Mobile Recording Studio Help!!!

[Tohtruck]

Hi everyone!

So I'm trying to fashion together a mobile recording studio.

Essentially I need help finding a good protective case for my audio interface, which is an RME Fireface 800 (a 1U sized rack).

Ideally, I want something compact but protective (waterproof or water resistant is ideal). I don't necessarily need something flight ready.

I am on a budget (less expensive is preferred).

I prefer a case that I can leave the interface racked in. I am realizing I will be taking quit a bit of equipment with me so a case with wheels that I can roll around would probably make things more convenient.

The cases I am looking at right now are:

http://www.gatorcases.com/p/123210-323/gr-studio2gow

http://altomusic.com/shop/Gator-GSR2UW- ... d103218.am

I am not sure if these are the same case; or possibly one is an updated version of the other. If anyone has experience with either of these cases and can offer input. It would be greatly appreciated.

One of my concerns is the interior and exterior size of the cases. The FF800 is a rather shallow unit. It seems most of these cases are deeper than what's necessary which might make it difficult for me to reach the rear inputs on the unit when it is racked in the case.

Additionally, the FF800 has handles on the front face panel as well as knobs for pre-amp gain control. I'm worried that once it is racked these protrusions might get in the way of being able to zip the case up.

I figure a 2U case will allow the FF800 some room to breathe and not overheat.

Any suggestions, recommendations, or input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[H20nly]

my suggestion would be to look outside the standard areas.

you said you'd like to save some money... it seems to me that custom tailored giging cases are a niche market that you will pay a premium for.

an old brief case is a little taller than 2U.

take a trip to a shopping mall and wander around to see if you find something that is meant for something else entirely, but works perfectly for your needs. thrift stores might have something useful. container stores surely would.

another thought is that you can do a lot with some varying sizes of Velcro straps and/or bungie cords....

good luck

[Tohtruck]

^^^ Wow that's actually really smart. Thanks for the post.

[H20nly]

yeah, no worries.

post a pic of your solution when you find something!!