#784

What’s everyone’s opinion on multiple smaller cases vs one larger case? I have a Mantis right now, and was thinking about getting a smaller (Blackhole SIX, 2x60HP) case to put my go-to modules in for noodling in the living room, etc., and keeping the larger case for an extended selection. My wife and I are expecting a baby, and I know music time will be limited, so I was thinking a smaller focused system that I can take into any room with headphones would be super handy. But I also don’t want to get in a situation where I don’t use my other modules because of ergonomics.

#785

I like smaller, focused cases. But this means you need a separate power supply for each case, and a collection of very long cables for when you want to use multiple cases together. It runs into more money than one big case.

#786

I used to have two cases but was always inclined to patch them together. I had to arrange them on opposite sides of my corner desk. A Doepfer Multicore helped, but it still was a little awkward.

#787

I have two cases and love it. Also have a 9 month old and having them be more portable has been really nice. One case is drums, one is melodies/etc, so they typically aren’t too extensively cross-patched except for sending a clock.

1 Like
#788

Having smaller cases around is great. Whether it’s building a small standalone system, an external control setup for a larger rack, some effects modules, etc. Getting an Intellijel Palette was one of the best decisions I made, so much so that I’m considering getting another one.

1 Like
#789

I have three small (a Palette, a 7U 65hp and a 6U 83hp) independent cases and I love it. Lets me focus so much better and I can still cross patch them whenever I wish. They also let me explore more limited forms of synthesis, becoming independent instruments.

2 Likes
#790

I would highly recommend making your own cases. It’s very easy, and you save so much money that you don’t have to agonize about whether a new case is a good idea or not.

3 Likes
#791

I have limited woodworking skills and even more limited tools, but I’m interested in this option. Any recommendations on places to start?

#792

The easiest way is to use a lasercutter and the free designs on thingiverse. All you need is a screwdriver and some glue to put the pieces together.

Second easiest is to build a square box case. This requires only a hand saw, drill, and screwdriver:

  1. Order some rails.
  2. Cut the end pieces for your case.
  3. Drill the holes for the rails, using a paper template. Getting the rail holes drilled correctly is the only really critical step in the entire building process.
  4. Screw the rails into your end pieces. Then take a module or two and screw them into the rails to make sure the alignment is correct. Once you have the rails screwed in to the end pieces, leave them there for the rest of the building process to make sure the alignment doesn’t change.
  5. Cut the horizontal pieces. Screw, glue, or nail them to the end pieces.
  6. Cut a back piece to fit the assembly you’ve built so far. Screw, glue, or nail it on.

That’s all there is to making a square box case. It’s very easy. Just use the drilling template for the rails and get that right. Everything else can be kludged.

If you have access to a 3d printer, you can print rack ears for your rails. Then you don’t even have to worry about drilling the rail holes correctly. You just have to make sure that the case you build is about 19" wide on the interior dimension.


5 Likes
#793

Does anyone have experience with Case From Lake from Italy? I filled up my HEK with some modules and I’m finding I really like 9u. I think this case design is incredibly charming, but I’m hesitant to spend as much money without some firsthand experience. Anyone used a case like this? Would it actually close nicely while patched?

#794

I’ve been looking at their other 9U design, so I’d be curious too. If you have a look on etsy, there are quite a lot of reviews that all seem to be very positive. Also, ordering from there would give you the option of selecting size/power from the start.

//edit: meant to say 12U. This one: https://www.etsy.com/de/listing/736860137/12u-eurorack-case-powered-104-ps-oder?ref=hp_rv-1&cns=1

#795

Yeah it seems like they have a nice little operation, but I always like seeing and hearing first hand accounts from fellow… liners? I feel like these hit a sweet spot for ergonomics and simplicity. I’m going to ask some of my handyman friends if they think we could build something like that and I might just try to roll my own :slight_smile:

#796

We seem to be on the same path, I’m also thinking about building one myself in a similar design. Although the last one I built myself was mostly made of wonk and weird angles because I for some reason wanted a Doepfer PSU3 in a skiff, which turned out to be quite difficult, so maybe buying is the better option. What I’d really like is a NONO modular lander, but they’re quite expensive. It’s too bad that building one out of aluminium is way out of my skill range. Anyway, if you get around to building something, post it here, I’d be interested to see how it turns out! :slight_smile:

#798

I started building my system at Control one evening this winter and basically needed something to carry the first collection of modules out in. All that was really applicable in the shop at that moment was a Make Noise skiff and this Doepfer 6u 84hp flight case. While my system is pretty much for studio use only, the flight case was helpful in my travels back to the suburbs. Of course, I quickly outgrew that and started a couple 4ms 48x pods.

I’ve been quietly looking for another case lately to get a couple things no longer racked and potentially to bring some of the things in one of the pods into a main box.

I happened to come across the Doepfer Low Cost line this weekend. As far as I can tell, the recent ones are basically the same as my suitcase but without the portability. Fine by me! I happened to find a really good deal on a 9u 84hp on Reverb. I have to say that I think this is a really good option for studio bound systems. Very nicely built, kind of sleek/minimal, cost effective, and as far as I can tell, powered nicely.

Pre-transition

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First patch

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1 Like
#799

I’m delighted to hear Grau Modular are back from hiatus!

I’m very very happy with the square 7U 65hp custom case I have from them.

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15 Likes
#800

does anybody know if m2.5 knurlies with the washer fit on vector rails? saw somewhere that vector rails recommend 8mm long screws with washers and 6mm without, but knurlies are listed as 7mm long

edit: i’ve been informed that m3 knurlies with the washer fit on vector rails with m3 nuts, so i assume m2.5 ones will as well

#801

Yes, 7mm is a good length for with or without nylon washers.

#802

I think I’ve only heard good things about the Blackhole cases in general, but I’m wondering if anyone has experience with their discontinued GAMMA_SIX case. Any design flaws that might have led them to stop making it? How’s the power supply, noise- and current-wise? The USB power out seems like a nice thing to have around for Norns.

#803

I wonder if they didn’t just bail on it because the market is sort of saturated with 6u104 cases. Anymore it seems like it’s the standard size sold so it might be that he wanted to focus more on niche designs.

1 Like
#804

Any recommendations for an inexpensive case for holding exclusively passive modules?

It doesn’t need to be very large.

DIY plans are also of interest although I don’t have much skill…

Thanks!