4ms Pod40X (2022–)

Name: 4ms Pod40X
Brand: 4ms

A pocket-sized Eurorack case that fits in a backpack and carries its own power supply. The power brick is not included.

Overview

The 4ms Pod40X is a 40HP desktop case with a built-in power supply. It was introduced in June 2022 and is part of the second generation of the 4ms Pod series. It's a compact shell that turns Eurorack modules into self-contained tabletop instruments, and it makes you work for it in a few places. The "Powered" in the full name - 4MS Pod40X Powered 40HP Eurorack Case - is technically accurate, but more than one owner has called it misleading because the required 45W power brick (art. 544815) doesn't come with it. You get the case, the busboard, the headers, and the LEDs. You don't get the power.

The case is 208mm wide, 159.5mm tall, and 53mm deep. It weighs 0.31 kg (11 oz), thanks to its 100% anodized aluminum construction, in black. It's not armored, but it handles careful use fine. Inside, you get 40HP of usable space and a maximum module depth of 50.8mm (2"), which rules out anything with a deep back panel or stacked components. One user scrapped their Pod40X plan entirely because their modules were too deep, even for the deeper version of the Pod. If you're running anything with a bulky power connector or rear-mounted jacks, measure twice.

The power supply is a low-noise switching unit built right into the case, rated at +12V/1.4A, -12V/0.65A, and +5V/0.5A, which is modest but sufficient for a small, efficient setup. It feeds four 16-pin Eurorack power headers, so you can run multiple modules as long as they don’t draw too hard. There’s a known typo in some documentation claiming the +12V can only handle 0.7A—ignore that. The correct max is 1.4A. Power comes in via two 2.1mm barrel jacks (positive tip), letting you daisy-chain multiple Pods or connect to a 15V–20VDC source. Red, white, and blue LEDs tell you which rails are live—simple, but effective. And yes, you can chain this thing to other Pods or even integrate it with the 4ms Row Power system, which is a nice touch for expanding later.

Mounting uses M3 threaded holes, 4 slots for modules, and 10 included stainless steel M3 x 8mm pan-head screws. Adhesive rubber feet are included to keep it from sliding around. One user noted that the distance between the top and bottom mounting rails is quite wide, so you need a bit of hand "clamping" to line up screws through module and case. It's not a dealbreaker, but you'll notice it the first time you assemble it.

Specifications

Manufacturer	4ms
Width	40HP
Total Usable HP	40HP
Height	3 U
Maximum module depth	2.00" (51mm)
Installation depth for modules	50.8 mm
External dimensions	8.19" x 6.28" x 2.08"
Dimensions (W x H x D)	208 x 159.5 x 53 mm
Weight	0.31 kg (11 oz)
Power supply specifications	+12V/1.4A, -12V/0.65A, +5V/0.5A
Number of power connectors	4
Included power connectors	Four 16-pin Eurorack power shrouded headers
Power input	Two barrel jacks for daisy-chaining 15V-20VDC, 2.1mm positive tip
Requires matching 4ms Power Brick 45 W power supply unit (art. 544815, not included)	Yes
Included screws	M3 x 8mm pan-head screws, stainless steel (10)
Included accessories	M3 x 8mm pan-head screws, stainless steel (10); Adhesive rubber feet (4)
Mounting	M3 threaded holes, 4 slots for modules
Construction	black anodized aluminum
Material	100% lightweight anodized aluminum
Power indicators	Red, White, and Blue LED power indicators

Key Features

Compact, All-Metal Design

The Pod40X is a folded sheet of 2mm anodized aluminum, threaded for M3 screws, with no lid. It's minimalist. One owner griped that it's "nowhere near worth £135" for being just metal and a PCB, but others have called it "solide aufgebaut" (solidly built). With no lid, your modules are exposed. That's good for quick access and risky if you toss it in a bag without padding. The rear panel has two holes plugged with removable plastic caps, intended for DIY modifications like adding rear-mounted jacks or patch cables.

Built-In Low-Noise Power Supply

The internal DC/DC power adapter is a real convenience. It's a switching supply, but 4ms claims it's low-noise, which matters with sensitive analog circuits. It delivers +12V, -12V, and +5V rails through four shrouded headers, so you're not stuck with a single bus board. Daisy-chaining power to other Pods or Row Power units means you can expand without a mess of external bricks. The power brick itself is sold separately, though. That's a sticking point for some, especially at the $145 MSRP. More than one buyer has compared calling it a "powered" case, with no power source included, to a bait-and-switch.

Scalable & Daisy-Chain Ready

The dual barrel jacks let you chain multiple Pods together, so you could theoretically run a 120HP setup off one power supply. The busboard is mounted so that it stays accessible without eating into depth, and users report it's still easy to reach for troubleshooting. The Pod is meant to be part of a system, and you can start small and add more as needed.

Desktop-Ready with Practical Touches

The four adhesive rubber feet keep it from sliding on smooth surfaces, and the compact footprint suits desktop use. It's not a stage rack. It works for sketching ideas, live looping, or running a single voice setup at a coffee shop gig. The 3U height fits standard Eurorack modules, and the 40HP width is enough for a basic voice or utility setup, such as a VCO, filter, envelope, and mixer, or a compact digital module like a Pressure Points. One user reported a Pressure Points module flickering and jumping channels after moving it to a Pod, which suggests possible grounding or power stability quirks under load.

Collectibility & Value

The Pod40X is too new to be "vintage." The MSRP is $145, with B-stock units listed at $138 on Thomann. No data exists on common failures or long-term reliability. Given the simple construction, there's not much to break beyond the power input or PCB solder joints, and no widespread issues have been reported. The biggest complaint is value, not failure: at £135, one owner felt it was overpriced for what's essentially a metal box and a PCB. Others praise its solid build and its integration with the 4ms ecosystem.