The main brief was to incorporate a cable shield or 'mini loom box' for ensuring that the cables can be kept neat and tidy along the rear of the case when in use and when packed away. Loom boxes are a standard feature on 5 Star's large audio mixing console cases, and so it was logical to incorporate this element of the design into the final layout. "Pioneer wanted a practical and good looking system case to compliment the small footprints of both the CDJ and DJM units," explains John Barsby, 5 Star's product development manager. "The loom box needed to be large enough to take the cables and compact enough to keep the case dimensions within the agreed limits." It was CNC machined using one of 5 Star's Thermwood Model 40 machines at their Cambridgeshire HQ.
The Pioneer case is based on 5 Star's popular 'Gearbox' DJ range, and features chrome plated hardware and a fully foamed interior. The Pioneer CDJ and DJM machines are retained in place via die-cut polyethylene foam pads, offering a compact and visually appealing layout. The low-split base of the case enables easy access to the CDJ's discs and the headphone outlet on the mixer. The loom box also features two cutouts on the rear fascia so connectors/cables can be easily run out to external equipment.
Pioneer branding was provided by 5 Star's in-house screen-printing service. A black splatter finish was applied to the loom box, prior to printing the Pioneer logo. 5 Star worked closely with Pioneer's product planning engineer Paul Beardsall to ensure that all aspects of the design were met. Work in progress samples were produced to check the equipment fit and loom box layout, and once these were verified, an initial order for 500 cases was placed.
(Lee Baldock)
