Best audio run bag?
- Thread starter Matt Gottshalk
- Start date
i have a ton of porta brace bags and i have never had a problem with anything about them, especially not any durability issues
that said, i bought the kata maze bag for lighting gear. the biggest one they make and its great. it does have a bit more of creativity in how it lets you arrange stuff.
when i got my canon eos rebel xt i took a chance and got the kata bag and its wonderful.
has anyone looked at the kata sundo 1 or 2 bag for a mixer like the sound device 302?
what is odd is that the sundo 1 or 2 bags only list the sound devices 442 as being compatible. they don't list the 302 model ANYWHERE? i don't get it.
matthew
that said, i bought the kata maze bag for lighting gear. the biggest one they make and its great. it does have a bit more of creativity in how it lets you arrange stuff.
when i got my canon eos rebel xt i took a chance and got the kata bag and its wonderful.
has anyone looked at the kata sundo 1 or 2 bag for a mixer like the sound device 302?
what is odd is that the sundo 1 or 2 bags only list the sound devices 442 as being compatible. they don't list the 302 model ANYWHERE? i don't get it.
matthew
has anyone had an opportunity to do a hands on comparison of both the kata and the petrol bags?
the kata has so many nice little extras that i'm surprised everyone is so big on the petrol.
i don't know there bags but the porta brace bag that came with my shure fp-31 is nice but rather basic.
i spent a lot of time today looking at the kata and it looks really well designed.
its hard to tell as the petrol graphics aren't as detailed. i like the detailed line drawings in the kata pdf, they let you really see how its put together.
matthew
the kata has so many nice little extras that i'm surprised everyone is so big on the petrol.
i don't know there bags but the porta brace bag that came with my shure fp-31 is nice but rather basic.
i spent a lot of time today looking at the kata and it looks really well designed.
its hard to tell as the petrol graphics aren't as detailed. i like the detailed line drawings in the kata pdf, they let you really see how its put together.
matthew
MattinSTL
Sound Modulator
Petrol arrives tomorrow... I'll give a quickie-review shortly thereafter... sort of a "first impressions". After a week or two I'll probably be very opinionated on it one way or the other... 'cause I usually put gear in one of two categories... "love it" or "replace it".
i do a TON of research before i buy anything but when its a bag i am probably 10x more picky about bags.
i have looked at the petrol and i just can't find a reason to pick that one.
the kata bags i have way exceeded even my expectations and the two kata sound bags i have looked at are the sundo-1 or 2, or the kola 4 which just came out for the sd 302.
the kola bags look nice, but the sundo's have more room, i like how you can adjust how high or low your mixer rides and it looks like you can store your headphones in the bag.
i don't know why but the idea of keeping my headphones in there seems like a good idea. one less thing to leave behind.
but in the end i think i'm going to pick the kola. i don't want a huge bag and the sundo bags are $100 or so more than the koala's
the one thing i like about the petrol was the pocket to put the np-1 battery into!
i love the idea of slipping in a huge battery in and not worrying about running out of power.
i am pretty sure with the sundo bag i could find room for that but not likely with the koala bag.
matthew
i have looked at the petrol and i just can't find a reason to pick that one.
the kata bags i have way exceeded even my expectations and the two kata sound bags i have looked at are the sundo-1 or 2, or the kola 4 which just came out for the sd 302.
the kola bags look nice, but the sundo's have more room, i like how you can adjust how high or low your mixer rides and it looks like you can store your headphones in the bag.
i don't know why but the idea of keeping my headphones in there seems like a good idea. one less thing to leave behind.
but in the end i think i'm going to pick the kola. i don't want a huge bag and the sundo bags are $100 or so more than the koala's
the one thing i like about the petrol was the pocket to put the np-1 battery into!
i love the idea of slipping in a huge battery in and not worrying about running out of power.
i am pretty sure with the sundo bag i could find room for that but not likely with the koala bag.
matthew
timapter
Veteran
Hey, Im using a rental 302 in a portabrace now.... Oh my g*d I think the bag sucks.... Im looking at Petrol and Kata when my 302 comes in later this year...
George is right - you just cant see the meters nicely...
