SC48 outside on Warped Tour

[chaselangr]

This summer I will be doing monitors on the Vans Warped Tour with my SC48 and I'm wondering a few things. If anyone has any insight on the best way to keep from overheating and any rain guards/ sun guards it would be great!

1. What is an easy way to keep the console from overheating, keeping in mind blowing a fan on the back will just blow dust into my console all day and dirty it up.

2. Is there a waterproof solution besides a 10x10 tent that will protect the console? Maybe a tent that just fits the console???

3. What daily procedures should I take to ensure the cleanliness and operation of the SC48.

4. Any other tips for outdoor use would be much appreciated.


Warped Tour is dusty, dirty, rainy, and hot! I think the sc48 is up for the job but I just want it to stay in one piece. Thanks in advance for the advice. :)

[Chris Lambrechts]

First thing that comes to mind reading your post is 'common sense'.

In essence that is what it comes down to.
Should you protect the desk from sitting out in the sun. Yes absolutely and I would take no compromise for that. Think down the lines of leaving your car out in the sun without any window protection.

Wheneven the desk is not being used : dust cover - even if it is just for 10 minutes.
Make sure the flighcase it sits in provides good airflow - especially in the back.

Again - common sense should be your main guideline here. These desks have proven themselves road worthy so don't worry about that.
Let me know if you need any additional advise.


Chris

[chaselangr]

Of course common sense is key here but I'm wondering if maybe people have any tricks for how to cover it or how to add secondary cooling fans. Maybe there is something they sell specifically for covering electronics in the sun / rain? Also maybe there is a certain way I should route my airflow to avoid dust and dirt blowing into the console. If anyone has any tricks let me know.

[Brent Lind]

Ok, here's a couple other items to consider.

Space Blanket, essential in hot weather. Remember that a tent is only going keep sun off the desk around noon.

A tent is a fine start for rain, but get yourself some heavy-duty clear plastic sheeting at Home Depot. When weather is threatening, get it in position around the desk, ready to pull over. Worse comes to worse, you can always pull it over and stick your hands under there and mix. I've done it plenty.

As for the fan in the doghouse thing, you are right that its probably blowing dust in, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. I've often aimed a fan into my racks, just remember to clean your filters often. Also, keep your doghouse as reasonably clear as you can so there is good airflow.

Get yourself some tools and air duster, and maybe some contact cleaner for fixing sticky faders, and use a paintbrush to keep dust off the desk everyday.

Also be really careful about where you put your console lid, if that foam gets wet it will stay that way for a few days and it isn't good for the desk.

There aren't really any brilliant tricks I'm aware of, it really is just common sense and keeping an eye on everything. My only tip really is to never assume there will be plastic or space blankets around, buy some and keep them in your workbox so you are always prepared. Maybe some tie line, spring clamps and motorcycle straps while you're at it.

You might also consider Purell, Gold Bond and Sun block (not for the console)

[digidesigner]

And also don't forget that there can always be conditions that will kill your desk no matter what you do. Have a backup plan. Copy your files daily, be informed about nearest rental systems.

[Greg C]

I'd also contact the Rat Sound folks. They've been providing the gear for Warped since it's inception and have seen it all. They can probably give you better tips than anyone. Jon Monson is the shop chief there and would be a good starting point.

[KrisHeinold]

I had a gig outside in Texas with temps hitting high 90's with the sc48. We had a popup canopy set up at monitors and a dust cover for it. I never had a problem with it over heating or acting up. I would clean daily if possible and have a backup ready.

[akhracer]

You can hang shade cloth on the the side of the tent that the sun comes in as it moves across the sky and heads to the west. As the sun gets lower in the sky the tent itself becomes ineffective for shading the console (and you).