Questions about 1U Tiles? Find the answer here in our official 1U Tile FAQ.
What are 1U Tiles?
1U Tiles are small Eurorack modules. Instead of being 3U tall like Eurorack, they are 1U tall. Typically they are used for small utility modules added to 1U Tile rows above or below 3U rows.
Unlike Eurorack modules, 1U Tiles have a fixed width which makes them easy to use and easy to plan module layouts.
They were invented by Pulp Logic and you can read more about them on their site here: http://pulplogic.com/1u_tiles/
What is “EuroTile”?
That is the name we give to our 1U Tile and Case system.
What is the difference between 1U Tile and EuroTile?
They are identical. EuroTiles (as modules) are 1U Tiles, but we also try to keep to these extra criteria:
- White LED: Clock or Trigger indicator
- Green LED: Gate or positive CV. Brightness indicates level.
- Red LED: negative CV. Brightness indicates level.
- LFO, Envelope, VCF, VCA CV range: 0V to +5V (friendly to DIY Arduino projects).
- However everything should be able to handle -10V to +10V. For example our analog VCO works down to -2V and up to +9V, but it’s most accurate between 0V and 5V.
- All CV utility modules (Scale Offset, Signal Clone, CV Mixer, etc) work with up to -10V to +10V signals (negative rail may only get down to -9V due to the way opamps work.)
- Otherwise everything is based on Eurorack standards.
Note that most Eurorack and 1U Tile modules already follow these guidelines, and if they don’t everything should still work together with no surprises.
What are the technical specifications for 1U Tiles?
Complete specs can be found here: http://pulplogic.com/1u_tiles/
What are 1U Tiles compatible with?
1U Tiles are made by several companies and all are compatible with each other.
What are 1U Tiles not compatible with?
Intellijel makes their own version confusingly called “1U”, but these are NOT compatible. Nor will regular 1U Tiles fit in Intellijel cases.
Vermona has a system of modules and case called “1-RU” which looks similar but does not work with 1U Tiles.
How are 1U Tiles powered?
Tiles are powered with “Tile Tails” — 3-conductor leads with “Futaba J” connectors on the end. These are widely used in radio-controlled aircraft and drones and available at most local hobby shops and online.
The Tile Tails provide +12V, -12V, and ground. Modules that need other voltages such as 5V for microcontrollers will have a voltage regulator on the module.
Most Tile Tails are polarized to prevent them from being plugged in incorrectly, but it’s possible to get a version of the plug that isn’t polarized so it’s good practice to get into the habit of making sure the colours line-up when plugging-in.
On some of our products we use headers with a polarized plug instead of the Tile Tail.
Extensions can also be used to extend the reach. They are called “Servo Extension Leads” and are also available at most hobby shops.
How much current do 1U Tiles typically use?
Given the small size and limited space current consumption on Tiles is usually very small, usually between 5 and 20 mA. However there are exceptions — our Tube Overdrive uses 400mA!
Who makes 1U Tiles?
(In alphabetical order)
Erthenvar (sadly no more, but 1U Tiles still available in the used marketplace.)
Plum Audio (also on Pusherman)
Modular Grid is a great place to discover 1U Tiles. Just keep in mind that they don’t differentiate between incompatible formats.
(If you have something to add to this part of the 1U Tile FAQ email us.)
What shops sell 1U Tiles?
(If you have something to add to this part of the 1U Tile FAQ email us.)
Most of the manufacturers listed above also sell their 1U Tiles online.
Can 1U Tiles be DIY’d?
Absolutely. All of our 1U Tiles are available as PCB/Panel kits (We are currently rejigging out DIY kits to be easier to build and should be available shortly. Join our mailing list to hear as soon as they’re available). We also have 1U Tile panels, and various other useful items.
Kits are also available at Modular Addict and Synthrotek listed above.
How do I add 1U Tiles to my system?
There’s a couple ways to add 1U Tiles to your case or rack:
You can buy or build a case or rack with a 1U Tile row already included.
Or we have the Eurorack Tile Adapter which fits three 1U Tiles into a 10hp space on your regular Eurorack row.
You also need to power the tiles. The case/rack manufacturer should have a solution for this. We have the Tile Power Strip (for long rows) and Tile Power Adapter (for a grouping such as those using our Eurorack Tile Adapter.
Who makes cases or racks with 1U Tile rows?
(If you have something to add to this part of the 1U Tile FAQ email us.)
What is that case I see on this site?
That is the EuroTile case with built-in power supply and room for 12 1U Tiles. We are almost finished working on it and soon will have a Kickstarter to fund production.
Join the mailing-list here to get an alert when the Kickstarter starts. A limited number will be available at a huge discount.
Do you have a question, comment, correction, or suggestion? Let us know: