Bastl Introduces the Kastle 2 Alchemist 🧪 Compact Hybrid-Synthesis Instrument

video uploads by Bastl Instruments

Playlist:

1. Kastle 2 Alchemist 🧪 Compact Hybrid-Synthesis Instrument
2. No talking, just sounds - Kastle 2 Alchemist Hybrid-Synthesis Instrument
3. The most fun I've had making a video - Oscillator Sink and Bastl Instruments
4. ALCHEMIST: Bastl's super fun Kastle synth - Turbo Tambourine and Bastl Instruments
5. Bastl Alchemist Beginner’s Guide – How to Get Started - Shimmery.mp3 and Bastl Instruments



"We are stoked to introduce the Kastle 2 Alchemist – a patchable, hybrid-synthesis instrument that empowers you to explore melodies and even harmonic textures, despite being monophonic.

The Alchemist offers a range of Bastl-brewed Synth Modes – Filter, FM, Supersaw, Hypersine, and GlitchNoise – which can be combined with its internal effects and the versatile Pattern Generator. Rhythms and scales are fully customizable via the web-based app, and expanded MIDI USB compatibility adds even more flexibility.

The Kastle 2 Alchemist is the third firmware release for the Kastle 2 hardware platform, joining the FX Wizard multi-effects processor and the Wave Bard stereo sample player. The firmware is fully cross-compatible across all devices in the Kastle 2 Series – meaning the Alchemist firmware can be loaded onto previous Kastle 2 units and Citadel modules, and vice versa.

The Kastle 2 Alchemist is the spiritual successor to the original and widely popular Kastle Synth, introduced in the fall of 2016 and later updated to Kastle 1.5 in late 2017. It also inherits the DNA of the Kastle Arp from 2023, resulting in expanded musicality.

The Kastle 2 Series is often described as experimental and funky — and while the Alchemist certainly carries that spirit, this third medieval-themed instrument pushes the platform further. With carefully crafted synth modes and intuitive controls, the Alchemist expands the musical range, making it valuable in both beginner setups and complex studio environments."

Check with dealers on the right on availability.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Bastl Kastle v1.5 Demo - Stereo Drones & Noise

video by ChrisLody

"'I like the bit where it goes hmmmmmmmmmmm' (headphones recommended for this one)

I'm now the proud owner of a Bastl Kastle v1.5, along with some other bits that are slowly arriving which I've bought in order to make an experimental score for an upcoming feature film title 'Bad Things', but I'll talk more about that in another video. The info for the film so far is here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12791060...​

So the Bastl Kastle is tiny modular synth that's mostly focused around noise making. In fact I ran some CV from the Volca Modular and a Korg SQ1 into it's pitch input and I couldn't get it to tune, so it's fair to say it's not meant for that. I was quite surprised to find that it's a stereo device. It's equipped with an I/O port that allows signals to be sent in and out to and from it's left socket which is where I have the audio connected.

The red and blue channels here are using the phase modulation and phase distortion modes routed left and right which when the pitch and timbre knobs are tuned can create a great drones which can make some amazing dirty bass sounds if needed.

The red and green channels are using the noise and tonal noise outputs connected to the output in the same was which also have a tunable element so I'm able to build fairly large drones using a few channels like this.

On interesting tip so far is that unpatched (normalled) Pitch Mod and Timbre Mod amount knobs can be used as fine tune controls for their respective controls which is useful for this kind of thing

A bit of reverb was added from the Zoom Studio 1201 via Reaper

I'm impressed with the Bastl Kastle 1.5 so far and I'm looking forward to routing it through my Volca Modular. It's also pretty much perfect for the job I bought it for :)"

Bastl Kastle Drum meets the Novation Circuit Rhythm

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Nick Bigelow from Patchwerks builds a track from scratch by sampling sounds from Bastl Kastle Drum with the Novation Circuit Rhythm.

