Buyer’s guide: Eurorack cases and power
So you’ve seen the walls of knobs and sliders, glimpsed the LEDs flashing through nests of cables, heard the siren song of bleepy bloops and decided that it might just be the time to get in on the whole modular thing. You might even know which modules you want to start with.
But then you run into an important question: what kind of case do you put them in? How big should it be, and how much power does it need? Can you expand it easily in future? Do you need a 1U row? What even is a 1U row anyway? To answer these questions and more, we’ve created this buyer’s guide with everything you need to know to find your perfect Eurorack case.
Table of Contents
Terminology
You’ll encounter various specifications and measurements when it comes to modular cases and power. Here’s what they mean.
Height = U
Eurorack modules adhere to the rack unit standard for height. One rack unit (1U) is 1.75 inches, or 44.45mm. Most Eurorack modules and case rows are 3U high, but some are 1U - Intellijel produces a range of utilities in the 1U format, for example - and not all cases have a 1U row. A Eurorack case with two 3U rows is commonly referred to as 6U. Cases with a 1U row and a single 3U row are referred to as 4U, and those with two 3U rows and a 1U row are referred to as 7U.
Width = HP
Eurorack modules use the horizontal pitch (HP) standard for width, where 1HP is 0.2 inches, or 5.08mm. Modules vary in size from 2HP to 48HP (or more!), with 4HP, 8HP and 12HP being the most common sizes. Odd-numbered widths are rare, with a few notable exceptions such as the 3HP Pico range from Erica Synths. The two most common widths for cases are 104HP and 84HP, though many other options are available.
Depth = mm
No special measurements are used to refer to the depth of a module behind its panel - just good old-fashioned millimetres! The internal depth of a case refers to the maximum depth of module that will fit. Some cases are shallow - these are known as ‘skiffs’ - while some are much deeper. Modules designed for shallow cases are often referred to as ‘skiff-friendly’. If you do end up with a shallow case, check that it’s deep enough to accommodate the deepest module you’re planning to buy - more on this later.
Current draw = mA
Eurorack power supplies have three ‘rails’ from which modules can draw their power: +12V, +5V and -12V. Each rail will be able to supply a certain amount of current, which is measured in milliamps, or mA. Each module will draw a certain amount of current from each rail. For example, the Doepfer LC-6 case can provide 2,000mA on the +12V rail, 1,200mA on the -12V rail, and 4,000mA on the +5V rail, and the Make Noise Maths module draws 60mA from the +12V rail, 50mA from the -12V rail and nothing from the 5V rail. More on this later too!
What size of case do I need?
Choosing the size of your Eurorack case is a crucial decision. Cases range from the small and backpack-friendly right up to the two-person lift. Here are a few questions to consider which may help narrow down your options.
What’s the goal of your modular system?
Modular is wonderful because you are free to design an instrument and make music exactly how you want. With this freedom, however, comes a lot of choices, which can be overwhelming - especially if it’s your first time.
Do you want to make a modular drum machine, an ambient texture creator, a techno station - or a bit of each? Having a clearer picture of where you want to go will help you feel confident about the size of the case you pick. If you need more help narrowing things down, check out our How to get started with modular synths blog post.
The reason your end goal matters is that the more ‘jobs’ you want to achieve in the rack - for example, sequencing, synthesis, mixing and effects - the more modules, and therefore space, you’ll need.
3U cases can be a good way to keep things focused. Perhaps you already have a drum machine and sequencer you love, and you want a small modular system for accompanying synth and effects duties? You can achieve that pretty easily in a single row of 84-104HP. If you want to also do all of your drums in modular land, you’ll benefit from another row of space.
Do you need space to expand?
Many musicians have a primary goal but also like the idea of adding other modules into the mix later to expand what their system can do - and this is what makes Eurorack so addictive! In this case, the obvious solution is to go for a bigger case than you think you’ll need.
This will give you space to grow and you won’t feel the limitations so quickly if you’re not certain what your modular will end up being. You can use blank panels to fill the gaps while you decide how you’re going to expand.
Are you going to play live or travel with your case?
A modular case that’s perfect for travelling is often very different to one that’s perfect for the studio. If you’re playing live, you’ll probably want to prioritise something rugged and easy to carry, with a lid and maybe even with extra functionality like output jacks or built-in basic utilities. For a studio centrepiece, you might want something larger and more permanent, perhaps with a nice wooden finish.
Case planning tips
ModularGrid is a free resource for planning your Eurorack system. You choose the size of the case, select the modules you own or are planning to buy, and ModularGrid lets you lay them out and rearrange them. It’s particularly handy as it also shows the maximum depth of the modules, as well as the total power consumption per rail.
