What is the primary purpose of the Adam Hall 19" Rack Cradle?

It is designed to mount equipment that was not originally built for a 19-inch rack format. By using a flat base and velcro, it allows users to secure desktop gear into a standard studio rack.

How much vertical rack space does this unit occupy?

The unit occupies exactly 2U of vertical rack space. This height is often necessary to accommodate the thickness of the gear plus the mounting base.

What material is the cradle made from?

The cradle is manufactured from high-quality steel. It is finished with a black powder coating for increased durability and scratch resistance.

How does the velcro system work?

The package includes an adhesive velcro base. Users apply one side to the cradle and the other to the bottom of their equipment, allowing the gear to be firmly attached yet removable.

Is the cradle suitable for touring applications?

Yes, the robust steel design is built to withstand 'event after event.' The velcro provides enough grip to prevent equipment from shifting during typical transport.

Can I mount multiple items on a single cradle?

Yes, as long as the equipment fits within the width and depth of the cradle, you can use the velcro to arrange multiple small devices side-by-side.

What color is the finish?

The cradle features a professional black powder-coated finish. This ensures it blends aesthetically with most standard rack gear and strips.

How does this compare to a rack drawer?

Unlike a rack drawer, such as the Omnitronic KE-1, the cradle is open-faced. This allows for immediate access to front-panel controls and better air circulation.

Is the cradle pre-drilled for mounting?

Yes, it is a pre-drilled 19-inch rack cradle. This ensures it aligns correctly with standard rack strips like the Adam Hall Heavy Duty 20U or 45U strips.

What is the typical price for this accessory?

The typical price for the Adam Hall 19" Rack Cradle 2U is approximately GBP 42. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Does it require special tools to install equipment?

No special tools are required for the equipment itself, as it uses velcro. However, you will need standard rack screws to mount the cradle into your rack rails.

Are there other sizes available?

Yes, Adam Hall produces similar cradles in different sizes, including 1U and 3U variations, as well as versions with clamps instead of velcro.

Gear article

Adam Hall 19" Rack Cradle With Velcro 2U

The Adam Hall 19" Rack Cradle With Velcro 2U is a specialized steel mounting accessory designed to house non-rackmountable equipment within a standard 19-inch rack enclosure. Occupying two units of vertical space, it utilizes an adhesive hook-and-loop fastening system to secure small devices such as preamps, interfaces, and power supplies.

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Overview

The Adam Hall 19" Rack Cradle is a utility-focused solution for studio and live sound engineers who need to integrate desktop or non-standard equipment into a professional rack environment. It serves as a bridge between portable, standalone gear and the structured layout of a server or audio rack.

Constructed from robust steel with a black powder-coated finish, the cradle is designed to withstand the rigours of touring and frequent transport. Its primary innovation is the inclusion of an adhesive velcro base, which provides a flexible alternative to permanent bolt-on solutions or simple friction-based shelving.

Mechanism and Installation

The cradle functions by providing a flat, stable platform within a 2U vertical footprint. Users apply the included adhesive velcro to the bottom of their non-19" equipment and the corresponding surface of the cradle base. This method allows for:

Tool-less swapping: Equipment can be removed or repositioned without unscrewing fasteners.
Security: The velcro prevents sliding during transport while maintaining a low profile.
Ventilation: Depending on the placement of the gear, the open-top nature of the cradle facilitates passive cooling better than fully enclosed drawers.

Sound and Performance

As a passive mounting accessory, the Adam Hall Rack Cradle does not possess an electronic sonic character. However, its mechanical build quality contributes to the overall stability of an audio signal chain. The heavy-duty steel construction helps minimise sympathetic vibrations from nearby high-output equipment, while the powder coating provides a level of protection against environmental wear and oxidation.

Target Audience

This product is primarily suited for professional studio environments where various small-format interfaces, effects pedals, or midi converters need to be organised. It is also highly effective for live sound engineers who need to secure wireless microphone receivers or networking routers that do not come with native rack ears. The 2U height provides sufficient clearance for taller desktop units that would not fit in a standard 1U shelf.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to alternatives like the Omnitronic KE-1 1U Rack Drawer, the Adam Hall Cradle offers quicker access to controls since it lacks a front panel or lid. Unlike the Adam Hall 19" Rack Clamp Cradle 3U, which uses mechanical pressure to hold items, this 2U model relies on adhesive velcro, making it better suited for lighter gear. For those requiring more space, the 3U variations or deep 375mm shelves offer higher capacity, but the 2U version strikes a balance between space efficiency and clearance.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Adam Hall 19" Rack Cradle?: It is designed to mount equipment that was not originally built for a 19-inch rack format. By using a flat base and velcro, it allows users to secure desktop gear into a standard studio rack.
How much vertical rack space does this unit occupy?: The unit occupies exactly 2U of vertical rack space. This height is often necessary to accommodate the thickness of the gear plus the mounting base.
What material is the cradle made from?: The cradle is manufactured from high-quality steel. It is finished with a black powder coating for increased durability and scratch resistance.
How does the velcro system work?: The package includes an adhesive velcro base. Users apply one side to the cradle and the other to the bottom of their equipment, allowing the gear to be firmly attached yet removable.
Is the cradle suitable for touring applications?: Yes, the robust steel design is built to withstand 'event after event.' The velcro provides enough grip to prevent equipment from shifting during typical transport.
Can I mount multiple items on a single cradle?: Yes, as long as the equipment fits within the width and depth of the cradle, you can use the velcro to arrange multiple small devices side-by-side.
What color is the finish?: The cradle features a professional black powder-coated finish. This ensures it blends aesthetically with most standard rack gear and strips.
How does this compare to a rack drawer?: Unlike a rack drawer, such as the Omnitronic KE-1, the cradle is open-faced. This allows for immediate access to front-panel controls and better air circulation.
Is the cradle pre-drilled for mounting?: Yes, it is a pre-drilled 19-inch rack cradle. This ensures it aligns correctly with standard rack strips like the Adam Hall Heavy Duty 20U or 45U strips.
What is the typical price for this accessory?: The typical price for the Adam Hall 19" Rack Cradle 2U is approximately GBP 42. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Does it require special tools to install equipment?: No special tools are required for the equipment itself, as it uses velcro. However, you will need standard rack screws to mount the cradle into your rack rails.
Are there other sizes available?: Yes, Adam Hall produces similar cradles in different sizes, including 1U and 3U variations, as well as versions with clamps instead of velcro.