I though I'd put up a quick comparison of some cases I purchased for my DJ controllers. My main interest was in trying to find something reasonably priced that would fit the Denon SC2900 & SC3900 CDJs. I wanted to be able to use the controller from within the case if possible. And ideally also allow inserting CDs into the unit while it is being used in the case, though this is more of a nice to have as they are mainly used as Serato controllers.
You can purchase flight cases designed for the SC2900 / SC3900, but they are very expensive when you consider the units' current values. So I really wanted something that would 'do the job' for a reasonable amount rather than something that was 'just right' for a lot of money.
I also have a Numark V7, around the same size as the SC3900 / SC2900, but not as tall, and as this is a straight USB controller, no need for any low access to the unit for inserting CDs into it.
And then also the Akai APC40 Mark 1 controller and the Ableton Push 2. Again, a case that these can be used in would be best, rather than a case that is only for transport.
Pictured, from top to bottom:
- ROC cases (Allendale) Aluminium Flight Case with dividers
- Gorilla Small DJ Controller pick & fit case
- Gorilla 47cm wide universal pickfoam DJ flight case with door (upside down - the rubber feet above it belong to this case)
- Gorilla 50cm Universal Mixer CDJ Pickfoam DJ Case with Door
In the comparison below, I've put the case measurements in the order Width x Height x Depth. The measurements are from the item listings online - I haven't measured them myself.
Gorilla 47cm wide universal pickfoam DJ flight case with door ~£35
- SKU:
- GC-UNI-47
- External:
- 512 x 382 x 146mm
- Removable Foam:
- 480 x 350 x 90mm
It fits SC3900 / SC2900 but if you wanted to use the controller while in the case then you won't be able to put CDs in.
If you use the case upside down, with the controller in the lid, then you can use CDs. Note that this way doesn't give much padding to the top of the CDJ when it is packed - the spindle and buttons on top of the raised part are up against the 'lid', and there isn't room for more foam.
It also fits the APC40.
If you add one of the layers of pickfoam under the APC40 then the removable side panel is at the right level to allow connecting cables to the rear of the APC40. The downside is that I don't think using the unit like this would be a great experience as you have to reach down in the case to access the faders. Again, you could reverse the case and put the controller in the lid instead.
The V7 fits in the case fine.
It has rubber feet on the bottom, which make the case larger and are a bit annoying if you plan on using the case upside down.
You can also fit in this case the Ableton Push 2, a layer of foam, then the APC40. So you could carry them both in the same case, then when you want to use them, put the APC40 in or on the lid and the Push 2 on the foam in the base or use it on top of the base.
Gorilla Small DJ Controller pick & fit case ~£35
- SKU:
- GC-SDJC
- External:
- 500 x 390 x 165mm
- Internal:
- 480 x 350 x 80mm
- Removable Foam:
- 420 x 305 x 60mm
APC40 fits well, and there is enough space at the sides to include the power adapter, USB cable etc. Placing the controller on the bottom of the case there isn't really enough room to plug in the cables - you would need to use right-angle adapters.
With the case upside down, and the controller placed on the egg-crate foam in the lid, then you can plug in cables normally. A layer of the included foam can be placed in the bottom (now top) of the case to provide a good amount of protection when the unit is being transported.
The SC3900 and SC2900 fit in the case, though you would need to remove the egg-crate foam from the lid to close it. But you couldn't use them with CDs while still in the half case.
The V7 fits in the case and it will close fine.
Ableton Push 2 fits fine, you can use a layer of the included foam underneath it. There is enough room in the case for including the power adapter, USB cable etc. as well. I think I suggested this case previously for use with the Push 2, but now that I have it, I must admit that it is quite a large case (height-wise) for this controller.
ROC cases (Allendale) Aluminium Flight Case with dividers ~£20
- SKU:
- EN-AC-FG-A022
- External:
- 460 x 330 x 150mm
- Internal:
- 435 x 310 x 95 (base) + 40mm (lid)
This case is actually designed for carrying tools, but you can remove the tool carrying insert from the lid and just not use the dividers it comes with.
It fits SC3900 / SC2900 and the V7, but the issue with this case is that the lid is not removable. So not really suitable for using the controllers in, but okay as a carry case.
The Akai APC40 mark 1 will kind of fit, it goes in at a bit of an angle and can't be pushed down all the way to the base of the case as it is too big.
If you wanted to put the Ableton Push 2 in this case, it would fit. But it's not really a suitable case for this controller.
Build quality isn't as good as the Gorilla cases, and it uses much cheaper feeling standard latches than the nice butterfly latches on the Gorilla cases. It also doesn't come with any foam. But it's a lot cheaper, so what do you expect?
Gorilla 50cm Universal Mixer CDJ Pickfoam DJ Case with Door ~£45
- SKU:
- GC-UNI-50
- External:
- 542 x 492 x 191mm
- Removable Foam:
- 510 x 430 x 120mm
This case actually says it fits the SC2900 and SC3900 in its description! And indeed it does, and the removable door allows you to use the CDJ in the case with CDs, without having to do silly stuff like using the case upside down. But the problem is that this case is massive.
This case also has rubber feet, making it even larger.
So my current thinking, which comes only from seeing how these devices fit in the cases, not through any actual experience in use, is to have 2x upside down GC-UNI-47 for the Denon SC3900 and SC2900. Then a GC-SDJC for the Numark V7. And another GC-SDJC, probably upside down, for either the Akai APC40 or the Ableton Push.
