4ms Pod40X (2022–)

Name: 4ms Pod40
Brand: 4ms

This little aluminum box turns Eurorack into something you can use on a desk, without blowing a wad or your power supply.

Overview

A half-built Eurorack system scattered across a workbench looks like a synth autopsy. The 4ms Pod40X is the first real step toward making it *playable*. It's not a flagship case with wood trim and mood lighting. It's a 40HP slab of anodized aluminum that gives you just enough space to build something functional, portable, and powered. Introduced in June 2022, it slots into 4ms Company's "X-series" of deeper mini-skiffs, designed to fit nearly any module you'd reasonably want to use. At 3U tall and barely over two inches deep, it's compact enough to tuck beside a laptop or slide into a gig bag, and rugged enough to survive daily use.

This isn't a boutique hand-finished enclosure. It's a utilitarian tool for people who want to *do* something with their modules, not just stare at them. It's marketed as a low-cost, portable solution for beginners dipping a toe into Eurorack, or for seasoned users who need an "aux-rack" for a specific task, like interfacing with non-Eurorack gear or housing a compact effects chain. The Pod40X comes powered, which is a big deal at this size and price: no external bus board, no DIY power headaches. Screw in your modules, plug in the right power brick, and go. The power brick isn't included, though, so it won't fire up out of the box. You'll need a 15V - 20V DC supply, like the 4ms Power Brick 45W, which adds to the cost.

Owners report mixed feelings about value. Some praise the solid construction and daisy-chaining flexibility, calling it a "big value" for desktop setups (Sweetwater gave it 4/5). Others grumble about the missing power supply, arguing that $145 feels steep when you still have to buy another $60 brick. The aluminum build inspires confidence, but the tight spacing between mounting hole rows can make screw alignment finicky, especially with modules that have awkwardly placed holes.

Specifications

Manufacturer	4ms Company
Width	40HP
Total Usable HP	40HP
Height	3 U
Maximum module depth	50.8mm (2")
Exterior dimensions	208mm (W) x 159.5mm (H) x 53mm (D) (8.19" x 6.28" x 2.08")
Weight	0.31 kg (310 g / 11 oz)
Power supply output	+12V/1400mA, -12V/670mA, +5V/1000mA
Power connectors	Four 16-pin Eurorack power shrouded headers
Power input	Two barrel jacks for daisy-chaining, 15V-20VDC, 2.1mm positive tip
Power brick	Not included; requires separate 15V-20V DC power supply (e.g., 4ms Power Brick 45W)
Case material	Black anodized aluminum
Screw type/fixation	M3 threaded holes; compatible with M3 Knurlies
Included accessories	Ten (10) M3x8mm stainless steel screws; four (4) adhesive rubber feet

Key Features

Built-in Power, No Guesswork

The Pod40X includes a fully integrated DC/DC power supply, which is rare at this size and price point. That means no external power distribution board, no soldering headers, no worrying about ground loops from mismatched supplies. It ships with four 16-pin Eurorack power headers already wired and protected, so you can populate the case with up to four modules and know they'll get clean, regulated power. The output specs are +12V at 1400mA, -12V at 670mA, and +5V at 1000mA. That's enough for a compact but capable setup. Don't max it out with power-hungry digital modules and you'll be fine.

Daisy-Chaining for Expansion

One of the Pod40X's smartest features is daisy-chaining. There are two barrel jacks on the back (input and output), so you can link multiple Pods together using standard 2.1mm DC cables. Need more space? Plug a Pod34X or Pod48X into the back of this one and run them all from a single power brick. It's also compatible with the 4ms Row Power system, so if you're building a larger rig, you can mix and match Pods with Row Power-equipped cases.

All-Metal, All Business

The case is made from 100% black anodized aluminum. No plastic, no flimsy steel. It's light at just 11 ounces, but feels dense and durable. The finish resists scratches and fingerprints better than brushed steel, and the M3 threaded holes are precision-tapped for secure module mounting. It doesn't come with a lid, so your modules are exposed, but that's expected at this price and form factor. The included rubber feet keep it from sliding around, and the M3x8mm screws are stainless steel. No stripped threads here, assuming you're careful.

LEDs and Internal Bus Board

Inside, a simple bus board distributes power to all four headers. There's no fancy filtering or current limiting per slot, just straightforward distribution. Power status is shown by red, white, and blue LEDs on the front, giving you a quick visual check that +12V, -12V, and +5V are all live. That's handy when troubleshooting a module that isn't powering up.

Collectibility & Value

The Pod40X carries an MSRP of $145.00 USD, which makes it a budget-friendly entry point into powered Eurorack cases. That price doesn't include the required 15V - 20V DC power supply, which adds significant cost, especially if you go with the official 4ms Power Brick. Some users feel this undermines the value, calling it "expensive for what you get" when the full setup cost crosses $200. Others argue the build quality and daisy-chaining flexibility justify the price, particularly for those building modular systems incrementally.

There's no data on common failures or long-term reliability. A Reddit user did report an issue with the 4ms Pressure Points module in a Pod: "ch 4 flickers on/off when I press other channels, and sometimes it randomly jumps back to ch 4 on its own." This could point to a grounding or power fluctuation issue under specific loads, though it's not confirmed whether this is widespread. Another user warned about module depth. Despite the 2" clearance, some modules, especially those with rear-mounted components, may still not fit.