[EuroCase Recommendation] Modular noob trying to integrate hardware and software using MAX/MSP

The Lounge Other Gear
#1

Intro:
Hi, I am very new to finding interest in modular ecosystem with a rather recent acquisition of pulsar 23.
I guess I have always been drawn to modular world, but such attraction was obscured by sheer price and impossibly many choices of modules and configurations, and only now found the mental capacity to push through and actually dive into that rabbit hole.

Desire:
What I want to do is to use max/msp, pulsar23, and other elektron boxes to interact with each other in all audio, midi and cv realm.
I realized that the easiest way would be to get a dc-coupled audio interface and connect it with my regular (ac-coupled) rme interface to send/receive audio/cv from the instruments
I am looking to get Expert Sleepers’ ES-9 module as a starting point and I need a modular powered case for that.

Problem:
When I asked my friends about case recommendations, I’ve got overwhelming recommendation for the Intellijel cases, either 4u palette or 7u performance cases, due to their form factor and connectivity, but I am a bit confused by how that configuration would be and questioning the efficiency/value of those cases.

It’s mainly because I noticed that people usually use Intellijel cases, which have dedicated audio/midi i/o, can be used as an interface by themselves as long as I have the appropriate 1u modules connected to the cases.

In my case, since I am planning on getting a dedicated interface module, ES-9, would there be too much overlap in functions to try to get the intellijel case? As in, would I not be using it to its intended purpose/full potential by getting a separate module for interfacing and ditching the pre-installed I/Os on that case? Would that mean that there are more affordable, more efficient cases for me other than the intellijel ones?

I am hoping that I do not lose the appeal of modular systems and continue down the path, so I want to get a case that can serve me for a bit, so the 7u 84hp case looks like a very good candidate for my first euro case. But I noticed that Intellijel cases are rather expensive and also hard to get due to supply shortages, so if it turns out that it’d be a waste to get one by using a separate interface module, I’m very much willing to find another case without such built in interface functions.

My requirements/preferences for the case would be:

  1. Medium sized, around 6U 84hp or so
  2. Portable
  3. Powered so that I won’t have to waste hp space for a separate power module
  4. Not too expensive
  5. Pre-built (I am awful at DIY in general nor do I have enough knowledge to figure out all the power/dimensions requirements)

If anyone is knowledgeable in Eurorack, I’d greatly appreciate their input regarding case choice for my use case.

TLDR:

  1. wanna hook up pulsar23 + elektrons with MAX/MSP and other euro modules
  2. Planning to get ES-9 as first module for such job
  3. Intellijel case good for such use?
  4. What other case options?

Thanks in advance!

#2

Take a look at Arturia Rackbrute 6u. Affordable and the size you think of. Intellijels are very nice, but also expensive. And as your main interface goal is the ES-9 you don’t need those interfacing of the Intellijels.

4 Likes
#3

Intellijel cases do not come with anything I/O side, you need to buy their 1U modules to get the best out of it (I think, might be wrong though). The price is too steep for a case imho… I’ll recommend the rackbrute 3U or 6U. Easy to find on the second hand market and rather “cheap”, even new. The Mantis are not bad either if your rack is not going to move around with you.

1 Like
#4

I have an ES-9 with midi expander, that I use as my main interface into Bitwig.

My modular is mainly a granular FX kit (for external live played instruments) in a 104HP Make Noise skiff.

I am looking into a new case myself,… I’ll have to fly with it for a first performance next year (don’t need the ES-9 for that). Probably going for a small Palette case to take the essentials or have a small case custom made. I found this guy from Italy on Reverb and might order there, still in doubt.

A 4MS PodX64 is also a nice housing for the ES-9 + a few extra first modules. I fancied 1 but I’ll have 1HP short to fit my essentials… damn :joy:

You don’t need to use the intelli 1U modules, other manufacturers also make them even with the connection to the outboard on the case e.g. Endorphines!

1 Like
#5

I have Intellijel, Tip Top, and the Make Noise 104hp powered skiff. The Intellijel 7u 104hp case is the best built, and the 1u selection of modules are very useful and cheap. The Tip Top Mantis case is the best bang for the buck, but I wouldn’t necessarily want to take it on the road. If you plan on keeping it at home and want a cheap and useful case, I would recommend the Mantis just because it is solid power wise and gives you space if you want to add modules.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Expert Sleepers ES-9 is more of an audio interface than a CV to midi converter. Depending on your setup, it may be overkill for what you really want to do with Max/MSP. I would look into the Polyend Poly 2 for those duties. I had the ES-9 and sold it off because I already had an audio interface and also didn’t want to fumble around in their proprietary software.

2 Likes
#6

I can recommend Behringer Eurorack Go. It does what it’s suppose to and it is a really great case. But I guess it’s too big, so in that case you can go for a Tiptop Mantis.

Does your RME card have an ADAT in/out that it’s not in use? In that case you can buy ES-3 and ES-6 instead and save a lot of money. My setup is those modules with an RME Fireface UC and its works perfectly and you can use one sound card for everything all the time.

#7

If you do get the ES-9 you need to know that it draws a fair amount of power and you need to take that into consideration when you buy your case.