Thomann ComboRack is a brand new keyboard furnishings with a pull-out shelf; this overview will reply whether or not it’s vital.
Test the purpose: Replace 2 for the newest {hardware} replace
A keyboard synth right here, a desktop there — when you begin amassing synthesizers, a studio fills up quick, particularly when the best offers come alongside. However group turns into the actual problem. Are your devices plugged in and able to play, or hidden away in a cabinet till wanted?
I’ve been trying to find a compact, elegant system (not like my Jaspers 5D-120B and 4D-105B) for years that retains synths organized, accessible, and able to use. It needs to be much like the drawer system in Moby’s studio. Sadly, such furnishings is made on demand and fairly dear.
On the finish of 2025, the market lastly noticed some motion with the Thomann ComboRack, a studio piece of furnishings that mixes a aspect rack and a keyboard shelf.
The latter has three pull-out drawers for synths with as much as 61 keys, desktop synths, drum machines, pedals, and so forth As a bonus, it has two 6U rack areas.
The whole dimensions are (W x D x H): 1046 x 600 x 773 mm, and the pull-outs are 974 x 300 mm. That seems like precisely what I’ve been searching for for a really very long time.
Disclosure: Thomann gave me the chance to make a ComboRack overview for you. They despatched it to me totally free, however haven’t any say over the overview and don’t get to see it earlier than I publish it.
Thomann ComboRack Overview
The doorbell rang, and a not-so-subtle 55-kg package deal made its presence recognized. As quickly as I carried it in, I observed that the package deal had Thomann on it, but in addition a second firm.
Based on the label, the ComboRack was manufactured by the well-known Romanian studio furnishings producer Zaor. I’m fairly positive a few of you may have a Zaor studio desk.
As soon as unpacked, you’ll discover varied EVA-based panels, screws, rails, and so forth. This triggers reminiscences of development nightmares with furnishings from a Swedish firm that additionally sells small meatballs and scorching canine at ridiculously low costs.
The panels additionally had that acquainted scent straight out of the field. These are product of pressed wooden, like , Ikea, with a layer of EVA on high. It is a particular, non-toxic, eco-friendly materials typically used within the meals business.
Oh, btw: you may see the ROCKnROLLER CK-1 keyboard within the image. A overview continues to be pending for it. Spoiler alert: low cost stands do the job simply as effectively.
Meeting
Thomann delivers the shelf with two units of meeting directions: one in German and one in English. It doesn’t actually matter which one you utilize, because the textual content content material is comparatively small.
The directions are harking back to Ikea. They’re clear and straightforward aside from a couple of minor factors the place I needed to look issues up a few occasions to know how they work.
On the plus aspect, every black panel has a numbered sticker, so precisely which half you want subsequent. I used to be careless and left a few of them hooked up. Tip: take away them earlier than assembling.
One of many first steps is attaching the drawer rails to the aspect panels. Right here, you establish their measurement. Since I’m reviewing the ComboRack, I’m setting it up based on the directions. Nevertheless, you’ll see later that this isn’t essentially the very best setup.
As soon as that’s executed, the meeting goes shortly. The body is constructed, the again panel is hooked up, and within the final step, the drawers are assembled. It’s a bit monotonous, since you must do that 3 times, and sure, the stickers are nonetheless on mine.
My meeting wasn’t flawless. My unit has two holes with out screws, as a result of the pre-drilled holes on each components don’t align, making it not possible to connect them. The rack is holding up, however I’m contemplating re-drilling them when I’ve time.
The ComboRack appears to be of excellent high quality. It’s not premium, however at 55 kg, it’s very solidly constructed. Nevertheless, the issues with the pre-drilled holes are a bit annoying. Errors occur, sure.
An important factor is that the Thomann Comborack is prepared, and now a very powerful a part of the overview begins: organising the keyboard synths, desktop synths, and extra.
Setting Up The Thomann ComboRack
The photographs present the ComboRack in the usual configuration as proven within the meeting directions. Don’t fear: the drawers will be adjusted in peak. My aim is to slot in 1-2 keyboards, a couple of desktops, and a few pedals. Let’s give it a attempt with some examples.
The slots are all roughly the identical peak in the usual configuration. As a reminder, the size of the pull-outs are 974 x 300 mm. First attempt: the Novation Peak and Erica Synths Steampipe slot in them, even each on the similar time.
Then a mix of the Arturia MiniFreak and the Beetlecrab Audio Vector synth. At 578mm, the MiniFreak is likely one of the widest transportable synths, which limits the usable area on the best aspect. Nevertheless, each match inside.
Houston, now we have an issue. The Korg Minilogue XD simply barely doesn’t match, because it’s a bit too tall. Relying in your cabling expertise, you may even match two desktop synths, as within the instance with the IK UNO Synth Professional and the Sonicware ELZ_play.