Anyhow, good luck with it, im not sure about the stitching and stuff they always seem pretty solid to me, and the rental ones here are pretty old...
George is right - you just cant see the meters nicely...
Anyhow, good luck with it, im not sure about the stitching and stuff they always seem pretty solid to me, and the rental ones here are pretty old...
MattinSTL
Sound Modulator
Well the Petrol is here and again... mixed feelings. The reason I went with this over the Sundo-1 (Kata) was because the PEGZ-1 is basically square where the mixer and marantz go and on the Sundo it's more rounded. The interior of the Petrol is probably about the same as the interior of the Kata. It's that super-soft material that velcro grabs instantly.
Now I see the deal with the window too. I wouldn't say it's as bad of an option as others have. It's odd that the entire window flap is only held on by velcro, so you can position it or open it either way.
The bag does seem heavy for it's size. Oddly so. I see that it's comparable in weight to some other bags in this class, but the Kata is more then 1/2 pound lighter. Maybe even 3/4 of a pound lighter. That's a pretty big deal.
The Petrol does seem to be constructed well for the most part, but I have one complaint. The zippers on this thing are a joke. If you go to WalMart and buy your 3 year old daughter a pair of slacks made in East Tiawan you'll get zippers this good.
Go to the Kata site and look at their proprietary zippers. Hey Petrol! Why did you cheap out on the zippers!? Even my PortaBrace bags have zippers that are more heavy-duty. The part that zips together is made of fine teeth and the zipper "clasp" or whatever you call the thing that joins the zipper is petite. Since the thing is loaded with zippers that's a big deal.
Matthew mentioned the Kata has the double floor and adjustable height for the mixer. The Petrol is the same way. I'll have no problems getting both the marantz and mixer to the level I want each of them. I want the mixer to stick up past the marantz and that's why I went with this bag. It appeared that would be easy to do and it was.
Well that's all I have for now. I can see the enthusiasm for these newer bags over the PortaBrace, but it would be a good idea to compare the Petrol and Kata side by side.
EDIT: Edited because the Petrol is nicer then I gave it credit for in this overly critical post.
Now I see the deal with the window too. I wouldn't say it's as bad of an option as others have. It's odd that the entire window flap is only held on by velcro, so you can position it or open it either way.
The bag does seem heavy for it's size. Oddly so. I see that it's comparable in weight to some other bags in this class, but the Kata is more then 1/2 pound lighter. Maybe even 3/4 of a pound lighter. That's a pretty big deal.
The Petrol does seem to be constructed well for the most part, but I have one complaint. The zippers on this thing are a joke. If you go to WalMart and buy your 3 year old daughter a pair of slacks made in East Tiawan you'll get zippers this good.
Go to the Kata site and look at their proprietary zippers. Hey Petrol! Why did you cheap out on the zippers!? Even my PortaBrace bags have zippers that are more heavy-duty. The part that zips together is made of fine teeth and the zipper "clasp" or whatever you call the thing that joins the zipper is petite. Since the thing is loaded with zippers that's a big deal.
Matthew mentioned the Kata has the double floor and adjustable height for the mixer. The Petrol is the same way. I'll have no problems getting both the marantz and mixer to the level I want each of them. I want the mixer to stick up past the marantz and that's why I went with this bag. It appeared that would be easy to do and it was.
Well that's all I have for now. I can see the enthusiasm for these newer bags over the PortaBrace, but it would be a good idea to compare the Petrol and Kata side by side.
EDIT: Edited because the Petrol is nicer then I gave it credit for in this overly critical post.
http://www.petrolbags.com/new_petrol_site/products/Sound_Bags_I/PEGZ-2/images_L/PEGZ-2-03.jpg
whats wrong with the picture ?
whats wrong with the picture ?
MattinSTL
Sound Modulator
Alrighty there buddy. You made your point. I didn't mean to kick Petrol in the nuts over some crappy zippers. It's just that I'd be really curious to check out a Kata in person, but you know what? I'm done! The Petrol is it.
Again the one thing I can say for this bag is everything is where I want it to be. It just seems like a lot of bag for just a few items. Maybe if I stick a 302 or something in there next year it'll look more appropriate.
