IF YOU GOT A DECKSAVER... Note that it will NOT fit into the Bagsmart case or the Thule case. But it DOES fit in the RAIACE case. I sent the Analog case back, so can't test that one. (Thanks to @d'Jawnz for thinking of it.)
Hi there! Thank you for including our products in your review. Just wanted to clarify that the SP-404 MK2 is totally safe inside the OPUS-SP404, as it doesn't move around or get scratched by friction with the wood; there are slots where it sits in, plus stoppers which keep it firmly in place. The top and bottom parts of the case are made of birch wood, which is a very sturdy material, not easily breakable. The film dust cover included is just a bonus to keep it dust free, when the SP is not stored inside the case. All the best! Andrea
Andrea, thank you very much for adding that detail. If you'd like to send me one to review, I'd be happy to give it a dedicated video. Same for the padded pouch.
Love the mod, I remember using a travel accessory to make a case for the 303. Had my girlfriend at the time sew the logo on it and made holes in the back to feed the cables in - then carried it like a suitcase.
I just got the new Magma case designed for the SP-404 MKii and it crushes the competition. It's perfectly form fitting, has a right side up storage pocket, and protected room for the power adapter. It addresses everything lacking pointed out in the great video.
Very helpful review. On a related note, I have an iPad Pro 12.9", and its 20W USB-C charger powers the SP404mk2 just fine via the USB-C port, and it is significantly smaller than the AC power supply that comes with the 404. So if you are trying to travel light but you need a power adapter, then you might considering spending $20 for that adapter instead of, say, getting a larger case. I also got the Analog Case but I might switch it out for that smaller BagSmart option as that does seem best for my needs (which is letting my gear collect dust on the shelf).
I am just using a decksaver lid and two thick, huge, durable rubber bands to keep the lid secured to the 404. With my backpack (Ogio Renegade Pro) I can fit the 404 with the decksaver lid and a Zoom H6 in a hardshell case into the main compartment. They fit perfectly in there. And the Ogio Renegade Pro is a great backpack too. Lots of room in a deceptively small pack with a ton of compartments.
Yes, I just got my Decksaver, and it is kinda perfect for putting the 404 in a bag of some kind for basic transport. I think my next video will be looking at the Decksaver in more detail and trying to describe its value to those who have never tried them. I'll check out that Ogio pack! Their stuff always looks very cool.
@@synth-studio Whenever I get a new piece of gear the first thing I do is order a decksaver for it, if they are available. Decksavers may seem expensive for what you're getting. But to those that have never seen one, they are thick and very durable. They are always high quality and fit perfectly. Even if your gear is sitting on a stand in a home studio it will protect the synth from dust and most spillage. In my case it protects against a cat that thinks she is the next keyboard cat. She insists on sitting and lying down on my synths. Lol. Anyway, love the video. I might just have to get the one of those that you recommended. I have no qualms about modding it. I kinda love modding just about everything I buy though. I am the breaker of warranties. Lol.
I bought that first Analog case you demoed, and I think the roominess is just right IMO. I keep the power adapter and the BOSS MIDI cables in the side pouch, and I imagine some batteries could go there too. The SP seems sturdy enough and will get so used, that I doubt there should be worries about anything rubbing off the pads. The one thing that did bother me, and I do not see anything like it in the video, is the lack of a shoulder strap. I am already carrying a backpack, and it’s a bummer that somehow should straps have been omitted. Yes, the SP is a portable unit, but my guess is that for live gigs and such, people usually carry more than one piece of gear around, so why not a should strap?! That’s my beef. Good video!
Not surprised the Roland bag got left out, but I understand. There’s little to no protection. but it’s nice in terms of a EDC carry. W/ 2 front pouches, for wires, and even a mini speaker.
I can totally understand that... the EDC use-case where minimal protection/bulk is desired. I think the Bagsmart one is similar, but bulkier. But I like that I can pack everything (I need and nothing I don't) in a single bag. Sounds like the Roland/CremaCaffe one does the same thing, but without a handle, right?
The newer Magma case with the pocket is definitely the best option for the MK2. I think the Akai MPK MKII case is a good fit, too. But most people are just gonna throw it in a bag. It's about the most sturdy piece of gear I've got.
Yeah, I haven't tried the Magma case, but these days I'm mostly throwing the Decksaver on top and putting the whole thing into a large day-use tote bag. But sometimes I go out with nothing but the 404, and these cases are great for this use-case (and travel).
I need to watch your recent live video! Stay tuned, though, I'm about to release a '404 Decksaver mini review. If you're quite mobile with your stuff, I think a Decksaver would be my first '404 accessory reco.
Analog case is the best, fits it snug, has a semi rigid shell protects the unit better and still has extra space on the sides for more cables and accessories.
I'd probably still go with the Analog Case out of the hard cases. I'd probably just cut up a shirt and pad the extra space haha. I like the first bag the most overall though. Thanks for this I might get that first soft one 👍🏼
I do! The "Genius" links are affiliate links to Amazon. Appreciate you looking out, though. I don't get any affiliate revenue on the Crema Caffe links though. Those are directly to their website.
Literally bought the Analog Case a few days before seeing your video and was kind of bummed. When it arrived i got lucky and immediately found a solution for the extra space within the case... just save a couple pieces of the styrofoam that comes with it. Cut an inch or two off of one piece. Put one piece on the side and the one you cut on the bottom. Holds it snug!
Have you seen the new Magma case? It's perfect. They might not have been first to market, but they were the first to hit the mark! Love this new case design.
It probably won't fit, but the cases DO have some flex.. It will probably be a little too short on the longest dimension. 10.25 x 7.25 x 2.75 inches: Analog Pulse Case for Digitakt (interior dimensions) 12.25 x 7.75 x 2.75 inches: Analog Pulse Case for SP-404MK2 (interior dimensions) 10.90 x 7.00 x 2.80 inches: Roland SP-404MK2 (exterior dimensions) No way the power adapter will fit inside the Digitakt's Pulse case alongside the 404. If you try it, please let us know if the 404 fits!
@@MicJones No worries man. Just tested it, and surprisingly, NO-the Decksaver won't work with the Bagsmart case. It's too small. But it DOES work nicely in the RAIACE case. I'll put this in a pinned comment for everyone else. Good catch brotha!
@@derelrs what cable do you use to power the MK2 from the Anker? I’ve seen mixed reviews about a Myvolts Ripcord, but I know Roland says to use USB C to USB C for the bus power.
A lot of them kinda seem like that, weirdly. TBH, the only companies that seems to be putting a LOT of R&D into these cases is Crema Caffé and Decksaver.
Yeah the Pulse case is nice materials but it’s way too big for the 404. I don’t know why they are selling it when it doesn’t seem like it’s actually designed for the 404
Yeah that’s how I felt, too. I bet the folks over at Analog feel the same, TBH. But at the same time, I get it… the more devices they can fit into one case, the higher margin they’ll make overall. Probably. But still - we want good cases, and the Pulse missed the mark this time.
It’s expensive for sure, but these boutique companies are also keeping some realness in our scene. I’m tempted to save up and buy an OPUS case just to support them.