I’ll get to the wiring later, as there are some issues to watch out about.
Flagship Keyboards – Do They Match?
Thomann advertises its new keyboard shelf on its web site as in a position to match keyboards with as much as 61 keys. Let’s try it out.
The Arturia AstroLab doesn’t slot in the usual configuration. The perpetrator is the favored Nest thermostat and the pitch-and-wheels. The keyboard additionally doesn’t match the board utterly, but it surely stays in place.
Subsequent up is my beloved ASM Hydrasynth. It doesn’t match both. Too large and too tall for the usual configuration.
The identical goes for the Expressive E Osmose. The Moog Muse doesn’t even slot in a keyboard drawer. It’s too extensive.
It appears Thomann didn’t measure the drawer slides completely. None of my 61-key keyboards match up to now. Or perhaps I’ve solely synths which might be too tall and extensive, who is aware of. I give it a second attempt in one other configuration.
Many studios have modular and semi-modular synthesizers. For area causes or workflow optimization, many set up them immediately into a big Eurorack system. Others use them standalone.
Eurorack & Pedals?
Nevertheless, these wanting to suit them right into a combo rack shall be dissatisfied. Neither the Arturia Rackbrute nor the Behringer Eurorack Go matches in the usual configuration.
The identical applies to the semi-modular boats from Moog and Behringer.
This exhibits how restrictive the essential setting is. The Thomann ComboRack isn’t designed completely for synthesizers, however since that’s my focus, I’m highlighting them on this overview.
It will also be used as a pedal cupboard. Loads of pedals slot in with none issues, as you may see within the added image.
After the primary spherical, the result’s considerably disappointing as a result of they promote area for big synthesizers, and so forth. I anticipated extra synthesizers to suit. Then I’ve to do what’s explicitly talked about: alter the slots.
The meeting directions ought to embrace a be aware that the floor format needn’t be adopted precisely and will be organized flexibly.
I Personalize My ComboRack
Again to the meeting, time for the ability drill once more, and all of the inserts, together with the rails, are being eliminated. Oh, what I find it irresistible, not. Sadly, the drawers must be knocked out of the rails; there’s no different technique to take away them.
Warning rack nudity! That is what the ComboRack appears like with out its single drawer.
The picture on the left exhibits the mounting of the equipped dowels in the usual configuration. I’ve determined to maneuver these two holes downwards in order that the higher compartment shall be larger. Merely eradicating the plastic dowels, nevertheless, is proving troublesome.
Thomann/Zaor is supplying one other set of white dowels. Nevertheless, the amount is inadequate for a 3rd becoming. That’s not excellent, particularly because it’s promised that the system is freely adjustable.
I haven’t checked whether or not these dowels will be reordered or present in a ironmongery store. Please examine how a lot area you want proper from the beginning in your setup to keep away from disassembly.
From my expertise, take more room, as the usual configuration may be very tight, particularly if you wish to embrace a much bigger keyboard. Let’s transfer on to the third spherical with instrument positioning. ¨
Synthesizer Becoming Spherical 2
Excellent news: each the Expressive E Osmose and Arturia AstroLab now match within the first drawer.
Essential: as a result of cables on the again, neither instrument will be totally inserted. They protrude barely from the compartment, however it’s steady and playable.
The Moog Muse nonetheless doesn’t match. The ASM Hydrasynth matches now, however one thing stands out as a result of the synth is a bit too extensive.
My Korg minilogue XD matches in with none points. The identical applies to the Modal Electronics Cobalt8 or Argon 8 keyboard. Sure, additionally the brand new Carbon8, because it has the identical housing and design. Two of them collectively don’t match.
Two Modals are sonically a match however not on the shelf; the ComboRack would must be a bit broader to accommodate each in the identical drawer. My Italian “magnificence”, the UNO Synth Professional, additionally finds a spot. And there’s room for one or two pedals as effectively.
With the second configuration, which I personalized to my liking, extra synthesizers from my studio now match on the drawers.
Finally, the Osmose now sits within the high drawer. The Peak and Steampipe desktop synths within the second. Even when the drawer opens whenever you push out the Osmose.
It’s because the picket ingredient protrudes downwards at every drawer, thus decreasing the peak. And at last, within the third row, I’ve the Uno Synth Professional with pedals. That is the present setup, however it could change.
Cable Administration
As proven within the picture above, the rack is open on the again, permitting you to route the cables. Alternatively, there are cable retailers on all sides, which may be very handy. Moreover, there are two cable clips within the rack for bundling the cables.
The important thing to cable administration is mounting the drawers accurately. I simply made that mistake. Because of the reader who pointed it out. By no means construct a shelf between Christmas and the NAMM Present. That results in issues.
The primary image exhibits the improper mouting which ends up in cabling points.
When correctly assembled, the cables match, and the keyboard will be totally used.
