Radial Engineering has released a ten-slot power rack for the 500 series audio processor format called Powerhouse.
‘Since launching Workhorse, many larger studios asked us to produce a dedicated 500 series rack with more density so that they could maximise 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 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, and expands our rack options to five different models.’
The Powerhouse uses heavy-duty 14 gauge steel construction throughout, for shielding against noise induced magnetic fields and durability when travelling or on touring. Each channel slot is equipped with separate XLR I/O, along with parallel quarter-inch TRS connectors for splitting the signal, cross patching, or acting as a patchbay mult. Instead of having to patch one module into the next using a cable, the FEED function does the patching with the slide of a switch. 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 quarter-inch 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.
Power is from a 1.6A external supply, which provides a shared pool for each module to allow high headroom. The extra power eliminates brown-outs while the external design keeps the noise out of the box.
The unit is fully backward compatible with older 500 series modules, while accommodating new models.
The Powerhouse is now shipping at a retail price of US$1,000.
More: www.radialeng.com
