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 »

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 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 Drum Kastle - Eurorack version(s)

video upload by John Schussler

"Bastl created the Drum Kastle as an offshoot of the Kastle portable sound maker. It's now available in Eurorack by a couple makers who've adapted it for the 3U format, with appropriate cv controls.

I was curious to see if there was much sound difference between the two, given they're working from the same basic circuit design. There are a few differences, but do they radically change the experience? Inquiring minds want to know.

No other modules involved. Just Kastles.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Drum Kastle
12:48 Rythm Lab"

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"

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!"

Layered Drum Machine Snares by Goldbaby

video upload by GoldbabySamples

"Layered Drum Machine Snares. Available now: https://www.goldbaby.co.nz/ldms.html"

"I love layering snares! It's a great way of adding depth and character and giving a more unique flavour to them.

I have used 30 drum machines in different combos and multiplelayering techniques.

These snares are production-ready and will work in lots of different genres.

Drum Machines used: Pulsar-23, Korg 55B, MFB-522, TR-707, TR-808, TR-909, CR-78, TR505, MicroTonic, LinnDrum, Double Drummer, LXR-02, Uno, NordDrum2, Tanzbär, Heartbeat, MR-10, PO-12, KPR-77, PB-300, Axon2, DRM-1, ER-1, R-70, R-100, Olsen, XD-5, Kastle Drum, Ritmo, RX5"

Digital Drum Dose Sample Pack by Goldbaby Samples

video upload by GoldbabySamples

"Digital Drum Dose. Available now: https://www.goldbaby.co.nz/ddd.html

Digital hardware drums from 1999-2022. ER-1, MachineDrum, Nord Drum 2, Kastle, Razzamatazz, Volca Drum, Double Drummer, Neuron, Peaks. Very punchy and very usable in a variety of different genres."

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..."

9. prosince 2021

video upload by Bastl Instruments

DRUM KASTLE

Battery Powered Synths Better Than Studio Gear? Pocket Operator, Boss RV-6, Bastl Dude + Kastle Drum

video by Perfect Circuit

"In this video we explore playing battery powered synths and samplers in the great outdoors and why sometimes they are better than bigger pieces of studio gear for practicing your live performance and trying out new ideas.

Wes used the @teenage engineering​ PO-133 Street Fighter KO Sampler and PO-12 Rhythm for drums and samples. Te PO-128 Mega Man chip tune synth and @Bastl Instruments​ Kastle Drum add some weird synth sounds in and everything is mixed with the Bastl Dude and the Boss RV-6 adds some reverb.

Timeline:

00:00​ - Intro
01:26​ - Jam
03:44​ - Battery Powered Over Studio Gear
04:04​ - Set Up Explanation
05:18​ - Battery Powered Gear Advantages
06:22​ - Umm…Jam..?
07:46​ - That Beautiful Sunset

#PerfectCircuit​ #BatteryPowered​ #Synth​"

https://www.perfectcircuit.com/

“KASTLE V1.5”and“volca drum” DEMO Patching by Falcon-106

Published on Sep 20, 2019 K0MABA

“KASTLE V1.5”と“volca drum” をシンク接続し、パッチングして音を作ってみました。

Shores ambient generative soundscape w/ monome norns “pixels” and Bastl Kastle drum

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Sine waves splashing over a 'pixels' beach with the @bastlinstruments Kastle drum providing pseudo random percussion.

Tried to create a more easy to listen to vibe for work."

Phantasmal Force micro MIDI controller + kasser arcade + bastl kastle drum + 1010 Bluebox

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Phantasmal Force micro MIDI controller triggering chords on the kasser arcade FM synth with the little kastle spitting out drum noise. The Phantasmal Force sent the MIDI program change message to load a custom sound off of the SD card in the arcade before I started the video. Pretty helpful and simple way to send PC messages.


Program changes light up red on the Phantasmal Force. Notes are blue, CCs yellow and transport messages are green.

#diy #synth #arduino #electronicmusic #noise #jamuary2023 #midicontroller #tinystudio #tinysynth"

SynthFest France 2023 #SFF_EDITION_10 Set for 21/22/23 April 2023 in NANTES / FRANCE

SYNTHFEST FRANCE 2023 #SFF_EDITION_10

IN BRIEF
The coolest French festival entirely dedicated to synthesizers. The annual meeting of synth addicts in Nantes with exhibitions, concerts, workshops, demos, and the biggest synthesizer raffle ever made in the world.

FOCUS
. 10th edition of the festival.
. Concert Joachim Garraud.
. Concerts Olivier Delevingne / Marco Caro / Maman Küsters
. More than 50 exhibitors.
. Showcases Moonya / Alaskam / Nairod.
. First official tribute to Vangelis organized by Frederick Rousseau.
. UNAC / SynthFest Awards.
. Demonstrations / DIY workshops.
. Immersive 3D music experience.
. Huge synth raffle.


