Gear article
Trojan Pro Rack Tray 1U
The Trojan Pro Rack Tray 1U is a specialized studio accessory designed to mount non-rackable or half-width equipment into standard 19-inch rack enclosures. It features a compact 150mm depth, making it a space-efficient solution for housing smaller hardware modules in professional and home studio environments.
See live pricesBackground and Construction
The Trojan Pro Rack Tray 1U is produced by Trojan Pro, a brand known for providing practical studio infrastructure and accessories. This specific model is engineered to address the common issue of integrating desktop equipment, such as small audio interfaces, preamps, or effects units, into a formal rack mount system. The tray is manufactured as a single-piece unit, ensuring structural integrity and reliability under the weight of supported hardware.
Technical Specifications
The unit occupies 1U of vertical rack space and adheres to the standard 19-inch width requirements (441mm actual tray width). Its primary distinguishing feature is its 150mm depth, which is approximately half the depth of conventional full-sized rack trays. This shallow profile allows for easier cable management behind the unit and prevents the tray from blocking airflow in high-density rack configurations.
Key Features and Utility
The tray serves as a secure platform for half-width rack modules or non-standard equipment. Its one-piece design simplifies the installation process, requiring only standard rack screws to secure the flanges to the front rails of a rack case. By providing a flat, stable surface, it eliminates the need for bespoke mounting brackets for smaller gear pieces.
Suitability
This product is best suited for project studios and mobile rigs where space is at a premium. It is particularly effective for users who need to organize compact devices like wireless mic receivers, DI boxes, or small-format converters. Because of its 150mm depth, it is an ideal choice for shallow rack cases or wall-mounted cabinets where a standard 300mm+ depth tray would be physically incompatible.
Comparative Analysis
Compared to larger alternatives like the Adam Hall 19 Rack Cradle (375mm depth), the Trojan Pro model offers a significant space saving. While it lacks the security of a locking drawer—such as the Omnitronic KE-1—it provides much faster access to gear controls. For users requiring complex vertical configurations, this tray is often used in conjunction with Adam Hall rack strips (ranging from 20U to 45U) to build out customized equipment bays.
Related gear
£21.10 ($27)Adam Hall
Adam Hall 19 Rack Cradle 375 mm Depth 1U
£49.00 ($62)Omnitronic
Omnitronic KE-1 1U Rack Drawer with Lock
£17.80 ($23)Adam Hall
Adam Hall Single Black 19 Rack Strip with Three Holes Per U 45U
£11.00 ($14)Adam Hall
Adam Hall Heavy Duty Black 19 Rack Strip 20U
£32.00 ($41)Adam Hall
Adam Hall 19 Rack Clamp Cradle 3U
£75.70 ($96)Adam Hall
Adam Hall 19 Steel Rack Drawer 3U
£11.16 ($14)Adam Hall
Adam Hall 19 Aluminium U Shaped Rack Panel 3U
£26.15 ($33)Adam Hall
Adam Hall Heavy Duty Double Black 19 Rack Strip 45U
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary purpose of the Trojan Pro Rack Tray 1U?
- It is designed to provide a stable, flat surface within a 19-inch rack to support equipment that is not natively rack-mountable, such as half-width modules or desktop units.
- How much rack space does this tray occupy?
- The tray occupies exactly 1U (one rack unit) of vertical space in a standard rack cabinet or case.
- What are the physical dimensions of the tray?
- The tray has a width of 441mm to fit standard racks and a shallow depth of 150mm.
- Is the Trojan Pro Rack Tray 1U made of multiple parts?
- No, it features a one-piece design which enhances its sturdiness and simplifies the installation process for the user.
- What is the typical price for this rack tray?
- The typical price for the Trojan Pro Rack Tray 1U is approximately £10.00, making it a cost-effective utility solution.
- Can this tray be used for full-width equipment?
- While it can support gear up to its own width, it is specifically optimized for half-width modules that would otherwise lack support in a 19-inch frame.
- How does the 150mm depth benefit the user?
- The 150mm depth is half the size of traditional trays, making it ideal for tight spaces, shallow rack cases, and setups requiring better rear airflow.
- Does this tray come with a locking mechanism?
- No, this is a fixed shelf tray. If security is required, a locking drawer like the Omnitronic KE-1 would be a more suitable alternative.
- Is this tray compatible with all standard 19-inch racks?
- Yes, it is designed to fit standard 19-inch (441mm wide) rack units, which is the industry standard for studio and server hardware.
- What kind of equipment is best suited for this tray?
- It is ideal for half-width rack modules, audio interfaces, small mixers, and other compact studio peripherals.
- How is the tray installed into a rack?
- The tray features pre-drilled holes on its front flanges, allowing it to be bolted directly onto the rack strips of a standard enclosure using rack screws.
- How does this compare to the Adam Hall 1U Rack Cradle?
- The Trojan Pro tray is significantly shallower at 150mm, whereas the Adam Hall version mentioned has a much deeper 375mm profile, suitable for larger equipment.
