Feeling a bit lost with all the different Eurorack Buses? Here is a list and a summary of the various versions available.
Overview
The Eurorack Buses share in common:
- Standard shrouded 16-pin Eurorack connectors,
- Tight footprints (less impedance between connectors),
- Inputs through screw terminals for maximum adaptability,
- LEDs for polarity check,
- Very detailed silkscreens,
- High quality, 1.6mm thick FR4 PCBs.
3 different form factors are available: Small (10x5cm), Medium (20x5cm) and Large (25×5 or 25x6cm).
If you prefer the DIY way, some buses are available as “PCB only”. Most are using Through Hole components only, unless noted.
And if you just want a plug-and-play solution, some buses are also available as “Fully Assembled and Tested”.
An On-board regulator, if present, generates the +5V rail if your Power Supply doesn’t provide it already. If you prefer to use the +5V rail coming from your PSU instead, then either do not install the on-board regulator and its associated components, or choose a board that does not host an on-board regulator.
In any case, avoid to connect the +5V output of your PSU into a Bus equipped with an on-board +5V regulator.
| Model | Version | Connectors | Size (cm) | On-board +5V | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | 1.1e | 10 | 10×5 | No | Yes |
| 14 DIY | 1.1b | 14 + 5x1U + 2xAS | 20×5 | Yes | Yes |
| 14 Plug-and-Play | 1.0b | 14 | 20×5 | No | No |
| 18 | 1.0c | 18 | 20×5 | Yes | Yes |
| 26 | 1.0b | 26 | 25×5 | Yes | Yes |
| 28 | 1.0 | 28 | 25×6 | Yes | No |
In details
Eurorack Compact Power Bus
Read more about Eurorack Compact Power Bus
The Compact Power Bus is the smallest one (10x5cm), perfect for small skiffs, prototyping, case extensions etc. It hosts probably the most connectors for its size in the world (probably ;))
This bus has no on-board regulator so you must bring it from the PSU or plug an additional +5V regulator on a card.
It is available in different configurations : PCB only, Full kit (PCB + Components), or Fully assembled and tested.
Bus 14 – DIY
Read more about Bus 14
The DIY version of the Bus 14 has a series of very special additional connectors: 2x Analogue Systems sockets and 5x 1U 3-pin connectors.
Other wise it features, as its name implies, 14x 16-pin Eurorack connectors, and can host its own on-board +5V regulator.
No SMD. Perfect for small, diversified systems, and, of course, DIY.
It is available in different configurations : PCB only, Full kit (PCB + Components), or Fully assembled and tested.
Bus 14 – Plug-and-Play
Read more about Bus 14
This version of the Bus 14 is only available in fully-assembled-and-tested configuration. It has 14x 16-pin Eurorack power connectors (no 1U and no AS connectors) and also, it has no on-board +5V regulator.
Bus 18
Read more about Bus 18
The Bus 18 is a high-density power distribution board, designed to supply up to 18 modules. It offers four additional Eurorack power connectors compared to the Bus 14, for the same dimensions.
It is also able to provide the +5V rail with its on-board regulator.
The PCB does not require SMT components, and is suited for experienced DIY users.
The Bus 18 is available in different configurations : PCB only, Full kit (PCB + Components), or Fully assembled and tested.
Bus 26
Read more about Bus 26
Eurorack Power Bus n°26 is the next level in number of connectors, in a slightly more wider design. This is perfect for larger synths while staying in a very dense and compact design.
The bus is able to power up to 26 Eurorack modules, and can provide the +5V rail with its on-board regulator.
The Bus 26 is available in different configurations : PCB only, Full kit (PCB + Components), or Fully assembled and tested.
Bus 28
Read more about Bus 28
The Bus 28 is the biggest bus board in the range, with a total of 28 connectors. This bus is perfect for a big system. It can also be combined with more busses to go even bigger.
Bus 28 is only available in fully-assembled-and-tested configuration. It has 28x 16-pin Eurorack power connectors and is able to provide the +5V rail with its on-board regulator.