RAFFLE
The SynthFest France offers this year a particularly exceptional raffle. With more than 12000€ of prizes, this contest is simply the biggest synthesizer giveaway ever organized.

Tickets at 10€ and number of tickets limited to 2000.
Raffle open online until April 19th 2023, and on site until April 23rd 2023.
Drawing on Sunday April 23, 2023 at 4pm, French time.
It is not necessary to be present at the draw to win a prize.

Tickets: https://www.synthfestfrance.com

1 - Expressive E - Osmose
2 - Kodamo - Mask1
3 - Paire d’enceintes Adam Audio - A7V
4 - La Voix du Luthier - La Voile
5 - Arturia - MiniFreak
6 - Korg - Drumlogue
7 - Paire d’enceintes Nord - Monitor V2
8 - Aodyo - Anyma Phi SE
9 - Ina-GRM Tools Complete II
10 - Dreadbox Erebus Reissue
11 - Novation - Circuit Rhythm
12 - Joranalogue - Eurorack Step 8
13 - Faselunare 4 - Vega Eurorack drum module
14 - MOK - Pack VST - Waverazor / MiniRaze / Filtryg
15 - Bastl Instruments - Microgranny
16 - Yamaha Audio card / mixer AG06mk2 BK
17 - Yamaha Audio card / mixer AG06mk2 WH
18 - Erica Synths - Eurorack module surprise
19 - Bastl Instruments - Kastle Drum
20 - Bastl Instruments - Kastle 1.5
21 - La Touche Musicale - Licence logicielle


JOACHIM GARRAUD
The 10th edition of SynthFest France strikes hard, with Joachim Garraud in concert, Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 9 pm. The French producer and artist will be back in Nantes, his hometown, for this exceptional evening. Joachim Garraud will present a preview of the film "Modular California Vibes", a documentary on electronic music creation on board his solar mobile studio where 4 producers will record 4 original tracks in 4 unusual places during 4 days, thanks to the sun. A debate will follow the unique screening of this film in France, to then give way to a concert. Joachim Garraud at SynthFest France, the musical event in Nantes not to be missed.


EXHIBITORS / PARTICIPANTS / PARTNERS
Alaskam, Alexis Faucomprez, Algam, Aodyo, Arturia, Christophe Martin-de Montagu, Baloran, Bastl Instruments, Berhnard Rasinger, BVR instruments, Dreadbox, Eric Mouquet / Deep Forest, Erica Synths, Euterpe Synthesizer Laboratories, Expressive E, Faselunare /, Alphalab, FCpro.Audio, Francis Rimbert, Frédéric Rible, Frederik Rousseau, Fulgur audio, Ina-GRM, IRCAM, Joachim Garraud, PModular / Jérôme Bridonneau, Joranalogue, KR, Home Studio, Kiviak technologies, Kodamo, Korg, La touche musicale, La Voix du Luthier, Larix Elektro, Laurent Evain, Laurent Juillet, Les Sondiers, Matthias Puech, Marc Caro, MOK / Media Overkill, Michael Geyre, Michel Geiss, Moonya, Muse Ovations, Nairod, NRSynth, Oberheim, Olivier Delevingne, SyntheGrall / Olivier Grall, Officina del Malista, oZoé, PH Modular / Christian Foucaud, PWM, Sifasile, SynthR / Jean-Luc Briançon, Sequential, SoundMIT, Studio Playtronica, SynthFood, TouellSkouarn, Thierry Rochebois, Tinhu, Tony T-Steel / Tony Quedeville, SACEM, Vacuum – 3D project / Eliane Blaise / Emmanuelle de Héricourt, Vkgoeswild / Vika Yermolyeva, Vintage Synth @ Co, UNAC / Union Nationale des Auteurs et Compositeurs, Willow Whisper / Dalai Lama, Xodes, Yamaha, Yusynth / Yves Usson.

Phantasmal Force micro MIDI controller + Bastl Kastle Drum & 1010music lemondrop bells in locomotion

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Phantasmal Force micro MIDI controller with the @1010_music lemondrop and the @bastlinstruments Kastl drum. The Kastl kicks it off with a little loop (just started learning this little guy). The Phantasmal Force is sending chords to the lemondrop. The chords were generated randomly by the Phantasmal Force and I’m just noodling around with them. In chord mode, the knob raises or lowers the chord on the button up to one octave. Each button can send a different three note chord. The notes of the chord are adjustable, so you can make your own chords. Still working on tuning the randomness of the chords to sound more musical … #diy #synth #midicontroller #granularsynthesis #tinysynth #tinystudio #jamuary2023"

Ambient Garden Jam on Battery Powered Mini Semi Modular

video by ChrisLody

"The incredibly cold and wet spring season we've had here in the UK seems to have finally given way to summer, so what a better way to make the most of the weather than a battery powered jam in the garden.

