Modular Monthly: How to make a DIY Eurorack 3U case

In this edition of our monthly modular synthesis column, we show you how to create your own DIY Eurorack casing to help you get your system going without breaking the bank. For more, check out issue 288 of Future Music magazine: bit.ly/FMU288
Modular Monthly continues in every issue of Future Music. See more from our modular collaborator at: / mylarmelodies

[@odinmp5]

I'm so glad to find a video in both English and the metric system. 😎

[@Poulscath]

Great example of CAD (Cardboard Aided Design)

[@RainbowCoreChannel]

It's Mylar! It's awesome seeing you on FM. We definitely need more videos.

[@mylarmelodies]

[@fo76]

Definitely a eurorack case with an attitude! I was close to ordering a nifty Intellijel case but couldn't decide on which size... think I'll build one of these BadAss cases first... thanks for the inspiration...

[@localsnyc]

I did this and use Fiberglass to cover the cardboard, sand-it and Paint-it, looks professional and perfect ;)

[@gorillaau]

Cylo Arias Another approach may have been to just use the fibreglass resin to coat the cardboard. The resin should soak inand stiffen the cardboard. I haven't tried it though.

[@joshk2181]

do you have a photo

[@GerenM63]

Great idea to use the double cardboard that's 5mm thick. 5mm is also a normal plywood thickness, so once you get your design finalized in cardboard, the dimensions are exactly correct for a final wood version. I think Lucite also comes in 5mm thickness, as does Coroplast signboard. So, no matter which material you make your final case from, you dimensions are all correct.

[@djnanneex]

This is what I wish I had watched when I was a kid, instead of cartoons... (sorry for my improper use of english syntax) great video!!

[@girlinagale]

Cardboard is lovely stuff, each time I get a new box I admire the cardboard structure.

[@gorillaau]

Did you get to go on an excursion to the Box Factory?

[@chris_hall_music]

Very satisfying watch. Modular meets Blue Peter Vibes.

[@deejaydubla]

I thought that sounded like +mylarmelodies. Excellent video, as usual!

[@CaalamusTube]

You have completed your good deed for humanity! ...your work here is done! ( Thanks :] You've just inspired me not to drop $600 on the case for my first Eurorack! )

[@mylarmelodies]

Ha! Spend it on modules instead... (Of course you'll eventually need a 'proper' case when you outgrow your starter - Ginko Synthese Wooden DIY kits recommended, have a big one on order right now.)

[@CaalamusTube]

mylarmelodies Yeah, well... actually what this made me realize... is how accessible Rails & a Power Supply are. I'll just build two of these out of nice Ply ( 208HP ) ...with no bottoms... & stick them in a padded, waterproof case. I can get nice plastic cases for like $20!

[@mylarmelodies]

Caalamus Amen - much better to build it out of plywood/MDF if you have the means, or if you know someone who can cut perspex, you might wanna take James up on this offer: twitter.com/JamesCarruthers/status/576432731149697024

[@mylarmelodies]

+Brett McCarter www.musicradar.com/tuition/tech/how-to-build-your-own-cardboard-eurorack-modular-case-625196 < Just tried the download link there and unzipped, and it's appearing/working fine.

[@kingpishful]

Thanks. Inspired by this I made a two row but made the sides from scrap 5mm aluminium.

[@shprynx2328]

your t shirt is perhaps the greatest of them all

[@lassejensen1210]

This is awesome. Many, many thanks for this! Excellent job on the video.

[@theothertonydutch]

Hot glue, an extra layer of cartboard and a woodglue coating can make this way stronger and last much longer.

[@thomprice691]

Would be a great addition to the cardboard audio speakers I've seen about. ^^

[@dariorusso7742]

Anyone could tell me what size of the rails that will fit with the rack size please ? and where can I get these, without buy the wrong one. Thank you

[@septemberSE7EN]

Good job. The pointy screwdriver thing is called a Bradawl :)

[@NoizCode]

Great way to beat the prices of cases. Is that PDF available anywhere still?

