Case support base

Case Stellboden – Rack Shelves for 19" Flight Cases at a Glance

A Case Stellboden (rack shelf) turns any 19" rack into a mounting spot for gear that has no rack ears of its own — mixers, effect units, Hi-Fi components or media players. As your specialist for event technology, LTT stocks fixed and retractable shelves in robust steel construction, from 1 HE to multi-unit trays with depths of 375–420 mm.

Whether You build touring racks for bands, mobile PA systems for DJs or permanent installs for clubs and theatres, You will find the right shelf here. Prices are shown including VAT plus shipping, with a typical delivery time of 3–5 days.

Browse the range above, compare rack units and depths, and add the model that fits Your case straight to the cart.

What Is a Case Stellboden? Fundamentals and Function

A Case Stellboden — also called a rack shelf or rack tray — is a horizontal 19" mounting plate that screws into the front rails of a rack or flight case. Its job is simple but essential: it creates a stable surface for equipment that does not have the standardised 482 mm (19") mounting ears required for direct rack installation.

How it differs from adjacent product types

Unlike a rack panel (a flat blind cover) or a 19" rackmount device (which bolts in directly by its own ears), a rack shelf provides a load-bearing floor. Non-rackable equipment — such as a compact DJ mixer, a Hi-Fi amplifier, a wireless receiver or an effect unit — simply sits on the shelf or is bolted through the universal hole pattern in the base.

Rack tray vs. rack clamp

Some models are open shelves with a raised rear edge for extra stability; others add adjustable steel clamps that grip the device in height and depth. A rack clamp version secures non-standard gear firmly, while a plain rack tray relies on gravity and optional screws.

In short: a Case Stellboden bridges the gap between the fixed 19" world and the many devices that were never built to rack standard — a small part that keeps a professional touring rack tidy and secure.

Fixed vs. Retractable Rack Shelf: A Direct Comparison

One of the most common buying decisions is whether to choose a fixed shelf or a retractable (ausziehbar) model on slide rails. Both product types exist across the market, yet the difference is rarely explained. Here is a clear breakdown to help You decide.

A fixed rack shelf is bolted solidly into the rails and never moves. It is the most robust, most affordable option and ideal for gear that You set once and rarely touch — power distributors, amplifiers or spare cabling.

A retractable rack shelf runs on side-mounted slide rails, so You can pull the shelf forward like a drawer. This is invaluable when You need frequent access to controls, connections or media slots — for example a DJ media player or a mixer during a live show.

Which one suits You?

Choose a fixed shelf for weight-heavy, set-and-forget equipment and the lowest price. Choose a retractable shelf when hands-on access during operation matters more than the last kilogram of load capacity.

Technical Buying Criteria: Rack Units, Dimensions and Material

When You select a Case Stellboden, three technical values decide the fit: rack units (HE), width and depth, plus the material quality.

Rack units (HE height units)

Rack space is measured in HE (Höheneinheiten / rack units), where 1 HE equals 44.45 mm of front height. Rack shelves are commonly offered as 1 HE, 2 HE and 3 HE models. A 1 HE shelf (approx. 43–44 mm front height) suits low-profile devices; 2 HE and 3 HE trays give clearance for taller units.

Width and mounting plate

All shelves use the standard 19" mounting plate, meaning a front width of 482–483 mm at the rails. Usable internal width is typically around 445–455 mm, depending on the model.

Depth and steel construction

Depth values across the range run from 375 mm to 420 mm. Extra-deep trays with a rear edge raised approximately 10 mm add stability for heavier gear. The load-bearing base is almost always steel construction in a gauge of 1.2 mm to 2 mm, most often powder coated in black for corrosion resistance and a scratch-tough, touring-grade finish.

Key specifications at a glance

• Rack units: 1 HE, 2 HE, 3 HE
• Mounting width: 482–483 mm (19")
• Depth: 375–420 mm (usable varies by model)
• Front height 1 HE: approx. 43–44 mm
• Material: 1.2–2 mm steel, powder coated

Match these figures to Your rack and Your heaviest device before ordering — a precise fit keeps the equipment level and secure.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Depth and Load Capacity

This buying guide closes two gaps that most listings ignore: how to pick the correct depth and how to respect the load capacity of a rack shelf.

Match shelf depth to Your flight case

The usable depth of a Case Stellboden must be shorter than the internal depth of Your flight case, or the shelf will not fit behind the lid. As a rule of thumb, measure the internal case depth, then subtract space for rear cable connectors and plugs. A shelf rated at 375 mm suits shallow racks and compact cases, while 420 mm trays serve deeper touring racks. For retractable models, remember that the usable pull-out depth is a few centimetres less than the nominal figure because of the rail mechanism.

Respect load capacity and mount safely

Load capacity depends on rack unit count, steel gauge and mounting method. A solid fixed shelf in 1.2–2 mm steel carries more weight than a retractable shelf, where the slide rails become the limiting factor. Always distribute weight evenly and, for heavier or vibration-prone gear, bolt the device through the universal hole pattern rather than letting it rest loose.

Practical checklist

• Measure internal case depth first, then choose the shelf depth.
• For frequent access, pick a retractable model; for maximum load, pick a fixed shelf.
• Bolt down heavy or non-slip devices via the base holes.
• Leave clearance at the rear for cabling and connectors.

