always keep the installation depth of your gear in mind and make sure there’s more room in the rack or case than you actually need so you can still plug in any cables. This will also ensure you’ll be able to install any deeper gear in the future. Tip: Using the ‘Depth’ filter in our Flight Case category, you can quickly find a flight case that offers the preferred amount of space.
6. What Kind of Accessories Do I Need?While almost all 19” racks and flight cases come including mounting hardware - the screws, bolts and washers needed to secure gear to any rack profiles - it never hurts to have some rackware handy. To finish your rack or flight case, you can mount one or more rack panels. These can be (custom) connector panels to help you get a clean set-up, ventilation panels for improved airflow, or blind panels to close off any openings and keep out dust.
7. What Kind of Material Should My Flight Case Be Made Of?Flight cases are made of various materials. These hard-wearing cases are usually made using wooden panels finished with aluminium profiles for a solid, dependable build. In addition, there are also flight cases made of plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene and ABS. While these materials are lightweight, they’re also slightly more sensitive. So they provide enhanced protection, some cases feature an interior ‘shock mount’, and it’s worth knowing that larger flight cases often come fitted with a set of wheels for eased transport. Tip: Using the ‘Material’ filter in our Flight Case category, you can quickly find the right flight case. Double-Door Flight Cases
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