4ms Pod60 (2022–)

Name: 4ms Pod60
Brand: 4ms

It’s not flashy, it doesn’t have a lid, and it won’t win a beauty contest — but plug in a few modules and suddenly you’ve got a synth desk that fits in a backpack.

Overview

The 4ms Pod60 (Powered) isn’t trying to be anything it’s not: a no-nonsense, desktop-friendly Eurorack case that just works. Released in June 2022, it’s part of 4ms’s streamlined Pods lineup, designed for modular heads who want to ditch the rack and go portable without sacrificing power or stability. At 60HP wide and 3U tall, it’s compact enough to tuck beside a laptop or drum machine, yet spacious enough to hold a serious cluster of modules — say, a voice path, some modulation, and a utility or two. It’s marketed as a low-cost, portable enclosure, and that’s exactly what it delivers: a functional, lightweight home for your favorite Eurorack bits that turns them into a self-contained instrument.

What makes the Pod60 stand out in a sea of DIY cases is the built-in power supply. No external brick on a leash, no messy third-party PSU mod — it’s all integrated, clean, and ready to run. You just need the 4ms Power Brick 45 W (sold separately) and you’re good to go. It’s daisy-chainable too, so if you’ve got a smaller Pod or a Row Power module lying around, you can link them together and power multiple units from a single source. That kind of scalability is rare at this price point and makes the Pod60 a smart choice for modular newbies or veterans building out a tabletop ecosystem.

It’s not perfect — and owners are quick to point out the depth limitation. With only 34.2mm (1.34") of internal space, it’s tight. Really tight. If you’re eyeing something like an HPO module (38mm deep), forget it — it won’t fit. One Reddit user confirmed that exact issue, and another on MOD WIGGLER admitted they had to rule out the Pod60 entirely because it couldn’t accommodate the deeper modules they wanted to use. So while it’s “ideal for desktop musicians looking to add some Eurorack variety,” as Perfect Circuit puts it, it’s not for everyone. But if you stick to slimmer modules — and let’s be honest, most modern compact designs live comfortably under 34mm — you’ll find it’s a solid, no-drama foundation.

Specifications

Manufacturer	4ms
System / Format	Eurorack
Form factor	Desktop
Width	60HP
Total Usable HP	60HP
Height	3U
Available module depth	34.2mm (1.34")
External Dimensions	309.3mm (W) x 159.5mm (H) x 36mm (D) (12.17" x 6.28" x 1.42")
Weight	0.41 kg (410 g)
Power Supply	Built-in
Power supply output	+12V: 1400mA (1.4A), -12V: 560mA, +5V: 400mA
Power connectors	Four 16-pin Eurorack power shrouded headers
Power input	Two barrel jacks for daisy-chaining, 15V-20VDC, 2.1mm positive tip
Matching power supply unit	4ms Power Brick 45 W (not included)
Screw type / Mounting	M3 threaded holes
Included screws	M3 x 8mm pan-head screws, stainless steel (10 pieces)
Construction material	Anodized aluminum
Scalable / Daisy-chainable	Yes
Lid	No

Key Features

Built-in Power That Just Works

The Pod60’s biggest win is its integrated power supply. It delivers a healthy +12V at 1.4A, which is more than enough for a modest to mid-sized setup — especially since the smaller Pods in the lineup offer less. With four 16-pin Eurorack power headers already wired in, you can populate the entire 60HP without needing a separate power distribution board. And if you need more, 4ms offers the Multi Power Cable accessory to expand your connectivity. Power input comes in via two barrel jacks (15V–20VDC, 2.1mm tip positive), so you can daisy-chain multiple Pods or link to a Row Power module. Just grab the 4ms Power Brick 45 W — sold separately — and you’re live.

Lightweight, Tough, and Travel-Ready

Weighing in at just 410 grams, the Pod60 is featherlight, but don’t mistake that for flimsy. It’s made from anodized aluminum — the same stuff used in aerospace and high-end enclosures — so it’s both rigid and corrosion-resistant. The finish feels smooth but not slippery, and the four adhesive rubber feet keep it planted on your desk. There’s no lid, which some might miss, but that also means instant access and zero risk of scratching modules when opening or closing. It’s “light, tough, and perfect for on-the-go setups,” as B&H Photo Video puts it, and that’s no exaggeration. Toss it in a padded case with a few modules, and you’ve got a portable synth rig that won’t weigh down your carry-on.

Smart Design for Real-World Use

4ms didn’t overthink it: the Pod60 is simple by design, but the details matter. The M3 threaded mounting holes are standard across Eurorack, so any module will screw in cleanly. It ships with ten stainless steel M3 x 8mm pan-head screws — enough for a full build, though some retailers claim twenty are included. (Ten is the lower, more consistently cited number, so plan accordingly.) The interior width is a full 60HP, so no space is wasted on baffles or obstructions. And while the 34.2mm depth is a known limitation, it’s also a deliberate trade-off for portability. As one Reddit user put it: “The 34mm depth thing is a bit annoying.” But for those building compact, desktop-friendly systems, it’s a fair compromise. One user even built a setup around a Make Noise 0-Coast with extra modules — a testament to what you can do within the constraints.

Collectibility & Value

The 4ms Pod60 sells for approximately $175–$178 USD, positioning it as an affordable entry point into powered Eurorack cases. It’s not a vintage artifact, nor is it marketed as a collector’s item — it’s a tool, first and foremost. There’s no data on common failures or long-term maintenance issues, likely because it’s a relatively recent product with a simple design: no moving parts, no complex circuitry beyond the PSU. That said, the lack of a lid and the depth restriction mean it won’t appeal to everyone. As one MOD WIGGLER user noted, it’s “only deep enough for maximum ~32mm modules, which would be too shallow for what I'd likely want to keep in there.” But for those who prioritize portability and plug-and-play simplicity, it’s a solid value. Owners report satisfaction with its size and reliability, with one Reddit user summing it up: “It's size is perfect for a desktop setup. I'm very happy with it.”