[@fx_berg]

8 people don´t like cardboard.:D also mr. mylarm > props for the best modular demos around, informative, funny, highly likeable and above all of that really sounding ace!

[@themonohub5455]

Great idea. Think I'll fold some tape over the top when I make it, so I don't run the risk of paper cuts.

[@MrTomkimber]

Awesome, I'm thinking of starting off a modular system, and don't want to buy everything at once, so an affordable, temporary case is a great idea. Where can I find out more about starting off and what do I need as a very bare minimum in order to start getting waveforms out of something?

[@noobulon4334]

Long live the cardboard case! I have a 7u 126hp case that is made of some foamboard cheeks and a set of rails

[@andihow421]

wheres the pdf at?

[@mootbooxle]

Ah, so this answers the question I asked Mylar :)

[@stephenmandelbaum2027]

+mootbooxle tip top audio

[@Vethanis]

Would be neat to do this with plexiglass so that you can see inside.

[@Infowars-nh8cq]

I strongly recommend polycarbonate over plexiglass (aka acrylic). Polycarbonate is is very easy to machine as the material tends to "shred" instead of "melt" like acrylic, while being stronger than acrylic as well. Cutting polycarb sheeting on my scroll saw is like cutting slightly softer aluminum.

[@urbannpa]

Loopop made a plexiglass one.

[@mike.thomas]

Awesome! Who the hell thumbs-down a video like this? Losers.

[@PaulJBurns]

Probably people who know about EE and are vexed about all that coin/investment being powered by Tip Top Audio uZeus.

[@waterblip]

is the tip top power supply integrates CV/Gate connections ? or you have to connect allways your CV/Gate from the interface of your modules ?

[@jerryxu5912]

Great! I want to try but I find it is really hard to find Z-rail in my city....Sad...

[@browniecharles6947]

Is it a good idea to do the same with some thin wood?

[@Cesar-ey7wu]

i made a little case with plywood and screwed my module directly on the wood. is it really important for it to be sealed ?

[@Hornbes]

César Screwing into the wood may be bad for your power module. He says in the video that metal rails are needed by the uZeus for heat dissipation. As for your question about sealing the case: sealing probably helps with keeping dust out and off your modules' components.

[@DavidPasajero]

Very good !!

[@zaxzaxx4561]

Not trying to be a smartass, but couldn't you cut all four sides and the base out as a single '+' shaped piece, score the lines on the inside, fold it into shape, then fix/reinforce? The result would be stronger and require less work. In any event, you've invented the homebrew biodegradable synth case (the Haynes synth and a few other quasi-DIY designs also use cardboard), which is most excellent.

[@apparently_sonam]

Only thing that makes mylar cooler, is the irn bru t-shirt..!!! ;-)

[@chiccamazzanti2493]

you are brilliant

[@xydamage9754]

The front panel on the uZeus heats up a lot, wouldn't it be a fire hazard with all that cardboard? I mean, wood burns less easily

[@xCoolUsername]

Hey mylarmelodies what modules, power, rails.... everything did you use in this? want to get into modular and the sequence at the end would be exactly what i want to do with it!

[@mylarmelodies]

***** See other comment, but it's: -------- uZeus: www.tiptopaudio.com/zeusmicro.php Z-Rails: www.tiptopaudio.com/zrails.php This is the PSU I bought for my uZeus: @170834876778 (2 years of use and counting) -------- Those modules are an Intellijel Atlantis and Intellijel Metropolis - would not be a 'cheap' start, but those are amazing devices. Funnily enough the music in the background here is actually me using the Atlantis and the Transistor Sounds Labs Stepper Acid, another great sequencer.

