4ms Pod104X (2025–)

Name: 4ms Pod104X
Brand: 4ms

It hums before you flip the switch. That's clean power waiting in a slab of anodized aluminum.

Overview

The 4ms Pod104X isn't a synth. It's a powered Eurorack enclosure, compact and portable, and built to stop rattling, flexing or dying mid-performance. It weighs 1.01kg and measures 534 x 159 x 57 mm, so it fits in a backpack but is rigid enough for a tour van floor. It's desktop-mounted, 3U tall, and holds 13 modules across a full 104 HP width. That makes it a fair size for a starter system or a focused utility rig. 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 a cool, slightly grippy surface you don't get with painted steel or plastic. Retailers describe it as "very lightweight," but it doesn't creak. The module rails are fixed with M3 threaded holes and sliding nuts, so there are no 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."

It's also powered, which is where the "X" in Pod104X earns its keep. The built-in power supply feeds +12V at 2000mA, -12V at 1400mA, and +5V at 1500mA. That's plenty of headroom for a dense 13-module setup. No power brick comes in the box. You'll need either the 4ms Power Brick 45W or 90W. Once you plug in, the red, white, and blue LED indicators light up. There's an actual power switch on the back, which beats unplugging a case from behind a synth stack.

Specifications

Manufacturer	4ms
Model	Pod104X
System	Eurorack
Form factor	Desktop
Height	3 U
Width	104 HP
Number of slots for modules	13
Installation depth for modules	55 mm
Dimensions (W x H x D)	534 x 159 x 57 mm
Weight	1.01kg
Power Supply	Yes
Power supply specifications	+12V/2000mA, -12V/1400mA, +5V/1500mA
Suitable power supplies	4ms Power Brick 45W or 4ms Power Brick 90W (both not included)
Compatible AC adapter output	15V-24VDC, 2.1mm center-positive
Power header connections	16-pin Eurorack power ribbon cable headers, 13 total
Daisy-chain power jacks	2
Features an ON/OFF switch	Yes
Rows	1-row
Total Usable HP	104HP
Lid	No
Screw Fixation	Sliding nuts/Threaded strip
Scalable	Yes
Threading	M3 threaded holes
Housing material	Aluminium desktop housing
Included accessories	20 M3 screws, rubber feet, Pod Userguide pdf (English)

Key Features

Built Like a Tool, Not a Toy

The Pod104X is made entirely from anodized aluminum, with no plastic trim and no painted steel. It doesn't flex when you tighten modules, and it doesn't pick up fingerprints like brushed steel. The finish is consistent and the edges are clean. It's also quiet, with no buzzing or grounding hum from a flimsy chassis. The internal bus boards are pre-installed, so there's no soldering or aligning headers. 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 are functional. At a glance, you can tell if all rails are live. The power switch sits on the back panel. The internal depth is 55 mm, which leaves room for deeper modules. There's no lid, which some might miss, but the open design makes patching easier and helps with airflow. The rubber feet keep it from sliding, and the sliding nuts let you 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."

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, and the original MSRP has not been confirmed. There is no secondary market data 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, and one Thomann reviewer noted, "Excelente construcción y potencia adecuada." For now it's a new-release item, not a vintage collectible.