UDG Creator Series Controller Hardcases Review

Video Review

First Impressions / Setting up

UDG’s Creator Series hard cases are a minimal, inexpensive answer to the question: What do I transport my DJ controller around in? But do they cut too many corners? Are they sufficient to protect your beloved device? And what are the pros and cons of this type of case? We answer all of these questions in today’s review and video.

The cases are really the definition of “minimal”: They have no external pockets, no internal pockets, no choices of carrying styles (there’s just a basic pair of loop handles) and are designed to carry a controller, and only a controller.

They come in four sizes: M, L, XL and 2XL, and they cater for controllers as small as the Mixtrack Pro 2 (although a device that small does rattle around a little, even in the smallest case which is recommended for it), all the way up to the Numark NS7II (although that controller is, to my mind, frankly too heavy for this type of bag).

Different Sizes

The UDG Creator Hardcase comes in four different sizes, though none are custom-fit to any specific controller, meaning there will be a little bit of space around the edges for some DJ controllers as seen here.

However, for all the controllers in-between – we’re talking just about every Pioneer, Numark, Reloop, Native Instruments and so on model that you care to mention – there is a UDG Creator Hardcase that fits it. We tested the Traktor Kontrol S2 (the medium case), the Reloop Beatmix 4 (the large case), and the Pioneer DDJ-SX (the XL case); all fitted snugly width-wise, with a little “give” vertically.

They are made of tough, semi-stuffed nylon with more protection at the corners and edges, which is clearly where you need it most. Despite being lightweight, they will withstand knocks in these areas. They wouldn’t be so useful if something heavy was dropped directly on the case in the middle, though, as that’s where the protection is lightest.

The zip goes around three sides. Unzipping the case reveals an eggshell foam interior, with both the lid and the base covered in the same material. There is no extra padding provided as with some more expensive models, so you really do have to make sure you’re happy with the size you buy for your controller or be prepared to pad any extra space yourself with whatever you can find handy.

One added advantage we found with these cases is that they can double up really nicely as a stand to raise your controller to the right height for DJing when it is put on a “normal” height table (ie the kind of table you’re likely to be given in a bar or lounge to DJ on) – saves you asking for a beer crate, or slouching over it and getting a bad back at the end of the night.

Conclusion

At €50 to €100, investing in a case like this, particularly if you’re worrying about whether to go to the extra expense of a case at all, is really a no-brainer. Controllers are expensive and delicate; whether it’s just for putting your device away when you’re not using it, or carting it to the occasional gig, one of these will tick the box for you.

If you want something to take all of your gear in, though, a Creator Hardcase isn’t it; you’ll definitely need a backpack for your laptop, leads and headphones as a minimum. Also, if you are going to DJ out a lot, I’d recommend spending more to get something with a little more protection.

With that said, however, one of these is infinitely better than nothing at all: Your decision shouldn’t be whether or not you should buy a case, but how much you want to spend on one. If the answer to that question is “not much”, the UDG Creator series should be on your shortlist.