Organizing your sound equipment

DigitalBard

DigitalBard

Well-known member
Any recommendations on a good bag for organizing sound equipment and accessories? I've got a Zoom H4h, 5 XLR cables of various lengths, two G3 wireless kits, a couple dozen adapters, a dozen lav mics of various lengths, 4 handheld mics, two shotgun mics, etc...

I'm looking for a better way to keep this stuff organized. What are you using?
 
I got this case recently when it was on sale at BhPhoto: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1077483-REG/lowepro_lp36793_hardside_200_video_bag.html

I keep my two lav kits (with all accessories), Audix hyper mic, on camera shotgun, mixpre3, Tascam Dr-40 (for emergency backup), various adaptors and short 1/8mm cable connectors, and a few other knick knacks.

The XLR cables are ready for a different level of abuse than the above-listed items, so they are in a different (more general crap) bag.

I don't think your particular list of items would fit into this case, but I think you could go with something similar but one size bigger as long as you put the xlr cables elsewhere.
 
about 10s in you get a glimpse of this guys case (looks like a Pelican 1510) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-hXTn7xU7A

I'm using a 1510 and have 3 x XLR cables, 2x Rodelink sets, 3 XLR mics + 3 lavs, Fostex R302, Tascam DR-60, fury plus a few other bits&pieces


edit: the guy who posted the YouTube video confirmed it is the Pelican 1510
 
Last edited:
Thanks! I actually just ordered a Pelican 1510 for my 3 DSLRs and lenses. Once I get it, I'll see if I should get another for my audio gear.
 
I also found several dozen various sized small zipper pouches on eBay for a few bucks each. I ordered a bunch of them to store adapters, cables and such. Just need to find a friend who can screen print text on them so I know what's in each one.
 
For adapters I have a zippered bag but inside I use ziplocks for each type, so all the XLR, RCA, 1/4", BNC, etc are in separate see through bags. Makes it really fast to get to what you are looking for.
 
DigitalBard said:
Thanks! I actually just ordered a Pelican 1510 for my 3 DSLRs and lenses. Once I get it, I'll see if I should get another for my audio gear.
Click to expand...

The 1510 is OK but it really needs the lid organiser (which I plan on getting).

Ideally I would like the case to be bigger (and lighter!) so I can carry the Rode Blimp plus some extra RodeLink units.
 
I bought four of the Ktek KGBM1 bags and have kind of fallen in love with them because of the see-through bottom. Never understimate the power of being able to see what you are looking for without having to open the case. I have one for each Røde Video Wireless microphone system and one each for shotgun and wired lavs. They rock. Perfect for throwing in my roller duffle with all of my video gear.

Ktek 1.jpg
Ktek 2.jpg
Ktek 3.jpg
 
Last edited:
Ya, those see-through K-Tek bags are great. An additional nice feature of the see-through top...you can ask another equipment-aware person to grab something for you from your run bag/case since they'll be able to see what's in each of your bags...

I also have a few of those see-through plastic small-parts organizers. I got them at a local hardware store...nice to hold various adapters, extra lav mount gags (tape, hush lavs, etc). You know the things:
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=67569426

pACE3-21749871enh-z7.jpg


Also, I've tried all sorts of methods of storing lav mics and their accessories. Sanken lavs come with OK plastic cases... I've also used fold-up fabric filter cases to hold lavs. But currently I mainly use little transparent plastic cases that were originally designed for...well, I have no idea. But I found them at The Container Store and bought a bunch. Lectrosonics now sells something that looks just-about exactly like the little cases I use, but theirs is blue. Widely available at video and audio dealers for something like $5 (about what I paid for mine at The Container Store, iirc). Stick the lav in the "big" compartment and windscreens, mounts, etc in the small compartments. The things are about 3-inches x 2-inches x 1-inch.
http://www.lectrosonics.com/US/Microphones-Microphone-Accessories/product/532-micbox.html

bluelavmiccase.jpg



It took a long time to figure out what works for me...and I still keep changing things around. A good hardware store is your friend.
 
Last edited:
In addition to the 'Lectro' lav case (which I think is a generic case since I've seen them elsewhere besides Lectrosonics, I have a few of the Pelican Micro cases. The smallest one is just big enough for two mics and a few mounting accessories. Like other Pelican cases, they're waterproof and can take a beating. About $10 cheap.
 
You know, at Ace Hardware (a big US chain) the other day I saw some generic Pelican Micro / Otterbox-style waterproof cases for a very-cheap price. I'd probably go for Pelican if I have to choose (and I have a few of their and Otter's micro cases), but the Ace cases are easy to find:

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=67569446

But I like the compartments of the Lectro/Container-Store cases (my memory is Lectro isn't claiming any IP over the cases...just making them widely & easily available for pretty much the same price as elsewhere).

Mostly, I like poking around stores, websites, and forums like this for cool bags and cases....
 
Those K-Tek Gizmo bags are really great. I like to fill those up with similar gear, and THEN throw those in a bigger pelican if I am going to move them around from one place to another for a shoot. I'm a HUGE fan of Pelican cases with the pick n' pluck foam. Pelican is an awesome company with an awesome warranty and awesome people.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top