Compatibility¶
MICRORACK is designed to be a "bridge" between different modular formats and external equipment.
Signal Level Reference¶
| Signal Type | MICRORACK Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Audio (bipolar) | ±5V (10 Vpp) | Eurorack compatible |
| CV (unipolar) | 0 to +5V | Gates, envelopes, LFOs |
| Pitch CV | 1V/octave | Industry standard |
| Gate High | ≥ 3.5V | Logic threshold |
| Gate Low | ≤ 0.7V | Logic threshold |
Modular Format Compatibility¶
Eurorack¶
MICRORACK is signal-compatible with Eurorack systems:
| Aspect | MICRORACK | Eurorack | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio signals | ±5V (10 Vpp) | ±5V typical | ✅ Direct |
| CV range | 0-5V / ±5V | ±5V or wider | ✅ Compatible |
| Pitch CV | 1V/octave | 1V/octave | ✅ Direct |
| Connector | Pin headers | 3.5mm jacks | Use mod-jacket |
| Power | ±12V, +5V | ±12V | Separate systems |
Interfacing: Use the mod-jacket module to convert between MICRORACK pin headers and standard 3.5mm patch cables.
AE Modular¶
Developed in partnership with Tangible Waves, MICRORACK shares design philosophy with AE Modular:
- Pin Pitch: Both systems use 2.54mm (0.1") spacing
- Signal Levels: Directly compatible without level shifting
- Shared Chassis: AE Modular chassis can accommodate MICRORACK modules
Other Modular Formats¶
| Format | Compatibility | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Moog/1V-oct | ✅ Good | Same pitch CV standard |
| Korg MS (Hz/V) | ⚠️ Partial | Requires Hz/V to V/oct converter |
| Buchla | ⚠️ Partial | Different signal levels, needs conversion |
External Equipment Integration¶
MIDI Keyboards & Controllers¶
The mod-midi module provides comprehensive MIDI integration:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Input | MIDI TRS Type-A |
| Outputs | Pitch CV (1V/oct), Gate (0-3.3V) |
| Display | 128×64 OLED with oscilloscope mode |
| Controls | Rotary encoder + push buttons |
Compatible devices: - MIDI keyboards (any manufacturer) - MIDI controllers and pad controllers - Digital drum kits (via MIDI out) - DAWs (via USB-MIDI interface) - Hardware sequencers with MIDI output
Electroacoustic Instruments¶
Connect electric guitars, basses, violins, and electronic wind instruments via mod-in-63:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Input | 6.3mm (1/4") jack |
| Gain Range | -∞ to +60 dB |
| Channels | Stereo (L/R splitting) |
| DC Block | Switchable (CV mode available) |
| Pull-up | +5V available |
Compatible instruments: - Electric guitar (passive or active pickups) - Electric bass - Electronic violin/cello - Electronic wind instruments (EWI, etc.) - Line-level synthesizers and drum machines
Tip: The high gain range (+60 dB) makes mod-in-63 suitable for passive single-coil pickups without a separate preamp.
Acoustic Instruments & Vocals¶
Process live sound through your modular system:
| Source | Connection Method |
|---|---|
| Dynamic mics | Direct to mod-in-63 (use gain control) |
| Condenser mics | External preamp with 48V phantom → mod-in-63 |
| Piezo pickups | Direct to mod-in-63 (high-Z input) |
| Contact mics | Direct to mod-in-63 |
Note: MICRORACK does not provide 48V phantom power. The +5V pull-up on mod-in-63 is suitable for some electret/piezo preamp circuits, but not condenser mics.
FX Pedals & External Processors¶
Create hybrid analog/digital signal chains:
Send/Return Loop: 1. mod-out-35 or mod-out-63 → Pedal input 2. Pedal output → mod-in-63 3. Adjust levels as needed (synth signals are typically hotter than guitar level)
Compatible gear: - Guitar/bass effects pedals - Multi-effects processors - Studio outboard gear - Drum machines (audio and MIDI sync)
Level Matching: Synthesizer signals (±5V) are louder than guitar pedal expectations (~1V). Use the gain control on mod-in-63 to prevent clipping.
Other Synthesizers¶
Connect to semi-modular, desktop, and vintage synthesizers:
| Connection Type | MICRORACK Module | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CV/Gate (3.5mm) | mod-jacket | 0-5V compatible |
| Audio (3.5mm) | mod-jacket | ±5V signals |
| Audio (6.3mm) | mod-in-63 / mod-out-63 | Line level |
| MIDI | mod-midi | DIN or TRS Type-A |
Example integrations: - Use MICRORACK as an effects processor for your Minilogue - Sequence MICRORACK VCOs from your Keystep - Mix MICRORACK outputs with your Volca series - Use Eurorack oscillators as sound sources for MICRORACK filters
Tested Devices¶
We're building a list of tested compatible devices. Have you connected something interesting to MICRORACK?
| Category | Device | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIDI Controller | — | — | Contributions welcome |
| Guitar | — | — | Contributions welcome |
| Microphone | — | — | Contributions welcome |
| Synthesizer | — | — | Contributions welcome |
| Drum Machine | — | — | Contributions welcome |
Have questions about connecting specific gear? Ask on the Forum.