What does 'rack' mean?

A 'rack' is a standardised steel or aluminium frame used to mount electronic devices with a face width of 482.6 mm (19 inches). In event technology, a rack holds amplifiers, mixers, effect processors and power distributors on punched mounting rails. Vertical space inside a rack is measured in rack units (HE or U), where one unit equals 44.45 mm. Racks come as open steel frames, lockable steel cabinets, wall-mounted cabinets, swivel racks and mobile rack trolleys, each suited to a different installation scenario in studios, clubs, theatres and on stage.

What is the difference between a rack trolley and a steel cabinet?

A rack trolley is a steel frame – often fitted with castors – designed for semi-mobile, easily accessible 19" installations, whereas a steel cabinet is a fully enclosed housing with lockable doors for permanent, theft-proof setups. A rack trolley lets you reposition heavy gear within a venue and offers excellent airflow through its open construction. A steel cabinet, by contrast, encloses the equipment behind a safety-glass or mesh door, usually adds an integrated fan unit, and locks with a key. Choose a rack trolley for flexibility and a steel cabinet for security.

How many rack units (HE) do I need for my equipment?

To calculate the required rack units, add up the HE rating of every device you plan to mount, since one rack unit (HE) equals 44.45 mm of height. A power amplifier typically needs 1HE to 3HE, a rack mixer 1HE to 4HE and an effect unit around 1HE. After totalling your gear, add a buffer of 2 to 4 rack units for ventilation and future expansion. For example, if your devices sum to 12HE, choose a 16HE rack. This headroom prevents heat build-up and saves a costly upgrade later.

Are steel cabinets lockable and theft-proof?

Yes, steel cabinets are designed to be lockable and theft-proof, which is exactly why they suit clubs, theatres, schools and unattended venue installations. A typical steel cabinet features a key-lockable front door – often with safety glass so status LEDs stay visible – and a mesh rear door for airflow. The sheet-steel construction with powder coating resists forced entry far better than an open rack or a latched flightcase. For any equipment installed in a public or shared space, a lockable steel cabinet is the recommended, secure choice.

Which server rack manufacturers are there?

In the professional 19" segment stocked at LTT, established manufacturers include ROADINGER, OMNITRONIC, MONACOR and SHOWGEAR. ROADINGER supplies the popular SR-19 open steel racks from 4HE to 40HE and the lockable SSC steel cabinets with glass doors and fan units. OMNITRONIC offers swivel rack trolleys on castors for fixed installations, MONACOR provides compact wall cabinets such as the RACK-6WP, and SHOWGEAR delivers network-style cabinets with glass or mesh doors. All of these brands follow the 482.6 mm 19" standard, ensuring your equipment fits reliably.

What does a rack trolley or steel cabinet cost?

Prices for rack trolleys and steel cabinets depend mainly on height in rack units and whether the housing is open or lockable. At LTT, a compact 4HE open steel rack starts at around 119 €, while larger open racks up to 40HE reach roughly 400 €. Lockable steel cabinets with glass doors and integrated fan units typically range from about 300 € up to 950 € for the biggest 40HE models. Because steel racks are heavy, most ship as bulky goods with a freight surcharge, and free shipping applies from 69 €.

Which rack suits a permanent installation in a club or theatre?

For a permanent installation in a club or theatre, a lockable steel cabinet or a swivel rack is usually the best fit. A lockable steel cabinet protects expensive amplifiers and processors from unauthorised access during public events, and an integrated fan unit keeps the enclosed electronics cool. A swivel rack, with its pivoting upper section, makes rear-panel maintenance easy when the rack stands against a wall. Wall cabinets such as the MONACOR RACK-6WP save floor space in tight control rooms. Match the height in HE to your equipment plus a ventilation buffer.

How do I ensure proper ventilation in a rack?

Proper ventilation in a rack relies on airflow management and active cooling. Fit an integrated fan unit where amplifiers or effect processors run continuously, as these devices dissipate significant heat. Install blind panels over unused rack units so cool air is forced through the equipment rather than recirculating through empty gaps. Leave a 2 to 4 rack unit buffer when sizing the rack to allow air to move freely. In enclosed steel cabinets, keep vents and fan grilles dust-free, since accumulated dust reduces cooling efficiency and can lead to overheating.