The Kastle Drum is a special edition of Bastl’s classic mini modular synth focusing on algorithmic industrial glitchy drums. Drum sound synthesis with a unique dynamic acceleration charged envelope makes this rhythm box surprisingly versatile and extremely fun to play. The built-in VC clock generator with a stepped pattern sequencer can either run on its own or it can be synchronized to analog clock, while retaining the triangle LFO for parameter modulation. The Kastle Drum is a mini modular synthesizer with a headphone output, 2 in/out ports for interfacing other gear, and it runs on just 3 AA batteries. It is ideal for beginners in modular synthesis, but it will add some quite unique functionality to any modular synthesizer system. It delivers the fun of modular synthesis at a low price and fits into your pocket so you can play it anywhere!

Order the Bastl Kastle Drum here: https://bit.ly/kastle_drum

'Circuit Rhythm is a versatile sampler for making and performing beats. Record samples directly to the hardware, then slice, sculpt and resample your sounds effortlessly. Capture your groove quantised or off-grid into the sequencer, and layer up across eight sample tracks. Invigorate your live set with performance FX: embrace imperfection with lo-fi tape, stutter your mix with beat repeat, and more. Integrate Circuit Rhythm into your studio, or unplug and create anywhere utilising the built-in rechargeable battery.' -Novation

Order the Circuit Rhythm here: https://bit.ly/circuit_rhythm

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Nick Bigelow
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Bastl Kastle Drum (and Bass (Kinda)) Jam - Sonicware Liven XFM 8bit Warps Volca Modular Sample NTS1

video upload by ChrisLody

"My Bastl Kastle Drum arrived! What better way to try it out than with some sort of weird Drum and Bass meets Techno hybrid jam thing.

The Bastl Kastle Drum has no built in sequencer, but it turns out the Volca Modular does a pretty good job of that. I might do some sort of how to video about that in the future actually. But the basic idea is that changes in voltage at the input of the Kastle Drum's Drum Mod connection play different drum sounds so the cv output from the sequencer on the Volca can be connected to that to trigger different sounds across the keyboard. Then clock out on the Volca can also be used to re-trigger sounds when connected to the Trig In connection on the Kastle Drum too.

Elsewhere the XFM is producing a high-pass filtered hoover bass sound and a sub bass sound, the Liven 8Bit Warps is a hand played lead string sound and the Volca Sample is playing a chopped up break through the Nts1 which is acting as a delay. There is a bit of additional EQ and reverb in my DAW just to make things fit together nicely."

BASTL INSTRUMENTS KASTLE ARP DESKTOP MELODY SYNTH

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

Additional Signal Sounds listings

"We say...
A pre-owned Bastl Instruments Kastle ARP in excellent condition. It comes with original packaging and accessories.

Manufacturer's description
Kastle ARP is a unique modular melody generator based on a quantized sine wave oscillator with a digital waveshaper.

The pitch selection employs straightforward concepts to unleash surprising intricacy. The quantized oscillator ensures it is always in tune, and its pitch can be selected using the NOTE and CHORD inputs. The decay envelope adds variation by occasionally skipping pitches before retriggering. The timbre control allows you to blend between noble sine waves and 8-bit chip-tunes.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Volca-fun

"The Volca Drum was my first drum machine and the Volca Modular gave me my first taste of a modular synthesizer. Beneath the (to some) toy-like look of these instruments they offer a portable gateway to composing and improvising. These videos all share at least one appearance by either of these two (and more often than not, by both!)."

Playlist:
red skies | ORCA driven Volca Jam (Modular + Drum)
over a field of dried grass | Volca Modular and Bastl Kastle Jam
a cicada's voice | Volca Modular and Bastl Kastle jam
carved with breath | Volca Modular jam
polyways | Microfreak + Volca Drum
field of cotton | Generative jam w/ Cosmosf M31 and Volca Modular/Drum on #jamuary!
rabbit tracks | Native American Flute + Volca Modular/Drum jam
Atalanta et Hippomenes | Ambient music on the Volca Modular and Hyve Synth
eclectric dreams | Volca Drum + Fundamental + Cymbal Reverb
in exile | Microtonal jam over a poem by Al-Bayati
Arakiel | Generative Jam w/ Bastl's bitRanger and the Volca Drum
mountain's shadow | Generative microtonal jam w/ CosmosF M31, SE-02 and Volca Drum
ulmus glabra | Volca Modular + Hyve Synth Jam
de ludo aleae | ambient jam w/ Volca Modular
chaldea | pairing Bastl Instruments Kastle and Volca Modular
arcadia | ambient music w/ kastle + volca modular
etelköz | exploring strange tunings w/ volca modular + kastle