[@cardlads]

anyone know where the pdf can be found? I wanna try this

[@cardlads]

+mylarmelodies thanks a lot!! :D

[@gwenkendrick574]

SirCat

[@filipponunziale9790]

+mylarmelodies I downloaded it and tried to print it but I only get a blank page :( I think there's an issue with the doc

[@mylarmelodies]

+Filippo Nunziale cdn.mos.musicradar.com/images/aaaroot/tech/7july15/DIY-Eurorack-case/CardboardCaseGuide.zip This works for me

[@filipponunziale9790]

thanks, I'll give it another try

[@stephencoghlan2244]

Hey, love all your videos.. What is the correct name of that surface that you are using to cut the cardboard on? I need something like that so I can make cuts without scratching my kitchen table. Thanks!

[@mikedegrazia]

Self healing cutting mat...

[@is100modularsystem6]

nice..go with sine/saw

[@hendrikf3785]

Hey I really like that idea. Do you have a link to that pdf, which you are showing in that video? Thanks Hendrik

[@harveyjones4002]

Can you link the PDF in the description?

[@siliconbrush]

A wooden skid that they deliver stuff on would be perfect if you have power tools.

[@marcinsulewski]

theres a link to the pdf here: www.musicradar.com/tuition/tech/how-to-build-your-own-cardboard-eurorack-modular-case-625196

[@ryanwinklevoss]

Hot glue would work great for adhering it together as well.

[@ryanwinklevoss]

Put a beat along the inside where the pieces meet, as if you were welding them together.

[@VladlenTepes]

Can I make exactly the same cardboard case, but instead of Microzeus screw to the bottom a standart PSU and bus boards? Shall I have a problems with heat dissipating or it'll be ok?

[@mylarmelodies]

+Vladlen Tepes Depends on what your PSU manufacturer advises.

[@VladlenTepes]

+mylarmelodies Asked already & problem solved. But thanks for reply, ''Modular monthly' is awesome!

[@ethanallen8372]

Great!

[@harishkumaru589]

104HP width case?

[@neuesmusiker]

is the pdf available online somewhere?

[@mylarmelodies]

I think the good folks at FM are going to make that available soon

[@timothynolan5328]

mylarmelodies Yep - It's not in the digital/iPad version of the magazine. :-(

[@yokullmail2910]

mylarmelodies Any updates? Is it available now?

[@mylarmelodies]

+yokull mail www.musicradar.com/tuition/tech/how-to-build-your-own-cardboard-eurorack-modular-case-625196

[@yokullmail2910]

+mylarmelodies Gracias. Maybe put the link in the text description as well?

[@pizzamanmep]

What is the difference between cases in "U" and cases in "HP"?

[@SnakesMF]

U is height (or depth depending on how you look at it), HP is width. almost all eurorack modules are 3U high

[@pizzamanmep]

Ok thanks! My shop sells online a 3U case but nothing is said of the width. I was wondering...

[@SnakesMF]

it is important to know the width so you can plan ahead! just ask them and i'm sure they will tell you

[@FortuneTim]

PDF?

[@alarrisify]

Nice :)

[@sidsuperstar]

from where I can get the cheapest rails and PSU for it?...Any help will be highly appreciate it

[@mylarmelodies]

uZeus: www.tiptopaudio.com/zeusmicro.php Z-Rails: www.tiptopaudio.com/zrails.php This is the PSU I bought for my uZeus: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AC-DC-POWER-ADAPTOR-SUPPLY-PSU-CHARGER-1500MA-1-5A-9V-12V-13-5V-15V-18V-20V-24V-/170834876778 (2 years of use and counting) Do bear in mind Tiptop Audio sell a thing called a Happy Ending Kit, which includes a PSU, the tabletop/rackmountable cheeks, and the rails, all in one little kit. But it's a bit more money of course. www.tiptopaudio.com/hek.php

[@sidsuperstar]

mylarmelodies Thanks Mylar this detail is highly appreciate it. You rock!

[@mylarmelodies]

No worries. Worth noting Rubadub have an 'official' Tiptop PSU on their site: www.rubadub.co.uk/tiptop-audio-15v-2000ma-external-power-supply-uzeus

[@kierenmoore3236]

This was the main info missing from your vid ... ;) "Where did the rails come from?!"

[@emaniakonline]

16 минут парень рассказывает, как он по шаблону режет картон.

