Which MIDI Keyboard Controllers & Computer DJ Controllers Will Fit Into the Big Namba Studio Backpack?
As the Namba Gear designers were doing their research on the ultimate perfect size for the Big Namba Studio Backpack, they were also keeping in mind the current carry-on size restrictions of the airline industry. Although there is a standard, which is 22″ x 14″ x 9″ or 45″ total, every airline has their own size restrictions which can sometimes vary even within a single airline depending on the size of aircraft or the attitude of the check-in agent.
So we had to look at both the exterior size of the backpack as well as try to maximise the interior space to include the largest number of controllers. M-Audio’s Axiom25 was chosen as the measuring stick, because we knew that if we could get this “big boy” to fit and still follow the airline restrictions that we would be in good shape with most of the controllers on the market.
This lead to the development of the unhinging side on the large compartment, so that the backpack could open 180 degrees and the controller could actually be packed into a flat case.
Unfortunately, that did leave a few controllers unprotected and stranded on the sidewalk because they were just too big to fit our criteria for us to recommend them for the Big Namba.
The Korg25 is listed at 19.25″ inches long and although it is only .25″ longer than the Big Namba Studio Backpack’s interior dimension, it stretches the bag uncomfortably. The Novation XioSynth 25 which has on-board sounds as well as being a MIDI controller is a little wide at 12.54″. Likewise, the Stanton CM.205/CM.203 dj controllers are just a little fat at 4.29″ depth to recommend packing alongside your laptop. These Korg, Novation & Stanton controllers can be made to fit, just not with our recommendation considering the bag design. The Yamaha KX-25 at just under 20″ long and the Korg MicroX at 23.86″ long will not fit; don’t even try.
So what controllers do fit inside a Big Namba Studio Backpack?
KEYBOARD CONTROLLERS
Alesis PhotonX25
Behringer UMA25S
Behringer UMX25
Edirol PCR-M1
Emu Xboard25
M-Audio Oxygen8
M-Audio MidAir25
M-Audio KeyRig25
M-Audio Axiom25
Novation SL25
Novation ReMote LE x25
DJ CONTROLLERS
Behringer BCD3000DJ Feena Kontrol KDJ500 M-Audio Xponent Vestex VCI-100 Vestex VCI-300Alternative Controllers
Akai MPD16 M-Audio Trigger Finger M-Audio XSession Pro Korg PadKontrolThe result is a backpack that will accommodate a majority of controllers and should still fit in the overhead compartment of most airlines, bearing in mind that each airline can change their minds about size restrictions and some smaller planes will simply not accommodate anything much bigger that a construction worker’s lunchbox. Sorry about having to include the caveat, but it is true.
So what did we miss? If you have a question about whether a particular controller will fit inside a Big Namba Studio Backpack and it is not on the list, please comment and let us know so that we can investigate.
Check out this product SPOTLIGHT video of the Big Namba Studio Backpack
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Buffer Stoker from Melbourne, Australia wrote in on our MySpace page, www.myspace.com/nambagear, to ask if the Big Namba would also hold the Novation SL25.
The answer is YES, the Novation SL25 fits perfectly inside the Big Namba Studio Backpack!
I’m really struggling to get a backpack from anywhere in the world that would fit the Axiom 25 and a 17inch laptop. Your backpack seems to fit the Axiom 25, but no room for a laptop?And I really don’t care about airlines, I just want a way to travel my mobile studio with my motorbike on my back , thats all!
Alexandros, the specifications of the Big Namba specifically state that it will hold both a 17″ laptop computer as well as a MIDI controller as large as the Axiom25. It works! Check out the video to see an Axiom25 and laptop packed together.
A side benefit of the Big Namba design is that the shape is very aerodynamic, which will come in handy on your motorbike (don’t forget to use the chest strap). You may order your Big Namba with confidence.
will the Namba studio hold the upcoming Vestax VCM 600 Midi Controller???…if so im getting your bag =)
Thanks
We contacted our #1 DJ products source, www.DJDeals.com, to get the specs and see if they had an answer for you. The bottom line… it’s tight.
An Axiom25 fits the Big Namba perfectly (18.8” x 11.2” x 2.6”), the Novation Xio25 is shorter but wider than the Axiom25 and will also fit (18.4” x 12.5” x 2.7”). But the VCM 600 is a hair longer and almost as wide as the Xio although not as deep (18.9” x 12.2” x 1.6”).
So until we try it for ourselves or get a definitive answer from another source, we must put out the “caution flag.” We’ll be going to the NAMM show in Anaheim, CA in just a few weeks and we’ll stop by the Vestax booth and confirm whether or not it is a good fit. Until then, if someone can confirm if the VCM600 will fit into the Big Namba Studio Backpack, please comment.