Bastl CITADEL - FX WIZARD Multi-effect processor & WAVE BARD Stereo Sample Player

video upload by Bastl Instruments

User videos:



Playlist:

1. Bastl Citadel Breakbeat Party - Stazma and Bastl Instruments
2. BASTL CITADEL! FX Wizard and Wave Bard Sampler comes to Eurorack! - The Unperson and Bastl Instruments
3. Bastl Citadel: A TWO-FACED friend with Samples + FX - Turbo Tambourine and Bastl Instruments

Check with dealers on the right for availability and price.

"Bastl CITADEL - Fortress of Modular Magic - is a Eurorack reimagination of the popular Kastle 2 semi-modular desktop device. The CITADEL comes with a full 3.5mm patch bay that offers the flexibility needed in the Eurorack format while maintaining the strengths of the Kastle 2 allowing it to stand on its own, and yet let it truly shine when patched with other modules. We’ve also added switches
for hands-on control of the pattern generator. The Citadel provides the basic infrastructure needed to integrate Eurorack systems within the context of electronic music making: headphone output, TRS MIDI input and sync, tempo generator with divider/multiplier, USB MIDI (from the back of the module), stereo mixing, integrated LFO and Pattern generator and effects. All that makes it the perfect module for smaller and beginner systems while the fun and unique creativity of the Kastle 2 firmwares:
the FX WIZARD multi-effect processor and WAVE BARD sample player will earn its place in
larger setups.

🛠️ Get Wave Bard & FX Wizard at the same time 🔃
The Citadel comes equipped with a reversible front panel with WAVE BARD on one side
and FX WIZARD on the other side. It also comes with our custom designed tool to make
the panel switching as seamless as possible. You can load and try different Citadel/Kastle 2
present and future firmwares and updates with a USB port (on the back).

The Citadel might break a few rules of standard Eurorack design, but it does so in the name
of instant musicality, fun, and effortless integration of Eurorack with other gear. The PITCH
inputs on the WAVE BARD track 1V/Oct, are factory-calibrated, and there’s even dedicated
calibration software to ensure a perfect match with your source."

CLICK FOR MORE »

【Practice】 Analog Synthesizer Simple Rhythm Music (BASTL INSTRUMENTS KASTLE V1.5 + PO-12)

video upload by Sound Naturelibrary

"練習やテストも兼ねて1時間触った映像です。
KASTLEをリズムキープのマスターに使用したので、独特の同期ズレを前半してしまっていますが、そこも含めてKASTLE がどんなフィーリングのガジェットか感じられると思います。

simple rhythm musicとして作業やworkoutに使ってください。

BASTL INSTRUMENTS KASTLE V1.5とPO-12を使用しています。

最近、気がついたのですがKASTLEのLFO RSTが機能してない疑いが…PO-12側での制御ができていない感じがする…どうしたものか…

日本でKASTLEを購入するなら

Googlish:

"It's a video that I touched for an hour for practice and testing.
Since I used KASTLE as the master of rhythm keeping, I had a peculiar synchronization shift in the first half, but what kind of feeling does KASTLE have including that?

Use it for work or workout as simple rhythm music.

I use BASTL INSTRUMENTS KASTLE V1.5 and PO-12.
br>
Recently, I noticed that KASTLE's LFO RST is not working ... I feel that the PO-12 side is not able to control it ... What's wrong ...

