Brand
4ms is a US modular synth manufacturer best known for pushing the boundaries of timing, control, and system-scale thinking in Eurorack. The brand grew out of a fascination with clocks, rhythms, and synchronisation, and that DNA still runs through everything they make — from precision clocking and sequencing to complex modulation and power distribution.
What sets 4ms apart is how their modules often feel like infrastructure as much as instruments. Many designs are expandable, configurable, and built to grow with your system, making them favourites in large, experimental, or performance-focused racks. Whether you’re exploring generative music, polyrhythms, or building a deeply interconnected modular setup, 4ms gear is known for its originality, robustness, and unapologetically modular mindset.
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CV is control voltage used to transmit continuous electrical signals between electronic instruments and modules. It allows parameters such as pitch, filter cutoff, amplitude, and modulation to be controlled in a fluid, analogue manner. CV is fundamental to modular and semi-modular systems, enabling direct, real-time interaction between sound sources, controllers, and processors.
Eurorack is a modular synthesis format with standardised dimensions, power connections, and signal levels. Eurorack systems are built from individual modules mounted in cases, allowing users to create highly customisable instruments tailored to specific sound design and performance needs.
A module is a self-contained unit designed to perform a specific function within a larger system. Modules are commonly used in modular and Eurorack setups, where each unit handles tasks such as sound generation, modulation, filtering, or control, allowing systems to be built and expanded piece by piece.
New Gear is unused and in original condition, supplied as it leaves the manufacturer. It is chosen for guaranteed reliability, full functionality, and the assurance of manufacturer support. For example, buying new ensures access to the latest design revisions, included accessories, and official warranty coverage.
A patch is a saved sound setting that defines how an instrument is configured at a given moment. It stores parameters such as oscillator settings, filters, modulation, and effects, allowing sounds to be recalled instantly. For example, a patch might be created for a specific bass or lead sound and then recalled during a performance or reused across multiple tracks in a studio project.
A patch bay is a routing device that allows audio and control signals to be quickly connected and reconfigured without constantly plugging and unplugging equipment. It centralises connections from instruments, processors, and interfaces, making signal flow clearer and easier to manage. For example, a patch bay can be used in a studio to route a synthesiser through different effects or processors simply by changing patch cables, saving time and keeping setups flexible and organised.