2021: A Year in Gear (What You've Bought or Want to Buy in 2021)

[pekbro]

btw: For those who don't hang at MODWiggler.

Mazzatron Synths makes a 19" eurorack rail kit with 3D printed ears that can be installed into standard
19' rack stands or case. The thing about them is that they are reportedly $30 per set. The aluminum ears from TipTop are $25 a set, without any rails. They may be 3D printed, but $30 for rails, sliding nuts and the ears is impressively affordable.

They are built to order, so no pricing is listed on the site, but users at MW are reporting that price.
Definitely worth a look if someone is thinking of building a eurorack rig based on them. I believe
they are out of NY as well, since I know that would likely mean free shipping for at least one guy


https://www.mazzatron.com/product-page/ ... with-rails

[elxsound]

btw: For those who don't hang at MODWiggler.

Mazzatron Synths makes a 19" eurorack rail kit with 3D printed ears that can be installed into standard
19' rack stands or case. The thing about them is that they are reportedly $30 per set. The aluminum ears from TipTop are $25 a set, without any rails. They may be 3D printed, but $30 for rails, sliding nuts and the ears is impressively affordable.

They are built to order, so no pricing is listed on the site, but users at MW are reporting that price.
Definitely worth a look if someone is thinking of building a eurorack rig based on them. I believe
they are out of NY as well, since I know that would likely mean free shipping for at least one guy


https://www.mazzatron.com/product-page/ ... with-rails

Although I still have not made up my mind on what to do next (mount in desk vs portable case vs an alternate solution), I also found these too for $32.99: https://www.etsy.com/listing/230760380/ ... ch_click=1

But could I just install the brackets (no ears) and a custom length rail to fit the same 19” space? I think it would be along the lines of 94hp instead of 84.

[elxsound]

I loved TipTop's 252 case, a good friend of mine has one of those. I wasn't really impressed by the Mantis. No experience other than checking them out at NAMM and at Perfect Circuit. They are probably fine.

i have 3 mantis, not had any problems, other than depth of some modules.
thats one thing to keep an eye on, make sure you get a deep enough case
plus you can buy a snap on cover.

I might take back what I said earlier... these Mantis cases might actually make good sense. It’d be $450 for the Mantis case, decksaver cover and the soft carry case.

I’m really not loving many of my options including using the desk which seems inflexible.

I was considering the Erica Synth carbon fiber case because it’s light and wouldn’t scratch wood surfaces but I’d have to hunt for a stand which also means storing the extra stand somewhere else too. I still prefer this even though it’s twice the cost of most other options.

[pekbro]

btw: For those who don't hang at MODWiggler.

Mazzatron Synths makes a 19" eurorack rail kit with 3D printed ears that can be installed into standard
19' rack stands or case. The thing about them is that they are reportedly $30 per set. The aluminum ears from TipTop are $25 a set, without any rails. They may be 3D printed, but $30 for rails, sliding nuts and the ears is impressively affordable.

They are built to order, so no pricing is listed on the site, but users at MW are reporting that price.
Definitely worth a look if someone is thinking of building a eurorack rig based on them. I believe
they are out of NY as well, since I know that would likely mean free shipping for at least one guy


https://www.mazzatron.com/product-page/ ... with-rails

Although I still have not made up my mind on what to do next (mount in desk vs portable case vs an alternate solution), I also found these too for $32.99: https://www.etsy.com/listing/230760380/ ... ch_click=1

But could I just install the brackets (no ears) and a custom length rail to fit the same 19” space? I think it would be along the lines of 94hp instead of 84.

Hmm, well I dunno

It depends on the rack, the rails need to bolt to the rack in a different direction than is typical for
rack gear. E.g. perpendicular to the rack frame. It's only one bolt on either side, but drilling it out
might be difficult without a drill press. You need a perfect right angle for them to sit flush aganst
the rack frame. If you don't have that, you will likely have trouble mounting your modules squarely.
E.g. some holes will not line up. You have to fasten it well to prevent flex and twisting as well
for the same reason. The ears would ensure that right angle without you doing anything. Of course
you can always work that out, but it takes more precision than most folks are going to be able to
achieve with a hand drill.

[elxsound]

btw: For those who don't hang at MODWiggler.

Mazzatron Synths makes a 19" eurorack rail kit with 3D printed ears that can be installed into standard
19' rack stands or case. The thing about them is that they are reportedly $30 per set. The aluminum ears from TipTop are $25 a set, without any rails. They may be 3D printed, but $30 for rails, sliding nuts and the ears is impressively affordable.