Rack Trolleys & Steel Cabinets

SHOWGEAR Loadmaster Grundplattenwagen 750 für 6x Universal-Traversen-Grundplatte 750

SHOWGEAR Loadmaster Base Plate Trolley 750 For 6x Universal Truss Base Plate 750

Robust metal design • Door for secure transport and easy access • Teflon profiles for smooth insertion and removal • Removable profile use as comfortable controller table • The...

€829.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SHOWGEAR LoadMaster Rack 8x16 800 x 1600 x 1600 mm

Heavy-duty steel construction for maximum durability • Modular design for easy transport and storage • Compatible with multiple optionally available accessory options • Four Penn...

€1,035.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SHOWGEAR LoadMaster Rack 6x18 600 x 1600 x 1800 mm

Heavy-duty steel construction for maximum durability • Modular design for easy transport and storage • Compatible with multiple optionally available accessory options • Four Penn...

€1,035.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

NEW

SHOWGEAR LoadMaster Rack 8x18 800 x 1600 x 1800 mm

Heavy-duty steel construction for maximum durability • Modular design for easy transport and storage • Compatible with multiple optionally available accessory options • Four Penn...

€1,175.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

NEW

SHOWGEAR LoadMaster-Rack-Einlegeboden für die 8x-Serie Für LoadMaster-Racks 8x16 und 8x18

SHOWGEAR LoadMaster Rack Shelf for 8x series For LoadMaster Rack 8x16 & 8x18

Flat storage for clamps, tools, and spare parts • Strong steel construction • Quick and secure installation • Height-adjustable with 4 included quicklock pins • Available in two...

€345.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP 19 Zoll Stecker-Panel 2U, für 16 XLR Stecker (D-Size)

SHOWGEAR 19 Inch Connector Panel 2U - for 16 XLR Connectors (D-Size)

Black : Rack Units: 2 U • Colour: Black • Height (mm): 88.9 mm • Width (mm): 482.6 mm • Flightcase Size: 19" • Material: Metal • Material Thickness: 2 mm •

€8.45 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Showgear RCA-WMF 19" Rack, wandmontiert, fixiert

SHOWGEAR RCA-WMF-6 6U Network Cabinet with glass door

19" rack case • 6U model • Wall mount • Key lockable • 2 ventilation grilles • Black, metal body with glass plates • Including 19" rack installation kit...

€159.63 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

SHOWGEAR RCA-WMF-9 9U Network Cabinet with glass door

19" rack case • 9U model • Wall mount • Key lockable • 2 ventilation grilles • Black, metal body with glass plates • Including 19" rack installation kit...

€195.50 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

Showgear RCA-FSM Netzwerk-Schrank, Gittertür

SHOWGEAR RCA-FSM-22 22U Network Cabinet with mesh door

19" network cabinet • 22U • Both rubber feet and swivel wheels included • Mesh door at the front and back • Detachable side panels • Metal body with black coating...

€467.50 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Bulky goods

SHOWGEAR RCA-FSM-32 32U Network Cabinet with mesh door

19" network cabinet • 32U • Both rubber feet and swivel wheels included • Mesh door at the front and back • Detachable side panels • Metal body with black coating...

€805.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Bulky goods

Showgear RCA-FSG Netzwerk-Schrank, Gittertür

SHOWGEAR RCA-FSG-22 22U Network Cabinet with glass door

19" network cabinet • 22U • Both rubber feet and swivel wheels included • Glass door at the front and mesh door at the back • Detachable side panels • Metal body with...

€457.30 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Bulky goods

Showgear RCA-WMH-6 6U 19" Patch Panel Rack, Wandmontage, aufklappbare Rückseite

SHOWGEAR RCA-WMH-6 6U Network Cabinet with glass door

19" wall mount rack • 400 mm patch panel depth • 6U • Lockable • Removable side panels and hinged backpanel • Glass door • Including full installation kit...

€195.50 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

Showgear RCA-WMH-9 9U 19" Patch Panel Rack, Wandmontage, aufklappbare Rückseite

SHOWGEAR RCA-WMH-9 9U Network Cabinet with glass door

19" wall mount rack • 400 mm patch panel depth • 9U • Lockable • Removable side panels and hinged backpanel • Glass door • Including full installation kit...

