Power Conditioners...which to get?

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thesockmonster

thesockmonster

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Shopping for a 1U rack power conditioner...hundreds out there. How do I make sure I'm actually getting power regulation, and not just a glorified power strip? Also, any good experience with a certain brand/model?
 
I've used the ART SP4X4 Pro for years with no issues.

sp4x4_pro_front_lg.jpg
 
I use a Furman AR-15 series II - it's pretty old and isn't made anymore so if I were wanting to buy one today it would probably be the Furman P-1800 AR Voltage Regulator/Power Conditioner.

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessor ... onditioner

These are voltage regulators primarily and also power conditioners so they aren't cheep. Are you looking for that or just a power distributor with some noise filtering and circuit breaker included? The more expensive is going to deliver a more or less constant 120 AC even if it's seeing a partial brown out or a higher voltage than 120, the cheeper is going to pop the circuit if it sees a big spike but will do nothing to stabilize your power.
 
Mainly looking for reliable distribution, and lowering the noise floor at gigs with crappy power. Power regulation to stay around 120 would be nice, but not necessary.
 
nzsteve":3o69ippn said:
I just saw this, on sale, good reviews, no lights, no meter, free shipping....Anyone here use or tried one?

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessor ... tads-plaid^90167069562-sku^H71325000000000@ADL4MF-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^55815864387#productDetail

I've had one for a couple months and it's worked ok for me. I don't play out though and wasn't really having any power issues either. It did take some noise away, especially from my Tascam that I plug into the front (it's in a rack running rack stuff, pedal power and amp head from the back outlets). The specs on it are impressive for the price, providing it actually does what they say it will.
 
Best for the money IMO if you play in places where power is an issue...Furman AR1215

http://www.proaudiostar.com/furman-ar-1 ... aQody5oAXw

I read that those computer based ones aren't the best with the voltages that tube amps want to see. Check Furman site they also talk about this. This has a toroidal transformer to quickly change the voltages if needed. I have one, my amp always sounds exactly the same in any place I have played when using it.
 
At a minimum, get the Furman AR-1215. The AR-1800 if you can swing it is very nice.
 
If you want something that is not a glorified power strip be sure to get one that is a "Voltage Regulator". That's what you are really looking for. Keeps the volts completely steady and conditions the line.

-Alex
 
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