Module formats

For synthesizer modules to work well together in a modular system, they need to have a few basic characteristics in common, such as physical size and power supply considerations. Thus, several standard module formats have been developed over the years, and manufacturers design their modules to adhere to one or more of these standards.

1U

1U is 1.75 inch (4.445cm) high. Unusual but used by:

• Thomas Henry in 19-inch rack width
• Erthenvar, Intellijel, PulpLogic as tiles

3U

3U is 5.25 inches (13.335cm) high: Used for:

• Eurorack
• Frac

4U

4U is 7 inches (17.78cm) high. Used by:

• Buchla, modules are multiples of 4.25 inches (10.795cm) wide.
• Serge, most modules are full-width panels, i.e. 17 inches (43.18cm) to fit a rack.

5U

5U is 8.75 inches (22.225cm) in height. Used by:

• MOTM, 1.75 inch (4.445cm) wide per unit.
• MU aka Dotcom.

6U

6U is 10.5 inches high (26.67cm). Used by:

• Modcan A series, panels are 2.25 inch (5.715cm) width.
• Wiard 300 series

Other formats

Brands which do not use standard racking formats for their modules:

• Technosaurus
• Mattson Mini Modular
• Digisound 80
• LMNC Kosmo uses 20cm high front panels

References

This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Mod Wiggler Wiki:Module formats (View authors).

See also

• Comparison of modular formats
• Comparison of 3U module brands
• Comparison of 4U module brands
• Comparison of 5U module brands
• Panel (homebrew)