4ms Pod48X (2022–)

Name: 4ms Pod48X
Brand: 4ms

It's not a synth. But plug four modules into this little black slab and you have a standalone instrument that fits in a backpack.

Overview

The 4ms Pod48X won't make noise on its own. It's a desktop Eurorack enclosure, compact and all-metal, built to turn a handful of modules into a portable synth or effects rig. Introduced in June 2022, it's part of 4ms's "Pods" series. It is 48HP wide and 3U tall, small enough for a gig bag. The case is black anodized aluminum, and everything you need is built in: power, bus board, mounting hardware, and a few extras.

The Pod48X has a built-in power supply rated for up to +12V @ 1.5A, -12V @ 1.0A, and +5V @ 1.0A. It's fed by a removable 4ms-branded IEC C7 power cord, so there's no external brick to hunt down. You can daisy-chain multiple units using the power out jack and run two or three Pods off a single power source. Owners report powering a Palette, two Pod48Xs, and a Pod34X from one adapter without issues.

It has quirks. There are only four power headers on the internal bus board, so if you fill this 48HP case you'll need the Multi Power Cable accessory to add connections. Some users have called this underpowered for the form factor, and one German review bluntly notes that four power connectors in a 48HP case feels undersized. The 51mm internal depth works for most modules, but anything with a tall backside might not clear. Tiny modules, like 2HP logic gates or micro utilities, can be fiddly to plug in because of the tight row spacing, which some report as slightly imperfect. For a transportable, self-contained Eurorack node, the trade-offs make sense. It's not meant to replace your 120HP case.

Specifications

Manufacturer	4ms Company
Width	48HP
Total Usable HP	48HP
Height	3 U
Internal Depth / Available module depth	51mm
Max Depth	50.2mm
External Dimensions	9.78" x 6.28" x 2.08" (248.3 x 159.5 x 53 mm)
Power supply specifications	+12V @ 1.5A, -12V @ 1.0A, +5V @ 1.0A
Power supply input	100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
Power Brick Inclusion	Includes a removable 4ms-branded power cord (IEC C7)
Bus board power connectors	Four
Screw type	M3
Screw fixation	Rails have M3 threaded strips
Included hardware	ten (10) M3x8mm stainless steel screws
Hardware compatibility	compatible with M3 Knurlies
Scalable	Yes (can be daisy-chained)
Lid	No
Weight	2 lbs (~907g)
Form factor	Desktop

Key Features

Self-Contained Power System

The integrated supply delivers clean, stable voltage across all rails, and status LEDs on the bus board show that everything's live. The power out jack lets you chain multiple Pods, or work with the 4ms Row Power system, without filling up your outlet strip. It runs on universal 100-240V AC, so it works anywhere in the world. It also comes with the right cord, which is a small detail that saves some frustration when unboxing.

Modular-Ready Construction

The Pod48X is black anodized aluminum and weighs just under two pounds. The rails use M3 threaded strips, so you won't lose screws in the void behind your modules. Ten stainless steel M3x8mm screws are included, and the case is compatible with M3 Knurlies if you prefer knobbed fasteners. Four adhesive rubber feet keep it stable on any surface. There's no lid, which keeps the profile low and access instant, but your modules are exposed. That's fine on a studio desk, less so in a dusty basement or crowded gig case.

Expanded Connectivity & Accessories

The box holds more than power cables. You get a 16-to-10, 16-to-16, 10-to-10, and 10-to-16 pin power cable, which covers most bus board configurations, plus a flying bus cable with six connectors for distributing power within dense builds. There are also two 3.5mm TRS adapters, one for MIDI-to-CV and another for CV-to-MIDI. You could run a drum machine into a CV-to-MIDI adapter and trigger samples from a modular sequencer, or use MIDI from a keyboard to control a standalone Pod-based synth.

Collectibility & Value

The Pod48X isn't a vintage artifact, since it's been available since June 2022. New units sell for $155.00, with Thomann listing a price of $150.87. A used unit in excellent condition was listed on Reverb for $140 four years ago, but current resale data is sparse, likely because these don't break often and owners tend to keep them. There's no record of common electronic failures or required maintenance.

The limitations are real. The four power connectors are a bottleneck in a 48HP space - fine for a few modules, but tight for dense builds. The 51mm depth can rule out modules with tall components on the back. The row spacing has been noted as occasionally inconsistent, which makes installing very small modules a bit of a wrestling match. One retailer calls it "perfect for transporting small groups of modules." Another calls it "perfect for transforming up to four modules into a standalone synth or effect processor."