The 30 best rack mount brands in 2026
Shure, Swan Flight and MOTU lead our ranking of 30 rack mount brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Rack Mount brands, ranked
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1
Shure
Shure is a renowned maker of microphones, headphones, and audio equipment for the professional and consumer industries. They are a worldwide audio brand devoted to inventing and supplying more great microphones, headphones, mixers, wireless systems, and accessories. The firm is best known for its microphones, but it also makes award-winning earphones, headsets, mixers, amplifiers, phonograph cartridges, and electronic systems for public speaking and personal monitoring applications.
Website: shure.com |Brands like Shure
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Swan Flight
Swan Flight is a case designing and manufacturing company that innovates various commodities from simple carry cases to complex hospitality cases. The brand also offers products in the sound and light industry along with case-making for industrial equipment, catering I.T., and more. With their 25 years of experience, the brand has innovated game-changing products like flight cases for guitars and DJ equipment. Also providing hardware, the company establishes itself as a versatile one!
Website: swanflight.com |Brands like Swan Flight
Popularity 9.8/10
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3
MOTU
MOTU stands for 'Mark of the Unicorn' and is an engineering-driven music technology company. Its products help you in producing the music you are passionate about. They provide music-related computer software and hardware. It is well-known for maintaining a brilliant quality balance between its hardware and software. Its products include audio interfaces, audio software, MIDI interfaces, video interfaces, accessories, upgrades, etc.
Website: motu.com |Brands like MOTU
Popularity 9.0/10
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4
TASCAM
TASCAM is a music industry pioneer because of its products' quality. They have a worldwide professional customer base that loves their audio applications and solutions. The company encapsulates the sound of modern technology. They were established in 1971, and since then, they have only worked on developing sound and music quality. TASCAM continues to pave the way for the future of the sound industry. They are exceptional in their field, and they continue to amaze people.
Website: tascam.com |Brands like TASCAM
Popularity 8.0/10
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5
Behringer
Since 1989, Behringer has been engaged in the production of professional audio equipment like Microphones and Amplifiers. They make portable sound systems used in DJ and EDM, and their equipment can also be found in major studios worldwide. They are a German company and are considered one of the leaders in manufacturing music equipment. The brand offers performance and quality, and some highly renowned musicians and DJs use its products.
Website: behringer.com |Brands like Behringer
Popularity 7.6/10
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6
Focusrite
Reducing the gap between an aspiring musician and their dream, Focusrite provides audio interfaces that are easy to use and record audio precisely the way it is. They strive to make it simpler to create and record music through PCs and Mac, thus giving sound to people's dreams, aspirations, and hobbies and making them more accessible. Having products for people of different skill sets, Focusrite also has sister organizations that help them achieve their mission.
Website: focusrite.com |Brands like Focusrite
Popularity 7.3/10
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7
PreSonus
PreSonus is a maker of professional audio equipment based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA. Ernie and Gerhard Schmidt, two brothers, created the firm. Its focus on low-cost devices for home recording studios has made it one of the most well-known names in its industry. They've reached excellent music recording and mixing easier, quicker, and more enjoyable. Their product line includes professional audio interfaces, digital mixers, studio monitors, recording and editing software, USB and FireWire connectors, power conditioners, and more. They're honored to assist individuals and companies in creating great music.
Website: presonus.com |Brands like PreSonus
Popularity 7.1/10
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8
Roland
Roland has a long history of music industry innovation. It creates and manufactures electronic keyboards, synthesizers, and digital pianos with outstanding sound quality and unique features as one of the world's top makers of electronic musical instruments. The company's goods are offered through authorized dealers in over 100 countries. It specializes in the production of keyboards, synthesizers, and a variety of other electronic musical instruments. Its product lines include audio production and sound reinforcement equipment, electronics, and software.
Website: roland.com |Brands like Roland
Popularity 6.8/10
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9
Sennheiser
Sennheiser is the future of audio. They believe they can change their users' auditory experience with their exceptional products and top-notch technology. Sound is everywhere, and we live and breathe in it. They aim to shape the future of audio...