When I said I had this thing in 8 pieces I lied... it was at least 12.
So it's not a bad bag, but since both the Kata and Petrol are around $220 I think anybody who can, should check them both out.
Again the one thing I can say for this bag is everything is where I want it to be. It just seems like a lot of bag for just a few items. Maybe if I stick a 302 or something in there next year it'll look more appropriate.
When I said I had this thing in 8 pieces I lied... it was at least 12.
So it's not a bad bag, but since both the Kata and Petrol are around $220 I think anybody who can, should check them both out.
never sad you don't have to check - you better check since most of them are only kind of compromise - might be you need a different compromise
lets say that there is no one on the plannet earth who run petrol eargonizer 2 longer then me and i still have all my zippers good
about 302 - the both devices which in the picture are better solution for normal mixing - the 302 is in some way designed to be "another mixer "
lets say that there is no one on the plannet earth who run petrol eargonizer 2 longer then me and i still have all my zippers good
about 302 - the both devices which in the picture are better solution for normal mixing - the 302 is in some way designed to be "another mixer "
MattinSTL
Sound Modulator
I've got the eargonizer set up how I like it now and I think we'll be friends. It does seem like overkill for the stuff I have right now, but by next summer it should be exactly the right size.
Thanks for steering me in another direction besides PortaBrace.
My eyes have been opened and I'll refer everybody to Petrol or Kata from now on.
Thanks for steering me in another direction besides PortaBrace.
My eyes have been opened and I'll refer everybody to Petrol or Kata from now on.
MattinSTL
Sound Modulator
I realize this is a redundant post, but I wanted to give this thread an extra BUMP since I was so hard on the Petrol... and I was so reluctant to try a brand other then PortaBrace.
That was some of the best advice I've got on this forum. Since yesterday this bag has transformed into a perfect setup for me. It's the excessive modularity that makes it so perfect. There hasn't been one thing I can think of that this bag isn't ready for.
I wanted my mixer up slightly higher then the marantz. No problem. Then I decided I wanted it to tilt in towards me slightly. No problem. Hey why not have padding around the bottom of the marantz, but have it held so that there's a little airspace around it so it can vent heat if needed (same goes for the mixer). No problem. It's not just a double floor, but the seperate velcro supports allow you to set the case at several levels plus route everything cleanly. Also the complaints others had about the nylon handles getting in the way seems to be an old problem. On one side of the bag there's a velcro bit that lines up perfectly to grab that handle (revealed under a flap) and on the other side when you open the bag there's velcro to mate with the handle and top so it manages both of those items as well.
Speaking of the top of the bag, the "lid" is done in such a way that you can mount it normal or reversed and it expands in 3 stages so that if you want to keep the gear covered, but still need to get to controls, it's no problem.
The plastic attachments for the wireless pouches were a complaint I found on another site, and I think that person wasn't too bright. If anything I think they increase the value of the bag. The pouches should protect any transmitters or receivers plus they pop on and off the bag with the push of a button. (not a button that could ever be accidentally pushed either... you gotta' reach for it)
The other thing I like is how easy it is to keep everything organized but still route all the cables and connections. I'll leave the bag wired up all the time, and the only time any gear comes out is to change batteries. Speaking of that the gear goes in and out really easily too, even though it's all held really secure.
When I got my DVX I didn't wait even a week to get a good bag to protect it. At the time I didn't consider anything but PortaBrace. I was really skeptical to try anything else and I felt a little offended that anybody would call Porta an inferior product. (I've got several Porta bags.) After two days of playing with this thing... and really just today being constantly surprised at how it seemed ready for any configuration I could think of... I doubt I'll ever buy another Porta bag. They better wake up and smell the progress. It wouldn't take any retooling of their factory, but they should incorporate a bright interior and modular velcro interior construction.
I'm sure there's lots of people like me who wouldn't consider any other brand just because of the Porta name and reputation, but give 'em 24 hours with the competition and they'll never be back.
That was some of the best advice I've got on this forum. Since yesterday this bag has transformed into a perfect setup for me. It's the excessive modularity that makes it so perfect. There hasn't been one thing I can think of that this bag isn't ready for.
