What is the primary material used for the shell of the Gear4music 2U Shallow Rack Case?

The shell is constructed from heavy-duty ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). This material is chosen for its high impact resistance and lightweight properties compared to wood.

How is the rack case reinforced?

The case features aluminium reinforcing plates. These plates add structural strength to the ABS surround, ensuring the case can handle the stresses of frequent transport.

What size of equipment is this case designed to hold?

It is designed to hold standard 19-inch rack-mountable equipment. The vertical capacity is 2U, meaning it can fit two standard rack units or two 1U pieces of gear.

How many locking mechanisms are on the case?

The case features two high-quality twist locks on either side of the opening plates. These provide a secure seal and easy access to the equipment.

Can you access the back of the equipment while it is in the case?

Yes, the case features removable plates on both the front and the back. This allows sound engineers to reach cable inputs and outputs without removing the gear from the rack.

What is the typical price for this 2U rack case?

The typical price for this specific Gear4music model is approximately £85. This makes it a cost-effective solution for mobile sound engineers.

Is this a 'shallow' or 'full-depth' rack case?

This is a 'shallow' rack case. It is specifically designed for equipment with a shorter depth, making it more compact and easier to carry than standard full-depth racks.

Who is this product primarily designed for?

It is designed for sound engineers and musicians who need to transport 19-inch rack equipment. It is particularly suited for those on the road who require durable but portable storage.

Does the case come with front and back covers?

Yes, it includes two opening plates (lids) for the front and back. These are secured by twist locks to protect the equipment faceplates and rear connections during travel.

Is there space for cables inside the case?

The design includes areas for cables when the lids are removed. The double-sided access ensures that wiring can be managed efficiently during a live performance or recording session.

How does the ABS material compare to traditional flight cases?

ABS is generally lighter than the plywood used in traditional flight cases while still offering significant protection. It is also resistant to moisture and environmental wear.

Is this case suitable for storage as well as transport?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as being able to take the rigours of both transporting and storage of equipment. The rigid construction prevents damage from stacking or environmental factors.

Gear article

Gear4music 2U Shallow Rack Case

The Gear4music 2U Shallow Rack Case is a protective transport solution designed for 19-inch rack-mountable audio and lighting equipment. It features a heavy-duty ABS construction reinforced with aluminium plates to withstand the rigours of transit and storage.

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Overview and Design

The 2U Shallow Rack Case by Gear4music is engineered to provide a secure environment for sensitive electronic equipment. As a 2U unit, it occupies two standard vertical units of rack space, making it ideal for smaller components such as power conditioners, wireless microphone receivers, or shallow effects processors. The case is constructed from high-quality ABS, a thermoplastic polymer known for its impact resistance and toughness, ensuring the internal contents remain protected during transport.

To enhance structural integrity, the case includes aluminium reinforcing plates. These plates provide additional rigidity at the mounting points and edges, preventing the warping or breakage that can occur when heavy equipment is secured within the rack.

Key Features and Accessibility

Accessibility is a primary consideration in the design of this rack case. It features removable front and rear plates, which are secured by two high-quality twist locks on either side. These locks ensure the lids remain firmly attached during transit while allowing for rapid setup and breakdown at a venue.

The inclusion of both front and rear access points is essential for sound engineers, as it allows for easy connection of input/output cables and power leads without removing the hardware from the case. The shallow depth is specifically tailored for equipment that does not require the full depth of a standard rack case, saving space in transport vehicles and on stage.

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Protection and Durability

The 'heavy duty' designation of the ABS surround indicates its suitability for professional use. The material choice offers a balance between weight and protection, being lighter than traditional plywood flight cases while offering significant resistance to moisture, chemicals, and physical impact. The aluminium reinforcement further protects the corners and edges, which are typically the most vulnerable parts of a touring case.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Gear4music catalogue, this 2U shallow case sits alongside other transport solutions such as the Rock Fusion Drum Bag Set or Latin Percussion Cajon Bags. While soft bags offer lighter weight, the 2U Shallow Rack Case provides the rigid protection required for electronic 19-inch rack units. Compared to full-depth racks, the shallow design is more ergonomic for specific gear like preamps or small mixers, preventing wasted space and reducing the overall footprint of an equipment stack.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used for the shell of the Gear4music 2U Shallow Rack Case?: The shell is constructed from heavy-duty ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). This material is chosen for its high impact resistance and lightweight properties compared to wood.
How is the rack case reinforced?: The case features aluminium reinforcing plates. These plates add structural strength to the ABS surround, ensuring the case can handle the stresses of frequent transport.
What size of equipment is this case designed to hold?: It is designed to hold standard 19-inch rack-mountable equipment. The vertical capacity is 2U, meaning it can fit two standard rack units or two 1U pieces of gear.
How many locking mechanisms are on the case?: The case features two high-quality twist locks on either side of the opening plates. These provide a secure seal and easy access to the equipment.
Can you access the back of the equipment while it is in the case?: Yes, the case features removable plates on both the front and the back. This allows sound engineers to reach cable inputs and outputs without removing the gear from the rack.
What is the typical price for this 2U rack case?: The typical price for this specific Gear4music model is approximately £85. This makes it a cost-effective solution for mobile sound engineers.
Is this a 'shallow' or 'full-depth' rack case?: This is a 'shallow' rack case. It is specifically designed for equipment with a shorter depth, making it more compact and easier to carry than standard full-depth racks.
Who is this product primarily designed for?: It is designed for sound engineers and musicians who need to transport 19-inch rack equipment. It is particularly suited for those on the road who require durable but portable storage.
Does the case come with front and back covers?: Yes, it includes two opening plates (lids) for the front and back. These are secured by twist locks to protect the equipment faceplates and rear connections during travel.
Is there space for cables inside the case?: The design includes areas for cables when the lids are removed. The double-sided access ensures that wiring can be managed efficiently during a live performance or recording session.
How does the ABS material compare to traditional flight cases?: ABS is generally lighter than the plywood used in traditional flight cases while still offering significant protection. It is also resistant to moisture and environmental wear.
Is this case suitable for storage as well as transport?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as being able to take the rigours of both transporting and storage of equipment. The rigid construction prevents damage from stacking or environmental factors.