Website: en-us.sennheiser.com |Brands like Sennheiser
Popularity 6.6/10
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10
Rane
Rane commercial is an audio system software manufacturer. It is based in the U.S and makes audio accessories and control systems along with halogen light sources. Rane manufactures splitters, DSP multiprocessors, audio mixers, filters, amplifiers, and headphones to ensure that...
Website: ranecommercial.com |Brands like Rane
Popularity 5.7/10
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11
Alesis
Alesis is involved in the music industry. The company was established in 1980 by a music lover. They have been making an impact in the music industry ever since. They are dedicated to making gear that is going to empower...
Website: alesis.com |Brands like Alesis
Popularity 5.2/10
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12
dbx
Dbx is a professional audio management system. It includes a series of various types of equipment providing equalization and loudspeaker management. It has modular processors that help deliver the best and the most vital output signals. Dbx has developed its...
Website: dbxpro.com |Brands like dbx
Popularity 5.2/10
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13
SKB
SKB is a world-renowned innovator in the manufacturing of polymer-based boxed transportation solutions. The company was founded by Steve Kottman and Dave Sanderson in 1977. These cases are crafted using industrial vacuums, rotations, or polymer injection. They are designed to...
Website: skbcases.com |Brands like SKB
Popularity 5.2/10
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14
Peavey
Since 1965, Peavey has enabled musicians to express themselves with absolute Peavey excellence. They've always had a simple philosophy: build goods that will allow musicians to do what they love: write music, perform, and create art. Every day, they follow...
Website: peavey.com |Brands like Peavey
Popularity 5.1/10
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15
Korg
For nearly 50 years, Korg has been meeting the demands of musicians and music fans worldwide. Their products have evolved alongside music technology, from analog synthesizers and rhythm machines to digital workstations. Their most recent inventions, including a whole line...
Website: korg.com |Brands like Korg
Popularity 5.1/10
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16
Biamp
With over 40 years of bringing creative audiovisual solutions to the industry is the brand Biamp. They engineer and innovate audiovisual solutions that help enhance the quality of communication. They design products that fit all sorts of requirements. They are...
Website: biamp.com |Brands like Biamp
Popularity 5.0/10
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17
Furman
Furman work for power management, including protection, filtering, and more. The high-performance power is perfect for business purposes. The power conditioner has eight outlets in the rear panel and protects all equipment. The low-cost power solution also delayed outlets in...
Website: furmanpower.com |Brands like Furman
Popularity 4.9/10
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18
QSC
QSC has been developing technology for cinema, themed entertainment, and live performance audio for over 50 years. The company is recognized worldwide for its design and manufacture of first-rate audio products. Its products are reliable and have won multiple awards....
Website: qsc.com |Brands like QSC
Popularity 4.6/10
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19
TOA
TOA Electronics believes in providing quality sound to every person on this planet, and they make high-quality equipment for that. They have been redefining the standards of audio. The company was established back in 1934, and they are on its...
Website: toaelectronics.com |Brands like TOA
Popularity 4.2/10
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20
Ashly
Ashly Audio is your one-stop shop for audio systems and equipment. Ashly is the appropriate choice whether you need a sophisticated sound system for your school or church or a wireless microphone system for your wedding. They design unique solutions...
Website: ashly.com |Brands like Ashly
Popularity 4.1/10
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21
Avid
Avid Cycles is a family-run motorcycle parts and accessories shop that serves the upper desert. Avid Cycles, founded in 2010, is one of the region's major retailers of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and protective gear. Only the finest-quality brands are...
Website: avidcycles.com |Brands like Avid
Popularity 4.1/10
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22
RME
RME is a technical product design company. It offers reliable, robust, sustainable, and durable specialized products like convertors, mics, audio interfaces, hardware accessories like cables, adaptors, USB, etc., and many other solutions to its customer’s problems. It also provides connectivity...
