Radial Engineering Launches Powerhouse 10-Channel 500 Series Power Rack

September 17th, 2012 by Trenton

View Single Page

Tweet

As 500 series modules continue to evolve, it makes sense that they would need more sophisticated accommodations. Enter the Powerhouse from Radial Engineering, a 10-slot power rack for the 500 series format.

Power to the people… times 10!

The latest in their Workhorse series of power racks, Powerhouse is now shipping, with a retail price of $1000 on the nose. Here’s how the minds at Radial Engineering are describing it:

“’Since launching the Workhorse, many larger studios asked us to produce a dedicated 500 series rack with more density so that they could maximize the number of modules in their rack while leaving out the mixer,” says Radial Sales Manager Roc Bubel. ‘They have also asked that we incorporate some of the innovative features we pioneered such as the FEED function and stereo link. The Powerhouse also addresses their concerns regarding limited power and noise that can cause havoc when older racks are used with certain modules. The Powerhouse expands our rack options to five different models, further enhancing the 500 series appeal.’

The Powerhouse begins with heavy duty 14 gauge steel construction throughout for improved shielding against noise induced magnetic fields and greater durability when traveling between studios or when on tour. Each channel slot is equipped with separate XLR i/o along with parallel ¼” TRS connectors for splitting the signal, cross patching, or acting as a patch bay mult.

Instead of having to patch one module into the next using a cable, an innovative FEED function does the patching with a simple slide of a switch. And instead of having to solder stereo pairs, a LINK switch is easily activated when stereo modules are needed.

Following the WHOS-Doc open source document, the Powerhouse is equipped with Omniport ¼” TRS that accommodates special functions on Radial 500 series modules as well as several others made by other manufacturers of 500 series who have adopted the Radial design standard. For instance, on Radial modules the Omniport may be an instrument input on a preamp, a key input on a compressor or even a remote switch.

Powering concerns are addressed with a 1600 milliamp external supply. This delivers a shared pool for each module for significantly more headroom than others. The extra power eliminates brown-outs while the external design keeps the noise out of the box. Each slot is equipped with safety measures for safe use and the Powerhouse is 100% backward compatible with older 500 series modules while being completely suitable for the new breeds that are beginning to appear.”

Now THAT’S a powerful rear view.