The Behringer XR16 and XR18 digital mixers have become classics in live sound and studio recording due to their small size and strong capabilities. Mounting these mixers into conventional 19-inch racks, meanwhile, calls for some extra hardware—namely, rack ears. Though they can be pricey or difficult to locate, official rack ears do exist. 3D printing is a reasonably priced, flexible way to make your own rack ears.
Why 3D Print Rack Ears for Behringer XR16/XR18?
Affordable Option
Buying official rack ears could be expensive. 3D printing lets you design sturdy rack ears for much less money.
Personalization
With 3D printing, you may customize the design to fit your particular requirements. Customization is at your hands, whether you need recessed mounting, extra cable routing holes, or particular aesthetic elements.
Access
Accessing ready-to-print models is easy, given the many free designs that are accessible online, including those on Thingiverse and Yeggi.
Quick Turnaround
You may design and print rack ears the same day, a very useful option for quick gig prep or studio setups. Rather than waiting days or weeks for ordered parts to show up, this method allows you to create rack ears quickly.
3D Printed Rack Ear Key Features
Recessed Mounting
Many 3D printed designs let the mixer sit further back in the rack by offering recessed mounting choices. This offers more security for connectors and knobs.
Managing Cables
Many custom designs feature holes or channels to facilitate cable routing, which helps keep your system clean and lessens connector stress.
Durability of Material
Printed with high-quality filaments like PETG or ABS, these rack ears are suitable for studio and live settings and provide great strength and heat resistance.
Modular System
Some designs allow the rack ears to be modular or swappable, so you can easily customize your XR16/XR18 for several rack types or portable setups.
Actual Uses
- Live Shows
Touring artists and live sound engineers depend on safely rack-mounted mixers. 3D printed rack ears guarantee that your XR16/XR18 stays solidly positioned for transit and events. - Studio Construction
Bespoke rack ears can be created in fixed installations to complement studio aesthetics or fit into unusual rack setups. - Educational Establishments
By using 3D printing, schools and colleges can produce reasonably priced solutions for their audio equipment, fostering hands-on learning in additive manufacturing and audio engineering. - AV Incorporation
Custom rack ears designed for tight enclosures or wall-mounted solutions might help audio-visual integrators, especially in corporate or public settings.
Advice on 3D Printing Success
- Select the Appropriate Material: For heat resistance and durability, choose PETG or ABS.
- Orientation of Print: Set the print to enhance strength along stress areas.
- Structural Integrity: Ensure at least 50% infill.
- Layer Height: Finer detail and improved strength will come from a layer height of 0.2mm or below.
- Professional Finish: Consider sealing and sanding.
Fit Test First
Before final printing, print a draft version with low infill to verify alignment.
Suggestions for Design Software
- Fusion 360 is excellent for mechanical parts and precision engineering, whether you’re altering an existing STL file or creating one from scratch.
- TinkerCAD: Simple for novices.
- Blender: Advanced users could choose Blender for design changes or organic forms. These applications let you change current designs to include personal branding, change mounting depth, or fit unusual rack enclosures.
Where to Locate Designs
- Thingiverse: Provides several free XR16/XR18 rack ear designs.
- Yeggi: Compiles several different sites’ 3D printable models.
- MyMiniFactory: A reliable source for working components.
- Etsy: Vendors sell rack ears that are pre-printed for sale.
READ MORE – ATAK 3D Print: An Introduction to Its Growing Popularity
FAQs:
- Will live usage be powerful enough for 3D printed rack ears?
Indeed, when printed with resilient materials like PETG or ABS and with appropriate design, they can endure the demands of live events. - May I modify the design to suit my particular rack configuration?
Of course. 3D printing lets you fully customize to fit your particular needs. - Will a high-end 3D printer allow me to create these?
No, given the correct settings and materials, most consumer-grade 3D printers can provide decent rack ears. - Where can I locate designs to print free of charge?
Websites such as Yeggi and Thingiverse provide several free designs. - Should I purchase rack ears or print my own?
Especially if you already have a 3D printer, printing your own is usually more.
Conclusion:
A reasonable, flexible, and useful approach is 3D printing rack ears for your Behringer XR16/XR18 mixers. Given the many designs offered and the capacity to customize them to your own requirements, it’s a great choice for musicians, audio engineers, and teachers alike.
As 3d printing develops, its use in customising music and audio equipment will change. Using inexpensive materials and readily available software, you can design rack-mount systems that satisfy your functional and visual needs. From do-it-yourselfers to professional integrators, 3D printing returns power to you.
