I was told a power stabilizer is a very importat equipment to protect everything... speakers, keyboard, effects processors...

Anyone is using this? What brands are more recommended?

I'm only aware of Furman Products, but here in Europe everything from Furman costs much more than in the US.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

Luis Santos

Having researched this matter rather thoroughly, and given that I already have a 10-outlet Nady SC-100 Sequenced Power Controller (non-conditioning), I have opted for the Brick Wall from Price Wheeler Corp (2-outlet audio/video version). It combines advanced techniques in surge/spike protection with line filtering (sometimes referred to as conditioning). I don't believe, however, that it includes a stabilizing feature to deal with fluctuating voltages. Occasionally, when people speak of "line conditioning," they are referring to power stabilizing. More appropriately, devices that stabilize fluctuating voltages (by addition or subtraction) are referred to as voltage regulators. http://www.sweetwater.com/expert-center/techtips/d--06/01/2004
So, I'm sorry if my input isn't helpful, but it represents the limits of my knowledge that might be (in any way) relevant to your question.


The Brick Wall also comes in an 8-outlet a/v version.


I will purchase the Brick Wall next month. My SC-100, which sequentially powers up each piece of equipment, will itself get its power from the 2-outlet Brick Wall.

http://www.pricewheeler.com/index.htm


Charles


[This message has been edited by cwalkeralso (edited 03-04-2007).]

I never had a need for stabalization, but if the voltage is known to drop in your venue, then it would be a great idea.
I played a room where the only a/c outlet near the bandstand was hooked up to a dimmer....

( no one told me !!!! )
My digital gear was a mess till someone turned the lights up full. I have to laugh now, but at the time, I was pulling my heair out ! Nothing worked right. ( duh? )

I experienced a similar problem once when performing an outdoor job and hooked up to an AC line that was also connected to the beer cooler, a massive chill unit that drew a huge amount of power. When the cooler kicked on, the keyboard, amp and everything else went off. Finally ran a heavy duty extension cord from another outlet on a different circuit and the problem was solved.

One of the problems using higher powered amps and other associated equipment is finding a power stabilizer that can handle the wattage of your gear. And, when you do find one the price is usually outrageous.

Cheers,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Me, too, Dave. One job was at a hotel. Set-up was fine, until the bartender lowered the lights (and the power at the same time). Fixed the problem and stayed on that job over 5 years. What a shock...set-up was fine, but first note out of the box just didn't happen!


Russ

It's rare when you run into a situation where even the power amps and mixers need protection, but a small computer UPS is a godsend for arrangers, especially those that are prone to crashing on brownouts... If you load samples before the gig (as you are forced to because of glacial load times!), again, a small UPS just on the arranger (and any other low load stuff like effects, laptop, iPod or CD player etc.,) can save you from an embarrassing 'dead' few minutes.

An industry strength power conditioner is a bit of overkill for 99% of what you usually find, but if you play regularly in a place with appalling brownouts, it MIGHT be worth while. Otherwise, just get a little computer UPS (some are no bigger than a large power strip) and DO NOT plug your power amps or lights into it!

Hi,

I have one and will not plug gear into AC without it.

CHEAP insurrance

But even just a spike protector is better than nothing.

Tom,

Good to see you postaing again. How are things going in the Aloha State? Have you managed to pick up some gigs yet?

Inquiring minds want to know,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy