How to Choose the Right Road Case for Your Mixer/Console
Introduction
At Ovation Cases, we believe in creating more than just ordinary road cases. Our products are meticulously designed and built using top-tier materials and hardware in our local facilities.
Mixers and consoles are integral to the seamless execution of any production, be it live music, theatre, broadcasting, or corporate events. Ensuring their optimal operation and safeguarding their integrity is therefore paramount, and that's where Ovation Cases come in. Create Your Best Case Scenario™ significantly contributes to the efficient use and safety of your equipment during transit. Our cases offer not just robust physical protection during transit, but also amplify the functionality of your mixers and consoles. They facilitate easy access to controls, effective cable management, and sufficient ventilation, all of which are essential for the smooth operation of your equipment.
In essence, choosing the right Ovation Case for your mixer or console guarantees longevity, enhances performance, and safeguards your investment. We're committed to providing solutions that echo the excellence of your brand, streamline your experience, economise transit costs, and elevate your professional image. If you're seeking a solution that truly resonates with the quality you uphold, then Ovation Cases is your perfect match.
Factors to Consider
As you embark on the journey to select the ideal road case for your mixer or console, numerous key considerations come into play. This guide will comprehensively delve into these essential factors, highlighting their significance in crafting an optimal solution. Our aim? To assist you in designing your ideal case scenario, tailored to meet your unique needs and exceed your expectations.
Physical Size and Weight
- Physical size and weight of mixer/console are important factors for road case selection
- Smaller mixers may be suitable for a two-piece road case
- Larger consoles with peripherals may require a three-piece case
- Two-piece road case is ideal for easy carrying by a single individual
- Three-piece case provides comprehensive protection and additional features for larger consoles
Photo credit: Allen and Heath
Photo credit: Danyon McCue at Touring Industries for Eurovision 2022
Peripheral and Accessories
- Consoles are accompanied by peripherals like NUC computers, keyboard and mouse, rackmount power supplies, wings, and pre/post processors
- Road case design should consider these peripherals to ensure they stay with the mixer
- Pre-wiring peripherals to the console can make the setup ready for work immediately
Monitors (connected or detached)
Many modern, larger consoles and mixers feature built-in touch-screen monitors. However, you may still want to use additional monitors during operation. Ovation cases provide an extensive array of solutions for mounting monitors alongside your console.
Photo credit: MA Lighting
Photo credit: Allen and Heath
Cables and Wiring
It's essential to consider the quantity and type of cables required for your mixer, as well as whether you prefer to pre-wire them within the case. Below are a few examples of what you may require for your mixer:
- Storage pockets can be created to accommodate cables
- Dog boxes can be added to house couplings
- Access doors can be incorporated for cable management
- Cable gland dishes can be provided
- Openings can be cut to route cables between different sections of the Ovation Case
Taking the time to plan for your cabling requirements ensures a more organised and efficient setup, promoting a seamless and hassle-free experience during operation. By collaborating with our design team, we can develop a customised road case solution that addresses all aspects of your cabling needs while maintaining the protection and functionality of your mixer and peripherals.
Ports
Each mixer or console is equipped with various ports, and it is essential to consider their positioning and accessibility, especially when the mixer is used inside the case. Keep in mind that some connectors plugging into the ports can be relatively large and require sufficient space to be connected.
Utilising CAD/CAM tools, we accurately locate all the ports and connectors around each console. While the base foam and lid blocks are designed to protect the mixer at all times, we ensure that they do not obstruct any ports during use.
A popular solution for maintaining port accessibility is incorporating a dog box into the case design. It can also:
- Guarantee free access to all ports
- Creates space for pre-connecting cables
- Ensure the mixer is ready for immediate use on-site
Photo credit: Allen and Heath
Application Scenario
The specific use of your console plays a crucial role in determining the type of road case you should select. A road case can serve purely for storage and transport, or it can function as an integral part of your console setup during operation. The frequency, location, and context of your case and console usage will dictate the most suitable road case for your needs.
For example, if you check your console as luggage on a flight, the appropriate road case will differ significantly from one used for a console on tour in the back of a truck. Alternatively, if you work at a venue and utilise the road case for storing the console during off-hours, you may opt for an entirely different road case design.
By discussing your application scenario with our sales and design team, we can ensure to Create Your Best Case Scenario™.
Solutions
Protective Foam Inserts
Along with the case, foam inserts act as an additional barrier in protecting your console or mixer in case of any accidents. These inserts ensure your console is snug and reduce any movement inside the case while you’re in-transit. It will ease your worries while you’re on the move as it is doubly protected.
Regardless on the differences of model and make of your console/mixer, the foam inserts will be measured to the measurements of your equipment while ensuring enough space for air ventilation. If you plan to bring accessories with your equipment, talking to our sales and design team will help you properly accommodate to the extras you plan to take without compromising the tailored design of your road case.
Dog Box
A popular solution for maintaining port accessibility is incorporating a dog box into the case design. Allowing organisation and efficiency together, the dog box solution is ideal for those keen on keeping their cable management in its top shape.
Other than using it for cable management, the dogbox can also be used to store other equipment of similar size or, if made to allow, as additional space once deconstructed.
Monitor Mount
Monitors can be mounted on VESA-mount panels that are integrated into the dog box structure, allowing for various positioning options.
Furthermore, you can request monitor arms to attach the monitor in any desired position around your road case, ensuring optimal viewing angles and accessibility during use.