Website: rme-audio.de |Brands like RME
Popularity 4.1/10
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23
Apogee
Apogee Acoustics was initially based in Boston and was later rebranded in 2001 in Australia. It comprises a small group of dedicated music enthusiasts specializing in audio reproduction components, mostly speakers, amplifiers, and bass spares. They have innovated and developed...
Website: apogeeacoustics.com |Brands like Apogee
Popularity 3.8/10
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24
BBE
BBE Sound is a world-class audio technology firm. Its high-definition sound innovations are used across the board in the audio entertainment industry. It aims to increase the quality of amplified sound for everyone, whether professionals or regular people. New versions...
Website: bbesound.com |Brands like BBE
Popularity 3.6/10
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25
Fostex
Fostex is an electronics firm that produces loudspeakers and audio equipment for other companies or sells them under the "Fostex" brand name. Professional audio, home theatre, sound reinforcement systems, studio monitoring applications, consumer audio hi-fi systems, and automobile stereos all...
Website: fostexinternational.com |Brands like Fostex
Popularity 3.6/10
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26
Symetrix
Symetrix is a manufacturing company that predominantly sells audio equipment and devices. Their speakers and amplifiers are sold worldwide and are bought by restaurants, hotels, cathedrals, and even art centers. They provide superior audio quality with straightforward controls and functioning....
Website: symetrix.co |Brands like Symetrix
Popularity 3.6/10
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27
VocoPro
VocoPro continues to fine-tune the sound of music for enthusiasts across the globe. The new Wifi Rocker home karaoke system is disc-free and has a touchscreen display with many built-in features. To pair with it, the company also presents karaoke...
Website: vocopro.com |Brands like VocoPro
Popularity 3.5/10
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28
Chord
Chord is a range of excellent quality digital to analog converters (DACs), amplifiers, and more from award-winning British HiFi experts. Chord DACs are used in studios, music venues, and homes worldwide to create superior sound quality. The company prides itself...
Website: chordelectronics.co.uk |Brands like Chord
Popularity 3.5/10
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29
Odyssey
Odyssey is a groundbreaking golf-based social network that links you with other players and assists you in finding your next opponent. Odyssey connects you with the most enthusiastic golfers to play against, no matter where you are on the globe....
Website: blog.odysseygolf.com |Brands like Odyssey
Popularity 3.3/10
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30
Pelican
Pelican is a well-known American maker of more fantastic, long-lasting goods. They design, build and sell premium cases for the electronics industry. Professionals in the military, fire departments, police departments, hospitals, and medical institutions, worldwide utilize their cases. They're perfect...
Website: pelican.com |Brands like Pelican
Popularity 3.2/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shure | shure.com | /shureIndia | – | – | – |
| Swan Flight | swanflight.com | /Swanflight | swanflight | @swanflightcom | – |
| MOTU | motu.com | /Motu | motutech | @motutech | – |
| TASCAM | tascam.com | /teacprofessional | tascam_official | @TASCAM_jp | tascamjp |
| Behringer | behringer.com | /BEHRINGER | behringer | @BEHRINGER | behringer |
| Focusrite | focusrite.com | /focusrite | wearefocusrite | @wearefocusrite | – |
| PreSonus | presonus.com | – | p | – | – |
| Roland | roland.com | /OfficialRolandAIRA | roland.experience.channel | @RolandExpCh | Roland Cloud |
| Sennheiser | en-us.sennheiser.com | /SennheiserUSA | sennheiser | @SennheiserUSA | – |
| Rane | ranecommercial.com | /RaneCorporation | – | @RaneCorporation | Rane Commercial |
Rack Mount Buying Guide
The world of computing has a constant need for servers, routers, switches, and other network equipment. These devices have become an essential part of businesses, schools, hospitals, and other organizations. Hence, many companies and IT departments are implementing racks to store their equipment concretely.
If you're planning to purchase a rack and need assistance in making the right choice, then this buying guide is for you. Here, we'll provide a comprehensive insight into the essential features of racks, which will help you make an informed decision.
What is a Rack?
