What is the standard rack size for this panel?

This panel follows the standard 19-inch rack format. It is designed to fit into any universal rack rail system used in professional audio and IT environments.

How many units of rack space does this take up?

The panel is 2U (two units) high. This provides extra vertical space compared to 1U panels, allowing for the 24-hole layout.

What material is used for the construction?

It is made from steel that has been powder-coated. This ensures the panel is both lightweight for transport and robust enough for permanent studio installations.

What type of sockets fit into the pre-cut holes?

The holes are designed for 'D-Type' connectors. This includes standard XLR sockets, Speakon connectors, and various RJ45 or BNC panel-mount adapters.

How many holes are available for connectors?

There are exactly 24 holes. These are typically arranged in two rows of 12 to provide high-density connectivity.

Does the panel come with mounting screws?

The panel is designed for installation with standard 19-inch rack screws. However, these screws are typically supplied with the rack itself or must be purchased separately.

What does the 'U-shaped' design offer?

The 'U' shape refers to the folded edges of the steel. This design increases the structural integrity of the panel, preventing it from bowing when cables are inserted or removed.

Can this be used for lighting equipment?

Yes, by installing D-size 5-pin XLR or DMX connectors, this panel can serve as a patch point for lighting rigs. It is compatible with 5-pin DMX cables from brands like Adam Hall.

Is the panel suitable for live touring?

Yes, the robust steel construction and powder-coated finish make it highly reliable for stage use. It protects internal connections and provides a centralised point for external cabling.

Can I install BNC connectors for wireless antennas?

Absolutely, as long as the BNC connectors are the D-Type housing variety. This is common for mounting LD Systems BNC antenna cables to the front of a rack.

What is the weight profile of the panel?

The panel is designed to be lightweight to avoid adding excessive weight to mobile rack cases. However, the steel material ensures it does not sacrifice strength for its weight.

How does this assist with cable management?

It allows all rear-mounted device inputs to be presented clearly on the front of a rack. This reduces the need to reach inside dark rack cabinets and prevents wear on the internal equipment's ports.

Gear article

Adam Hall 19-Inch U-Shaped 2U Rack Panel (24 D-Type Holes)

The Adam Hall 24-hole D-Type rack panel is a 2U steel component designed to facilitate custom connectivity within standard 19-inch equipment racks. It features pre-punched apertures specifically sized for D-Type XLR connectors, allowing users to build bespoke patchbays or input/output interfaces for stage and studio environments.

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Background and Construction

The Adam Hall 19-inch U-Shaped Rack Panel is engineered to address the need for organised cable management in professional audio environments. Constructed from steel with a black powder-coated finish, the panel offers a balance between lightweight handling and structural rigidity. The 'U-shaped' profile provides additional strength compared to flat panels, preventing flexing when multiple cables are plugged or unplugged simultaneously.

Measuring 2U in height, the panel provides sufficient surface area to accommodate two rows of connectors without overcrowding. This makes it a staple component for system integrators and touring engineers who require durable, permanent interface solutions.

Design and Functionality

The primary function of this panel is to serve as a mounting plate for 24 D-Type connectors. The D-Type format is a global standard for panel-mount audio and data sockets, such as those manufactured by Neutrik.

Key design features include: * Pre-punched holes: 24 precision-cut apertures for D-size connectors. * 19-inch Standard: Fully compatible with all standard server and audio racks. * Powder Coating: Resists scratches and maintains a professional aesthetic in high-traffic rack environments. * Ease of Installation: Designed for simple screw-in mounting to rack rails.

Applications and Compatibility

This panel is most frequently used to create DIY patchbays. By installing a combination of XLR, BNC, or Jack sockets, technicians can bring the rear-facing ports of rack-mounted equipment to the front for easier access.

It is highly compatible with a range of standard cabling and connectors, including: * Neutrik NC3FRX: For right-angled internal terminations. * Studiospares Standard XLR Patch Cables: Ideal for connecting the rear of the panel to internal equipment. * BNC Antenna Cables: Useful for wireless microphone distribution systems. * DMX Lighting Cables: Enabling the panel to act as a lighting control hub.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to 1U panels, which typically offer 8 to 16 holes, this 2U version significantly increases density, allowing for 24 connections in a single unit of space. While flat steel panels are available, the U-shaped design of this Adam Hall model offers superior resistance to bending under the weight of heavy looms.

For users requiring fewer connections, a 1U variant may be more space-efficient, but for complex signal routing involving multiple XLR or Speakon paths, the 24-hole layout provides the necessary capacity at a highly competitive price point of approximately £9.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the standard rack size for this panel?: This panel follows the standard 19-inch rack format. It is designed to fit into any universal rack rail system used in professional audio and IT environments.
How many units of rack space does this take up?: The panel is 2U (two units) high. This provides extra vertical space compared to 1U panels, allowing for the 24-hole layout.
What material is used for the construction?: It is made from steel that has been powder-coated. This ensures the panel is both lightweight for transport and robust enough for permanent studio installations.
What type of sockets fit into the pre-cut holes?: The holes are designed for 'D-Type' connectors. This includes standard XLR sockets, Speakon connectors, and various RJ45 or BNC panel-mount adapters.
How many holes are available for connectors?: There are exactly 24 holes. These are typically arranged in two rows of 12 to provide high-density connectivity.
Does the panel come with mounting screws?: The panel is designed for installation with standard 19-inch rack screws. However, these screws are typically supplied with the rack itself or must be purchased separately.
What does the 'U-shaped' design offer?: The 'U' shape refers to the folded edges of the steel. This design increases the structural integrity of the panel, preventing it from bowing when cables are inserted or removed.
Can this be used for lighting equipment?: Yes, by installing D-size 5-pin XLR or DMX connectors, this panel can serve as a patch point for lighting rigs. It is compatible with 5-pin DMX cables from brands like Adam Hall.
Is the panel suitable for live touring?: Yes, the robust steel construction and powder-coated finish make it highly reliable for stage use. It protects internal connections and provides a centralised point for external cabling.
Can I install BNC connectors for wireless antennas?: Absolutely, as long as the BNC connectors are the D-Type housing variety. This is common for mounting LD Systems BNC antenna cables to the front of a rack.
What is the weight profile of the panel?: The panel is designed to be lightweight to avoid adding excessive weight to mobile rack cases. However, the steel material ensures it does not sacrifice strength for its weight.
How does this assist with cable management?: It allows all rear-mounted device inputs to be presented clearly on the front of a rack. This reduces the need to reach inside dark rack cabinets and prevents wear on the internal equipment's ports.