Gator Cases Lightweight Molded 4U Rack Case with Heavy Duty Latches, Shallow 14.25" depth (GR-4S)

Box worked great for my "Shack in a Box" project! Came just as it should. I was worried at first because some reviews said the holes didn't line up properly, but mine lined up just as they should. The box is pretty light for the size, seems very sturdy, and the lids fit perfectly. I'm glad I dont have to worry about my equipment getting damaged while transporting it now....recommended!

As far as the rack goes, this is fine. Just be sure you're okay with one this size.I was just starting out as a DJ when I got this, and it served me well until I had to upgrade to a 12U standard rack. Where I am, I couldn't find a place to sell this (not even Craigslist), so I ended up donating it to a school's rummage sale....not my happiest moment.Again, if you think this all you need, get it; the rack itself is a great product. Just think ahead if you're a DJ. Me, I have two 1U mixers, a 1U power strip, a 2U lighting controller, a 1U rack, a 1U decibel meter, and some other stuff. I only expected I'd have about four or five of those things when I started and had this rack, so now I regret buying it.Like I said, though, NO problems with the rack itself.One little note--the metal strips where the screws are is actually separate from the rack itself, so you need to keep a few screws in even when no equipment is in there. This is not a problem once there is equipment in it, though.

My prior experience with the Lightweight ATA line of Gator cases is limited to one Molded Slant-Top Console Rack Case (10U Top and 8U Side - still in production by Gator) that housed the full p.a. system for the traveling band of which I was a member. After getting constantly banged in and out of the back of whatever SUV and lugged to assorted rehearsal spaces and venues, after thousands of miles and 4+ years of abuse, aside from a couple latches that were “loose but still functional” and a side handle that had to be epoxied in place to prevent slippage, that unit was still like new and fully functional.Based on that positive experience, I chose this Gator case for the p.a. system in my current band’s rehearsal space, and upon getting it loaded and installed, I was instantly pleased – it’s a VERY nice piece of gear. If you are going to be running sound in “combat conditions” OR plan on having your gear handled by possibly careless staff members, you may want something a bit heavier, but for medium to heavy use by people who will “carefully set down” rather than “drop” a rack case, this unit truly fills the bill.

Have used them for several gigs already and have no complaints. Far lighter and more compact than my previous cases and a good value for the money. I bought two and the only small complaint I have is that they don't "lock" really well. They will slide off each other easily, especially on an angle (I use them on an amp stand set high), so I use some clamps. But I think a little weather stripping in the grooves of the underside of the top one will fix that. Just remember to loosen all the screws on the rack rails to align things when you put your first piece of gear in there and all will be well afterwards. They are not aligned from the factory and I think that throws people off from the reviews I've read around the net. But all in all it works well and has improved my weekly gear hauling woes quite a bit.

Oh boy, talk about mixed emotions on a product.The good:This rack is lightweight and its sturdy enough for most use cases. As you can see in the photo this holds my shack in a box and it looks pretty good doing it.This case fills a product niche that no other portable rack makers seems to want to address. The case mounting depth is shallow, but not too shallow and not too deep. (This is a double edged sword)The bad:The cases 12.5 inch rail to rail depth is trying to find the "golilocks" zone for depth. Most rack cases are 19+ inches deep or more. For smaller portable equipment this is a huge hassle with weight and wasted space. Some vendors have shallow cases that are too shallow 10 inches, which for my needs is not enough room. Manufacturers really need a 14 inch depth case to hit that sweet goldilocks zone which it falls just a bit short, it works at 12.5 but it could be better as you can see everything is shoe horned in place. I had to buy a bunch of 90 degree cables and connectors to get enough clearance.The rails.... not a fan. They are a free floating design. Good news if you strip one out they are replacable, but they are janky and somewhat frustrating, you do not want to tighten your gear all the way down until everything has the screws threaded in place half way as you have have to wiggle them back and forth to get them lined up.Final frustration.There is a strap on the bottom of both the lids, and case, four rivets, two per side. These are not stamped to match the case rim shape/ridges, so they sit over top of the case aluminum straps and the aluminum strap on the lids this creates a sharp corner with a gap underneath and this can/will catch on and tear your shirts when you carry the unit. I now move the unit around by carrying it upside down to protect my shirts. The strap is just ugly as it feels so out of place, so I refuse to mount the equipment upside down so the strap is on the top of the box. If it was stamped to match the rim shape and was flush this would be a non-issue.Neutral:The case lids I wish had deeper lid depths. I have to unmount some equipment because the lids are too shallow. My SKB shock case has lids that were deep enough, but this one was too shallow. Most folks will not have any issues, but my one piece needs 2.5 inches of space and it just is not there.Id also love to see some thought given to allow for airflow. If your case requires good airflow and you need all the spaces, but a case with and extra U or two to allow for more airflow you'll be much happier, but gator does not make an 8U shallow rack, nor do they offer a 6U shock rack. Definitely holes in the product lineup.Overall:I am happy, I shaved almost 40lbs off the weight of my case. But if Gator or SKB or anyone had offered a 14 inch shallow depth case in the sub 500 price range, I'd have gone that route, id have also gone with a 6U shock mount if they made.Lots of comprimises were made to try o get everything to fit. If they offer a 6U shock rack or a 14 inch rack models in the future i will be switching as soon as they hit the market.

It has my karaoke equipment inside all wired up. It protect my equipment when transporting. It might not protect my equipment from heavy handed road crews but it works great for me .