Powering your studio gear

Every home studio owner knows that as soon as their collection of equipment grows past 5 or 6 devices, powering them safely and ergonomically becomes challenging.  Here in the UK we have the robust and safe, but hefty, 13 amp plug.

Because most studio gear has a relatively low power draw (watts), we can happily use a plug-board with multiple sockets plugged into a single wall outlet. We can also create a hierarchical (think family tree) arrangement of plug-boards with one master into which the others are plugged (never daisy chain plug-boards).

In the days of analogue, and substantial devices with large fans and motors, this was never an option, and a separately isolated and fused mains ring (free from household appliance thermostat interference) was the way to go (it still is if you have the option), with each device plugged into it’s own wall socket. Today, with the popularity, affordability and convenience of digital devices, such expense is no longer necessary.

However, the problem with using plug-boards is they take up a lot of space and cannot always be neatly integrated into a rack. The solution is to buy a 19” rack distribution unit with multiple IEC sockets (usually 8 or 9). You can locate your unit at the top or bottom of a rack cabinet along with your other gear, and run a single cable to your wall socket. Each audio device is then connected to the unit with a simple IEC male to female lead.

If any of your audio devices have a captive lead (not many do), you will need to remove the plug and replace it with a male IEC connector. If the plug is moulded onto the cable and your device is still within warranty you may find removing it invalidates it, so check first.

There are many 19” rack IEC power distribution devices on the market and prices vary hugely. Some claim to suppress interference from thermostats and light switches but in our experience they can't filter everything and a separate mains ring for your studio is the only solution.

In the past we have tried expensive brands such as EMO and Furman but have settled on the simple and cost effective Samson PowerBrite PB10. The components are simple and robust, and there is nothing to interrupt the simple flow of current. Repairing them is a breeze and the parts are readily available and cheap. For static home installations there is no need for anything more sophisticated or expensive. Oh and you get 5 or 6 free leads with it. What’s not to like?

Hope you found this post useful. Thanks for reading.
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