If you want to buy KASTLE in Japan

Bastl Instruments Introduces the Kastle Drum tiny modular groovebox

Kastle Drum – Discover rhythm on a tiny modular groovebox
Bastl Instruments

Kastle Drum - every feature explained - modular glitch-drummachine
Bastl Instruments

"Kastle Drum is a special edition of Bastl’s classic mini modular synth focusing on algorithmic industrial glitchy drums. A mini modular synthesizer with a headphone output, 2 in/out ports for interfacing other gear, and it runs on just 3 AA batteries. It is ideal for beginners in modular synthesis, but it will add some quite unique functionality to any modular synthesizer system. It delivers the fun of modular synthesis at a low price and fits into your pocket so you can play it anywhere!"

"Kastle was originally released in Fall 2016 and gained instant popularity as an affordable, pocket-sized modular synth. We processed a lot of feedback and introduced a much improved version v1.5 a year later. Now we’re revisiting the concept once again with an alternative way to operate the same hardware.

The design process gave birth to a seemingly limited, but in fact an innovative and quite playful take on a rhythm box that is using some novel concepts, like the dynamic acceleration envelope to build “a lot of dynamic rhythm” out of very little modulation.

The Kastle Drum is a special edition of Bastl’s classic mini modular synth focusing on algorithmic industrial glitchy drums.

Drum sound synthesis with a unique dynamic acceleration charged envelope makes this rhythm box surprisingly versatile and extremely fun to play. The built-in VC clock generator with a stepped pattern sequencer can either run on its own or it can be synchronized to analog clock, while retaining the triangle LFO for parameter modulation.

The Kastle Drum is a mini modular synthesizer with a headphone output, 2 in/out ports for interfacing other gear, and it runs on just 3 AA batteries. It is ideal for beginners in modular synthesis, but it will add some quite unique functionality to any modular synthesizer system. It delivers the fun of modular synthesis at a low price and fits into your pocket so you can play it anywhere!"

Time Stamps for overview video
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Interface
00:55 Patchbay
01:15 Knobs
01:30 Power
02:00 First Patch Connection
02:45 TRIG IN
05:25 Sound parameters
05:40 DRUM

CLICK FOR MORE »

Bastl Introduces Kastle 2 FX Wizard

Kastle 2 FX Wizard 🎧 Best with headphones video upload by Bastl Instruments

"We’re blissed to announce the Kastle 2 FX Wizard—a portable, patchable multi-effects processor and the newest addition to our pocketable, battery-powered mini-modular Kastle family.

Kastle 2 builds on the success of our accessible and affordable mini-modular format, which began with the Bitranger in 2016, followed by the Kastle Synth later that year, and expanded with Kastle 1.5 (2017), Kastle Drum (2020), and Kastle Arp (2023).

Kastle 2 is a completely redesigned model that offers enhanced connectivity and significantly improved audio quality with a new stereo architecture.

Kastle 2 FX Wizard focuses on processing sounds—texturizing or completely transforming them in a fun and unique way through its mini patch bay. With stereo input and output, along with sync input and output, it integrates smoothly with other gear, becoming a powerful, semi-autonomous co-creator. Power options include 3x AA batteries or USB-C."

"The Kastle 2 FX Wizard is available now for 160 € ex. VAT (approx. 190 € with VAT) and shipping at the end of November 2024"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.



Features
● 9 FX modes
— delay (max time in stereo is 1.15s)
— flanger
— freezer
— panner
— crusher
— slicer
— pitcher
— replayer
— shifter
● Stereo audio processing at 44kHz/16-bits
● Time parameter with attenuverting modulation (S&H or free)
● Feedback parameter with attenuverting modulation
● AMOUNT mix with attenuverting modulation
● FILTER in the feedback with Lowpass/Highpass
● STEREO detuning for each FX MODE
● FX MODE cv input with attenuation to change modes with CV
● TRIG input to synchronize effects with tempo
● LFO - triangle and pulse output, reset input, attenuverting modulation, synced or free
● T empo generator with tap tempo and divider with external clock
● Pattern generator (tempo synced) with GATE and CV output and patch programmability
● patchable envelope follower
● stereo input with input gain (up to +12db), accepts up to 6 Vpp signal
● stereo output capable of driving headphones up to 250 Ohm
● analog sync input
● analog sync output

CLICK FOR MORE »

It sounds BIG! - Kastle 2 WAVE BARD Sound Demo and Stories

video upload by Bastl Instruments

"Join us on a mystical night as Václav, the lead developer of Bastl Instruments' Kastle 2 Wave Bard, conjures sonic sorcery by the campfire.