I wanted my mixer up slightly higher then the marantz. No problem. Then I decided I wanted it to tilt in towards me slightly. No problem. Hey why not have padding around the bottom of the marantz, but have it held so that there's a little airspace around it so it can vent heat if needed (same goes for the mixer). No problem. It's not just a double floor, but the seperate velcro supports allow you to set the case at several levels plus route everything cleanly. Also the complaints others had about the nylon handles getting in the way seems to be an old problem. On one side of the bag there's a velcro bit that lines up perfectly to grab that handle (revealed under a flap) and on the other side when you open the bag there's velcro to mate with the handle and top so it manages both of those items as well.
Speaking of the top of the bag, the "lid" is done in such a way that you can mount it normal or reversed and it expands in 3 stages so that if you want to keep the gear covered, but still need to get to controls, it's no problem.
The plastic attachments for the wireless pouches were a complaint I found on another site, and I think that person wasn't too bright. If anything I think they increase the value of the bag. The pouches should protect any transmitters or receivers plus they pop on and off the bag with the push of a button. (not a button that could ever be accidentally pushed either... you gotta' reach for it)
The other thing I like is how easy it is to keep everything organized but still route all the cables and connections. I'll leave the bag wired up all the time, and the only time any gear comes out is to change batteries. Speaking of that the gear goes in and out really easily too, even though it's all held really secure.
When I got my DVX I didn't wait even a week to get a good bag to protect it. At the time I didn't consider anything but PortaBrace. I was really skeptical to try anything else and I felt a little offended that anybody would call Porta an inferior product. (I've got several Porta bags.) After two days of playing with this thing... and really just today being constantly surprised at how it seemed ready for any configuration I could think of... I doubt I'll ever buy another Porta bag. They better wake up and smell the progress. It wouldn't take any retooling of their factory, but they should incorporate a bright interior and modular velcro interior construction.
I'm sure there's lots of people like me who wouldn't consider any other brand just because of the Porta name and reputation, but give 'em 24 hours with the competition and they'll never be back.
MattinSTL said:
Nice review, Matt. Glad to hear you like this Petrol bag. You mentioned both devices fitting nicely together. Do you have both the mixer and recorder in the main compartment? (Petrol does not provide any pictures showing two devices fitting there properly.)
This is the best pic I could find of the 302, but no recorder, or other second device.
http://www.petrolbags.com/new_petrol_site/products/Sound_Bags_I/PEGZ-1/images_L/PEGZ-04.jpg
By the way, since you have it the way you like it, can you show us a couple of pics?
Thanks.
MattinSTL
Sound Modulator
JBR... yeah both the mixer and marantz are in the main compartment. That compartment has a center divider that can be positioned slightly forward or back, but it wants to split the interior of the bag in two halves, and that's how I have it.
On the one side the bag can accomodate the 671 at full depth and keep it just under the top of the bag, or you can use one of the pads that came with it to push it a little higher. I use the other pad to hold an airspace around the marantz. I'm actually not using several parts that were in the bag when I took it out of the box. The 302 could lay in the largest velcro "shelf" or whatever you want to call it. I'm not using that part. On the other side of that center divider I used two of the smaller velcro straps/shelf strips to create a pocket for the mixpre (fp24). Then I used another one to prop the mixer forward and also give a hidden route for my 7506 cord.
Right now I'm using cables that are way too long for this setup, but I'm going to order all my purpose-made cables tomorrow morning. They'll be here by Wednesday evening and I'll post pics on Wed or Thu. I don't want to post a pic of my bag as it is now because it will just look cluttered from so much cable bundled up in it. Since I'm ordering 18" cables tomorrow I'd rather wait until the pictures better support my statements. I wouldn't even take this bag on a shoot with miles of extra cable.
EDIT: Okay so here it is w/o the long cables inside, but you get the gist. This will be sweet and simple by Thu. I think these pics say enough. The marantz is 2" wider then the 302 plus you can see I have an extra 2" to accomodate XLR connectors... so with XLR in one side and out the other you should still be nearly perfect in this bag. My 7506's fit great in the front pocket and I'll leave them there all the time (I have spares) with the cable routed into the main compartment. I have just enough length that I can plug into the marantz or the mixpre, but it's still out of the way. Also I like that the zippered pocket on front has 4 closers along the length, so you can secure your headphone cable at whatever length you need and still use the pocket independent of that.
