Mesa WD800 Issue (not really...)

Geri O

Geri O

Endorsing Artist, Mike Lull Guitars and Basses
Gold Supporting Member
Sep 6, 2013
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#1
I've installed my WD800 into a cool tweed-covered rack, but I've run into a dilemma...

As the amp's power switch is on the back, I have to reach inside the back of the rack to access it. Arghh..

Yeah, big real-world problem, I know....:D

I love the 8-lb weight of the amp (you big-iron freaks might, or not, be happy to know that the Mesa rig sits next to an SVT-CL 810 that does get a little use), but the rack already weighs more than the amp. I was considering a rack-mount Furman or other so-called power center since I need a few extra outlets, but then it will weight even more with that. Which won't be the end of the world, I guess.

Well, that's all....:D
 
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#2
Actually, I think I have the answer....

Get a nice 20A rocker switch or something similar and a proper enclosure and add the switch to one of the rack-mount panels. Connect an IEC cable to the switch with a proper strain relief and do the same with a 14-gauge cable and male 120V plug.

Or go the simple route, get a power center from Furman and leave the rack panels unmolested. And deal with the extra little bit of weight. I guess....
 
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#3
Geri O said:
Actually, I think I have the answer....

Get a nice 20A rocker switch or something similar and a proper enclosure and add the switch to one of the rack-mount panels. Connect an IEC cable to the switch with a proper strain relief and do the same with a 14-gauge cable and male 120V plug.

Or go the simple route, get a power center from Furman and leave the rack panels unmolested. And deal with the extra little bit of weight. I guess....
Click to expand...
Hey Geri - I have a dozen or so 1U rack mount power strips, some with lights. If you need one (or more), I'll make you a deal ;)
 
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#6
abarson said:
Leave the switch on, and get power when you plug the 3-prong in.
Click to expand...

I considered that. I can’t think of a reason to not do this, after making sure the cab(s) are connected and the volume is turned down.

And this is what I’ll be doing with the Furman that I’m about to get.
 
#7
yeah, this is among the reasons why I am hesitating to move my WD800 into the Walkabout headcase. Added weight and access to the back panel ports and switches. Aside from the power switch access issue, I already flip between 2ohm and 4/8ohm pretty regularly, and I can imagine twisting the neutrik speaker connection could be a pain with the back of the amp recessed so far into the head case.

OTHO, I'll bet the WD800 looks pretty cool in the OP's tweed rack, and I'm sure it would look great in the black Walkabout headcase too.
 
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#8
Yes, it does, thanx! And yes, yours will!

There's enough room to leave the power cable (attached to the Furman anyway) and the speaker cable in the rack.

Yeah, I'll just have to deal with that pesky (not really) 2-ohm/4-ohm switch when necessary.

WD_Rack.jpg
 
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#10
Dirty Dave said:
I have mine in a Gator GR shallow rack. Keeps it lightweight. Love this rig!!
Click to expand...
Is that this one? https://www.gatorcases.com/products...low-molded-racks/4u-audio-rack-shallow-gr-4s/

If so, how much space do you have (in reality) behind the amp? I have a TT800 (same depth) and am trying to figure out a shallow rack depth that will work. It looks like the one you are using is 14.25" deep. There is also a Gator G-Pro rack that is 13" deep - do you think this would be too shallow? Thanks!
 
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