#684

thoughts / experience of the Waldorf KB37?

I need a second case (got a Pittsburgh 360) - it’ll will be used mainly standalone from other case largely for development purposes, needs a reasonable PSU, and don’t want to be too limited by depth.
but otherwise I was thinking something small/inexpensive, perhaps like the Nifty.

then I remembered the KB37, and thought this might complement the other rack nicely, and also very useful when has to be sat next to a computer rather than the rest of my music gear.
price seems to have tumbled, waldorf have reduced to 599 euro, but Ive seen it as low as 499 euro.
more than I wanted to spend… but seems like an interesting idea to consider.

I’ve seen some are not happy with duophonic implementation… but think its probably something I can live with?!.

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#685

I’m happy with the paraphony. 2cv’s 1 gate. For 499 it’s a steal i think. I think i paid 800 a couple years back.

Solid and heavy.

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#686

I have one and really like it. A well made weighty bit of kit. Works well as a controller keyboard for the computer as well as a standalone thing. Never used the paraphony, but 499 sounds like a bargain - i paid more than that second hand and don’t feel ripped off!

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#687

Ah the joys of eurorack!

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#688

I use a Doepfer 6U suitcase and a 6U suitcase base. Doepfer PSU is heavy but really very good so I wouldn’t swap it for a lesser one. The cases are heavy but they are built really ruggedly. I tried an Intellijel 7U 104HP case but went back to Doepfer because I prefer a flight case type to chuck in the car or in the overhead compartment on a plane, and have been using Doepfer suitcases for 9 years now.

#689

The weight is an issue for me because I rely on public transport. Something relatively easy to get up and down stairs at stations would be a plus!

#690

Doepfer Psu2 in old cases was 1kg, Psu3 used for more than 3 years now is 420 g. But I agree about the weight. Just got an 2x104 hp eastwick case which is 2,5 kg empty without power and offers a depth of more than 6cm as I like to use some deeper modules as well.

#691

kb37 - there’s a huge in-depth analysis/opinion on mw (plus other longer threads)

https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=220672&highlight=

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#692

thanks @forestcaver - I’d read your excellent MW post before, and then couldn’t find it again yesterday, so thanks providing the link.

it’s a real shame about the implementation of the duophonic, seems like it would not be that difficult to ‘fix’ - so a shame they didn’t address in the firmware update. when was 0.75 released?
I do fear a bit that with current price reductions, that waldorf might be thinking of discontinuing (updating?), that would not matter, except it makes another firmware update unlikely.

Im still a bit in two minds:
one hand, get a small case and use a midi controller - bit cheaper, smaller, lighter.
other hand, i love having a decent keybed, feels more satisfying to play, like a quality instrument.

thanks @forestcaver definitely gives me food for thought.

fortunately, not found any black friday deals… so Im not forced into a decision this weekend , this is a good thing…

#693

No problem! (I dont have one but recalled reading that article - it’s not for me - way too small and I’m crap on a keyboard :slight_smile: )

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#694

Fair enough! But the Doepfer is rugged enough for regular bashing about on public transport.

Twenty years ago I used to carry an Anvil case and a camera bag both filled with music gear on the subway between Washington Heights in Manhattan and Astoria, Queens. If I left band practice after midnight, it could take up to 2.5 hours on the subway to get from one borough to another.

#695

anyone have any experience with the MDLR Case’s? Im looking specifically at the Travel 7U 94hp. https://www.mdlrcase.com/eurorack-travel-case-7u-94hp/

#696

I have a126 7U for 3 years or so. Heavy for the size but rugged and durable, mine closes with stackables on stackables.

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#697

Probably only marginally helpful, but I have a 114HPx12U studio case from MDLRCASE. It’s sturdy and well constructed, and I was happy with how Arjan answered my questions and kept me up to date about the delay due to his backlog at the time. At the time that I ordered it, even with shipping it was less expensive than any US-made cases of similar size.

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#698

Same here. Great communication.

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#699

Yup Arjan is a good guy.

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#700

I’ve built two cases at home with Vector rail purchased from Mouser (I purchased a 4 pack of 60 inch pieces) with good results.

The first of the two is a briefcase intended for a small portable live setup which I’ve named the “briefbass”. The base is a plastic shell Samsonite briefcase which affords space for housing two rows of just under 100HP with the ability to close the case while leaving everything fully patched. The case and rails are quite light with the result that the entire setup including modules weighs just over 13 pounds. I’m using 4ms Row Power 40 and a standard laptop power supply to power both rows, with Befaco Bus Boards for power distribution.

In addition I also have a laptop power bank which is compatible with the Row Power supplies enabling me to take the case case entirely off grid for 3/4 hours at a time. I’ve taken it on a few excursions to the park nearby to noodle in a different surrounding and have really enjoyed the experience. In particular I’ve had fun taking it into different pedestrian foot tunnels and using the natural reverb of the space.

IMG_20190902_142619
IMG_20190902_1426194032×3024 3.37 MB
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IMG_20190820_0853024032×3024 4.92 MB

The second case I built is a 9U studio upright based on the designs shared by Nathan Thompson on Muffwiggler using black MDF which I purchased via Ponoko. The process of assembling this was very straightforward, and barring some aesthetic blemishes caused by over-application of wood glue I’m really happy with the end result. I’ve temporarily pulled the Row Power power setup from my briefcase into this but I’m strongly considering replacing it with a trogotronic power bus.

IMG_20191109_094232
IMG_20191109_0942323024×4032 4.18 MB

I still have enough surplus rail left over to build another case and for this I’m planning to build a 9U skiff also of Nathan’s design using clear acrylic. My hope is to take advantage of the clear back to experiment with different internal case lighting options.

Overall as someone who is medium-level handy and with only the ability to work in a living room with limited access to tools the process of assembling both these cases was far more accessible than I’d anticipated. I’d definitely encourage anyone who is looking for cheap case options to check out Nathan’s designs.

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#701

I’ve made a number of Nathan’s cases using 1/4” plywood and the laser cutter at my local library. It doesn’t require any tools at all, other than a screwdriver to install the rails. I use painter’s tape to clamp the wood while the glue sets. Anyone can do it.

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#702

Rather delayed feedback but here’s my 2c on the Mantis.

I have now used it a couple of times in a live setting and all the time in the studio.

In short, it’s a revolution compared to my Heath Robinson DIY jobs (I am deeply remedial at DIY I understand others are different).

I enjoy the angulation options and the ergonomics of using it. This is my 1st 104hp as opposed to 84 and the extra space is vital for my current live setup.

Fitting modules is a bit of a pain. Some modules seem not to want to fit between the rails without a bit of cajoling and it’s pretty shallow but I guess that helps with the portability and a light weight. I have had a similar experience in terms of the hight of modules with other cases too so this was no great disaster for me.

Power wise the case seems to manage my power hungry digital selection quite happily. According to modular grid I’m using about half the available power of the Zeus Tiptop setup.

In terms of portability it’s brilliant. Revelatory in terms of weight. I have the Decksaver and use the newer Trans Mantis Express bag and it’s lighter than my daily work bag (containing laptop and lunch) to get to the gigs. I can take it patches using stackables and right angled tendril cables as well as some standard cables.

Obviously the case is plastic so probably not as environmentally friendly as some other options. Also, it is not bombproof compared to some other builds so you’d not want to check it in at the airport, but has hand luggage I don’t think it would be an issue.

Overall, for the money I think it’s pretty unbeatable.

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#703

This is my first time hearing about the new bag. Definitely plan on picking one up when I’m ready to expand!

1 Like