The
Bastl Instruments Kastle Synth V1
.5 is a
modular Lo-Fi Synth
in pocket size. As such, it is ideally suited for the
entry into modular synthesis
, but also extends the advanced modular system with unique functions. In two Attiny 85 chips it combines a
complex oscillator, LFO and waveform generator
. Unlike its predecessor, Kastl Synth version 1.5 has a
USB port for power supply
, a
metal case
, and a
modified sound generation system
that is still battery powered, so you can create digital lo-fi sounds, melodic and noisy, soft, hard and drony sounds on the go. The Mini Modular Synthesizer develops its full potential in connection with various modular devices.
Sound generation in the Bastl Instruments Kastle Synth V1.5
The oscillator section of the Bastl Kastle Synth has
three parameters
:
Pitch
,
timbre
and
waveshape
. All are equipped with control voltage and three different synthesis modes. The modes available are Phase Distortion, Phase Modulation (FM) and Track & Hold Modulation. Each mode uses two oscillators. The Waveshape knob can also be used to adjust the pulse width of the square-wave output from the main oscillator. There is a main and rectangular output that can be used independently or in combination. In version 1.5 the
oscillator section has been revised
, so that the Kastl Synth 1.5 sounds much fatter than its predecessor.
LFO at Kastl Synth 1.5
The
voltage controllable LFO
has a triangle and rectangular output and a reset input. This section has also been revised in the new version and now sounds different. A rungler-inspired stepped waveform generator produces eight different voltages, either in random order or in eight- or 16-level repetitive patterns. Pattern loop playback depends on how BIT IN is patched.
Handicraft Instruments Kastle Project
The Kastle project by Bastl Instruments is an
Open Source DIY project
based on two Attiny 85 chips that can be reprogrammed with Arduino (google: "programming Attiny 85 with Arduino"). One chip is used to generate sounds, while the second chip is dedicated to modulation. For the Attiny Chips there are several firmwares available. Many of them
can be found on the gitHub
site;
Bastl Instruments Kastle Synth V1.5 at a glance:
redesigned oscillator with new sound
three synthesis modes: phase distortion, phase modulation, and track & hold modulation
Pitch control with offset, CV input and attenuator
Timbre control with offset, CV input and attenuator
Waveshape control with offset and CV input
voltage controllable LFO with triangle and rectangle output and reset input
Stepped voltage generator with random, 8-step and 16-step mode
two I/O CV ports are available and can be routed to any patch point
the main output is also suitable for headphones
open source
LFO and OSC chips can be replaced by other chips
USB and battery operation
Instrumetns Box 1.5
Features:
Manufacturer:
Bastl Instruments
Construction / Number of Keys:
Desktop without keyboard
The PRO side Very nice and portable upgrade of the first Kastle. Sounds very different - so it is a real new instrument. Can (of course) be combined with the 1st version: same format, same cables etc Has USB power plug - with any adapter or powerbank you have your instrument available '24/7' Feels solid - good build quality
The CON side (imho) By its nature it's small, so cables+knobs are not easy to insert+operate.
So good I bought three All from DV247 Great service as usual No keyboard, no note buttons Enter the world of pure electronics Wonderful and very aggressive in their tones Not for ambient pads or prog solos But for lovers of electronic music that is true to its nature rather than trying to imitate acoustic instruments At this price just by one [or three]