Replace – The Nonsense Drawer Again
A reader identified that the again panel was incorrectly mounted, which prevented cable administration from working. That was appropriate, thanks once more. Now that I’ve been utilizing it for some time, I understand how pointless the picket helps behind every drawer are.
I’ve the Novation Peak and Erica Synths Steampipe within the second drawer. If I pull the Osmose out of the primary drawer, I pull each desktops out as effectively as a result of the help sticks down. The primary drawer, subsequently, is a form of sweeper. I added a photograph with the UNO Synth Professional.
To repair it, I eliminated one of many bars for testing, and now the drawers are working as they need to. I’m questioning why this isn’t noticeable throughout prototype testing.
Replace 2 – Thomann Releases {Hardware} Replace
Thomann has acknowledged the difficulty with the again panels and launched a {hardware} replace. They’ve lowered the dimensions of the black panels by nearly half. Clients who bought the ComboRack ought to have already acquired replacements from Thomann.
I put in the brand new panels immediately and might report that I’ve combined emotions in regards to the reconfiguration.
Sure, it solves the issue, however not all over the place, particularly with synthesizers and units which might be taller and the place the knobs protrude.
The height is slender sufficient, however with the Erica Synths Steampipe, the peak continues to be inadequate. Even the shortened panels perform as a sweeper right here. Both I’ll depart the primary drawer clean on the again aspect, or I’ll minimize it even shorter so it matches.
The Rack In ComboRack
The title Thomann ComboRack additionally incorporates the phrase “Rack,” and that’s a part of this overview as effectively. The ComboRack has two 6U rack areas, which can be utilized for rack synths, rack results, or just for added storage.
It comes with a bag of black screws and nuts, making it straightforward to mount all the things. My setup consists of the Arturia AudioFuse 8Pre, which capabilities as an ADAT interface and matches completely.
I’ve additionally added a uncooked drawer to maintain extra synths or results available, however I haven’t determined but how I’ll use the opposite area. It’s attainable that I’ll add extra rack gear or extra equipment like drawers or a rack energy strip, as I’ve in my major rack.
The 6U rack is a neat bonus that comes with the ComboRack. Regardless that some criticized the rack’s place in my information submit, I discover it excellent for my setup/workflow.
It offers me extra choices for utilizing extra synthesizers or results and, above all, creates more room and group.
Thomann ComboRack Overview Abstract
We’ve reached the tip of the Thomann ComboRack overview. I’ve to be sincere, I’m torn. On the one hand, I’m more than happy {that a} producer, on this case Zoar for Thomann, lastly affords a shelf devoted to keyboards and digital gear.
Till now, this was solely attainable by means of dear on-demand and {custom} orders. Right here you will get one delivered to your door for 399€ with fewer clicks. The idea and the concept are nice, however there are some issues you could know.
It begins with the dimensions of the ComboRack itself. Many keyboard synthesizers, even price range ones, aren’t transportable synths however correct devices. You want area to deal with them.
With 49 keys, the ComboRack is sort of at its restrict as a result of many 61-key synths are considerably too lengthy or too extensive. We want a ComboRack XL that’s significantly wider and has bigger surfaces.
The ComboRack is appropriate for 37- and 49-key keyboards, desktop synths, drum machines, or pedals. Regardless that most grooveboxes are fairly compact, my Maschine+ matches completely. That’s the size restrict the groovebox ought to have.
Moreover, there have been a couple of manufacturing points, together with screws that didn’t match within the holes or the plastic dowels. They’re troublesome to take away, damaging the wooden within the course of.
Alongside this, I’d recognize it if the meeting directions talked about that there are primarily three attainable positions.
The Thomann ComboRack now has its everlasting place underneath my Jaspers 5D-120B. With a little bit modification, Thomann’s keyboard shelf matches completely.
Can I Advocate It?
All in all, the ComboRack is an thrilling keyboard shelf that permits you to arrange your synthesizers and digital devices whereas preserving them able to play. Sadly, it has some weaknesses that may’t be ignored.
If it didn’t have these, I’d totally suggest it to everybody, as I don’t know of some other product like this aside from DIY or custom-made. For now, it’s extra like: nice concept, very usable, however with some suboptimal issues you could reside with. If I needed to fee it, I’d give it 3/5.
Professional
- overhaul high quality and stable development (55kg with out devices)
- excellent to retailer digital devices whereas preserving them related and ready-to-use
- two 6U racks (tons of area for additional gear or equipment)
- top-level floor provides more room for gear
Impartial
- 6U place (excellent for my setup/workflow)
Contra
- processing points (two holes don’t match )
- meeting instruction enhancements
- measurement (not optimum for 61-key keyboards as marketed)
- drawer bottom (pulls out different drawers if the synth a bit larger)
Thomann ComboRack is offered now for 399€
Extra info right here: Thomann
Obtainable from my companion
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