I'm looking for a case for the DMX Operator Pro. Please advise what you're using to protect your controllers.
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There aren't too many cases specific to items in that sort of a format. I have the same issue with my older DMX Operator. They now include rubber "bumpers" to help make these a little more "friendly" for those not rack mounting them.
My suggestions are definately not "keep the original box" because it won't last very long. SKB and Gator both make attache-style cases with die-cut foam to meed your requirements. I am using 1 to hold a pair of Cisco routers, and I think it's big enough to hold a rack-sized bit of gear. The routers are 1720's, so nothing big.
Another option is Pelican, which makes a large quantity of cases in many sizes. I think these are greatly overpriced though.
If it fits, you may want to consider a laptop bag, something along the lines of fitting a 17" laptop. I have one for my MacBook Pro and there's plenty of room left over, but I haven't personally taken it up to a rack to see how it fares as far as overall width.
I don't think Arriba makes a case to handle controllers, but I haven't visited their web site for a couple of years. I'm not completely thrilled with their product offerings as much as I used to be because I keep finding rips, tears and breaks in the materials, and zippers keep breaking.
You could also have a custom case made.
Other slim rack solutions might work for you. Gator and others make a soft-sided rack case and slim/shallow racks. These are handy because you can cram your cables and other stuff in there too, but otherwise it seems a bit much.
In my case, quite literally, my DMX Operator is mounted in a 12-space SKB RotoRack wiht 15 Behringer Shark DSP 110's and a Furman power unit at the top. My Elation OptoBranch/4 used to be in there as well but has moved to a more convenient rack. The SKB rack I just described has been taken out of production.
My suggestions are definately not "keep the original box" because it won't last very long. SKB and Gator both make attache-style cases with die-cut foam to meed your requirements. I am using 1 to hold a pair of Cisco routers, and I think it's big enough to hold a rack-sized bit of gear. The routers are 1720's, so nothing big.
Another option is Pelican, which makes a large quantity of cases in many sizes. I think these are greatly overpriced though.
If it fits, you may want to consider a laptop bag, something along the lines of fitting a 17" laptop. I have one for my MacBook Pro and there's plenty of room left over, but I haven't personally taken it up to a rack to see how it fares as far as overall width.
I don't think Arriba makes a case to handle controllers, but I haven't visited their web site for a couple of years. I'm not completely thrilled with their product offerings as much as I used to be because I keep finding rips, tears and breaks in the materials, and zippers keep breaking.
You could also have a custom case made.
Other slim rack solutions might work for you. Gator and others make a soft-sided rack case and slim/shallow racks. These are handy because you can cram your cables and other stuff in there too, but otherwise it seems a bit much.
In my case, quite literally, my DMX Operator is mounted in a 12-space SKB RotoRack wiht 15 Behringer Shark DSP 110's and a Furman power unit at the top. My Elation OptoBranch/4 used to be in there as well but has moved to a more convenient rack. The SKB rack I just described has been taken out of production.
Chris,
Those are good suggestions, thanks. I agree about Pelican cases being expensive. I thought of using the original packaging and then placing that into a road case with other equipment. I'm liking the SKB case idea better.
How many rack units does your controller occupy? I have a couple of SKB's that may just work.
Those are good suggestions, thanks. I agree about Pelican cases being expensive. I thought of using the original packaging and then placing that into a road case with other equipment. I'm liking the SKB case idea better.
How many rack units does your controller occupy? I have a couple of SKB's that may just work.
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I forget exactly how many spaces. I think either 3 or 4 spaces. Both our controllers are the same size.
It think that works out.
From the bottom up:
Patch Panel.
1 rack of Shark DSPs(2 space with space)
1 rack of Shark DSPs(2 space with space)
1 rack of Shark DSPs(2 space with space)
That's 7 Spaces.
Then the Furman and the Opto Branch, I think that brings me up to 9 spaces.
With the DMX operator BELOW the OptoBranch and ABOVE the Shark DSP's and the rack full, it's got to be a 3 space unit.
The SKB attache cases are around $100. They make two models, a regular(which should be sufficicent for this application) and an extra deep one, whihc is good for bulkier items, but is also more money. They aren't hard to get, but you have to od big of looking around now as they aren't so readily available as they used to be.
If you have space and this is in your regular rig, I'd say the rack solution is ideal. For me, I moved onto MyDMX, so it was just extra. But, the feedback eliminators are also "phased out" because I stopped working with hack/slacker/lamo musicians who scream at me for monitor then whisper for their performance..... The optoBranch got moved into my recording rack where its with me always(at shows).
I'd say, just without knowing squad, there are some rack mounted CD decks that are like 3 spaces. They go with a control surface. Put your signal processing and playback in one rack. Put your speaker management and amplification in another rack(although that can be a heavy rack).
As far as Pelican caes, can't say without the dimensions, but you see how it works: the die-cut foam lets you remove just what you need. I would recommend though after you're done, use a tiny bit of a spray glue to hold the layers together. Do it VERY sparingly, just a little bit goes a long ways. In fact, I'd use just so little it appears that you didn't use enough.
It think that works out.
From the bottom up:
Patch Panel.
1 rack of Shark DSPs(2 space with space)
1 rack of Shark DSPs(2 space with space)
1 rack of Shark DSPs(2 space with space)
That's 7 Spaces.
Then the Furman and the Opto Branch, I think that brings me up to 9 spaces.
With the DMX operator BELOW the OptoBranch and ABOVE the Shark DSP's and the rack full, it's got to be a 3 space unit.
The SKB attache cases are around $100. They make two models, a regular(which should be sufficicent for this application) and an extra deep one, whihc is good for bulkier items, but is also more money. They aren't hard to get, but you have to od big of looking around now as they aren't so readily available as they used to be.
If you have space and this is in your regular rig, I'd say the rack solution is ideal. For me, I moved onto MyDMX, so it was just extra. But, the feedback eliminators are also "phased out" because I stopped working with hack/slacker/lamo musicians who scream at me for monitor then whisper for their performance..... The optoBranch got moved into my recording rack where its with me always(at shows).
I'd say, just without knowing squad, there are some rack mounted CD decks that are like 3 spaces. They go with a control surface. Put your signal processing and playback in one rack. Put your speaker management and amplification in another rack(although that can be a heavy rack).
As far as Pelican caes, can't say without the dimensions, but you see how it works: the die-cut foam lets you remove just what you need. I would recommend though after you're done, use a tiny bit of a spray glue to hold the layers together. Do it VERY sparingly, just a little bit goes a long ways. In fact, I'd use just so little it appears that you didn't use enough.
I'm just going to go to Home Depot and pick up a plastic toolbox for my DMX Operator unit maybe a piece of foam on the bottom and one to lay on top of the unit before closing the lid. Total cost under $20.00