5. What Makes System 500 So Exciting?

There are many reasons to start building a "System 500" system.

Filled Housing

One significant reason is that you can get started for very little money: modules can be purchased for under 200EUR, and housings are available for slightly more. At the same time, the entire range of audio technology is available:

There are high-end devices, even from boutique manufacturers, available for the 500 series format!

Of course, the unparalleled flexibility is fantastic. Tastes, requirements, listening habits, and working habits change, as does the available budget. So, you can change the configuration of a module carrier as you please. For unused slots, there are blank panels, which are often included with the housings.

What's great is that a lot of audio equipment can be housed compactly. No one will want to quickly transport their massive 19" rack to another studio or set it up at a live venue. It's different with the handy frames for the API-500 format! Here, there's a lot of functionality in a small space. Another advantage is that more processing equipment in the studio can be operated comfortably from the best listening position, simply because they take up less space. However, what you should know is that the controls for these devices are often smaller or closer together than those on "large" devices. Many manufacturers cleverly use double assignments or, for example, knobs with an additional ring.

For manufacturers, the modular system means that they can focus on the pure audio side when developing new devices. The audio connection, especially the power supply, and a large part of the actual hardware can be provided by other companies. This gives smaller companies and unique device concepts a better chance! The really crazy modules from the world of synthesizers, however, use a different standard: the Eurorack!