500 Series module processors--microphone pre-amps, EQs, compressors, reverbs, delays, filters and much more are available in the hundreds if not thousands and have become a popular way to build a collection of professional audio processors. These are smaller and usually cost less for the same processing and nearly every gear manufacturer offers a 500 series module version (with some exceptions) of their rack-mounted gear.

The Bucket chassis is well-made from plated steel and comes with all the necessary hardware and rubber feet to either rack mount it (as I have done) and/or easily carry it to the studio or a live sound gig using the included stainless steel handle.

Each of the eight slots has its own edge connector to get its input and output balanced audio connections, regulated +/- 16-volts DC power, and +48-volts DC for phantom mic power (if required). There are pairs of duplicated DB25 connectors on the Bucket's rear panel (that conform to Tascam standard pin-out) to connect the rack to the rest of your studio. You can buy cables that "fan out" and to regular XLR balanced audio connectors. Multi-channel I/O boxes will directly connect to these DB25 connectors to route line level signals back and forth.

Adjacent (odd/even nunbered) modules can be stereo-linked. If you have two identical single-channel compressors, know that you can use them on stereo mixes with linked side-chain operation (assuming they have that feature built-in).

The Fix Audio Designs Bucket is a great choice for a 500 Series rack to start your collection of professional gear. You can save money and build any signal chain and experiment endlessly. The Bucket sells for $499 MSRP.