Cases, racks & bags
Cases, Racks and Bags – Your Specialist for Safe Transport
Setting up, reconfiguring, dismantling, transporting: cases, racks and transport bags are the unsung heroes of every event production. Whether you move sensitive light and sound equipment from venue to venue or store gear safely between shows, the right protective solution keeps your investment intact.
At LTT you will find rugged flight cases, professional 19" racks and lightweight padded bags for every application. Discover hard-wearing brand products that are built to survive tour life and daily road use.
As your specialist for event technology, LTT combines more than 25 years of experience with a huge selection so you always find the optimal solution for your transport needs.
What Are Cases, Racks and Bags? Fundamentals
Cases, racks and bags are protective and transport solutions for professional event technology. Each type serves a distinct purpose, and understanding the difference helps you choose correctly.
Cases
A case (also called a flight case or road case) is a rigid protective box, typically built from plywood laminated with plastic, aluminium profile edges, ball corners and butterfly latches. Cases shield mixers, lighting fixtures, cables and DJ gear against impact, dust and moisture during transport and storage.
Racks
A rack is a standardised mounting frame based on the 19" format. Devices with rack ears — amplifiers, signal processors, power distribution and network gear — are screwed into the vertical rails. Rack heights are measured in rack units (U), where one U equals 44.45 mm. Racks often come pre-built into a case for mobile use.
Bags
A bag is a soft, padded carrying solution made from durable nylon or polyester with foam or fleece lining. Bags are lighter than cases and ideal for gear that needs quick access and moderate protection, such as microphones, cables, stands or compact lighting.
Unlike simple cardboard boxes or generic storage, event-grade cases, racks and bags are engineered for repeated stacking, rough handling and long service life. That distinction is exactly what separates professional transport hardware from improvised packaging.
Applications: Where Cases, Racks and Bags Are Used
Cases, racks and bags are used wherever event technology travels or needs safe storage. Their applications span the entire live and installation sector.
- Touring and live shows: Bands and production companies move backline, mixing consoles and lighting rigs between venues.
- DJ and club setups: DJ controllers, players and mixers travel in fitted cases to gigs and festivals.
- Rental and dry-hire: Rental houses protect valuable inventory during frequent transport and handling.
- Trade fairs and exhibitions: Exhibition builders transport control gear, media players and signal equipment to stands.
- Theatres, churches and clubs: Fixed installations use racks to organise amplifiers, DSPs and power distribution neatly.
- BOS and radio applications: Communication and control equipment is stored in shockproof cases for field deployment.
Cases, racks and bags pair perfectly with the gear you already run. If you are equipping a mobile rig, take a look at our lighting technology and audio technology ranges to complete your setup and keep everything protected on the road.
Types and Variants of Cases, Racks and Bags
The range of cases, racks and bags covers many variants, each tuned to a specific job. Knowing the models makes selection much easier.
Case variants
- Universal cases: Empty cases with foam or dividers you cut to fit.
- Fitted / device cases: Pre-shaped inlays for specific controllers, consoles or fixtures.
- Rack cases: Cases with integrated 19" rails, front and rear lids.
- Trolley and cable cases: Wheeled cases with pull handles for heavy loads.
Rack variants
- Open frame racks: Simple 19" frames for fixed installation.
- Rack cases (combo): Portable racks encased in a flight case body.
- Wall and studio racks: Compact solutions for permanent locations.
Bag variants
- Cable bags: Divided compartments for coiled cables.
- Fixture bags: Padded pouches for LED pars and moving heads.
- Stand and tripod bags: Long tubular bags for lighting or speaker stands.
Choose universal cases for maximum flexibility, fitted cases for the best protection, and bags when weight and quick access matter more than absolute rigidity.
Comparison: Case vs Rack vs Bag
Which transport solution fits your gear? The comparison below highlights the key differences between a hard case, a 19" rack and a padded bag so you can match the format to the job.
For heavy touring schedules and sensitive electronics, a hard case or rack case is the safer bet. For lightweight, frequently accessed accessories, a padded bag saves your back and speeds up load-in.
Technical Buying Criteria and Materials
When choosing cases, racks and bags, the technical details decide how well your gear survives daily transport. Focus on these measurable features.
Construction and material
- Plywood cases: 7–9 mm birch or poplar plywood with a plastic laminate (often 0.5–1 mm) offers the highest durability.
