Tuesday, December 3, 2019

The Brass Tacks of Middle Atlantic Racks - Part 2: Choosing the Best A/V Rack for Your Needs

Middle Atlantic RSFSR Series 19" Rotating Sliding Rail System

The RSFSR racks are among the most popular A/V racks on the market. This is pretty much the go-to rack for most people that just want a versatile in-wall rack at a good price. Flush-mount the rack in a wall and then rack mount your equipment in black brushed and anodized HARSH custom shelves. Add H.B.L blank filler panels in between equipment to keep the black brushed and anodized finish going for a slick look. It then slides out and rotates, locking in at either 60 or 90 for access to your component connections. Snap on Middle Atlantic's TA trim strip panel over the screws, and purchase some molding from your local hardware store to get a beautiful and highly functional flush-mount rack without breaking the bank. Used for small to medium sized A/V systems.

* Style: Slides out and rotates up to 90
* Mounts: In a wall cut-out (flush-mount)
* Rack mount Height: 12.U to 30.U
* Weight Capacity: 125, 200, 250 lbs.
* External Depths: 19 or 23 in.
* External Width: 19.125 in. (minimum cut-out requirement is 19.25 in.)
* Rails: Front and rear 10-32 threaded
* Notable Options: Brush gasket
* Inexpensive shipping via UPS/FedEx
* Price Range: Less than $500

Middle Atlantic Slim 5 Series 19" Equipment Racks

The Slim 5 series racks are another very popular choice for a well-rounded and inexpensive A/V rack mount system. These racks ship knocked down via common carrier and require minimal time to put together. The great thing about these racks, aside from the very attractive price range, is the versatility and wide variety of applications they serve. They can be used for small systems at 8.U or 14.U, or you can take it all the way up to 43.U for a full system. It holds up to 400 lbs, so it will easily handle the majority of residential A/V systems out there. In addition to the wide range of dimensional options, it has a bunch of extras, such as steel or wood grain finished side panels, multiple front door options, or an integrated fan top. It can be placed free standing in a room, on a desk, in a closet, or flush mount it in your wall (make sure you have rear access from the room behind it). Or get a set of Slim 5 caster wheels or their skirted wheel base to make it mobile.

* Style: 4-post open frame
* Apps: In a wall cut-out, floor standing, mobile, cabinet
* Rack mount Height: 8.U, 14.U, 21.U, 29.U, 37.U, 43.U
* Weight Capacity: 400 lbs.
* External Width: 19.125 in. (cut-out requirement is 19.25 in.)
* External Depths: 20 or 26 in.
* Rails: Front and rear 10-32 threaded
* Notable Options: Add sides, a top and doors to make it a full enclosure
* Inexpensive shipping via UPS/FedEx
* Price Range: Less than $200 to $400

Middle Atlantic EEK 19" Stand-Alone Rack Enclosures

With EEK racks you get a lot for what you pay for. Middle Atlantic somehow manages to keep these fully welded rack enclosures affordable for most budgets despite having a super strong steel frame that can hold up to 2500 lbs, key locked rear door, and welded side panels, as well as a host of well engineered extras. These include rear and top electrical, UHF/VHF, fan knock-out plates, bottom cable entry, grounding/bonding studs installed in the base, and side-panel knock-outs for running cables out. Just add a front door of your choice and you've got a full enclosure to hold just about any A/V system out there at a seriously good price. Like the Slim 5, there are many different applications that these can be used for - buy an 18.U, 21.U, or 27.U plus a set of caster wheels and you've got a nice inexpensive portable studio rack. Stick it in a closet, attic, basement, or mount it on a base and flush-mount it in the wall with RAH shelves or a Plexiglas door. Pr-configured kits are also available, which pack in all the extras you need for power, cable management, equipment mounting, and thermal management. New knock-down models allow for fast and inexpensive shipping with minimal set-up time.

