Carrying case for mics?

[BobSchwenkler]

What does everyone use to transport their mics? So far I've been putting them in a duffel bag box and all, but this is becoming almost impractical at this point.

There are a lot of different cases available out there. Anyone have experience with any? Any suggestions or reccommendations would be great.

[RecTechMin]

i've been using an aluminum case from Lowe's. it's solid, comes with diced foam so you can sculpt it to fit your mics, and runs at $25. cheaper and just as good as the name brand mic cases.

[aussie_techie]

get a standard case, aluminum is good, or a basic tool box, what ever syle case u think looks good. get some foam and cut it to fit

[doorknocker]

Good thread!

This hasn't been discussed too much here but I guess we all deal with it.

Somehow I'm just not trusting foam, I dunno. Am I wrong? Aren't there issues with cut-up foam getting into the mics?

As my mics hardly ever leave my premises,my solution so far has been to leave the mics I often use set up on stands and protect them with produce bags. This was suggested by Klaus Heyne on his forum and it works great. The ones I don't use that often are on a shelf, again protected by produce bags. Things like 57/58 just go into their mic bags. I'm really trying to keep the mics as dry and dust-free as possible.

With the planned expansion of my little studio I'm thinking about using what is currently still my bedroom for the sole purpose of storing ready-to-go mics, cables,etc. The size would be good and I guess it's so much easier to just grab a ready to go mic, especially for things like auditioning vocals mics,etc

[aussie_techie]

Originally Posted by doorknocker

Somehow I'm just not trusting foam, I dunno. Am I wrong? Aren't there issues with cut-up foam getting into the mics?

foam is good, and its the hard case that is providing the protection, the foam keep everything in place and and stops impacts to the case damaging the mics
i havnt had an problem with foam getting into mics cut the foam cleanly and leave the grill on the mic.
my main case mainly has dynamics that i use live aswell, the case has taken many knocks and my mics have always been fine. for my LDCs i have a smaller (plastic) case foam is just on the top an bottom, nothing cut out so no chance of loose foam getting into the mic but ive never had had a problem with it in any mic case. these dont travel much and when they do im very carefull with them, the plastic case wouldnt take the same abuse but it does the job. its also a good idea to pack condensers with moisture absorbers, as moisture will damage the diaphram over time.

[BobSchwenkler]

Where should I look for foam at?

I have looked on the internet for toolboxes before. They all seem to be overly fancy and frilly. Aren't there any made that are just a good old metal box anymore?

[rodhmos]

Thomann has some cases available:
Microphone Flightcase for 7 mics
Microphone Flightcase for 21 mics
Microphone Flightcase for 14 mics
Flex Cut Universal accessory case
Flex Cut Universal 2 accessory case

[BobSchwenkler]

Those could be great, but I'm in the US. Thanks though.

[johnny gren]

in case you don't have a Lowes, Home Depot has cases for $19 in the toolbox dept.

[Remoteness]

I'm partial to hard plastic pistol cases.
I found a great deal on a closeout -- $10 USD each...
I have a boat load of them in all sizes.
We place our multiple mic sets in individual cases.
On large gigs we place these cases in ATA style cases.
We can fit 6 to 12 cases (or so) per ATA case.
On smaller dates we just carry them in directly.

Side bar: Heavy duty canvas tool bags are great for DIs, adaptors and such.

[BobSchwenkler]

Thanks,

I think we have a Lowes around here.

That gives me a better idea of what to look for. I had not really considered gun cases before also.

Maybe Lowes has foam blocks that I could cut to fit other cases?

[Remoteness]

If you're going to go with the "make your own holes in foam" idea consider getting one solid piece of foam for each case then drill holes with a hole saw blade. Get various sizes to accommodate the different sizes of mics and such.

Remember to use a reversible drill and saw counter clockwise so the blades don't catch the foam and rip all apart.

I hope this helps.

[aussie_techie]

Originally Posted by Remoteness

Remember to use a reversible drill and saw counter clockwise so the blades don't catch the foam and rip all apart.

or just use a stanley knife

[Remoteness]

I've tried that -- IMO, it's not as clean as a hole saw in reverse.
If I need to make other hole shapes I use an electric carving knife.
It's a standard tool in my fabrication tool box...

That reminders me, I burned out the last one. I must buy another.
It handled tuff use for over 8 years. I sure got my $15.00 USD out of it.

[aussie_techie]

what ever works best for you
just sugesting a simple common tool to get the job done

[Remoteness]

No one is stopping anyone from using a utility knife.
But, sometimes simple tools can cause difficult problems.
Hole saws and electric carving knifes can yield better results a lot faster.
An expert with a "Stanley" knife can do wonders...

Not everyone has the time to be as careful. Like I said before -- it's my opinion.