- Aluminium profiles and hardware: Look for reinforced corners, ball corners and recessed butterfly latches.
- Bag fabrics: 600D or higher denier polyester with 10–20 mm foam padding balances weight and protection.
Dimensions and fit
- Measure your device precisely; leave clearance for foam or dividers.
- For racks, count the rack units (U) you need — one U equals 44.45 mm — and note the mounting depth in mm.
Load and handling
- Check the stated maximum load, especially for wheeled cases.
- Castors of 80–100 mm roll better over cables and uneven venue floors.
- Spring-loaded or dish handles avoid snagging when stacked.
Access and ventilation
- Front and rear lids on rack cases ease cabling.
- Ventilated rack panels help dissipate heat from amplifiers.
Match these specifications to your actual gear and transport routine rather than buying the cheapest option — the right build quality pays off over years of use.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
This buying guide walks you through the decisions that matter when you purchase cases, racks and bags for event technology.
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Define the gear and weight. List every device you want to transport and note its weight and dimensions. Heavy amplifiers belong in a rack, fragile controllers in a fitted case.
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Decide protection vs weight. For long tours and fragile electronics, prioritise rigid cases. For quick jobs and accessories, a bag keeps things light.
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Check the format. For 19" devices, confirm the rack units and mounting depth. For loose gear, decide between pre-cut foam and pick-and-pluck inlays.
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Plan for mobility. If you handle load-ins alone, choose wheeled trolley cases with pull handles.
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Consider future gear. A slightly larger universal case or rack leaves room to expand your setup later.
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Look at hardware quality. Recessed latches, ball corners and reinforced handles indicate professional-grade construction.
Buy the solution that matches your real workflow. A well-chosen case, rack or bag protects thousands of euros of equipment and delivers beautiful results by keeping your gear show-ready every time.
Brands and Manufacturers for Cases, Racks and Bags
At LTT you find high-quality brand products from established manufacturers who specialise in transport and protection for event technology.
- Roadinger: A broad programme of flight cases, rack cases and universal cases known for solid build quality at fair prices.
- Accu Case: Rugged road cases and bags designed for DJs and touring professionals.
- Adam Hall Hardware: Case components, latches, corners and profiles for building or repairing your own cases.
- Dimavery: Practical transport bags and cases for instruments and accessories.
- Gravity and König & Meyer: Reliable stands and associated carrying solutions that complement your rack and case setup.
Each of these manufacturers focuses on durability, standardised formats and professional handling. Choosing an established brand means better spare-part availability and long service life — an important factor if you rely on your equipment day after day. As your specialist, LTT curates a range that keeps professionals equipped for every scenario.
Accessories for Cases, Racks and Bags
The right accessories turn a plain case into a perfectly organised transport system. Round out your cases, racks and bags with these matching add-ons.
- Foam inlays: Pick-and-pluck cubed foam or CNC-cut inserts for a custom, shockproof fit.
- Rack hardware: Rack screws, cage nuts, blind panels and ventilation panels to build a clean 19" install.
- Rack drawers and shelves: Fixed and sliding shelves for non-rackmount devices.
- Castors and wheel boards: Retrofit heavy cases with rolling boards for easier load-in.
- Handles, latches and corners: Replacement case hardware from Adam Hall Hardware keeps your cases in service for years.
- Cable management: Straps, hook-and-loop ties and labelling to keep coiled cables tidy inside bags.
When you organise your rack, remember to plan power distribution and signal routing. Explore our cables and connectors range to complete a fully wired, tour-ready rack that saves setup time at every gig.
Care and Maintenance of Cases, Racks and Bags
Regular care keeps your cases, racks and bags reliable over many seasons of use. A little maintenance goes a long way.
Cleaning
Wipe laminated case surfaces with a damp cloth and mild cleaner; avoid aggressive solvents that attack the laminate. Vacuum foam inlays to remove dust and grit that can scratch gear. Brush or spot-clean fabric bags and let them dry fully before storage to prevent mould.
Hardware checks
- Tighten loose butterfly latches, hinges and handle rivets.
- Replace worn ball corners before they crack.
- Lubricate castor bearings and check wheels for flat spots.
Storage
Store cases stacked evenly on a dry surface, lids closed, in a climate-controlled space. Keep bags dry and unfolded to preserve the padding. Inspect rack rails and screws periodically so mounted devices stay secure. Consistent maintenance protects both the transport hardware and the valuable equipment it carries.