They are built to order, so no pricing is listed on the site, but users at MW are reporting that price.
Definitely worth a look if someone is thinking of building a eurorack rig based on them. I believe
they are out of NY as well, since I know that would likely mean free shipping for at least one guy


https://www.mazzatron.com/product-page/ ... with-rails

Although I still have not made up my mind on what to do next (mount in desk vs portable case vs an alternate solution), I also found these too for $32.99: https://www.etsy.com/listing/230760380/ ... ch_click=1

But could I just install the brackets (no ears) and a custom length rail to fit the same 19” space? I think it would be along the lines of 94hp instead of 84.

Hmm, well I dunno

It depends on the rack, the rails need to bolt to the rack in a different direction than is typical for
rack gear. E.g. perpendicular to the rack frame. It's only one bolt on either side, but drilling it out
might be difficult without a drill press. You need a perfect right angle for them to sit flush aganst
the rack frame. If you don't have that, you will likely have trouble mounting your modules squarely.
E.g. some holes will not line up. You have to fasten it well to prevent flex and twisting as well
for the same reason. The ears would ensure that right angle without you doing anything. Of course
you can always work that out, but it takes more precision than most folks are going to be able to
achieve with a hand drill.

I have a feeling it’s an issue no matter what, but I was thinking of using the same flat 3U metal brackets that would attach to the rails to create frame. Those brackets would then attach to the wood of the desk.

If something like that was pre-made I would go for it, but I think the standard 19” opening would result in a small but still significant gap. The output platform is not as perfect as it should be.

I think it’s funny that what will work best for our space might be one of the most expensive

[pekbro]

btw: For those who don't hang at MODWiggler.

Mazzatron Synths makes a 19" eurorack rail kit with 3D printed ears that can be installed into standard
19' rack stands or case. The thing about them is that they are reportedly $30 per set. The aluminum ears from TipTop are $25 a set, without any rails. They may be 3D printed, but $30 for rails, sliding nuts and the ears is impressively affordable.

They are built to order, so no pricing is listed on the site, but users at MW are reporting that price.
Definitely worth a look if someone is thinking of building a eurorack rig based on them. I believe
they are out of NY as well, since I know that would likely mean free shipping for at least one guy


https://www.mazzatron.com/product-page/ ... with-rails

Although I still have not made up my mind on what to do next (mount in desk vs portable case vs an alternate solution), I also found these too for $32.99: https://www.etsy.com/listing/230760380/ ... ch_click=1

But could I just install the brackets (no ears) and a custom length rail to fit the same 19” space? I think it would be along the lines of 94hp instead of 84.

Hmm, well I dunno

It depends on the rack, the rails need to bolt to the rack in a different direction than is typical for
rack gear. E.g. perpendicular to the rack frame. It's only one bolt on either side, but drilling it out
might be difficult without a drill press. You need a perfect right angle for them to sit flush aganst
the rack frame. If you don't have that, you will likely have trouble mounting your modules squarely.
E.g. some holes will not line up. You have to fasten it well to prevent flex and twisting as well
for the same reason. The ears would ensure that right angle without you doing anything. Of course
you can always work that out, but it takes more precision than most folks are going to be able to
achieve with a hand drill.

I have a feeling it’s an issue no matter what, but I was thinking of using the same flat 3U metal brackets that would attach to the rails to create frame. Those brackets would then attach to the wood of the desk.

If something like that was pre-made I would go for it, but I think the standard 19” opening would result in a small but still significant gap. The output platform is not as perfect as it should be.

I think it’s funny that what will work best for our space might be one of the most expensive

Of course you can do whatever you want. It's not a complicated system, but it does have a few
requirements that you would be wise to meet. So long as you do that, it hardly matters.
Some folks don't even use rails or ears or even racks at all.

*I do use the rails and side plates myself (not the same as the ears, but the same function),
so that's where the expense lies for me. The actual case part only costs me about $8 worth of
wood.

[elxsound]

Sorry, 3U plates is what I meant to say.

For me it’s just about the space. If not for that it’d be an easier thing.

[BONES]

I hadn't intended buying anything this year but Uno Synth Pro Desktop proved far too tempting. Fortunately, it has also turned out to be the best Au$600 I have ever spent. It is awesome! It builds on the original Uno in pretty much every way while maintaining the essential character of it. The sound is huge, even when it's operating in single osc paraphonic mode. All three osc together sound like a polysynth with unison on. It is also one of the easiest synths to program that I have come across. Even the Mod Matrix is easy to use from the front panel and you only need to dive deep to tweak the on-board effects and global settings, everything else is at the top level.


