I purchased the Gator GR3S rack case after buying 2 similar but unbranded cases (not from Thomann I stress!) and having to return them. The cases were bought to house my Motu 896HD, and I found that the American-built Motu unit wouldn't fit into the cheaper racks - the Gasket seal lip was blocking the rack ears from fitting into the rack by about half a millimetre! Some of my other rack gear fitted into the cheaper racks but as it was bought specifically for the Motu interface they were of no use to me. I'd shied away from the more expensive Gator cases until I realised that they were only marginally more expensive on the Thomann website (kudos to Thomann!) I was relieved to find the Gator rack was built to more exact tolerances and the Interface slotted in with no problems.
The case looks smart and solid, although the shiny plastic finish may not be to everyone's taste. This model is slightly deeper than I required for my interface - but having opted for a 3U model I'm left with enough space to comfortably stow my Macbook underneath the Interface with the addition of some foam blocks to keep it secure. The gasket seal and rack rails feel solid and dependable, and the butterfly latches seem pretty well built too.
My only slight criticism is that with the rack installed there is a slightly uneven gap at the top, showing that the case isn't exactly true - but this is hardly noticeable. Similarly the case doesn't quite sit exactly on a flat surface - there is a very slight wobble - but this was easily fixed with the addition of a small sticky rubber pad on one corner of the underside.
Crucially for me, the handles feel really solid and comfortable in the hand. I was a bit unsure about the raised plastic stacking extrusions on the top of the case, as I though this wouldn't be a stable surface to sit my Macbook on top of - but in practice this allows for airflow under the Macbook - and the addition of a small foam block adds stability.
All in all, I've been happy with this case and have had it out on the road with confidence since purchasing it. It looks suitably 'pro' and I'm confident it'll keep my gear dust and moisture free while adding a bit of impact protection should something bad happen!
At the current list price I would recommend it, and only stopped short of five stars due to the slightly uneven base.
