Unfolding creativity in the modular domain and aerospace-inspired aesthetics converge in the SPUTNIK eurorack case. It symbolizes the essence of a 'fellow traveler,' faithfully mirroring its etymological origin in the Russian language. When it comes to portability and durability, the SPUTNIK proves to be one of the lightest and most resilient eurorack travel cases, coming in a form factor that is readily approved by major airlines as carry-on luggage.
Crafted with the on-the-go musician in mind, the SPUTNIK stands as a first in the realm of foldable eurorack cases. It safeguards your patches, anticipating your oscillations and sonic escapades even when you're in transit. Its design facilitates painless transport: just a few seconds to take it off from your bag, unfold, power, and play.
Keeping up with the flexible ideology, the patching system of the SPUTNIK is chameleonically compatible with a spectrum of standard eurorack cables such as those from Doepfer, Black Market Modular, Befaco, Endorphins, Erica Synths, Make Noise, Instruo, and TipTop Audio’s Stackcables. The case shines truly when it comes to compatibility, with its special power connector enabling stacking of two cases using only one power supply and several Bus Boards.
The structural integrity of the SPUTNIK lies in its lightweight Aluminum frame 5754 that is often recognized for its nautical applications. The foldable plates allow the case to tilt at a desirable 104-degrees, while the anodized aluminum rails, along with a circular carrying handle ensure practicality and comfort during transport.
Powering the SPUTNIK is a collaborative effort with Konstant Lab, leading to the inclusion of a built-in HammerPWR Eurorack modular power supply module. The power supply ensures a balanced, low-noise operation, while also offering protection from noises in the power grid. Its robustness guarantees the smooth functioning of touch-controlled modules.
In terms of its power distribution organization, the SPUTNIK is equipped with low-profile filtered Bus Boards. These bus boards are uniquely designed to cater to analog modules that could be sensitive to power quality. Necessary decoupling capacitors and LC filters reject noise typically caused by PSU and digital modules by a significant 70%, proving to be a boon for the sonic quality of your patches.
But that's not it; SPUTNIK does offer more - a bridge system, akin to a serge style connection that enhances the case's versatility. Employing top-notch Neutrik connectors rated at 10 A per contact, this bridge system ensures long life without any interruptions or voltage drops. It feels like the SPUTNIK robustly caters to the eurorack enthusiast that dwells in a lot of us.
Starting small is a commendable approach acknowledged by many modular veterans, and the SPUTNIK upholds this notion. It invites you to start your journey with a compact 6U case, but as your sonic thirst grows over time, it lets you expand by upgrading to a 12U, 7U, and eventually even a 14U version. This eurorack case isn't merely a utilitarian tool, but a companion that grows as your multi-oscillatory ambitions do. Rest assured, with the SPUTNIK at your side, the expanse of outer space is but a patch cable away.
Example Usage
To get started with your SPUTNIK Eurorack Case, follow these steps as a novice user:
- Unpack your SPUTNIK case from your bag and unfold it carefully.
- Power up the case and make sure it is securely set up.
- Begin patching your modules using standard eurorack cables compatible with SPUTNIK.
- Take advantage of the tilting feature by adjusting the case to a 104-degree angle for convenient access.
- Explore the compatibility of SPUTNIK with various eurorack modules, ensuring a versatile setup.
- Familiarize yourself with the power supply, including the HammerPWR module for optimal performance.
- Experiment with stacking multiple SPUTNIK cases using the special power connector and folding plates.
- Enjoy the portability of the case, designed with lightweight materials and a circular carrying handle for easy transportation.
- Expand your system gradually by starting with a smaller configuration and later upgrading to larger setups with the available expansion kits.
- Stay tuned for future updates and advancements from SPUTNIK, including upcoming 7U and 14U versions to further enhance your modular setup.
With these basic steps, you can begin your modular synthesis journey with the innovative SPUTNIK Eurorack Case, designed to unfold your creativity wherever you go.
Now, let's dive into an intermediate-level usage example of the SPUTNIK Eurorack Case. Imagine you've been experimenting with creating evolving ambient soundscapes using a combination of granular synthesis techniques and modulation sources in your modular setup. You've patched up an intricate network of modules, each contributing a unique element to the sonic tapestry you're crafting. As you prepare to perform at a local electronic music showcase, the portability and flexibility of the SPUTNIK case come into play.
