Everything seemed so crystal clear during the soundcheck… tools close at hand, lights properly programmed, the PA ready to go. Then, when the main lights go down and the main event begins, the FOH side-rack or lighting desk is suddenly cloaked in darkness. Surprise surprise, something has already gone missing: Where were those spare batteries again? And the gate on the side-rack would also be easier to use if it were a little better lit. This is where the t.racks SRL-4 Solid Rack Light RGBW can really shine! Its discreet LED lights can produce many more colours than just white, and the module is also easy to operate in the dark, as well as being surprisingly inexpensive.
The light strip, itself built into a metal housing, has a light output of 150 lumens, provided by 30 RGBW LEDs. If there is a rack unit free in a standard 19" rack, the SRL-4 can be screwed straight in there, with a strain relief cleat for the power supply unit's cable included as standard. One shade at the front and two at the sides make the work light unobtrusive. The LED strip itself protrudes 6cm from the rack to ensure that all built-in devices are well lit. The t.racks SRL-4 Solid Rack Light RGBW is operated using two simple buttons, which are easy to find in the dark, as they are handily placed on the left and right sides of the unit – their silver finish also stands out nicely against the matte black housing. One switch is used for switching on and dimming the lights in three stages, while the other is used to toggle through the 15 colour macros. In addition to white – from warm 3200K to 5600K and cool 7200K – numerous RGBW colour mixes are available.
With the t.racks SRL-4 Solid Rack Light RGBW, event and studio technicians will always know exactly what is in their rack, even in a dark working environment. Techs of all kinds can quickly find the right knobs on any non-illuminated effects equipment, with the light from the SLR-4 evenly distributed across the front of their setup. Even at daytime events, devices on the floor are often set up in near-darkness. The cool white colour is ideal here and allows the workstation to blend into its surroundings. Event technicians can use the macros to create rack lighting in the colour of their company's logo, and both dimming levels and the colour macros are easy to configure. As the housing is made of metal, the SRL-4 is perfect for taking on tour, and if it is going to be frequently installed and dismantled, the strain relief cleat on the power cord will ensure safe operation every time.
The in-house brand the t.racks has been an integral part of the Thomann music store range since 1997. A wide range of different rack devices, effects, power distributors, and accessories appear under the t.racks name and prove that quality, reliability, and attractive pricing do not have to be mutually exclusive. Whether for home studios, the stage, or the rehearsal room – the t.racks offers a convincing and affordable solution for every situation.
Four rack screws (sold separately) can be used to keep the LED strip sitting securely in the rack. The power supply will usually just come from a multi-socket strip, usually available on lighting desks, radio consoles, or side racks. If a t.racks SRL-4 Solid Rack Light RGBW is used repeatedly for similar applications, its memory function, which stores both the brightness and macro settings for use when the device is next switched, will come in handy. To make the workspace even cleaner, unused rack units can be covered with a rack panel, and everyday tools – gaffer tape and the like – can be stored in a rack drawer. This keeps everything close at hand and a hard-working stage tech can leave at least one heavy case at home.