Just in case you missed it, we checked out the new Vestax VCM600 at the NAMM show and it fits! You can read the entire report at http://nambagear.com/2009/01/22/namba-gears-2009-namm-show-roundup/
Here is the excerpt from our NAMM show report:
“We had been asked to find out if the new Vestax VCM 600 DJ controller would fit inside the Big Namba Studio Backpack, so we went on an expedition to find out. The answer is YES; because it is thin, we can angle it into the top of the controller compartment and it fits perfectly!”
Does this bag protect if it rains?
Josh, yes the Namba Gear products will certainly protect your contents if it rains, but we don’t claim that they are “weatherproof”. For instance, to label them “weatherproof” we would have had to cover the zippers with a flap of fabric to keep out rain from soaking through the zipper. This is the same annoying flap that always seems to get caught in the zipper on other bags.
Since Namba Gear products are not designed as hiking bags to protect against a downpour while you are on a 5 hour hike, we decided that we could do without the “weatherproof” label and left off that flap of fabric. So if you do take your mobile studio on a 5 hour hike through the mountains in the middle of a downpour, we would suggest that your cover your bag in a rain tarpe just to be safe.
How in the world will my buddies Xponent fit into this bag but they say I cannot fit my Xiosynth 25? I really wan’t this bag but I am not willing to give up the xiosynth for it.. If it falls under the category of “fits but not our recommendation considering the bag design”.. So does it stretch the bag, or is it in a spot where other things will be able to get to it without the bag protecting it? I don’t understand.
Hi Tyler,
We like the Xiosynth 25 too. We’ll give you the dimensions & facts and you will have to be the judge.
We know that it doesn’t seem like much, but your buddies Xponent is 1/2″ shorter, 1/2″ smaller width and a hair less depth. The interior compartment of the Big Namba is 12.50″ wide, but it narrows to about 12″ wide at the top of the bag. The Xponent is 12″ wide so it still fits just fine, but we are afraid that you will struggle a bit to get your 12.54″ wide Novation Xiosynth 25 to fit. What will happen will be that it will stretch the top of the backpack at the corners. We would not expect the 1680D Poly/Nylon material of the Big Namba to rip, but this will create a structural pressure point on your Xiosynth 25 should you accidently drop the backpack.
We take our job of protecting your controller & laptop seriously, hince our caveat that we don’t recommend the Big Namba for your Xiosynth 25. Can you make it fit? Yes.
Will it hold a 15″ laptop, and akai mpk25, and a native instrument maschine at the same time.
Although we have not yet been able to put together both the MPK25 and Maschine to try this out personally; according to the Maschine’s posted dimensions of 12.6” x 11.6” x 2.4” it should fit perfectly in the forward compartment, while the MPK AND your laptop will fit in the back compartment.
My question revolves around MPK25 and MacBook Pro 15. Are there any pictures that detail how the compartments are separated. The bags look beautiful and might tic all the boxes but was just curious about this one detail. Thanks
judging by the pictures you guys hae, you have failed to keep your list up to date.
seems it would be wise to add the akai and vestax ableton controllers i’ve seen comfortably placed within…
Eh?
How can it fit a Novation REmote 25SL but not a Novation Xio?
You sure you have the names right?
http://www.novationmusic.com/products/
Does it fit an Akai APC40?
cheers,
bagginz
Hi folks, could really do with one of these for my live setup.
will it fit a macbook pro 2007 model 17inch / apc40 / motu unltralite mk1 and all the power packs and leads?
If it does you got a sale.
Merry Christmass
possible to fit akai apc40 + 15″ inch laptop + motu ultralite audo interface? thanks
Hello Sheepstar and Luca, looks like you guys have a similar setup, with the exception of the size of the laptop. Yes, the Big Namba is perfect for both of your needs. Enjoy your Big Namba Studio Backpack!
It appears that the bag will fit a Novation SL MK2 25. Can you verify this for me? Thanks!
Mazz
Hi Mazz. Yes the Novation SL MKII25 fits great into the Big Namba Studio Backpack. Just like most of the larger footprint 25 keys, you will need to unlatch the hinges (velcro/snaps)and open the back compartment up all the way. Then insert one end of the kyb into the top of the bag and drop the other end into the bottom part. There you go.
Hey there,
Just wondering how I might get one of these amazing things in the UK??
I honestly haven’t come across anything even nearly as sturdy and spacious, and I’m itching to get my hands on one!
Cheers!
Matt