Depth check
Once you know the width (HP) and height (U) of your ideal case, one all-important factor to check is the internal depth. Module depths vary, and not all cases can accommodate deeper modules. Most cases are fine for most modules, especially those described as ‘skiff-friendly’, but it’s worth being sure. Check ModularGrid or the manufacturer’s website for the depth of each module, then compare it to the maximum internal depth of the case you’re considering, to be sure everything will fit.
Power check
When deciding on a power supply, add up the total current draw of all the modules you plan on using and leave plenty of headroom to allow for fluctuations - a good rule of thumb is not to exceed 80% of the capacity of each rail. ModularGrid’s ‘data sheet’ function makes this process very easy - you can design your rack and see the total current draw at a glance, for the system as a whole and each row.
Something to keep in mind is that analogue modules like basic VCOs, VCFs and utilities generally consume relatively low amounts of current. Digital modules - like effects, audio interfaces, digital mixers and things with screens - will typically be a bit more power-hungry. So if you plan to fill a case with a lot of digital modules you’ll need to make sure your power supply can handle it. Also note that not every power supply includes a +5V rail as standard, since relatively few modules require it these days.
Portable case options
A 7U 104HP case is the go-to option for a lot of live performers. Big enough for plenty of modules, but small enough that you can carry it yourself. Most have handles and lids that can be closed while the system is patched, meaning you can rock up to the venue ready to go.
Cases with a 1U row can be useful for playing live, as they maximise the amount of modules you can carry without adding a lot of extra bulk. If the 1U row handles basic utilities, the rest of the case is free for the really fun stuff.
The Intellijel Performance Case is a long-time favourite in the 7U 104HP size, and it includes built-in connectors that can be used with their 1U modules to provide ¼” audio inputs and outputs and MIDI connectivity. The Intellijel Palette is a smaller option at 4U, but it includes some additional built-in functions like buffered mults and precision adders which save even more space.
Intellijel Performance Eurorack Case - Powered (7U - 104hp - Black)
£729.00
Eurorack Case in Black, 7U 104hp Colour: Stealth Black Connectors are located on the rear of the case for use with intellijel 1U modules:MIDI input,...… read more
Intellijel Palette Eurorack Powered Case (4U - 104hp) - Black
£399.00
Palette 104 Features:One 104 hp row of Eurorack (3U) module space.One 104 hp row of Intellijel (1U) module space.Built in triple buffered multiple with bi-polar...… read more
Another solid option is the Make Noise 7U 104HP case, which includes the classic Shared System CV Bus module. This 1U row module is a well-thought-out mult that duplicates signals and spaces them along the 1U row, so you can grab a copy from any point in the case. It also has a summing section and a stereo input and headphone output for easy self-contained monitoring.
Make Noise 7U Eurorack Case MKII (104hp - 7U - Powered)
£929.00
Our 104hp x 7U 4 Zone CV Bus Case arrives ready to use. Just add modules, patch cables and inspiration. The powder coated metal construction...… read more
Befaco’s 7U 104HP case is the new 7U kid on the block. Stupidly beefy power, a movable 1U row and other nice touches make this a great option. It can even be mounted on a VESA arm if you’re using it in the studio.
Befaco Eurorack Case (7U Powered - 104hp)
£569.00
Power to the people Equipped with our latest and most sophisticated power supply (Trolley Bus), the Befaco 7U Case supplies up to 5000mA of power....… read more
The Nano Modules Caixa is a 3U case with a carry handle and a hard-wired set of utilities. You can’t change them, but they’re all the things you’d typically be reaching for in a 1U row: multiples, LFOs, mixers, S&H and precision adders. Having line inputs and outputs on ¼” jacks is handy, as it allows you to very quickly gain stage correctly between modular and non-modular gear.
Nano Modules Caixa Eurorack Powered Case (104hp - 3U)
£548.00
CAIXA 104 is an advanced fully portable 104HP Eurorack Modular Case, with a wide range of utilities integrated on it. Connect up to 18 modules...… read more
Elsewhere, if you’re on a budget, Cre8Audio’s NiftyCase is probably the most wallet-friendly entry point around, with 84HP of space and built-in MIDI to CV conversion. Erica Synths offers compact skiff cases in various sizes, and Arturia’s RackBrute is easy to expand by bolting cases together via the smart carry handle/stand mechanism.
Cre8audio NiftyCASE Eurorack Powered Case w/ MIDI and USB
£188.00
The Cre8audio NiftyCASE is a moderately sized euro rack case with HUGE possibilities! The NiftyCASE is a great place to start when building a stylish,...… read more
Arturia RackBrute 3U Eurorack Powered Case (3U 88HP) - Noir Edition
£255.00
RackBrute 3U is a comprehensive Eurorack housing, transport, and protection solution. Featuring configurable positions, dependable power supply, and maximum practicality, you can be assured your...… read more
There are also some even smaller options, ideal for those adopting a hybrid approach with other hardware, or for when you have a specific idea you need to realise in the smallest possible form factor.
