Another newbie question - Which eurorack case?

Jari Jokinen

I have seen small eurorack cases from by Doepfer, Analogue Solutions and Analogue Systems. I need about 168 HP for first system.

From Analogue Systems R15 manual: "superior to the off-the-shelf Euro-racks used by other manufacturers"...

Are some cases fragile? Are power supplys unreliable or noisy? I don't know, what to expect, but buzzing or humming wouldn't be nice.

Best regards
Jari Jokinen

synthbaron · Joined: Oct 21, 2006 Posts: 21

I don't know why ASys is claiming superior status. Unless it's because of the toroidial power transformer, which Doepfer now uses too.

I really like my Doepfer portable case, It's really built well, I'm confident I could drop and kick it around and everything would be fine inside. It has an over-specified power supply so it should never hum.

I have heard a few reports of people blowing fuses and having modules shorted out on their ASys cases. Whether that's operator error or a problem with the design, I don't know.

Funky40 · Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2006 12:00 pm Post subject:

they all have to take their Cases from manaufactures wich dont biuld them especially for Mucic related use, afaik.
the ASys Cases i don't know. afaik Doepfer takes their Cases from Proma.................

I have you here a link to Reichelt, an elektrinok parts distributor in Germany. ( sorry it's German language )
I Case 3HE is 30€. I have 2 of those, and two others. ( ---> they are all good )
http://www.reichelt.de/?SID=26YRfWLqwQARoAABzNRMkaf94d4d19b44c96a8754084019046f60;ACTION=3;LA=2;GROUP=C75;GROUPID=3363;ARTICLE=33986;START=0;SORT=artnr;OFFSET=16

ok, when take a case this way you must Install a PSU by your own.
The Boys from the doepfer import here recommend the Traco Power PSU to me.
they had to install a new PSU to somebody with an original Deopfer Rack ( 6 HE ) because he had Problems with Hum/Noize togehter with hes Spring Reverb.

the traco works fine:
Maybe an alternative for you.
You save up to 2 third !!! of the money when counting prices up for a 4x3 HE Space System.
the Traco has 1.5A what is in my System enough for 4 Racks,
but i have many Multiples.

think about ! ( the traco has allready +- Voltage. Maybe you have a Friend who can do that little Job and will install it for you )

Funky40 · Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2006 12:07 pm Post subject:

normally you install the euro Racks into a 19" case.
so there is no need to think about the stability, as sayd they are all good, and all 5 Types i have ( have one Placet format Rack also ) are made in a similar way.............

The Traco Power unit you get from Farnell for example. there is only one model with +and - 12 V from Traco Power.

Jari Jokinen · Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2006 2:26 am Post subject:

Thank you for your comments.

How about the issue with wasted space or gaps between modules? I think I saw a solution somewhere, but I can't find it again.

Space Case by Synthbox:
http://www.ear-group.net/spacecase.html
It is too big and expenxive, but: "utilizes Vector Electric's T-strut mounting system in which movable nuts are inserted into aluminum mounting rails. These nuts can be positioned wherever necessary, ending concerns between Analogue Systems and Doepfer hole patterns - you simply slide each module flush against the next. No more wasted real estate when combining manufacturers."

Some modules require additional +5V. Analogue Systems RS15 provides +12V, +5V and -15V voltage rails. How about Doepfer? They say (regarding A-113 Subharmonic Generator): "requires an additional +5V power supply with 100mA (e.g. the separate +5V power supply or the +5V low-cost adapter)". Would this mean DIY solution (I am not good at it)? At least I don't want an extra power adaptor hanging around.

I suppose, there is no FAQ...

Best regards
Jari Jokinen

Jari Jokinen · Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2006 1:47 pm Post subject:

prophei · Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 4:49 am Post subject: eurorack rails in america?

what american suppliers sell the eurorack style rails? i'd love to build my own case, but am unsure how best to mount the modules without these...

thanks!

Rhythmicons · Joined: Sep 25, 2009 Posts: 9 Location: Arkansas

I checked out that link to the German company selling the rack...do you know if they will ship to the States and how much it might cost after that?

A google translation is a wonderful thing.

blue hell · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 12:29 pm Post subject:

Doepfer?

they have an english site [ http://www.doepfer.de/home_e.htm ] with some info as how to order from abroad.

Rhythmicons · Joined: Sep 25, 2009 Posts: 9 Location: Arkansas

For those that are interested:
That German company above that sells those racks, they can't ship to the USA.

They told me that they will ship it somewhere in germany for me, so I am going to see if there is a music store that will purchase the item for me and can ship it to the USA.

40 bucks plus shipping isn't bad for a 2 tier 19 inch eurorack frame. If I could go to Germany and pick one up myself that would be better but we shall see what this company tells me.

