With controllers getting larger these days it can be a challenge to find a quality bag that protects and transports your precious dj gear. The VCI-300 in particular is very popular, but fits very few bags due to its large size. Fortunately several manufactures have been coming out with bags targeted at the midi-controller crowd so there are now several good options on the market. Lets take a look at the field and see which ones hold more promise for the young controllerists out there.
UDG MIDI-CONTROLLER BAG
Very Cool:
- Its small and very portable
- the style is pro and understated
- good quality construction
Not So:
- There is small bit of space around the controller so its not a tight fit.
- The padding is sufficient for general use but wont take any hard core traveling or falls
Price: Around $120-160 depending on size (and store).
The Magma Bag
This is the other bag on the market aimed right at the VCI-300 crowd. It offers significantly more padding than the UDG version and fits the 300 like a glove. Besides a lack of compartments our biggest complaint was the low end luggage look this bag has- it just does not look very “dj-esque” and would seem more at home with a traveling executive.
Very Cool:
- Tight fit on the controller
- padded handle
- generous padding is almost road case grade
Not So:
- Generic Luggage look
- heavy and fairly bulky to carry on the shoulder
- lack of specialized pockets and compartments
Price: Around $120
Other Options
These bags are not built for the 300 but they will fit it and should also be considered.
- UDG Producer Bag
~$160 on Amazon (Watch a Video Review Here) - Mono EFX-365
~$170 on Amazon (Read our Written Review here)
[quote comment=”29996″]And ive found this guy. very good to protect yo VCIs in any bag, i think. didnt buy it yet(
http://www.djdeals.com/blog/new-decksaver-ds-pc-vci100-clear-cover-for-vestax-vci-100/%5B/quote%5D
Bought a Decksaver for my VCI-300 and use a standard laptop bag. All works GREAT!
Does a Xone Dx fits in the UDG bag?
[quote comment=”31187″]Good Afternoon,
Thanks for the review !!
I’m looking for a lightweight shoulder bar for my VCI-300 & stuffs…
Is the UDG Midi Controller Bag a good option to fit all the following equipment ? :
-VCI-300 with Decksaver
– VFX-1
– 13″ Macbook+Charger
– Uberstand
– Headphone
Thanks in advance,
iDoude.[/quote]
Yes it would be a good bag for the equipment you listed.
Good Afternoon,
Thanks for the review !!
I’m looking for a lightweight shoulder bar for my VCI-300 & stuffs…
Is the UDG Midi Controller Bag a good option to fit all the following equipment ? :
-VCI-300 with Decksaver
– VFX-1
– 13″ Macbook+Charger
– Uberstand
– Headphone
Thanks in advance,
iDoude.
I use what is called a pilot-case.
It holds my vci, my laptop and all other crap I carry with me.
Hey Everyone. I ran into this problem with my VCI-300. My perfect solution has been the Dell M1730 XPS Backpack. You can see pics of it here: http://www.notebookforums.com/thread212003.html Anyway, it has 4 separate compartments. 1 that i suppose is for the big laptop, but it securely holds the VCI in place. There is plenty of other pockets for headphones, wires, the laptop, extension cords, and anything else you may need. I found it onsale for like $50 but i believe they typically run around $100. No longer on dell’s website but with some quick searching you should be able to find it.
The Headliner bag is the best I have found so far. Not perfect though. It is not the laptop and midi controller that is the problem; it is all the other stuff we have to bring along. Sound card, cords, externals, etc. and the Headliner has a few of those extra pockets. But I want it all. Where is a cell phone pocket. I need a place for a pen. Key hook? Yes there is a big pocket for headphones and a sound card, but what about the external HD and the backup external HD? Everything ends up getting thrown together. Where is the bag that brings together design and protection together as one? Very frustrating. Especially if one is traveling a lot to spin at events. I am still looking. Neither of these come close. Thank you for the article DJTT. You guys rock!
I use this. I can fit all my stuff, and its well padded. NOT TO mention only 32 dollars
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&q=belkin+backpack&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=9123373924678008070&ei=8ZHgS_XlIIbkswPes83YBQ&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=image&resnum=3&ved=0CBQQ8gIwAg#
Right now Audio Midi has the Big Namba for $115. It’s normally never cheaper than $129. Lili Namba is $99 on sale. They both have great padding and plenty of room for headphones, wires, laptop, sound card…….Carrying all this with a backpack is much easier I think rather than a shoulder bag.
[quote comment=”30003″]I’ve been using the Big Namba Backpack for my 300 and love it. They have a Lil Namba and Big Namba. Great Protection with plenty of room. I purchased mine from AudioMidi. They’re selling it a great price. Here’s a link. http://www.audiomidi.com/Big-Namba—Studio-Backpack-P11023.aspx%5B/quote%5D
I have the Lil Namba for my 300 also wanted a backpack instead of a shoulder bag. Snug but have also have a decksaver lid to protect the knobs and faders. Love it. Got mines on amazon. Review on there also. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002D1CN18/ref=oss_product
not sure if you can get the brand ‘Crumpler’ in the states, but they make a mean bag for this sort of thing. With amazing designs and lifetime warranties.
Also quite expensive though.
go to a thrift store for the best controller bags..(leather/old school)…
190$ on a bag? … better be filled with something medicinal…
^^ will
hmmm well it fit a xponent ??
I use the pelican case 1520 and just cut the foam to fit the VCI. I have about 5 extra of these cases if anyone is interested. PM or E-mail me.
Can I have the non hipster knobs and faders for my vcm-100?
what about room for headphones, wires, sound cards, etc?
Been using a small/medium military back pack, it fits the vci-300, macbook and all my other stuff. I dont carry my vci-300 in it at the moment because I dont have a deck savor, but as soon as i get one it will be included.
too expensive for me !
I’ve been using the Big Namba Backpack for my 300 and love it. They have a Lil Namba and Big Namba. Great Protection with plenty of room. I purchased mine from AudioMidi. They’re selling it a great price. Here’s a link. http://www.audiomidi.com/Big-Namba—Studio-Backpack-P11023.aspx
And ive found this guy. very good to protect yo VCIs in any bag, i think. didnt buy it yet(
http://www.djdeals.com/blog/new-decksaver-ds-pc-vci100-clear-cover-for-vestax-vci-100/
Note: The Peli 1550 appears to work for the VCI dimensions, and is a bit cheaper.
http://www.peli.com/?q=en/cases/computer-protector-cases-1495.html
or
http://www.peli.com/?q=en/cases/crushproof-large-peli-cases-1600.html
are some peli cases I believe will fit.
They fit my xponent well and vci’s are a bit smaller, so they should work.
You can pick them up at most sporting goods shops like cabelas.
[quote comment=”29986″]First! There is also the Pelican Case. Rigid, and super protective..and water tight! Check it out. If you look at the “post your gear mod pics” post in the forum, I have a picture of my pelican case setup.[/quote]
ANy chance you could post a link to this Pelican case product?
Does the UDG bag fit the VCI-100 also?
Pelican cases are the win!
Problem is when you fly with them military types think your baggage is theirs
And your pelican case is beautifull!
First! There is also the Pelican Case. Rigid, and super protective..and water tight! Check it out. If you look at the “post your gear mod pics” post in the forum, I have a picture of my pelican case setup.