[sdiy] Shipping a modular

[David Huss]

I worked in shipping for a online shop that sells specialized studio equipment. Expensive ribbon mics, boutique preamps, fancy studio speakers, etc. So I have some experience what works on the cheap.  
  
The most effective way is a double packaging. Meaning you put your device into a padded box and then you put that box into another padded box.    

The thickness and hardness of the padding depends mostly on the weight of the device. The heavier it is the more distance and the harder it needs to get. These are your crumble zones that take the energy of the impact in case someone throws the box. The goal is to decelerate the insides slower than the outside.  
  
For a typical 19 inch rack device without original packaging I would wrap it in two rounds of bubble wrap, then pad it with 5cm of styrofoam (or better expanding packing foam) on all sides then put it into a double wall cardboad box. Ensure it is fixed in place by filling crevices with paper or foam if needed. Close the box up with tape, take another bigger box and repeat the process. If you shake the box and things easily move inside you used too little or too soft padding.  
  
For very big devices you take/build wooden boxes instead. Include handles/wheels and chances are people who move boxes will use them. Do not assume things will stay upright unless you have some premium shipping partner (means: padding on all sides). Padding is king and there are enough good foams to do it, just don't go too soft when your stuff is heavy.  

We shipped all over Europe and I never had a single transport damage in two years. And trust me, if you regularly see the back of GLS/DHL/Hermes/DPD shipping cars you know that isn't a small feat.  
  
Cherrs,
David

On April 15, 2026 3:30:42 AM UTC, Mike Bryant <mbryant at futurehorizons.com> wrote:
>You can hire flight cases, no need to buy.  Providing your synths are on some sort of 19" rack the audio equipment rental company will have something suitable.
>________________________________
>From: Synth-diy <synth-diy-bounces at synth-diy.org> on behalf of John Speth via Synth-diy <synth-diy at synth-diy.org>
>Sent: 15 April 2026 01:21
>To: synth-diy at synth-diy.org <synth-diy at synth-diy.org>
>Subject: Re: [sdiy] Shipping a modular
>
>Thanks for useful remarks. Bubble Wrap is the less costlier way but the costly Anvil cases are the most secure way. Stay away from peanuts. That info makes it a lot less intimidating due to fear of failure.
>
>JJS
>
>On 4/14/2026 11:54 AM, Michael E Caloroso via Synth-diy wrote:
>Do >NOT< use foam "peanuts" or partitions for cushioning.  Even if the item is wrapped in plastic.  The foam disintegrates and the tiny foam pieces get into open crevices in switches, pots, anything.  Those pieces WILL get inside the plastic wrapping.  When I bought my OB-X the seller wrapped it in plastic, put it in a box, and filled the voids with foam peanuts.  Those foam pieces are a PITA to remove.
>
>The ONLY reliable protection in a long range move is an ATA certified case such as Anvil.  Stay away from cases that are not ATA certified.
>
>I moved from NY to Florida to a new job back in 2021.  1100 miles.  I had a house full of belongings to move including a studio with vintage synths and recording gear.  Fortunately during the years I have gigged these instruments I bought Anvil cases for protection - never did I dream that these cases would be vital for a long distance move.  Cases for synths, for mixers, racks for outboard processors, etc.  There was very little gear I did not have cases for.  The moving crew did expert work on packing the unprotected items, and I was not worried about anything in my Anvil cases having a rough 1100 mile ride in a 53 foot trailer.  Everything arrived without damage.
>
>No these cases are not cheap.  But they are well worth the investment.
>
>MC
>
>On Mon, Apr 13, 2026 at 9:33 PM Mike Bryant <mbryant at futurehorizons.com<mailto:mbryant at futurehorizons.com>> wrote:
>Okay I'll give an opposite view.
>
>Hire the correct size of flight case to fit your racks.  Modular touring mixers get 'roadied' in and out of vans constantly using these and have to work night after night.  You might have to reseat the odd module after shipping but everything will be well protected.
>
>As Martin Brundle once said, the biggest improvement in Formula 1 car reliability was when they banned teams stripping the car apart and rebuilding it between qualifying and the race 🙂
>________________________________
>From: Synth-diy <synth-diy-bounces at synth-diy.org<mailto:synth-diy-bounces at synth-diy.org>> on behalf of Pete Hartman via Synth-diy <synth-diy at synth-diy.org<mailto:synth-diy at synth-diy.org>>
>Sent: 13 April 2026 23:57
>To: Quincas Moreira <quincas at gmail.com<mailto:quincas at gmail.com>>
>Cc: SYNTH DIY <synth-diy at synth-diy.org<mailto:synth-diy at synth-diy.org>>
>Subject: Re: [sdiy] Shipping a modular
>
>You're probably going to hear this a lot: I agree, take the modules out of the racks.
>
>Pete
>
>On Mon, Apr 13, 2026 at 5:50 PM Quincas Moreira via Synth-diy <synth-diy at synth-diy.org<mailto:synth-diy at synth-diy.org>> wrote:
>I would also advise removing and bubble wrapping the modules.
>
>
>[X]
>Quincas Moreira
>Director | QMA
>mobile:  5534988825<tel:5534988825>
>site:  quincasmoreira.com<http://quincasmoreira.com/>
>email:  quincas at gmail.com<mailto:quincas at gmail.com>
>
>
>
>
>On Mon 13 Apr 2026 at 3:56 p.m. Jesse Weideman via Synth-diy <synth-diy at synth-diy.org<mailto:synth-diy at synth-diy.org>> wrote:
>The people shipping CRT's swear by pool noodles, they're cheap insurance. That or EPS foam sheets from the hardware store. I usually just wrap my racks in a bunch of blankets and box them, haven't had any problem - altho they're all 6u euro so not a giant cabinet. Uline offers wood box pallets in tons of different sizes, that plus a bunch of blanketing/padding would be the most bullet proof. Double boxing can work wonders too.
>
>On Mon, Apr 13, 2026 at 1:40 PM John Speth via Synth-diy <synth-diy at synth-diy.org<mailto:synth-diy at synth-diy.org>> wrote:
>I have a two modular cabinets containing MOTM and Synthesizers.com
>module. I'm moving and I need to pack them securely so the movers can't
>destroy them. It will be a 1000+ mile move. Can anyone provide advice on
>the best way to pack it all up? Lessons learned? Regrets? etc?
>
>Each cabinet is 40in wide (double column 19in rack) by 23in tall by 1ft
>deep. One is fully loaded and the other is half loaded.
>
>Thanks - John Speth
>