LTT – Your Specialist for Event Technology
As your specialist for event technology, LTT is the reliable partner for cases, racks and bags that keep your gear safe on the road. With more than 25 years of experience and over 100,000 positive customer reviews, LTT knows exactly what professionals need for durable, road-proof transport.
You benefit from fast dispatch from Germany, free shipping from €69 and express delivery when a show can't wait. Every purchase is backed by the 3-year LTT warranty, and international customers profit from worldwide shipping and a global dealer network. Resellers can request wholesale conditions.
Complete your setup with matching gear from our lighting technology and audio technology ranges, or protect your entire signal chain with the right cables and connectors. Order your cases, racks and bags today and keep your equipment show-ready.
FAQ – Questions & Answers
A 19-inch rack works by providing two vertical mounting rails set to the standardised 19" width. Rackmount devices such as amplifiers, signal processors and power distribution have front ears that screw directly into the rails. Rack height is measured in rack units (U), where one U equals 44.45 mm, so you can plan exactly how many devices fit. Racks keep gear organised, ventilated and secure during transport. Many event racks are built into a flight case body with front and rear lids for portable, protected use on the road.
A case and a bag differ mainly in rigidity and protection level. A case (or flight case) is a hard, rigid box made from laminated plywood with aluminium edges, ball corners and latches, offering very high protection against impact, dust and moisture — ideal for touring and fragile electronics. A bag is a soft, padded carrying solution made from durable polyester with foam lining, offering moderate protection at much lower weight. Choose a case for heavy-duty transport and stacking, and a bag for lightweight gear like cables, microphones or stands that need quick access.
The cost of a flight case at LTT depends on size, construction and features. Small universal cases and cable cases start from around €50, while fitted device cases and rack cases with integrated 19" rails typically sit higher depending on the number of rack units and hardware. Wheeled trolley cases with castors and reinforced handles cost more due to their heavier build. Padded bags are the budget option, starting from around €15. Investing in a solid case protects thousands of euros of equipment, so match the price to the value and fragility of the gear you transport.
For a DJ controller you should buy a fitted case or a universal case with pick-and-pluck foam that matches the controller's exact dimensions. A fitted case offers the best protection because the inlay is pre-shaped for your specific model, preventing movement during transport. A universal case with cubed foam gives flexibility if you change gear later. Look for ball corners, recessed latches and a sturdy plywood body for touring. If you carry additional players or a mixer, consider a larger case or a rack case so your whole DJ setup travels together and stays show-ready.
To work out how many rack units you need, add up the height of every 19-inch device you want to mount, measured in rack units (U), where one U equals 44.45 mm. Most amplifiers and processors are one to three U tall. Add extra U for ventilation panels, rack drawers and future expansion. Also check the mounting depth in millimetres, because deep amplifiers require a deeper rack case. A common recommendation is to leave one or two spare U so you can add gear later without buying a new rack. Always confirm both height and depth before ordering.
For a mobile DJ or band, a combination of solutions usually works best. Use fitted or universal hard cases for fragile electronics like controllers, players and mixers to survive frequent load-ins. Use a rack case for amplifiers and signal processing so everything is pre-wired and ready. Use padded bags for cables, microphones and stands that need to stay light and quickly accessible. Wheeled trolley cases make solo load-ins far easier. This mix balances protection, weight and speed, keeping a mobile rig show-ready while protecting valuable equipment on every trip.
Professional cases are made from laminated plywood, typically 7–9 mm birch or poplar, coated with a plastic laminate for scratch and moisture resistance. The edges use extruded aluminium profiles, joined with ball corners for impact protection. Hardware includes recessed butterfly latches, spring-loaded or dish handles and reinforced hinges. Interiors use foam inlays or dividers to cushion the contents. Rack cases add 19-inch steel mounting rails. This combination of plywood, aluminium and quality hardware is what makes a case durable enough for years of touring, clearly separating professional cases from lightweight consumer boxes.
To clean and maintain a transport bag, wipe the fabric with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner, then spot-clean stubborn marks and let the bag dry completely before storing it to prevent mould. Vacuum the padded interior to remove dust and grit that could scratch your gear. Check zippers, straps and stitching regularly, and lubricate stiff zips with a suitable zip wax. Store the bag dry and unfolded so the foam padding keeps its shape. Consistent care keeps a transport bag lightweight, hygienic and protective across many events.