Wisbech UK based 5 Star Cases has again designed and is manufacturing a new case - the PRO-350 FLT - for leading DJ equipment manufacturer, Pioneer Europe.
This is based on the huge success of the PRO-440 case - marketed as "The perfect hard case for 2 x CDJ 400 players, 1 x DJM 400 mixer and 2 USB sticks" - which to date has sold over 7000 units, in Europe alone.
The new PRO-350FLT offers lightweight and durable protection for Pioneer's 2 x CDJ-350s/DJM-350 portable professional DJ system. It also has some unique new features for which Pioneer returned to 5 Star - to continue the winning collaboration.
The main new physical addition is that the rear section now incorporates a cable management (‘loom-box'), to ensure that the connectors and cabling are kept safe and neatly out of sight. This simple 90° up-stand creates the ‘loom-box' area. (a separate structure was required on the PRO-440 case).
Other new features include a specially manufactured cable access cover via a split rubber membrane for easy cable entry.
While getting the gear safely and securely to its destination is a priority, good branding is also essential, and the most noticeable new and different feature on the PRO-350FLT case is the appearance of the Pioneer DJ ident.
All previous 5 Star cases in the Pioneer range have been supplied with standard screen printed logos, but a fresh approach was sought when designing the PRO-350FLT. Taking advantage of 5 Star's three Thermwood CNC machining centres, the project's joint design teams set about creating the Pioneer DJ logo in a die, manufactured from polyethylene, which could be used to press the logo directly into the top of the 6 mm plywood case, creating permanent and subtle branding.
Getting this embossing correct was a detailed and precise process, during which several tests and prototypes were produced for evaluation, before the correct pressure for the Samco hydraulic platen press was established.
Internally the PRO-350FLT case features die-cut foam inserts for robust equipment protection and houses 2 of Pioneer's recently launched CDJ-350 players and a DJM-350 mixer plus all cabling, etc.
The case is finished in a striking new grey leatherette vinyl covering and has a new style, soft-feel carry handle, again featuring ambient Pioneer branding.
Says 5 Star's John Barsby, "It's great to work on projects with Pioneer as they always bring plenty of challenges, which is what we like. Having worked together for some time, there is a great creative and practical dialogue between the two companies, and the results are absolutely stunning on the finished PRO-350FLT product!"
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.
Pictured – 5 Star's John Barsby with just a small batch of the new PRO-350FLT cases.