We have used Bose PAs for a numbers of years (see my Bose L1 Model 1 repair saga in another post). We like the fact that they are relatively lightweight, compact, and still sound quite good. Since setting the tower up is pretty quick, I found that I spent more time setting up other parts of the system, such as the mixer, mics, etc. This is all very repetitive, and each of those pieces have their own travel case which adds to car packing volume and loading time. This problem is of course small scale as live music set-ups go, but since I’m the only “roadie” in this production, I wanted to simplify the routine as much as possible.

My idea was to be able to leave everything connected to the mixer and fold it up into a magic “Transformer” style case that holds as much as possible when folded, and also doubles as a mixer stand when open, so that the equipment doesn’t have to be unpacked during setup and repacked into cases during breakdown.

The above picture is realization of the idea. Most of it is built with 3/8″ birch plywood cut using a track saw, except for the drawer at the bottom, which is made from laser-cut 1/8″ plywood.

Read more: Quick-Set-Up Mixer Case for Bose L1 PA System

I modeled the whole thing in Fusion 360 to make sure that the box was as small as possible while ensuring that the pieces could be folded up without banging into each other.

Fusion 360 model, to make sure everything fit. Utilizing revolute joints in Fusion 360 allowed the motions to be checked for interference. CAD made it possible to “try out” many different design ideas before starting to build.

The box holds the Bose T*S Tonematch mixer, four Shure wireless mic receivers and mics (which are stored in the drawer at the bottom), cables, and an AC adapter for the mic receivers. I retired the Shure receivers’ four heavy AC adapters in favor of a single switched-mode higher current adapter that powers all four. This cut a LOT of weight since the old adapters were old-school iron transformer types. I did have some concern that paralleling power to the four receivers or using a switched-mode adapter might create a ground loop or noise problem, but I have heard no Ill effects from making this change.

The overall setup eliminates 5 travel cases and a folding table, and cuts roughly 15 minutes off set up and breakdown time. None of the cables have to be unplugged during breakdown.

Above shows the mic drawer with laser cut foam and slots for batteries. The mixer is held in place by a padded L-bracket that swings away for set up. The lever keeps the mixer from swinging around during travel.

The box folds up into a neat 13 inch cube ready to travel. Since I’m the only roadie carrying this, I opted to make the design more lightweight than rugged. Time will tell if that was a bad idea. I did put corner bumpers everywhere except the top front corners as seen in the above picture. I had to leave those off so the top would sit flat when opened. The carrying handle is an old belt.

It’s a great feeling when you build something that is an immediate time saver.