Modular Form Factors

Moog Unit - also called MU or 5U, is a large, full-figured module format. This is the format built by Synthesizers.com. MU is 8.75" tall (5U) and comes in widths of 2.125" which is 8 spaces in a 19" rack. Modern MU uses the same panel size as Moog modulars but uses the Synthesizers.com power connector which has become a standard. Power is +/-15v and +5v. MU uses large knobs and 1/4" jacks. Panels are typically black with exposed metal flanges on each side. Enclosures can be hardwood, portable or 19" rack.

EuroRack - is the popular small format at 128.5mm tall which is about 5" and close to 3U. Eurorack uses the smaller 3.5mm jacks and usually smaller knobs. Power systems for Eurorack use a flat cable to provide +/-12v,5V. Panels are a variety of colors, often silver. Typical enclosures are boxes, foldable or 19" rack.

FrackRack - is 3U tall (5.25"), uses a power connector like MOTM with +/-15v and 3.5mm jacks. Frackracks are close to Eurorack and they can be used together with certain considerations. Panels are a variety of colors, often black. Enclosures are typically 19" rack.

MOTM - 5U = 5x1.75"=8.75 tall like MU, but comes in different width increments and has a thick flat panel. MOTM uses a 4-pin power connector to provide +/-15v, later offering 5v. MOTM modules use 1/4" jacks. Enclosures are typically 19" rack.

4U - 4x1.75"= 7" tall panels, typically flat and silver. These include Buchla, Serge and others. Connectors are often a combination of banana jacks for control signals and 3.5mm for audio. Power is typically +/-15v but vary in connector style. Enclosures are typically 19" rack but sometimes foldable boats. 4U systems often are used without a traditional keyboard controller.