Václav's setup:
Bastl Instruments Bestie Mixer
Bastl Instruments Kastle 2 FX Wizard
Bastl Instruments Kastle 2 Wave Bard
Bastl Instruments Kastle 2 Wave Bard prototype"

Chapters:
00:00 Intro+overview
00:46 Story behind the development
02:35 Setup Description
02:50 Demo (it rocks)

Pocket Electro/Techno Jam 136BPM: Bastl Kastle, Teenage Engineering PO-12, Doomsday Sound Generator

Published on Jan 13, 2019 O.S.cillator @ Kalkartronic

If only this is what they were actually dancing to...

"Mini Electro Jam by O.S.cillator.
The PO-12 drum machine is controlled by the LFO of the Bastl Kastle (I/O output of the Kastle to input of the PO-12, and left channel of the I/O socket on the top of the Kastle patched to LFO socket). The Doomsday Sound Generator is a DIY kit from getlofi.com which I built into a tupperware box a few years ago. Its chaotic sounds can be manipulated by touching the steel buttons (body resistance contacts) on the front.
Hope you like it!

Audio recorded with Yamaha Pocketrak 2G.
Video recorded with Ricoh WG-M1.
Background footage was found somewhere..."

Bastl Introduces CITADEL Alchemist Eurorack Module

video upload by Bastl Instruments

Check with dealers on the right for availability and price.

Playlist:

1. CITADEL ALCHEMIST & Kastle 2+Citadel DIY Kits & more NEWS from Bastl!

We built a fantasy world of magical music machines with the FX Wizard multi-effect, the Wave Bard sample player and the Alchemist synth that live in battery powered Kastle 2 format and the Citadel eurorack version. We are excited to not only announce the late arrival of the Citadel Alchemist Eurorack module to the party, but to let everyone know that all the instruments are now available as DIY kits and that we are partially open-sourcing it so the world we started could be expanded by many others."

2. Bastl CITADEL Alchemist - All Synth Modes preview

"A complete preview of Alchemist's Synth Modes with a quick preview of the Dual FX and a small jam."

Chapters:
00:00 Filter
00:44 FM
01:32 Supersaw
02:25 Hypersine
03:24 GlitchNoise
03:41 Dual FX
04:27 Small Jam and patching

3. Hello Alchemist ! Bastl Citadel synth engine rave to experimental - Stazma and Bastl Instruments

Alchemist is now EURORACK... into the CITADEL!!!!!
So here we go checking out how this synth engine will play out with his other citadel friend the Wave Bard in breakbeat torture mode.
Also a cool oportunity to play around the Diktaat from Mzourack to trigger both units in a performative way.

Citadel Alchemist is a patchable hybrid-synthesis based eurorack module that empowers you in discovering melodies and even harmonies despite being monophonic.
Patch programmable sequencing via the control signals into the two PITCH MOD inputs opens up a world of melodic inspiration beyond classic arpeggios while staying in your preferred SCALE.

5 synthesis modes
The Alchemist has a carefully tuned wide timbral range spanning across 5 synthesis modes (FILTER, FM, HYPERSINE, SUPERSAW and GLITCHNOISE) accessed by main TIMBRE sweep that is refined by the RATIO control.

