Build Your Own Synth - Step 1: Selecting A Case

by Animato Audio August 07, 2017

Arguably the most important step is finding a good home for all those yummy modules you'll be getting. Ask ten synth nerds why they choose the case they did and you'll get ten different answers. Here's my own eurorack case priorities list for your consideration:

My wife has got to like it: Let's face it family is more important than synths right!? Right! As my gear is located in a semi-public area of the house, the case design needs to match with our interior decoration. And everything is walnut in our home.
Space is golden: If you live in a city like Hong Kong you'll appreciate how much of a factor this is. Getting the largest case you can is better than having two or three cases taking up even more space.
Family heirloom: I'm a heavy wear and tear kind of guy so having something that will last and age well is a must. (Wonder when relic eurorack cases will ever be a thing.) Not to mention excellent build quality and electrical parts (switches, jumpers and wires) for health and safety.

Are you a performer?: As I am still making the occasional fart noise with my synths I don't expect to be taking it on the road anytime soon. So folding parts and lids were not a consideration for me with this case at least.
No gaps please: I like my modules to line up as much as possible with each other so sliding nut rails was an easy choice. Those nuts can be fidgety pests though.

So with the above list I was able to whittle down the options and select a suitable case for this moment in time. Mind you things can change going forward :)

The case featured in this post is a 104HP 6U Lamond Design (original Matthew Goike design) curved walnut boat finished with nut oil. It has vector rails, interior depth 55mm front row, 65mm back row. Angle matches the Lamond Design 9u and 12u cases, back height matches front height of 12u case. Exterior dimensions 326mm x 105mm x 574mm.