Eric
Rhythmicons

noobman · Joined: Sep 24, 2009 Posts: 13 Location: sydney

hm... sorry for hijacking here, but i thought it was a suitable place. i'd really like to start me own modular, but even the cheapest dopefer case is too expensive for me. i'd like to make the case myself, and buying a rack should be simple enough, but im not sure where to get a PSU, as all the ones in the doepfer cases are made up of several components, and they dont recomend putting it together yourself unless you're a certified electrician... any help would be much appreciated. as the name indicates, im quite the noob when it comes to this Smile

/rant

Sound · Joined: Jun 06, 2006 Posts: 842 Audio files: 1

noobman · Joined: Sep 24, 2009 Posts: 13 Location: sydney

thanks alot, sound! might look for a second hand case...

Adam-V · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:31 pm Post subject:

Hi Noobman,

I notice you are in Sydney, have you checked out any of Laurie's offerings? His frames are much cheaper.

As for wiring of power supplies, you might be able to find a kindred spirit up there that is kind enough to help you do it for the cost of a couple of beers (after it's been done and tested of course).

Cheers,
Adam-V

noobman · Joined: Sep 24, 2009 Posts: 13 Location: sydney

i'm assuming you mean elby design?...

yeah the case looks nice... but the power supply he sells says 115-230v, which is strange considering that australia is 240v...

Adam-V · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 5:17 pm Post subject:

That just means that the supply will be able to run on 110/115V or 220/230/240V.

Cheers,
Adam-V

stevenclements · Joined: Nov 16, 2005 Posts: 74 Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Automageddon · Joined: Nov 04, 2010 Posts: 7 Location: London

So if I buy two of these 3U racks suggested above:
http://www.reichelt.de/?SID=26YRfWLqwQARoAABzNRMkaf94d4d19b44c96a8754084019046f60;ACTION=3;LA=2;GROUP=C75;GROUPID=3363;ARTICLE=33986;START=0;SORT=artnr;OFFSET=16
And 1 of these power adapter/bus:
http://www.schneidersladen.de/en/doepfer-diy-kit-1-incl-trafo-1200ma-2

I should be able to have all the components for a 6U Eurorack, right?

One big question left, how do I attach the buses and parts to the rack itself? Any suggestion?

Would I need some sort of on/off switch?

slowalan · Joined: May 28, 2010 Posts: 23 Location: Australia

I have Elby case, also Doepfer case, and Analogue Systems case. AS is the only one fused. Fuses are good, especially in early days when it is easy to put things in upside down etc....

I reckon they are worth the extra money, as are AS modules.

But Elby gear is also very good, and Laurie Biddulph (Elby) would I reckon, make up a case for you with fuse if you asked, for not much cash. Might be cheaper than AS. Laurie also stocks Doepfer gear

stevenclements · Joined: Nov 16, 2005 Posts: 74 Location: Edmonton, Alberta

http://www.analoguehaven.com/tiptopaudio/

check the rack ears and psu stuff Smile

Automageddon · Joined: Nov 04, 2010 Posts: 7 Location: London

The TipTop Audio Zeus quickconnect could be the thing I need.
Thanks

stevenclements · Joined: Nov 16, 2005 Posts: 74 Location: Edmonton, Alberta

yeah nice looking stuff... I think I'll get a couple of the slanted desktop racks... very nice

analog monster · Joined: Aug 13, 2010 Posts: 13 Location: uk

for those of you like me, who come across this page looking for a source for a cheap eurorack I have great news. the rack system yo can buy from reichelt is available from Farnell. search for sub rack. They have a few different versions, including a 6u version, but if you want the same one as previously listed, you want:

http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/search/productdetail.jsp?sku=1858338
FISCHER ELEKTRONIK
BGT 384 180

be aware, these have no top, bottom or rear (look at the link). Due to safety and EMC reasons you really should have all four sides enclosed. Farnell also stock top and bottom panels:

http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/search/productdetail.jsp?sku=1858345
FISCHER ELEKTRONIK
AB211 - PERFORATED COVER PANEL

I plan on using MDF for the rear panel, where I will mount the PSU. Please don't forget if you use a PSU without an external transformer you are looking at high voltage with metal cases - a bad combination. you need to make sure the PSU is properly isolated from the case, or else you could be looking at 240 volts running through you! even with an external transformer play safe, use your multimeter on its continuity test setting to check that the case and PSU are not connected before you hook up the power.

I chose to use the Doepfer DIY kit #1 for my installation. Partly because I will be buying a number of Doepfer modules to go with my Thomas Henry SN voice and MPS modules, but also because its bus system gives you a high quality linear power supply with -12V, GND and +12V, an option to add a 5v supply as well as access to gate and 1 CV connection without needing to patch cables. The kit also includes 4 mounting rails.

So for £66.72 I get two 3u cases with top and bottom panels, giving me 84HP x2. The MDF rear panel will cost me about £5. The Doepfer DIY kit #1 costs £103.27 from Thomann.de, total cost 174.99.

the Doepfer A-100G6 kit is the closest equivalent (6u case with 2 bus boards and PSU) and costs £314.20 on thomann, saving me £139.21 - that is two more modules I can buy. I have ordered it all but it is yet to arrive. I intend on writing a full guide to building the case once it has all arrived. Hope this is useful to somebody.

EDIT - forgot Farnell VAT (I'm claiming the case as a business expense lol) add £13.34 to the bill.