Incorporating features for mounting and storing your monitors into the case design means that your monitor remains with the console at all times, ready for use whenever needed. This consideration in design guarantees a seamless and convenient user experience, no matter the size or complexity of your console setup.
Rackmount Space
Rack spaces, integral to road cases for mixers and consoles, offer a secure, systematic storage solution for a variety of rackmount equipment. By accommodating necessary peripherals such as power supplies, effects units and equalisers in a single case, these spaces enhance the ease of operation and overall workflow efficiency. As such, rack spaces in road cases significantly bolster the safety and practicality of transporting and setting up mixers and consoles.
4RU Anti-Shock Rack Mount Case
Product Code: MF-OVUN-4RU300
Castor Kit
Castor kits, comprising a robust castor board and versatile swivel castors, enhance the portability of road cases used for mixers and consoles. These kits are designed to safely bear the weight of heavy equipment, allowing for effortless manoeuvring around tight corners and across various surfaces. Fitted with brakes, the castors provide added control, preventing unwanted movement during operation. These features prove particularly advantageous when the road case is frequently transported for events, facilitating a more efficient setup and breakdown process, and saving valuable time. Castor kits, therefore, offer a practical and reliable solution to the often challenging task of transporting large, heavy audio-visual equipment.
Branding and Labelling
Elevate your professional presence and ensure the safety of your equipment by engraving your company's name, or the make and model of your equipment onto your case. To further enhance its recognisability, consider the inclusion of a label dish to hold standard touring labels.
For an added layer of security, we also offer a range of durable package handling labels that can be adhered to your case. This approach not only provides a strong branding statement, but it also significantly reduces the risk of mishandling or loss during transit, ultimately offering you additional peace of mind.
Mixer Cases
Two-Piece Mixer Cases
These cases offer a cost-effective solution for storing and transporting mixers and consoles. Not only they provide protection but also allow the mixer to be operated while sitting inside the base. However, it is essential to note that using the mixer inside the case raises the height of the working surface, which might not be ergonomically comfortable in certain situations.
Additional features include dog box, monitor mounts and arms, storage pockets, air-circulation channels in the foam, dish handles, and edge handles depending on your requirements and usage scenario.
Two-piece mixer cases are economical solutions that provide long-lasting protection for your equipment while maintaining basic functionality. At Design Quintessence, we also have a range of off-the-shelf two-piece mixer cases can be fitted out to any matching mixer or console.
Product Code: ES-MX-A&HR72
|
SKU |
Internal Width |
Internal Depth |
Internal Height |
|
ES-MX-W045 |
572 |
445 |
220 |
|
ES-MX-W045-XD |
572 |
475 |
247 |
|
ES-MX-W055-1 |
550 |
656 |
244 |
|
ES-MX-W070 |
684 |
604 |
270 |
|
ES-MX-W080 |
820 |
685 |
270 |
|
ES-MX-W090 |
886 |
681 |
275 |
|
ES-MX-W100 |
1005 |
700 |
275 |
|
ES-MX-W110 |
1105 |
704 |
278 |
Table 1: Existing Encore mixer cases and their dimensions.
Three Piece Mixer Cases
Many modern mixers and larger consoles are accompanied by a variety of peripherals, such as rack-mount power supplies and side-kick NUC computers. In addition, larger consoles often require operators to lean forward to access distant controls and touch screens. In these situations, a two-piece mixer case may not be ergonomically appropriate.
Three-piece mixer cases feature a removable front lid, allowing access to equipment stored beneath the console when in operation, including drawers, rack spaces, and storage pockets. The front edge of the case can be offset behind the console's front edge, enabling operators to comfortably approach the mixer and access all the controls on the working surface.
Ovation custom-made road cases are designed based on each client's requirements and application scenarios, ensuring tailored protection and functionality for your equipment.
Featherweight Design Cases
Among all application scenarios for a road case, there is a special situation where you want to take the console with you on the plane. Whether this is for moving between different shows, or sending your equipment overseas, the magic number 32kg will let you check your flight case in as a baggage.
Featherweight Design uses composite panels and specialty foam to reduce the weight of the cases up-to 30%. Being around 10kg of weight Featherweight Design cases enable medium-size consoles such as GrandMA3 to fly with you.
If your mixer is compact enough to meet weight and size requirements, a Featherweight Design case could be the perfect solution. This lightweight option allows you to check in your console and its case for air travel, or easily transport it as a carry-on item. The Featherweight Design case offers the ultimate combination of convenience and protection for smaller mixers on the go.
Flip-Up Mixer Cases
When it comes to road cases for mixers and consoles, the flip-up mixer case stands out as an exceptional solution, offering maximum efficiency and productivity while providing optimal protection for your valuable equipment.
For particularly heavy consoles, a flip-up mixer case is a wise option, as it minimizes the need for excessive handling. This type of case can be wheeled directly onto the stage, allowing the console to be used from within the flip-up tray. This practical design maximizes convenience and efficiency during transportation and setup.
During transit, the console tray folds down into the base. Upon arrival on the stage, a single operator can unlatch the case and effortlessly lift the tray into the working position. Strategically placed and adjustable gas struts counterbalance the weight of the console and tray, allowing for easy lifting. The tray tilts up to hold the mixer at the perfect working height, enabling the workstation to be ready in just a few seconds.
