If you’re new in the industry, just curious or perhaps never got around to learning about rackmount cases then this post might be of particular interest. Rackmounts are not like normal cases and would not function properly if bought for something other than a server or electronic unit. You might notice in a rackmount case a metal track down the sides.
These tracks are what hold the electronic unit in the case. Rackmount cases are great for protecting the equipment and are also great because of their portable setup. The main reason people buy rackmount cases is because the equipment can function within the case which makes perfect sense for DJ’s and Performers who are constantly on the go.
Above is an example of a SKb Rackmount Case that has an electronic head-unit mounted inside. Both the front and back of the SKB case has a takeoff lid which allows for front and rear access to the head-unit.
The second type of Rackmount case is called a Shockmount case which is a level above a rackmount in terms of protection. A shockmount case is virtually the same case as a rackmount except for one variation. The rack (where the head-unit is bolted onto), is actually suspended in the air by shocks.
Metaphorically speaking, a rackmount case is like a car built for driving on the highway while a shockmount case is like a car built for heavy offroading. Here’s why. The shocks which suspend the head-unit are made of rubber and can flex. During heavy duty shipping or rough transportation energy from hard jolts and hits are absorbed by the shock rather than transferred to the electronic unit. The concept is similar to how an offroad car has suspension to absorb the terrain so energy isn’t passed to the driver or the rest of the vehicle.