€236.30 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

Showgear RCA-WMH-15 15U 19" Patch Panel Rack, Wandmontage, aufklappbare Rückseite

SHOWGEAR RCA-WMH-15 15U Network Cabinet with glass door

19" wall mount rack • 400 mm patch panel depth • 15U • Lockable • Removable side panels and hinged backpanel • Glass door • Including full installation kit...

€465.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Bulky goods

Showgear RCA-WMH-12 12U 19" Patch Panel Rack, Wandmontage, aufklappbare Rückseite

SHOWGEAR RCA-WMH-12 12U Network Cabinet with glass door

19" wall mount rack • 400 mm patch panel depth • 12U • Lockable • Removable side panels and hinged backpanel • Glass door • Including full installation kit...

€280.50 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Bulky goods

ROADINGER Spezial-Stage-Case Profi mit Rollen

ROADINGER Special Stage Case Pro with wheels

Rack case with castors Professional solution for a complete DJ setup • Removable front cover with folding table leg fits two turntables • Cable outlets on the sides in the bottom part...

€658.80 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Bulky goods

Admiral Length profiles L50, Set of 4

Part of our modular transport system, the Admiral length profiles are used together with either fork-side panels or slim-line panels to create the frame of your modular cart. These length profiles...

€82.93 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

Details

Admiral Seitenlichtturm asymm,H203xL80 2xRaster2xRaster br

Admiral Sidelight tower asymm,H203xL80 2xcastor2xcastor br

Mount your fixtures and transport them easily with our Sidelight tower. Sidelight towers can be equipped with moving heads, theatre luminaires and other lighting fixtures. The position of the...

€1,081.08 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Bulky goods

Admiral Seitenlichtturm symm,H203xL80 2xRolle 2xRolle br

Admiral Sidelight tower symm,H203xL80 2xcastor 2xcastor br

Mount your fixtures and transport them easily with our Sidelight tower. Sidelight towers can be equipped with moving heads, theatre luminaires and other lighting fixtures. The position of the...

€1,250.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Bulky goods

SHOWGEAR LoadMaster Rack 6x16 600 x 1600 x 1600 mm

Heavy-duty steel construction for maximum durability • Modular design for easy transport and storage • Compatible with multiple optionally available accessory options • Four Penn...

€929.00 *

incl. tax, plus forwarding agency costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Bulky goods

NEW

SHOWGEAR LoadMaster Befestigungsleiste 1600 mm

SHOWGEAR LoadMaster Fixture Bar 1600 mm

Secure mounting for various fixture types • Heavy-duty aluminium for long-term use • Height-adjustable with 2 included quicklock pins • Compatible with all LoadMaster Rack sizes...

€44.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Currently not available

NEW

SHOWGEAR LoadMaster-Befestigungsstange für die 6x-Serie, passend für LoadMaster-Racks 6x16 und 6x18

SHOWGEAR LoadMaster Centre Fixture Bar for 6x series For LoadMaster Rack 6x16 & 6x18

Central mounting position for balanced load • Ideal for heavier or oversized fixtures • Improves rack stability • Height-adjustable with 4 included quicklock pins • Suitable for...

€115.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

NEW

SHOWGEAR LoadMaster-Kabelhalterung für die 6x-Serie Für LoadMaster-Racks 6x16 und 6x18

SHOWGEAR LoadMaster Cable Bar for 6x series For LoadMaster Rack 6x16 & 6x18

Dedicated cable management solution • Prevents cable damage and tangling • Saves time during setup and breakdown • Height-adjustable with 4 included quicklock pins • Available...

€209.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

NEW

SHOWGEAR LoadMaster-Kabelhalterung für die 8x-Serie Für LoadMaster-Racks 8x16 und 8x18

SHOWGEAR LoadMaster Cable Bar for 8x series For LoadMaster Rack 8x16 & 8x18

Dedicated cable management solution • Prevents cable damage and tangling • Saves time during setup and breakdown • Height-adjustable with 4 included quicklock pins • Available...

€275.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

Rack trolleys & steel cabinets