The ENV macro knob affects different parts of the synth and sequencing engine to maximize musicality and it even lets you continually morph between the synthesis modes and access truly unique sounds.
The timbral palette is further extended by the dual FX section which offers either a wide delay that will smear the arpeggios into echoed harmonies or a chorus-flanger-distortion-combfilter macro custom tuned for each synth mode.
You can also access gliding rubber textures with the PITCH SLIDE macro that applies pitch envelope and portamento.
You can customize its rhythms and scales with the web-based editor.
Modulate anything
All main parameters can be modulated and tightly sequenced by the surprisingly powerful CV and GATE pattern generator. Create groovy off-grid beats using the built-in LFO, which can be synced, reset, or left to run freely.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Kastle 2 Wave Bard ✨ Patchable Stereo Sample Player

video upload by Bastl Instruments

First jam - Kastl 2 Wav Bard

video upload by Stazma

BASTL Kastle 2 WAVE BARD — a tiny modular groovebox & rhythm generator! But is it any good?!

video upload by BoBeats

CONTENT
00:00 What is the Wave Bard?
00:50 Overview & sound demos
03:28 Sample specs
03:42 Making some rhythms with Wave Bard
06:20 Can you use it to make actual music?!
09:05 How to load samples
09:38 My thoughts about Wave Bard

Check with dealers on the right for availability. Details and pics follow:


KASTLE 2 WAVE BARD

Experimental, patchable stereo sample player

The Kastle 2 Wave Bard is an experimental, patchable stereo sample player that empowers you to discover new rhythms and riffs through modulation and modularity.

CLICK FOR MORE »

One Small Synth, Ep. 1: Bastl Kastle v1.5

Published on Sep 3, 2018 Aidan Burns-Fulkerson

"This marks the beginning of a micro-series, diving deep into my collection of minuscule synthesizers. Each episode will shine the spotlight on one little synth. There will be no talking, just music or noise, depending on the synth in question and your personal taste in sound.

This episode will look at the newest addition to the tiny-synth team, the Bastl Kastle v1.5. The v1.5 brings some notable improvements over the original Kastle. The sounds it makes are more varied, more tweakable, and arguably smoother, though there’s plenty of fun weirdness left too. Let’s get patching!

Let me know if there is a particular synth you’d like to hear, and I’ll add it to the short list for future episodes."

Bastl Kastle Arp #22 (with Kastle Synth)

video upload by alloutofsync

"The great thing about the Bastl Kastle is that you can patch wires however you want and have fun jamming with it. This is exactly what it's all about.

0:16 Patch note

Anyway, I hope you enjoy. Thanks."

Volca Kick + Bastl Kastle improvisation

Published on Apr 22, 2017 0F.digital

Bastl Kastle
Korg Volca Kick

Kastle as sync master, with pulse LFO driving Volca sync.
No additional effects.

http://0F.digital

Bastl Kastle Arp #21 (with Kastle DRUM)

video upload by alloutofsync

"The great thing about the Bastl Kastle is that you can enjoy improvising without any pressure, simply by patching the wires as you feel and turning the knobs."

Patchblocks minijam tek.drum & Bastl Kastle synced

Published on Nov 10, 2017 Kalkartronic

"My first sound check of the minijam studio tek.drum by Patchblocks. Great sounds and fun! Well, I thought then, maybe it's possible to somehow sync the Bastl Kastle with the tek.drum, so I began connecting cables back and forth for about 20 minutes until I ended up with the kastle controlling the tempo of the tek.drum with the LFO knob. :-o
Classical "try and error"
Hey, but it works! :-D
It's just these two machines creating tbe sound in this video, only a little room effect was added by the mixer.
Thanks a lot for watching!"

Bastl Kastle v1.5 Tiny Lo-Fi Synth

Published on Jan 5, 2018 Perfect Circuit Audio

"This video explores the different modes of the Bastl Kastle version 1.5 synthesizer. The Kastle is a Lo-Fi digital modular synthesizer with 6 modes: phase modulation, noise mode, track & hold modulation, phase distortion, tonal noise mode and formant synthesis.

Available here: https://www.perfectcircuitaudio.com/b..."

Supporting members of MATRIXSYNTH get %10 off at Perfect Circuit Audio!