Continuing its long and successful relationship with cutting edge sound console manufacturer DiGiCo, 5 Star Cases is supplying flight cases for their latest console – the SD9, which was launched last week at the Prolight+Sound exhibition in Frankfurt.
The partnership started with the case design and build for the SD7 in late 2007, and has continued through DiGiCo's SD8, SD8-24, D5 and D1 editions …. and now with the SD9.
On The Case with the Red Snapper
The case design for this console - AKA The Red Snapper – is based on the highly successful SD8 case, the Super Tour. The 3 piece 'Nosecone' case layout has been specifically thought-through for ease of handling and ergonomic use of the console.
5 Star's Keith Sykes presented the initial SD9 case proposal at a meeting with DiGiCo's James Gordon during the NAMM exhibition in January. Photo-realistic renderings of the 3D CAD models were produced complete with full specifications prior to anything being manufactured, giving both parties the opportunity to discuss and develop the design.
As with previous SD case designs, the 5 Star team added their own ‘magic touches' to the internal layout.
The SD9 features new 'end-cheeks' that really highlight the console's aesthetics, so to compliment these, 5 Star used their Solid Edge 3D modelling and rendering software to create enhancements to the case's support cheeks.
Once the first visuals of the 'virtual' support cheeks were completed, prototypes were machined on one of 5 Star's three Thermwood CNC centres. A selection of different coloured finishes were produced, from which black was selected as the standard marque.
Ten special versions of the case were fabricated to coincide with the SD9's launch at Prolight+Sound, Frankfurt, alongside a standard issue 'production' version. The production model has the additional facility for using optional VESA screen mounts on either side of the console.
As on the SD8 models, a pull-out keyboard drawer and a rear-hinged access flap are included as standard.
Colour matched rubber handle grips and the usual DiGiCo branding add further visual impact to the case.
David 'Webby' Webster, DiGiCo's Marketing Director explains, "The relationship between DiGiCo and 5 Star continues to go from strength to strength. Their philosophy mirrors ours exactly - give the customer what they want, when they want it!"
He added that 5 Star's hard work and commitment “Pays off every time” with the SD9 being no exception!
For more press info on 5 Star Cases, please call Louise Stickland on +44 (0)1865 202679 or +44 (0)7831 329888 or Email ‘[email protected]'. Contact 5 Star direct on +44 (0)1945 427000 or check www.5star-cases.com.
Photo shows DiGiCo Marketing co-ordinator Maria Fiorellino with 5 Star's Keith Sykes
About the DiGiCo SD9
Where the SD8 is DiGiCo's ‘gold standard', the SD9 is the company's ‘red revolution'. The SD9 is a complete, integrated system, which includes the mixing surface, a D-Rack digital stage interface and CAT5E digital multicore, with the additional ability to simultaneously record 56 channels direct to your favourite multitrack software or DAW. It's priced to be a perfect solution for touring bands, schools, conference centres, smaller theatres, houses of worship and a host of other applications where exceptional performance and flexibility need to be realised on a tight budget.