The 4ms Pod cases and the ALM Busy Circuits range are ideal for such ‘sidecar’-type approaches. Eowave also makes a mini powered 3U 40HP case as well as larger skiffs. Bonus points to ALM for having optional Decksaver lids that can be closed while things are patched, to give extra portability.
4ms POD 26 Eurorack Case (Powered - 26hp)
£106.00
PLEASE NOTE - THE POD RANGE OF CASES ARE VERY, VERY, VERY VERY SHALLOW. Please check that your modules will fit in the case before...… read more
ALM Busy Circuits Eurorack Case (6U - 52hp - Powered)
£314.00
ALM Eurorack cases are available in a range of sizes all including an integrated powered bus boards. The cases all feature anodised aluminium construction, an...… read more
Studio case options
All of the cases mentioned above make great options even if they never leave the home or studio, but if portability isn’t a concern, then there are a host of other case options for studio environments.
These can feel more like items of furniture - for example, Doepfer’s Low Cost range is solid, heavy, and deep enough for the chunkiest modules. They also run into pretty big sizes - the Monster cases - and have convenient built-in power supplies with IEC (aka kettle lead) inputs.
Doepfer A-100 LMS9 Low Cost Monster Eurorack Case (9U - 168hp)
£862.00
Large Eurorack case of 9U 168hp Dimensions and weight: outside dimensions: ~ 87 (length) x 42 (height) x 16 (depth) cmweight of the case (incl....… read more
We have a large wooden Doepfer case system in our showroom consisting of a 168HP 6U Monster Base and two 9U Monsters, which is very striking and creates a centrepiece feel. They can be mounted together using brackets to keep them secure.
Elsewhere, Erica Synths’ 6U 84HP vertical skiff is a nicely angled design without the need for an external stand. In a similar vein is Tiptop Audio’s Mantis case - out of stock at the time of writing but hopefully on its way back before too long. It’s a well-priced 6U 104HP system that’s justifiably popular and available in a range of coloured trims. It’s also expandable via joiner brackets.
Erica Synths Eurorack Skiff Case (6U - 84hp) - Powered - Vertical
£382.00
Full aluminum 2x84HP eurorack skiff enclosures with aluminum rails of unique design are developed with superior functionality in mind – they are configurable in less...… read more
DIY cases & power supplies
An alternative to the options above is to make your own case! If you’re handy with tools it’s relatively straightforward to build or convert a suitable enclosure, fit it with rails (like Tiptop Audio’s Z-Rails) and add a power supply of your choice.
Tiptop Audio’s Happy Ending kit comes with 3U 84HP rails, a power module and a power supply, along with a flying bus board to attach your modules to. If you don’t want to make a case from scratch, it’s designed to fit in any standard 19” rack enclosure, and there are plenty of these available in all sorts of sizes and finishes if you shop around for studio furniture. It’s also easy to grow a system over time this way by adding extra rows as you need.
Tiptop Audio Happy Ending EU 19" Rack Eurorack Case & Power Kit (Silver)
£124.00
The Happy Ending Kit is an easy way to start a Eurorack modular system. It's one of the easiest and most affordable ways of getting...… read more
The side cheeks in the Happy Ending kit actually let it stand upright by itself without an enclosure - this is probably the cheapest way to get into Eurorack if you don’t mind the look being a little less pretty with the back exposed. You can always get or make something to enclose it later. We’ve even seen folk use cardboard boxes with these kits!
If you build or buy an unpowered case then we offer some excellent power supply options from 4ms, Befaco, Tiptop Audio, Winterbloom and more. Some of these use a dedicated 4HP power module in the case with a separate power brick, which makes setting up super simple, with no specialist skills required.
At the top end of the market for DIY power are Konstant Lab and Toppobrillo, whose kits and components allow those with a bit of know-how to build dedicated power solutions inside cases. This stuff is top-notch and comes highly recommended from us - just keep in mind that you’ll need a bit of experience with electronics and DIY to install them.
Konstant Lab HammerPWR Eurorack Power Supply Set
£415.00
Everything that you need for powering up of your case is included in one complete 100W SET. HammerPWR SET is the best choice on the...… read more
Toppobrillo Eurobus Eurorack Power Supply (12U Kit - 3A 5V)
£329.00
Please note: this is the 12U kit with 2x 1.5A 5V options included. It includes one Active Eurobus and one Passive Eurobus zone-filtered busboard. 15V...… read more
Still have questions?
Eurorack cases aren't a ‘one size fits all’ thing, so hopefully this guide has helped to narrow down what sort of case would be best for you. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us or drop into our showroom and we can advise on anything specific.