Of course, I've also spent somewhere around Au$200 on cables and ancillary shit like that, but such is the price of having hardware.

[pekbro]

Sorry, 3U plates is what I meant to say.

For me it’s just about the space. If not for that it’d be an easier thing.

I understand, limited space is the reason I have all my eurorack cases on shelves up on the wall and out of the way.

[pekbro]

I hadn't intended buying anything this year but Uno Synth Pro Desktop proved far too tempting. Fortunately, it has also turned out to be the best Au$600 I have ever spent. It is awesome! It builds on the original Uno in pretty much every way while maintaining the essential character of it. The sound is huge, even when it's operating in single osc paraphonic mode. All three osc together sound like a polysynth with unison on. It is also one of the easiest synths to program that I have come across. Even the Mod Matrix is easy to use from the front panel and you only need to dive deep to tweak the on-board effects and global settings, everything else is at the top level.


Of course, I've also spent somewhere around Au$200 on cables and ancillary shit like that, but such is the price of having hardware.

Nice! no doubt you'll make good use of it.

[elxsound]

Sorry, 3U plates is what I meant to say.

For me it’s just about the space. If not for that it’d be an easier thing.

I understand, limited space is the reason I have all my eurorack cases on shelves up on the wall and out of the way.

Trust me, because of what you've posted before I've re-examined every bare space of wall and shelf space in hopes that I've overlooked something that would work (to get the nod of approval from the missus)!

I just sent a message to synthrotek to see if I can get custom-cut rails and plates to fit. It's not an even HP size for the rail because of the plates, but with sliding rails, it shouldn't be an issue. I think it comes out to 93 HP (or 93.75).

The cost seems reasonable (if it's not extra for something not measured in HP). I'll give this a try and use Justin's idea of L brackets and pegboard for the power boards.

I've wanted to go down this road for so long, that I'm fairly certain that as these empty spaces fill up, I can restart the look at travel cases as a solution for expanding.

[Shabdahbriah]

I hadn't intended buying anything this year but Uno Synth Pro Desktop proved far too tempting. Fortunately, it has also turned out to be the best Au$600 I have ever spent. It is awesome! It builds on the original Uno in pretty much every way while maintaining the essential character of it. The sound is huge, even when it's operating in single osc paraphonic mode. All three osc together sound like a polysynth with unison on. It is also one of the easiest synths to program that I have come across. Even the Mod Matrix is easy to use from the front panel and you only need to dive deep to tweak the on-board effects and global settings, everything else is at the top level.

I've watched several demos of this, and it is a really impressive upgrade from the original. (not unlike the Bass Station II was for me). Congrats.

[Shabdahbriah]

Had to get this:

Elements Panel.png

... and this:

Rings Panel.png

For the two brand new ('legit') MI modules I got in a straight across trade, which are en route. I've never had either of these (though I have wanted to experiment with them, for years), and am well pleased that I procrastinated.

The ambient cool-kids, are doubtless shaking in their Wellies.

[vurt]

I loved TipTop's 252 case, a good friend of mine has one of those. I wasn't really impressed by the Mantis. No experience other than checking them out at NAMM and at Perfect Circuit. They are probably fine.

i have 3 mantis, not had any problems, other than depth of some modules.
thats one thing to keep an eye on, make sure you get a deep enough case
plus you can buy a snap on cover.

I might take back what I said earlier... these Mantis cases might actually make good sense. It’d be $450 for the Mantis case, decksaver cover and the soft carry case.

I’m really not loving many of my options including using the desk which seems inflexible.

I was considering the Erica Synth carbon fiber case because it’s light and wouldn’t scratch wood surfaces but I’d have to hunt for a stand which also means storing the extra stand somewhere else too. I still prefer this even though it’s twice the cost of most other options.

aside from a make noise skiff, they're my only experience. i lack the kahunas to risk diy on either my life or expensive modules
so my options were limited as to what was available.

[vurt]

Had to get this:


Elements Panel.png


... and this:


Rings Panel.png


For the two brand new ('legit') MI modules I got in a straight across trade, which are en route. I've never had either of these (though I have wanted to experiment with them, for years), and am well pleased that I procrastinated.

The ambient cool-kids, are doubtless shaking in their Wellies.

they look lovely in black
don't have either myself, but rings is one i do like the sound of!