Protective Case for MF Spectra

[LanceBlaise]

Since I have spent about 72 hours scouring the internet for a good fitting case for the MF Spectra, I have come to the conclusion I will really need to construct something to fit it well and still not take up too much space. Below I will out line some of what I went through, possible things that would work, and where I am at right now with what I am going to make.

Possible Ready Fit Cases

1. Mac Mini Case - This would actually be the best fitting case, problem is there is really nothing out there anymore. Most people don't carry around their Mac Mini since MBP's are so cheap now. It seems as though there is one company left making a sleeve for the Mac Mini, but its just a sleeve and offers no hard protection with the sleeve. Targus used to make one, but it is nearly impossible to track one down. There were one or two others, and again they were all out of production...

2. Portable DVD Player Case - While there were some nice options out there they all were too big. Case Logic made a nice one, but the outer dimensions were in excess of 10". Others were still 8-9"+ in size. I travel a lot for gigs and need to fit this into my gig bag, so I wanted to reduce the amount of space, and that was one reason I got a MF in the first place.

3. Portable Hard Drive Case - I couldn't find one big enough.

4. Camera Case - While the SLR cases are nice and offer great padding, not too many are hard on the outside and small. They are either huge and have a hard exterior, or they are small with a soft exterior. And none of the smaller ones had a great proportional inside to fit the MF Specrta.

5. Portable Optical Drive Case - None had the depth needed for the MF.

6. CD/DVDs Case - I tried one of these Vaultz Locking CD Wallet and while the dimensions outlined on Amazon make it seem like it should fit, it doesn't. The dimensions on Amazon are not accurate, not even close really.

7. Pelican Type Case - None have dimensions to fit the MF. While I could have one custom made I feel it would be quite expensive.


Building My Own

So I am now in the prototype stages of building/constructing a case to use, be it temporary or long term. I don't feel a case should have to cost over $40, unless each were being built by hand, which is why I wouldn't buy one of the Crane ones that I saw.

Temporary Case #1
I did some research and found that Tupperware Modular Mates® Square 1 piece is actually a really good fit for the MF. The dimensions on it are 2 1/4"H x 7 3/8"Sq. (6 x 19 cm). So it will be a little over an inch larger than the actual MF itself. This will allow me to add some self adhesive foam around the inside edges to protect it while bouncing around on the plane etc. Nice thing about this piece is with Tupperware there is a secure lid, somewhat waterproof as well.

Why am I calling this Temporary Case #1? If this goes as planned I will then have the basic prototype for actually building something that looks a little prettier, and is made for our machines. Right now I just need something for when I leave in a few weeks. Currntly the stuff is ordered, I will post results up when finished.

[LanceBlaise]

Reserved for pics and sh!t...

[Jester]

Cool! I am just using a 2 x 24 CD wallet for mine at the moment. Holds 1 MF , USB cable etc. Not ideal but better than nothing.

[LanceBlaise]

Cool! I am just using a 2 x 24 CD wallet for mine at the moment. Holds 1 MF , USB cable etc. Not ideal but better than nothing.

Yeah, I have one of those thich I could use. A nice Korg one actually that I got when I purchased their Legacy Analogue VST pack years ago... but again this will take up a ton of real estate in my bag. Right now my Mono Bag is packed tight with MBP, Maschine Mikro, Audio 8, X1, and now the MF Spectra (previously an F1)... All cables are in the outside pockets. Anyhow, I feel this will make it fit pretty nicely. I suppose we will see. Curious to how the MF will fair through customs since it looks like something used to trigger explosives. lol

[V-Hoff]

I'm subscribed
If you guys find anything good for casing please share it

[William Gibson]

I actually talked to 2 seperate companys and got into the intitial concept and design stage to build a nice one. All american made with high quality material. Then DJTT sounded like they were in the process of developing one about 6 months ago (there is a thread on it somewhere) so I complelty stopped. I didnt want to step on any toes of what I believe to be a great company. I wonder if this process ever got any further with them?