* Style: 4-post with welded sides and rear door (ask for LED version if no rear door is required)
* Apps: In a wall cut-out, floor standing, portable, closet
* Rack mount Height: 18.U, 21.U, 27.U, 35.U, 40.U, 44.U
* Weight Capacity: 2500 lbs. (add EEK-Z.4 to add 650 lbs for seismic certification)
* External Width: 22 in.
* External Depths: 20 or 25 in.
* Rails: Front pair of 10-32 threaded
* Notable Options: casters, vented front/rear doors, many different top fan panels
* Price Range: $400 to $600

Middle Atlantic W.R Series Roll Out Rotating System in Steel Host Enclosure

The award winning W.R series roll out rack offers one of the most complete rack mount solutions available with an integrated slide-out and rotate rack within the host enclosure. The internal rack mount system can be pulled out and rotated, eliminating the need for extras like slide-tracks or stands. These racks are particularly useful for saving space in larger scale equipment bays. Since you have quick and easy access to the rear of your components from the front, they can be pushed up against a wall or put back to back to maximize the overall rack mount density in your equipment room. They are also gang able. Internal depth ranges from 26" to 36", while weight capacity is rated for 750 lbs, allowing for mounting of just about any piece of A/V equipment out there. Many effective solutions have also been built in for ventilation and cable management. One more bonus is that the internal rack system is detachable, allowing for off-site maintenance.

* Style: 4-post rack mounted within a host cabinet enclosure
* Applications: residential and pro A/V systems, large equipment rooms, servers and network components
* Rack mount Height: 24.U, 37.U, 44.U
* Weight Capacity: 750 lbs.
* External Width: 24 in.
* External Depths: 32.88, 42.88 in.
* Rails: Front and rear 10-32 threaded
* Notable Options: front doors, rear access panel
* Price Range: $1100 to $1400

Middle Atlantic AX Rack System for Mill work and In-Wall Applications

Middle Atlantic's AX rack (sounds like "access") is the most popular solution for in-wall, closet, or mill work rack mount systems where rear access is restricted. The amount of dimensional choices and optional components is unparalleled. Mount the rack in a wall cut-out or closet, and then pick between one of three service stand height ranges to allow for the rack to slide out on an optional track, giving you rear access to your components. The wide range of rack mount height options (10.U to 43.U), depth ranges (16, 20, or 26 in.), as well as options for cable management, stands, tracks and fan kits make it the optimal choice for someone who wants a very specific custom A/V rack.mount system. If you are looking for a rack to slide out on a stand and rotate, then look up the Ax's sister rack, the AX-SIR series.

* Style: 4-post frame slides out on a track
* Applications: residential and pro A/V systems
* Rack mount Height: 10.U through 43.U
* Weight Capacity: 650 lbs.
* External Width: 19.125 in. (minimum rough opening width is 19.25 in.)
* Frame Depths: 16, 20, 26 in.
* Rails: Front and rear 10-32 threaded
* Notable Options: 25 or 48 in. track slide, 3 through 40 in. service stands, brush gasket, fan kits
* Price Range: $500 to $600

Middle Atlantic RS Series 19" Sliding Rack Rail System

Use Middle Atlantic's RS sliding rack rail system to mount smaller A/V equipment into cabinets, wall cut-outs or entertainment centers. Used specifically for components that have shallow depths, the RS rack will pull out 19 inches, allowing for access to rear cabling connections. Enclosed locking hardware keeps the rack fixed and secure. Mounting heights range from 8.U to 20.U, with 2-slide weight capacity at 125 lbs, and 4-slide capacity at 250 lbs.

* Style: 4-post frame slides out out of a cabinet, cut-out or entertainment center
* Applications: small residential A/V systems
* Rack mount Height: 8.U through 20.U
* Weight Capacity: 125 or 250 lb.
* External Width: 19.125 in. (minimum rough opening width is 19.25 in.)
* Frame Depth: 19 in.
* Rails: Full front and 7.U rear 10-32 tapped/threaded
* Notable Options: cable carrier, brush gasket kit
* Price Range: $300 to $400

Middle Atlantic AS Slide Out & Rotating Shelving System

Used for mounting A/V www.tanlite.com equipment into custom cabinetry or entertainment centers, the AS series sliding rotating adjustable shelving system significantly reduces time spent on installation and maintenance of your equipment. A self-centering base and self-leveling mounting shelves help to simplify and quicken assembly. Locking detentes protect scuffing against your mill work or cabinet. A host of solutions are also built in for thermal and cable management. The most complete option for mounting A/V equipment in an entertainment center.

* Style: 4-post frame slides out out of a cabinet, cut-out or entertainment center
* Applications: small residential A/V systems
* Number of Shelves: 4 through 9
* Weight Capacity: 200 or 250 lbs.
* Width: 18.25 in.
* Notable Options: H-D models include trim kit, vented shelving, higher weight capacity and more shelves

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