With your SPUTNIK case securely folded and packed in your backpack, you arrive at the venue ready to set up. In a matter of seconds, you unfold the case, revealing your patched configuration exactly as you left it. The convenience of having your patch intact saves you valuable setup time, allowing you to dive straight into your performance.
As you power up your modules, you appreciate the compatibility of the SPUTNIK's patching system with a wide range of eurorack cables. Whether you're using cables from Doepfer, Make Noise, or Erica Synths, the SPUTNIK case accommodates them all, ensuring seamless connectivity for your complex signal routing needs.
The lightweight yet durable aluminum frame of the SPUTNIK case provides a stable and secure platform for your modules. The precision-engineered folding plates allow you to adjust the case to a 104-degree angle, giving you optimal access to your setup during performance.
Thanks to the integrated HammerPWR power supply module from Konstant Lab, you have a reliable power source to fuel your modules. The low-noise design of the power supply ensures a clean audio signal path, essential for maintaining the integrity of your intricate ambient textures.
As you begin your performance, you explore the depth and versatility of the SPUTNIK case, accommodating modules up to 65mm deep. The inclusion of filtered bus boards with decoupling capacitors further enhances the performance of your analog modules, minimizing noise interference and providing a stable power source for your sensitive circuitry.
With the ability to stack two SPUTNIK cases using the bridge system, you have the flexibility to expand your setup seamlessly as your creative needs evolve. Whether you're starting small with a 6U configuration or planning to upgrade to a 12U setup, the SPUTNIK case offers a scalable solution to match your modular journey.
In conclusion, the SPUTNIK Eurorack Case embodies the perfect synergy of portability, functionality, and power efficiency, making it an ideal companion for electronic musicians seeking to unleash their creativity in any performance setting.
Further Thoughts
In an expert-level usage scenario, we will explore how to maximize the portability and compatibility of the SPUTNIK Eurorack Case by utilizing its unique features. By taking advantage of the specially designed power connector, users can stack two cases with a set of folding plates using only one power supply and multiple Bus Boards. This not only streamlines the setup process but also ensures efficient power distribution for modules up to 46mm deep on the power supply side and up to 65mm deep in the rest of the case. Additionally, the inclusion of two USB detachable charging ports per unit adds a convenient layer of functionality for powering external devices on the go.
The collaboration with Konstant Lab elevates the performance of the SPUTNIK case with a built-in HammerPWR Eurorack modular power supply module. This 100W power board boasts a robust power output configuration (+12V/5A, -12V/2.5A, +5V/2A) to energize even the most demanding Eurorack setups. The system of filtered protection on the power inputs and outputs guarantees a low-noise operation, shielding your modules from external interferences and ensuring a clean audio signal path.
Furthermore, the inclusion of low-profile Filtered Bus Boards enhances the user experience by offering extra filtered output headers dedicated to analog modules that require superior power quality. With decoupling capacitors and unique filtering circuits reducing noise by up to 70%, users can rest assured that their modules are receiving clean and stable power. The adjustable filtration capacity via DIP switches caters to systems with varying power requirements, making the SPUTNIK case a versatile and accommodating solution for diverse modular setups.
By incorporating a Bridge System in Serge style featuring high-quality Neutrik connectors, the SPUTNIK case facilitates seamless expansion and connectivity between multiple units. The XLR 4 pin male to male power cable ensures a reliable and secure power link between interconnected cases, enhancing the modularity and scalability of the Eurorack system. This innovative design approach empowers users to start small and expand their setup gradually, making the SPUTNIK case a future-proof investment for evolving modular synthesizer configurations.
In conclusion, the SPUTNIK Eurorack Case not only prioritizes portability and durability but also excels in power distribution efficiency and modular expandability. With its advanced features and thoughtful design elements, the SPUTNIK case caters to the needs of both beginners and seasoned modular enthusiasts, offering a flexible platform to unleash and nurture creative sonic explorations in a compact and travel-friendly package.