4ms Pod104X (2025–)

It hums before you even flip the switch—just the sound of clean power waiting in a slab of anodized aluminum.

Overview

The 4ms Pod104X isn’t a synth, but it might be the most satisfying piece of gear you’ll never patch. It’s a powered Eurorack enclosure built like a tank and finished like a luxury watch—compact, portable, and dead simple in the best possible way. This is the kind of case you buy when you’re done with flimsy enclosures that rattle, flex, or die mid-performance. At just 1.01kg and measuring 534 x 159 x 57 mm, it’s light enough to toss in a backpack but rigid enough to survive a tour van floor. The Pod104X is desktop-mounted, 3U tall, and holds 13 modules across a full 104 HP width, making it a sweet spot for a starter system or a focused utility rig. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be—owners report it feels like the first case they’ve owned that doesn’t fight them.

Released in June 2025, the Pod104X slots into 4ms’s “Pods” series as a self-contained, scalable Eurorack solution. It’s built from 100% anodized aluminum, which gives it that cool, slightly grippy surface you don’t get with painted steel or plastic. It’s described as “very lightweight” by retailers, but that’s relative—what it lacks in mass it makes up for in density. This thing doesn’t creak. The module rails are fixed with M3 threaded holes and sliding nuts, so you’re not wrestling with loose strips or misaligned strips. One reviewer on Thomann put it plainly: “Actually the best build quality out of all the 4ms pods. Distance between top and bottom washer strips is even.” That’s the kind of detail only someone who’s tightened a hundred modules notices—and it matters.

It’s also powered, which is where the “X” in Pod104X starts to earn its keep. The built-in power supply feeds +12V at 2000mA, -12V at 1400mA, and +5V at 1500mA—more than enough headroom for a dense 13-module setup. You don’t get a power brick in the box (you’ll need either the 4ms Power Brick 45W or 90W), but once you plug in, the red, white, and blue LED indicators light up like a tiny flag of readiness. There’s an actual power switch on the back, which sounds trivial until you’ve had to unplug a case from behind a synth stack for the tenth time. It’s the little things.

Specifications

Key Features

Built Like a Tool, Not a Toy

The Pod104X is made entirely from anodized aluminum—no plastic trim, no painted steel, no corners cut. That means it doesn’t flex when you tighten modules, and it doesn’t pick up fingerprints like brushed steel. The finish is consistent, the edges are clean, and the weight distribution feels deliberate. It’s not just durable; it’s *quiet*. No buzzing, no grounding hum from a flimsy chassis. The internal bus boards are pre-installed, so you’re not soldering or aligning headers. Just drop in your modules, screw them down with the included M3s, and power up.

Power That Plays Nice

The built-in power supply is a standout. It delivers clean, stable voltages with headroom to spare—2000mA on +12V is generous for a 104HP case, especially when paired with 1400mA on -12V and a solid 1500mA on +5V. That’s enough for digital modules, multiple oscillators, or even a small digital effects processor without breaking a sweat. The power comes in via a standard 15V–24V DC input (center-positive, 2.1mm), so you’re not locked into a proprietary brick, though 4ms recommends their own 45W or 90W Power Bricks. Two daisy-chain power jacks on the back let you link multiple Pods or Row Power units, which is where the “scalable” claim really pays off. You can start with one Pod104X and grow into a multi-case system without rewiring everything.

Thoughtful Touches

The red, white, and blue LED indicators aren’t just patriotic—they’re functional. At a glance, you can tell if all rails are live. The power switch is front-and-center on the back panel, so you’re not blindly reaching. The internal depth of 55 mm gives you room for even deeper modules—no need to measure every panel to the millimeter. And while there’s no lid (which some might miss), the open design makes patching easier and helps with airflow. The rubber feet keep it from sliding, and the sliding nuts mean you can position modules anywhere along the rails without pre-drilled holes getting in the way.

One B&H reviewer summed it up: “This is my first ever modular case, and I wanted something basic. On that front, the 4ms case delivers.” That’s the real story here—it’s not trying to be everything. It’s trying to be *good*. And it succeeds.

Collectibility & Value

As of 2025, the Pod104X is available new at $245.00 (Control Voltage), ¥41,900 (tax-exclusive ¥38,091) from Clockface Modular, or $340.99 CAD via Moog Audio. These are current retail prices; original MSRP has not been confirmed. There is no secondary market data available yet—no resale trends, no known failure points, no common repairs. Given its construction and the reputation of 4ms’s Pod line, it’s unlikely to depreciate quickly. Owners praise its build quality and power stability, with one Thomann reviewer noting, “Excelente construcción y potencia adecuada.” For now, it’s a new-release item, not a vintage collectible—but given how many modular users hold onto their cases for years, this one could become a quietly sought-after standard.

eBay Listings

4MS Pod104X Desktop Case - 3U / 104HP Powered EURORACK - NEW

$245

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