SKB cases...ATA rated???

[InACanProductions]

SKB claims their mixer cases (skb-4031) is ATA rated. Can this be right?? And they're mixer cases come with these corner cleats so that the user could have the perfect fit for their mixer if the case is too big. It looks a little sketchy to me, but I've never used one of these cases, or even seen one in person only in a catolog and their website. Anyone know if these cases are actually worth looking into for my mixer?

I've e-mailed all the companies you guys mentioned in my last thread, and have only heard back from one of them asking if I was a rental company, educational facility or reseller before they'd give me a quote.

If I end up going with a Flite case (which is what I'm leaning towards) what size wood do you guys recommend? 1/4", 3/8", or 1/2". It's for my moble rig, I'm not giging every weekend at all. Right now business has been really slow, but I'm looking to start hosting my own shows again once a week, and work freelance 1-2 nights a week (hopefully) starting in October. I guess the question really is, will 1/4" hold up to moderately heavy (ab)use, or do I need to go with 3/8" or 1/2"?

[tremendo]

For my new MixWiz, I looked at SKB and other cases, and decided on the Raxxess Pop-Up mixer case with no underneath spaces. It is plywood, not sure how thick (site doesn't even say), but I can sit on it and it's sturdy. It's reasonably light for wood and seems solidly built. I'm happy with this case for my needs. Got it at audioeast.com.

[Craigv]

If you're the one moving your gear, based on the use you described, the SKB mixer case should be plenty. If you'll have anyone else roadie for you, then go with a more robust case.

The overall size plus the usual weight to be carried is what determines the thickness to use in sidewalls. For a mixer, 1/4" is more than adequate.

[dboomer]

The ATA rating is more about going through automatic baggage machines than protection of your contents. Basically it means that nothing sticks out of the box that could catch up in the machine (recessed hardware)

How heavy is the mixer were talking about?

[InACanProductions]

Originally posted by dboomer
How heavy is the mixer were talking about?

The specs say it's 64 lbs it doesn't feel that heavy at all, but it is big and bulky. One person could carry it, but it's annoying and you run the risk of losing your grip. I've usually got a 2nd person helping with load in/out. I'm more worried about it getting banged around in the back of the van by the other gear.

I don't think there's any easy way to attach casters to the SKB case. I could just build a dolly and strap it down while I move it I guess. The SKB is also 9" high, and my board from bottom to the top of the knobs is 6". So I'd need to put in some foam in the top of the case to keep it a tight fit. Would I be able to adhere some foam to the inside of the SKB case??

Calzone just quoted me a price of $398 plus $95 for the casters, plus shipping. I've got a few more places I'm waiting to hear back from. The SKB lists for $515 so it will retail some where around $310-$325 plus tax. I guess I gotta wait and see what some other manufacturers are gonna charge and then weigh out the options.

My only fear is I've had a bass case from SKB and it got a crack in it from a duffle bag full of drum hardwear falling out of the van on to it (drummers are so stupid sometimes). This mixer is a much bigger target than my bass.

Keep the opinions coming.

[B. Adams]

I've got a copy of the ATA specs saved on my computer, but I can't remember where it's at online. It's 50 pages long though, and takes a while to read. In short, the ATA doesn't really regulate this stuff, and if it gets damaged, you have to take it up with your insurance company. The case is considered a shipping container, and is basically treated like a cardboard box in terms of value. A Category 1 case is intended to handle 300 trips on an airplane, and the testing for a case rated in this category is pretty grueling. There are also very specific rules on what color the case has to be and what the case has to say on it. Here's a snippet of some of the requirements of drop testing for a case to be rated Cat. 1 or 2:

http://www.a-bsound.com/images/ATA.JPG

Think an SKB case from Musician's Friend could handle those drops? I doubt it. That said, most of the ATA cases you get made for you aren't tested like that either, but many of the good ones could probably handle it. Few of the "ATA" cases on Ebay could though.

So the question isn't really whether you're getting a case that's ATA rated and will survive hundreds of flights, it's whether it will survive thousands of trips from your van to the bar, and vice-versa. I prefer cases that are rated ATA Cat. 1, whatever that means, and that are rated that way by a reputable manufacturer. That way I don't have to worry about them failing in normal use. I don't like plastic cases though, because I do worry about them failing in normal use.

SKB makes a proprietary caster board for all of their racks, and I would suggest using that if you go the SKB route.

I get all my cases from Opti-Case (http://www.opti-case.com/main4.html). Prices are reasonable and the cases are solid.

[InACanProductions]

Thanks B. Adams

I contacted Opti-case and they wrote back asking if I was a Rental Company, Educational Facility, or Reseller before they would give me a quote. I'm yet to hear back since I told them I'm an independant sound guy who just got a new (perchased used) board and I need a dependable case for it. Hopefully I'll hear back from them soon.

Calzone is the only company out of about 8 that has gotten back to me with an actual dollar amount. A local music store that deals in SR gear only (Musically Yours in Hackensack, formerly in Paramus, NJ) quoted me at $575 plus $110 for 4" casters. When I asked him who makes their cases he mentioned that if I wanted a Calzone case it would cost me another $135. That would be $710 for the case plus the cost of the casters. Then Calzone told me it'd be $398 plus $95 for the casters, you could imagine my suprise.

[agedhorse]

Get the best case you can. Nothing like showing up at a gig with a damaged mixer. That happens and I guarantee that you would have paid the price to save the grief.