Hmm... does that answer it? I can have more professional pics by Thursday.
On the one side the bag can accomodate the 671 at full depth and keep it just under the top of the bag, or you can use one of the pads that came with it to push it a little higher. I use the other pad to hold an airspace around the marantz. I'm actually not using several parts that were in the bag when I took it out of the box. The 302 could lay in the largest velcro "shelf" or whatever you want to call it. I'm not using that part. On the other side of that center divider I used two of the smaller velcro straps/shelf strips to create a pocket for the mixpre (fp24). Then I used another one to prop the mixer forward and also give a hidden route for my 7506 cord.
Right now I'm using cables that are way too long for this setup, but I'm going to order all my purpose-made cables tomorrow morning. They'll be here by Wednesday evening and I'll post pics on Wed or Thu. I don't want to post a pic of my bag as it is now because it will just look cluttered from so much cable bundled up in it. Since I'm ordering 18" cables tomorrow I'd rather wait until the pictures better support my statements. I wouldn't even take this bag on a shoot with miles of extra cable.
EDIT: Okay so here it is w/o the long cables inside, but you get the gist. This will be sweet and simple by Thu. I think these pics say enough. The marantz is 2" wider then the 302 plus you can see I have an extra 2" to accomodate XLR connectors... so with XLR in one side and out the other you should still be nearly perfect in this bag. My 7506's fit great in the front pocket and I'll leave them there all the time (I have spares) with the cable routed into the main compartment. I have just enough length that I can plug into the marantz or the mixpre, but it's still out of the way. Also I like that the zippered pocket on front has 4 closers along the length, so you can secure your headphone cable at whatever length you need and still use the pocket independent of that.
Hmm... does that answer it? I can have more professional pics by Thursday.
MattinSTL said:
Mr. Matt,
Thank you a thousand times for taking the time to both describe your setup and then to take the time, not only to shoot these pictures, but also to edit and notate areas of interests and measurement. All of this put together is very, very helpful.
And to our other resident readers, I want to say a word of thanks for the many helpful things you have provided also. Each of you have made many helpful recommendations.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well Matt, "You done good!"
Your pictures, with the proper equipment installed, have helped me to know, with great confidence, which bag would work best for me. We need to do more of this--showing products in detail, as well as talking about them. When I get mine setup finished, I'll try and do the same.
By the way, Matt, what program did you use for posting the written comments in the photographs. Those type of extra things are very helpful.
You guys take care. Now it is starting to get good!
wabbit
Evil has Ears
That's awesome that you are happy with your new bag. So many purchases end up with a "meh" attitude. When you find something that works for you that can just make your month.
The pictures are great. What was not shown is the great little "hidden" features. Like the rear compartment you can use to store extra batteries or adapters. The passthru for cables into the front compartment to run your wireless cables thru. And of course as you pointed out, the bottom to run your cables around without cluttering up your bag.
IMHO, it is a great little bag. Not perfect but much more thought out then any PB bags out there.
The pictures are great. What was not shown is the great little "hidden" features. Like the rear compartment you can use to store extra batteries or adapters. The passthru for cables into the front compartment to run your wireless cables thru. And of course as you pointed out, the bottom to run your cables around without cluttering up your bag.
IMHO, it is a great little bag. Not perfect but much more thought out then any PB bags out there.
I, for one, will go on record saying I cannot stand the Velcro on the left and right side entries of the PB bags. Not just any Velcro, but Industrial Strength Velcro.wabbit said:
Just when someone needs to sneak a hand in and check/verify a connection (or grab that sandwich), you hear this RIP!!!--not a soft volume mind you, but LOUD ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE ON THE SET TO HEAR! Whoops!
Now let's talk Kata and Petrol, who kindly allow you to reach inside through the use of elastic, adjustable closures on each side. Ahhhhhhh.
NOW which companies do you think is listening to the customer? 'Just goes to show you that Big Blue is not always right.