4ms Pod64X (Powered) (2022–)

Name: 4ms Pod64X
Brand: 4ms

It’s not just a case—it’s a passport for your Eurorack to hit the road, built tough and wired smart.

Overview

When you're knee-deep in modular and need to go mobile, the 4ms Pod64X (Powered) isn’t just another skiff—it’s the quiet upgrade that makes you wonder why all small cases aren’t built like this. Available since June 2022, this 64HP aluminum shell is one of 4ms Company’s most practical entries in their Pod line, designed for players who want something they can toss in a backpack, set on a café table, and power up without a tangle of cables. It’s not flashy, but it’s smart in all the right places: lightweight at just 500 grams, rigid from its anodized aluminum build, and deep enough—55 mm—to handle most modern modules without clearance drama. Whether you're building a starter rig or expanding an existing system, the Pod64X lands in that sweet spot between barebones and overbuilt.

What really sets it apart from the sea of cheap enclosures is that it’s powered—no external power distribution board needed—and it does the job cleanly. The internal power supply delivers solid rails: +12V at 1400mA, -12V at 670mA, and +5V at 1000mA, which is more than enough juice for a small digital or analog setup. You won’t be running a full-on digital monster like a Mutable Instruments Plaits stack and a Clouds at full tilt, but for a compact, portable voice or effects rig? This is plenty. And because the bus board is mounted vertically on the front wall—instead of lying flat on the floor of the case—module installation feels cleaner, more accessible, and less prone to wobble during transport. It’s one of those small design wins that doesn’t look like much on paper, but the moment you slide in your first module, you get it.

At 3U height and 64HP wide, it’s a standard desktop footprint, but the real magic is in the expandability. With two power jacks for daisy-chaining, you can link it to another Pod or integrate it into a 4ms Row Power setup, making it a modular citizen rather than a silo. And while it ships with 20 M3 x 8mm pan-head screws and four adhesive rubber feet (a nice touch), don’t expect a power brick in the box—neither the 15V–20VDC, 2.1mm center-positive adapter nor the barrel cable for daisy-chaining are included. That’s a bit of a sting, but it’s common practice in this segment, and at least the specs are clear: grab a 45W Power Brick from 4ms or a compatible unit, and you’re good.

Specifications

Manufacturer	4ms Company
Width	64HP
Height	3 U
Maximum module depth	55 mm (2.16")
Internal dimensions (W x H x D)	329.7 x 159.5 x 57 mm
Weight	500 g (0.5kg)
Power supply output	+12V/1400mA, -12V/670mA, +5V/1000mA
Number of power connectors	4x 16-pin Eurorack power ribbon cable headers
Compatible AC adapter	15V-20VDC, 2.1mm center-positive (power brick not included)
Construction	Made from anodized aluminum
Rails	M3 threaded holes
Includes	M3 x 8mm pan-head screws (20), adhesive rubber feet (4)

Key Features

Vertical Bus Board: No More Floor Crawling

The Pod64X flips the script on traditional skiff design by mounting the bus board vertically on the front wall. This isn’t just a gimmick—it means your power ribbon cables aren’t trapped under modules, and you’re not fighting gravity when connecting or disconnecting. It also makes airflow slightly better (though not a concern in such a low-power system) and gives the interior a cleaner, more organized look. Owners report that this small change makes module swaps faster and less frustrating, especially when you’re working on a cramped desk or in a hotel room with limited space.

Daisy-Chaining Done Right

One of the Pod64X’s standout features is its built-in daisy-chaining capability via two power jacks. You can link it directly to another Pod or a Row Power unit, which is huge if you’re building a modular setup that grows over time. Need more HP? Add a Pod40 or Pod16X. Want to integrate it into a larger rack? The Row Power compatibility makes that seamless. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about system flexibility. And while the fact sheet doesn’t specify hard limits on how many units you can chain, users on r/eurorack note that as long as you stay within the power specs, the system holds up well. Just remember: the barrel cable for chaining is sold separately, so factor that into your budget.

LED Indicators: Peace of Mind in Three Colors

Red, white, and blue LED indicators give you instant visual feedback on power status—no multimeter needed. It’s a small thing, but when you’re troubleshooting a non-responsive module, seeing that all rails are live saves time and stress. It’s not flashy stage lighting, but it’s functional, reliable, and quietly reassuring.

Expandable Power with the Multi Power Cable

The Pod64X ships with four 16-pin power headers, which is standard for a case this size. But if you’re packing dense modules or using multiple power-hungry digital units, four might not cut it. That’s where the optional Multi Power Cable accessory comes in—plug it into one of the existing headers and gain additional power distribution. It doesn’t increase total current, but it spreads what’s available across more modules. Perfect for setups that mix a digital oscillator, a utility module, a mixer, and a compact effects processor.

Portability That Actually Works

At 500 grams and a compact 329.7 mm width, the Pod64X is built to move. It’s not just “light on paper”—it feels substantial without being heavy, thanks to the anodized aluminum construction. The included rubber feet keep it stable on glass or wood surfaces, and the rigid case protects modules from bumps and jostling. Reddit users have called it “a turning point for portable Eurorack,” turning what used to be a studio-bound system into something you can bring to a friend’s place, a live set, or even a park session. And because it’s part of the “X” line, it offers greater depth than the non-X Pods—critical for modules with tall components or rear-mounted jacks.

Collectibility & Value

New units sell for between $195 and $209 USD, with Japanese retailers listing them at ¥36,900 (tax excluded). Used examples appear occasionally, like one listed at ¥28,900 (tax excluded) on Clockface Modular, suggesting modest depreciation. There’s no data on common failures or maintenance issues—no surprise, given that it’s a passive enclosure with a built-in supply and no moving parts. But the lack of reported problems is itself telling: owners aren’t flooding forums with power glitches or rail failures. That said, the power adapter and daisy-chain cable aren’t included, Still, for a ready-to-go, expandable, and travel-ready powered case, it’s considered good value. It’s not a rare collectible—production appears ongoing—but its practicality ensures steady demand among modular newcomers and road-ready synth travelers alike.