[@IAM-dp2oh]

умеет вешать лапшу на уши)

[@sergioavia]

Видимо, ТАМ что-то сделать собственноручно (даже по шаблону) считается невероятным достижением и вызывает бурное "вау", более 40 лайков за первый день просмотра это подтверждают.. А линейка мне понравилась. Следующим сюжетом будет, скорее всего, нанесение надписей на панельки методом аппликации, клей и вырезки идут приложением к журналу ))

[@VadimHarenco]

sergioavia ты прав

[@ka4aet]

ага )) типа картонный синтезатор делает

[@user-qj6lp9yn5p]

Is the guide an A4 or A3 sheet?

[@sebastiannickel4377]

A3 sheets are twice as large. If you stick 2 A4 sheets together along their longer sides, the result is shaped like an A3 sheet. Also, if you cut an A4 sheet in half, making the cut in the middle of the longer sides, you get 2 A5 sheets. No idea why I bother to write this seeing as your comment is 1 year old. :D

[@durivenegas]

Sebastian Nickel It helped me👌

[@jenniferw8963]

Where do I get those rails?

[@gherat]

If your living in Europe, Schneiderladen has rails

[@dariorusso7742]

do you know which model should we use ??

[@devtank]

...and heres ones we made GETDOWNSHEP!

[@z3chaiam557]

Get a rotary tool and some bamboo or acrylic for this, at least.Yea it's a bit more but you wouldn' make your first gaming case out of cardboard either would ya? And if you are just starting to build your own modules from pcb up with little to no experience, get a mini fire extinguisher. Especially if you source super cheap components on eBay... Of course all imo, "do what thou wilt".

[@derekschweizer8852]

Where can I get the PDF for the template?

[@fantasyproduct1042]

Did u find it?

[@KindDas]

@@fantasyproduct1042 Did u find it??

[@fantasyproduct1042]

@@KindDas nope I bought a rack

[@bigmanrastafari4223]

you could use scrap wood

[@woodandwandco]

5:47 I am a complete dude.

[@rmanpojo8485]

Case is not deep enough for doepfer modules, pitty.

[@slvrcross]

Coming for Nintendo's weave

[@yurakovalec7292]

I bought Woodglut once and now I have lifetime access to thousands of woodworking projects.

[@jenniferw8963]

You can paper mache over the card board and then once it dries well, paint it to your liking :) Would look cool :) Paint perhaps a texture on it so you can't see the lines of hte paper mache :)

[@skrie]

Maybe it's just me... but if you are going to mount actual synth modules in a case. Why supplement wood... which really isn't that expensive... for cardboard? That seems like a weird choice... considering the price of modules.

[@metatron7515]

cutting cardboard would be easier for many as opposed to cutting wood

[@polo657X68]

GIVE US THE PDF

[@mylarmelodies]

+Kellen Majcher www.musicradar.com/tuition/tech/how-to-build-your-own-cardboard-eurorack-modular-case-625196

economic! ecológico!

[@jeffreycunningtown5730]

Woodglut has a lot of designs to choose from.

[@krishna34674]

12 bottle wine boxes work better ;)

[@gorillaau]

omsonic Before or after you empty the 12 bottle wine box? :-p

[@krishna34674]

haha .. i got mine from a local shop.

[@__spina__]

like Art's attack....

[@junglestar]

fire hazard?

[@davidthomas5118]

Darry Shan For a case this size, the power supply is an external wall wart to supply DC to a uZeus regulator. At most, it can supply about 15W--it's not like a 90W laptop brick. The one thing to watch out for would be the regulator on the uZeus PCB--it's right on the edge of the board and it does get hot, if you load it fully. For that reason, it would be best not to place the uZeus directly against the right side of the case (even though many people might think that is the logical place for it).

[@danenakasone7620]

No ulhbert rockets

[@wildawn]

awas jatuh

[@EarthnikNews]

For the life of me I cannot figure out how you were able to extend taping a few pieces of cardboard together to 15 minutes plus! LOL]