To download a PDF of the FOH May 2011 Buyers Guide, CLICK HERE.
Doing it "your way" is almost always an admirable trait, and it's one that enables a lot of people in the pro audio industry to get a foothold in the business and to get ahead. But there are other times when a compelling case for the division of labor makes sense – such as portable power distribution.
A power distro made from Home Depot parts can compare favorably with a professionally-made unit – until you put a value on the time you spend in taking that route, and factor in how the distro performs after being banged up on the road.
Even if you are able to come up with a power distro that meets all the stipulations in the National Electrical Code in the U.S. – or its equivalent in other countries – your self-built unit is going to be waving a big red flag for fire safety and electrical inspectors at various gigs.
Perhaps the most compelling reason for opting, instead, for professionally designed and built power distro is the reason all those codes and inspections have evolved in the first place: safety.
There is a whole spectrum of products out there. If an off-the-shelf model doesn't quite meet your needs, some of the manufacturers are willing to work with you to come up with a power distro to your specs. That way, you can still "do it your way" – with an assist from people who have been building these things the right way for years.