A rack is an open-framed storage unit designed to mount electronic equipment into standard rack-width modules. These racks are measured in 'rack units', with each unit having a standardized height of 1.75 inches or 44.45 millimeters. A regular rack will have a height of 42 rack units, which is equivalent to around 6 feet.
Racks can accommodate a variety of network equipment such as servers, switches, routers, and other electronic devices. They provide a stable and secure platform for mounting different units of equipment. Companies and organizations that have multiple devices prefer racks, as they facilitate cable management, cooling, and organization of network components.
Types of Racks
There are different types of racks available in the market depending on the components you need to mount in them.
Open Frame Rack
Open-frame racks, also known as two-post racks, have an open frame design with no sides or rear to align your equipment. These racks are cost-effective and easy to manage. They're mostly used for patch panels, switches, and audiovisual equipment. Open frame racks are suitable for small offices and server rooms where there's enough space.
Closed Frame Rack
Closed frame racks, also known as four-post racks, enclose both sides, front, and back, providing a protective environment to your equipment. These racks are ideal for servers, storage arrays, and other heavy components. They offer better cooling efficiency and cable management. Closed frame racks are suitable for larger organizations and data centers.
Wall Mount Rack
Wall mount racks are a smaller version of closed frame racks that are specifically designed to mount network equipment on walls. These racks are perfect for smaller spaces like home offices, small businesses, or warehouses.
Cabinet Rack
Cabinet racks are highly customizable, enclosed racks designed to accommodate a wide variety of electronic components. They're typically equipped with exhaust fans, power distribution units, locking doors, and other features to support more substantial IT infrastructures. Cabinet racks are the most widely used in data centers.
Important Features to Consider
Now that you know the different types of racks available in the market, let's delve into the essential features that you should consider when purchasing a rack.
Rack Size
The size of the rack is one of the critical factors you need to consider because it will determine the number of devices you can mount. You should measure the space you have to accommodate the rack, which will give you a clear idea of the overall size that you'll need. Note that the height of the rack will also depend on the height of the devices you need to mount in them.
Construction Material
The construction material of the rack is also a crucial factor to consider. Most racks are made from high-quality steel, alloy, or aluminum. Steel frames offer better durability, stability, and support, while aluminum frames are more lightweight and easy to move. Alloy frames offer the best of both worlds with a high-strength-to-weight ratio.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of the rack determines the maximum load that the rack can support. It's essential to check the weight of your network components and compare it with the rated capacity of the rack you're planning to buy. Exceeding the maximum weight capacity can damage the rack and your equipment.
Accessibility
The accessibility of your rack should be easy and convenient for proper maintenance and management. Always look for racks that allow easy access to the rear and front panels. The rack's design should also provide adequate space for cabling and maneuvering equipment.
Cable Management
Cable management is a significant concern when it comes to server racks. Cables should be organized and tidy to facilitate repairs, maintenance and avoid downtime. Make sure that the rack you're planning to buy comes with cable management options, such as cable management rings, cable lacing bars, and cable trays.
Airflow and Cooling
Cooling is essential to prevent your equipment from overheating, which can result in reduced performance and equipment failure. Therefore, it's critical to choose a rack that promotes good airflow and cooling, with vents and fans that provide ventilation. You can also opt for racks with cooling and ventilation options.
Security
Security is a significant concern in the IT industry because of the valuable data stored in servers and other equipment. The rack you choose should come with proper security features like locking doors, side panels, and other locking mechanisms to safeguard your equipment. Also, ensure that you position the rack in a secure location to prevent theft.
Price
Your budget is also a critical factor to consider when purchasing a rack. The price of racks varies depending on the type, size, construction material, and brand. Therefore, it's essential to have a budget in mind and choose a rack that offers the most value for your money.
Conclusion
Choosing the right rack can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with the different types and features available. Therefore, it's crucial to consider your network infrastructure requirements, size, construction material, weight capacity, accessibility, cable management, airflow, cooling, security, and price when selecting a rack. With this buying guide, we hope that you make an informed decision and choose a rack that meets your needs.