I've been building the rig in the video specifically to have something battery powered to jam and record on away from the studio but I was mostly thinking of writing on the sofa. But a few days ago we moved a sofa bed out of our cabin in the garden and it seems to have become garden furniture now, so this was a perfect place for a quick test of this setup.

It's perhaps not the best bit of music I've written but I had a few unexpected problems with my mini mixer being extremely quiet to begin which put me off my stride a bit. I ended up using the mixers mic inputs instead of line in which shouldn't have been necessary, but it works at least.

I'll make a vlog about the modular/semi modular 'Synth Tray' in a bit, but just quickly everything here is running on various rechargeable batteries and I'm using a Volca Modular, Bastl Kastle, Volca Beats (which I might replace with my Bastl Kastle Drum if it ever arrives....) Korg NTS1, Korg SQ1, Radio Shack Mixer, Korg SR1 'Sound on Sound' and a Suboos latern which has USB power to run the NTS1. There is a prototype board on there too but it wasn't used here. The reverb is provided by the Korg SR1 and the ambient sound is direct from my Sony HDR-CX240E and is played back dry. Molly the cat is on cable monitoring duties."

Generative CLOSE ENCOUNTERS road trip with norns “pixels”, Wingie MKii, Bastl Kastle Drum & TX-6

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Devils Tower is on the horizon. Pixel static notes and MIDI data. The Kastle excites the Wingie.

Alien welcome melodies played backwards and forwards, but probably never in the right order. Only 1970s practical effects here. Or is it all just CG?"

ST Modular

Published on May 19, 2018 Stefan Tretau

New maker on the site. This is the first post to feature ST Modular.

Playlist:
1. ST Modular - Cyllene VCO #2
2. ST Modular - Cyllene VCO #1

Prototype Analog VCO with integrated frequency divider. Using a second Cyllene as LFO.

3. ST Modular - Prototype Noises
4. ST Modular - Triple Tom´s Melody
5. ST Modular - Stomping Beat
6. ST Modular - Triple Tom Techno
7. ST Modular - A case full of Prototypes
8. ST Modular - EURO KASTLE 1.5

This is a DIY Eurorack Version of the BASTL Instruments KASTLE 1.5

9. ST Modular - DIY PT2399 Delay
10. ST Modular - Feed as EFX send
11. ST Modular - VCO GIVE Sound Snipplets
12. ST Modular - Filter "FRANZ" & Delay
13. ST Modular - LFOT

LFOT(ouch) is a self designed Low Frequency Oscillator with optional High Range Frequency and Touch Control Function.

LFOT as Clock Source (0:00 - 1:36)
LFOT into VCO FM (1:37 - 3:04)
LFOT Audio Rate (3:05 - 4:36)
LFOT into Filter CV (4:37 - end)

14. ST Modular - KNEAD MIXER with KNEAD EXPANDER
15. ST Modular - "CATCH" Stepped Random Generator and Sample and Hold
16. ST Modular - Feed

Feed is a self designed module which would be best descripted as a voltage controlled aux send module with an integrated EQ.

17. ST Modular - Clanches & Triple Tom

Both are self-designes modules. Triple Tom is a three voice tom/kick generator and Clanches is...well...a clocked Branches.

18. ST Modular - TripleTom and Switched Multiple

This is a self designed Drum Module prototype offering three Tom/Kick voices including a Tilt Eq and a summing Mixer. Additionally each voice has a single out and its presence may controlled by control voltage.
The Switched Multiple is also a self designed module. It combines and mutes CV signals in many ways.

19. ST Modular - Fay & Clanches

Fay is a self designed Fader, VCA and Decay Envelope combined in one module. Its es being triggered by Clanches. The CEM VCO and DixieII are both mixed through the fader and then being controlled by the VCA and interal Decay.

20. ST Modular - FRANZ OTA Filter

This is a self designed Eurorack filter module with an internal LFO and 3 channel mixer

21. ST Modular - "GIVE" Analog VCO - Self-Made analog VCO with waveshaping option.
22. ST Modular - Avail LFO and Mixer 1U Tile

This is a self designed Module prototype. It is an LFO with Sine, Square and Pulse Out. Pulse width my be adjusted via trimmer. It also offers a 3 channel mixer.

CLICK FOR MORE »

A TINY MODULAR DRUM SYNTH // Bastl Kastle Drum mini review

BoBeats

00:00 intro & sound demos
02:14 how to use it
04:38 how to connect it to external gear
05:10 jam with Moog Subharmonicon
06:13 my opinion
07:54 bonus jam