GC Audio 500-Series Power Rack

The GC Audio 500-Series Power Rack is a premium 10 space power rack with external power supply that offers high performance, low noise, optimized isolation and stable power.

The GC Audio 500-Series Power Rack features an external linear power supply equipped with a 225VA toroidal transformer followed by a 10A diode bridge, with ultra low noise, deported in an external steel case for a minimal electromagnetic radiation. The power of this rectifier stage is necessary to support the high inrush current of the high capacity capacitors that are required for a perfect smoothing of the AC voltage. Then, power transistors are added to put the voltage regulators following the capacitors. This arrangement guarantees a very low residual ripple, a high current capacity and an important resilience to inrush currents. In addition to a very clean DC voltage and a high power availability, the "inductive" reserve of the circuit (typical characteristic of linear power supplies with a large toroidal transformer), allows a very fast current response which allows a high fidelity in the restitution of repeated fast transient signals, like with a drum.

The routing of the power supply rails has been established with the greatest care (no autorouting!) with reasoned track sections and the necessary spacing to avoid capacitive effects. An input too close to an output can quickly turn into a link of a few Pico Farads and lead to oscillatory phenomena at high gain. Manual routing allows to avoid this kind of phenomenon. But also an optimized Top/Bottom ground plane has been realized with screw feedthroughs to break all ground loops.

The external PSU has 2 outputs which can power a 2nd GC Audio Power Rack. When using a second Power Rack, the total current available becomes 6 Amps for each rack which is more than comfortable and remains the most powerful rack on the market. The Power Rack contains two ground / lift switches which allows you to choose whether the ground (of the input and/or output) should be connected to the chassis or to the Analog Ground. This function allows to break a possible ground loop that can be created in any audio installation. The linear power supply is equipped with internal safety devices to ensure safe operation. There is of course a fuse on the mains side but also a fuse on the +16V circuit and another one on the -16V circuit. These protections can be very useful when switching on a DYI module for the first time! A 110V / 230V switch makes it compatible for all countries.

Independent Power On
The Power Rack and the external power supply are each equipped with an independent power switch. It is therefore possible to switch off the Power Rack without switching off the external power supply. This allows the temperature stability of the power supply to be maintained without unnecessary power consumption. The front panel of the Power Rack has a premium quality backlit power switch with a metal body and IP67 rating. This means it is sealed against dust and moisture, ensuring a long service life. Metal body LED indicators for +16V, -16V and +48V power supplies are also present.

Uncompromising Construction
GC Audio's Power Rack design starts with a more robust construction than the norm. Its chassis is made of 1.5mm steel, solid as a tank! The thickness of the sheet metal is 50% thicker than the average and offers an excellent shielding against electromagnetic radiation for an optimal isolation of the 500 modules it receives. It is coated with satin paint for the front and back and a double layer industrial paint for the chassis. In addition to the studio application, its robustness allows for intensive use on the road, such as on tour.

High-End Connectors And Link Modules
The rear panel features a full set of Neutrik connectors: Combo for the inputs and XLR or 1/4" 3pts jack for the outputs. So, whether you have XLR or TRS jack, you will be able to connect to the rack in any case. Instead of having to connect the modules together with a cable, the Rack 500 has 5 internal switches to instantly connect the signal of a mono module to the adjacent mono module. This function allows to quickly create a stereo pair for 2 mono modules (on pin 5 of the module, following the 500 standard).

GC Audio 500-Series Power Rack Features

• 10 Slots 500 Series Rack (for standard 500-Series modules)
• External linear PSU
• Rugged 1.5mm steel chassis for optimum module isolation
• 100% Designed and made in France
• Stereo Link Switch (for 2 mono modules)

GC Audio 500-Series Power Rack Specifications

• Finish: Satin and industrial paint
• Input Connectors: Neutrik Combo
• Output Connectors: Neutrik XLR or Jack 1/4"
• Power Cord:  10 Foot
• Power Cord Connectors: Neutrik 5-pin
• LED Indicators: +16V, -16V, +48V Metal body
• Universal Power Supply: Switchable 110V/230 with spare fuse holder
• Ground Lift: Switchable
• Chassis Dimensions: Width 19" x 11.2"
• Height: 3U

GC Audio 500-Series Power Rack Includes

• GC Audio 500-Series Power Rack
• Power Supply
• Manufacturer Warranty