5U: Difference between revisions

'''5U''' is the term used for modules or equipment that is five standard [[19-inch rack|rack unitunits]]s high. 5U modules typically use 1/4" [[connectors]] and plugs for [[patch]]ing.

== Dimensions ==

The common 5U modules are exactly 8.75" (222.25mm25 mm) high, although non-American manufacturers may prefer 220mm220 mm or 230mm230 mm.<ref>Wikipedia:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modular_synthesizer Modular synthesizer]</ref> The format is called 5U because 8.75" is equal to five vertical units in a standard 19" equipment rack.

The width of a single width 5U modules varies. Some manufacturers use the width of the original Moog modules (1U = 2.125"), and as such, these fall into a sub-format called [[MU]] (for Moog Unit). MU module manufacturers include [[Synthesizers.com]] -– the format is also sometimes called Dotcom, [[Club Of The Knobs]], [[Mos-lab]], [[Moon Modular ]], [[STG Sound Lab]], and [[ModuSonics]]. Other 5U manufacturers, like [[Synthesis Technology]]'s [[MOTM]], [[Oakley Sound Systems]] and [[Modcan B-series]], use a slightly narrower width of 1.75", which is sometimes referred to as [[MOTM]] format.<ref>Muff's Modules & More:[http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6598 motm/modcan b series in a dotcom cabinet]</ref>

== Power considerations ==

Most 5U modules use a +/- 15v power supply, some also need 5v.<ref>Muff's Modules & More:[http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1739 Power distribution -– updated]</ref>

== See also ==

* [[Comparison of 5U module brands]]

== References ==

== External links ==

* Synthesizers.com:[http://www.synthesizers.com/technical.html Technical]

* [http://www.modcan.com/bmodules/B%20Series%20manual.pdf Modcan B Series User Manual]