Follow this order and Your rack stays balanced, tidy and safe on the road.

Applications: Where a Rack Shelf Is Used in Event Setups

A Case Stellboden shows its value the moment You have professional gear that simply refuses to fit the 19" standard. Here are the typical application scenarios in event and stage technology.

DJ and mobile setups

DJs use rack shelves to mount media players, compact mixers or small controllers inside a touring rack, keeping delicate equipment protected and cable runs organised for fast load-in and load-out.

Bands and live PA

Bands and mobile PA operators place effect units, wireless receivers and small amplifiers on a shelf, so a single rack combines rackable and non-rackable gear in one road-ready case.

Clubs, theatres and installations

In clubs, theatres and houses of worship, fixed rack shelves hold power distributors, media servers or Hi-Fi components in permanent 19" installations, where tidy cable management and reliable mounting matter every day.

Wherever Your gear lives in a rack, a shelf integrates it cleanly. Explore the wider cases and rack accessories range to complete Your setup with matching trays, panels and hardware.

Types and Variants of Case Stellboden

The rack shelf category splits into several clearly defined types and variants, so You can match the right model to Your gear.

By mechanism

• Fixed rack shelf (rack tray): bolted solidly into the rails, most robust and most affordable.
• Retractable rack shelf (ausziehbar): runs on slide rails and pulls forward for front-panel access during operation.

By rack unit height

• 1 HE: low profile for slim devices, front height approx. 43 mm.
• 2 HE: extra clearance for taller units.
• 3 HE: deepest interior for bulky non-rackable gear.

By design detail

• Open shelf with a raised rear edge for stability.
• Rack clamp version with adjustable steel clamps that grip the device in height and depth.
• Extra-deep tray rated up to 375 mm device depth for larger components.

Each variant serves a purpose: fixed shelves for set-and-forget weight, retractable shelves for hands-on live use, and clamp models when a non-standard device must be held firmly in a moving touring rack.

Brands and Manufacturers for Rack Shelves

When it comes to rack shelves, a handful of manufacturers set the standard for build quality and reliable 19" fit. At LTT You will find these established brands side by side.

Leading manufacturers

• Adam Hall 19" Parts: a broad line-up of rack trays, extra-deep shelves and retractable models with universal hole patterns — a benchmark for touring hardware.
• OMNITRONIC: solid, black-lacquered steel carrier inserts at a keen price, ideal for everyday rack builds.
• IMG Stageline: 2 HE device holders with numerous mounting holes for flexible, secure fixing.
• Monacor: dependable 482 mm mounting plates for non-rackable Hi-Fi and studio components.
• SHOWGEAR: professional metal-equipment shelves in 1 U and 2 U formats for stage and event use.

Alongside these specialists, You will also encounter names such as Roadinger and Accu Case across the wider cases and rack world. Every shelf is chosen for the same reason: precise 19" tolerances, durable steel and a finish that survives life on the road. As a manufacturer with our own production in Germany, LTT knows exactly what a professional rack build demands.

Accessories: Compatible Rack Hardware and Mounting Parts

A Case Stellboden rarely travels alone. The right accessories turn a bare rack into a tidy, road-ready system and close the bundling gap that most shops leave open.

Matching rack accessories

• Rack screws and cage nuts: the correct M6 hardware for a firm, rattle-free mount.
• Blind panels: cover empty rack units, improve airflow guidance and give a clean front.
• Cable managers: keep patch leads and power cables sorted behind the shelf.
• Rack trays and drawers: add extra storage for tools, adapters and spares.

Why accessories matter

Good cable management prevents strain on connectors and speeds up load-in and load-out. Blind panels and proper screws stop gear from vibrating loose in transit. Together with the shelf itself, these parts form a complete mounting solution.

Browse the full caserack accessories range to add the screws, panels and cable hardware that fit Your shelf — everything from one specialist source.

Care and Maintenance of Steel Rack Shelves

A powder-coated steel rack shelf is built for touring, but a little care keeps it looking and performing like new for years.

Cleaning

Wipe the shelf with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust and grime. For stubborn marks, use a mild detergent and dry the surface afterwards — the powder coating resists scratches but standing moisture should be avoided to protect against corrosion at any exposed edges.

Regular checks

• Retighten the mounting screws after transport, as vibration can loosen fixings.
• Inspect the slide rails on retractable models and keep them free of grit for smooth travel.
• Check the raised rear edge and clamps for any bending after heavy loads.

Storage

Store spare shelves flat and dry. Well-maintained steel construction with intact powder coating stays corrosion-resistant and reliable across countless load-ins — exactly what professional touring use requires.

LTT – Your Specialist for Event Technology

Whether You are equipping a single DJ rack or a full touring rig, LTT is your reliable partner for rack shelves and everything around them. With more than 25 years of experience in event technology and our own manufacturing in Germany, we know exactly what a professional 19" build needs — and we help You find the optimal solution.

You benefit from dispatch out of Bocholt, Germany, a 3-year LTT warranty, express shipping on request and free shipping from €69. B2B resellers enjoy dedicated wholesale conditions, backed by over 100,000 positive customer reviews.

Complete Your rack with the wider cases and rack accessories range or explore matching flight cases. Order Your Case Stellboden today and keep every device in Your rack securely in place.

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