Does a MkIV rackmount need a fan?

[UsrName]

I got a rackmount kit and just transplanted my Mark IV chassis from the combo into it. I thought there would be holes (and room) for a the fan, but it doesn't look like it's set up for that. Also, I haven't really seen any pics of a fan in a rackmount head. Is it normal for rackmount heads to not have fans?

Thanks in advance for any help. Now I need a rack case!

 

[Mongo1]

I would want a fan in the rack. The tubes get pretty hot in such a confined space.

There should be mounts for the fan in the center of the lower face plate on the back. There should be two studs which you can mount the existing fan elbow brackets to, or two holes for screws.

 

[Mark Fore]

You can run it without the reverb, but you really should slap a fan in there. This is true for the IV. For the Marks pre-III, you have to have the reverb hooked up because it impacts the tone a bit (this came straight from Tien at Mesa when I asked him this same question a couple days ago.

I will post pics of what I was talking to him about in a week or so, when they all arrive... you've been warned. :twisted:

 

[gonzo]

heat is heat...
no matter whether it's in a head, or rack mount..

the air flow from the fan, will simply take the heat away from the tubes faster, and prolong the life of the tubes.

 

[CHATTERBOX]

heat is heat...
no matter whether it's in a head, or rack mount..

the air flow from the fan, will simply take the heat away from the tubes faster, and prolong the life of the tubes.

....not to mention the Mark IV chassis being upside down with the tubes on the bottom. Heat tends to travel up first which can only cause the chassis to heat up more unlike the Dual Rec with the tubes on top and dissipating heat out the top of the head. The fan forces a lot of that heat out of the shell instead of staying inside.
If someone could prove otherwise I would gladly take the fan out of my Mark IV.

 

[UsrName]

Ok, thanks for the advice. I'll try to mount the fan to the middle like someone suggested. Anyone have a pic of their rackmount head with the fan installed?