While things are generally getting smaller and lighter, they still have to be kept safe. Laptops for example need much TLC as we ship them from A to B, as does the newer generation of gear. It might be lighter, but has a tendency to be less hardwearing too. So while flightcases might be overkill, it would be a tad foolish to just shove your expensive controller in a plastic bag and sling it over your controller so a new market has emerged for DJ luggage that sits in the middle ground between general throw-your-dj-life-in-a-rucksack bags and heavyweight aluminium lined flightcases. The Magma DJ Controller bag is one such product.
First impressions
Like all Magma gear, their German clean lined non-nonsense approach is evident. This is designed for functionality rather than making a fashion statement. In essence, it's a big fat corporate style laptop bag, but designed specifically to take your controller, laptop and some associated chaff.
The outer is made from Magma's usual heavyweight Ballistic nylon wrapped over a rigid body. This body extends all the way around to give solid protection for the gear inside as well as having a reinforced back as well. The base is also solid and has 2 smooth feet as well as a couple of grippy pads that stop the bag from sliding around on most surfaces.
As far as carrying the bag goes, the bag has an extremely comfortable single cushioned handle that is sewn and riveted into the body, as well as a chunky removable shoulder strap. This strap is new to Magma as rather than a straight shoulder protector, this one has a way comfier curved pad that stays put rather than eventually sliding off your shoulder.
If however, you're using it as part of a trolley set up, the bag has a fabric sleeve to keep it safe and sound on the trolley's handle. And on the same subject, the DJ Controller Bag falls within airline baggage requirements so you can use it as a carry on. Bet you never thought you'd carry your entire DJ setup on a plane.
Inside
The DJ Controller bag has 4 compartments:
Front zip compartment: for small stuff that isn't fragile. There is a thin layer of padding but not much.
Front pocket: probably best for your cables/interfaces/headphones and suchlike. Comes with velcro divider.
Inner pocket: best for your laptop and will happily accommodate a 17" Macbook Pro. Again, has a Velcro divider. And yes - that's a 15" MacBook Pro sideways.
Main compartment: this is where your controller will live. It's size adjustable via a couple of sponge inserts and also has a block to keep your controller still in the bag.
The zips are equally as heavyweight and on the laptop and main compartment are padlockable too.
In Use
From my own experience, I've put a Hercules DJ Steel controller (both in and out of the polystyrene case it comes in) as well as a Vestax VCI-300 with a Decksavers cover in place and they both fit just fine. I would have to say that strictly from a function point of view, that this Controller Bag is damned near perfect for the VCI-300. With the Decksaver in place, only a flightcase would keep it safer.
Having slung many a bag full of gear over my shoulders and walked longer distances than I should, I'm quite the expert on comfort, and I feel that this bag will not only stay where it's put on your body, but also feel comfortable as well. The padded carry handle feels very comfortable in my relatively small hands, and the shoulder strap doesn't dig in or move - yes I did load it up, stand around and walk about my house for a while to try it out.
I do really like that it can be fitted to a trolley too. Having negotiated many a street and airport with all sorts of bags, never underestimate how great it is to be able to put your bag on a trolley and for it to stay there.
Summary
To be honest, it's just a bag - a plain but high quality bag ideally suited for the purpose of transporting your controller safely from place to place. There's not that much to it, nor did it require much reviewing - it's the usual Magma no frills high quality that is tailored perfectly to do the job its designed to do. As a VCI owner, I'd be very happy to use this, and most certainly in preference to any type of flimsy messenger style laptop bag.
Ratings
Build Quality
The usual heavyweight nylon combined with chunky plastic fittings. Not likely to break in a hurry.
Features and Implementation
It should be hard to keep a rectangular controller and a laptop safe, and the bag does that perfectly. Although that's really all it will do.
Value For Money
It might seem like overkill to some for the cheaper end of the controller market, but for the VCIs it's a worthy investment.
Bottom Line
If you're a potential or current MIDI controller owner (especially the VCI-300), the Magma DJ Controller is plain but perfect.
