Modular Monthly

Exploring Bastl’s Eurorack range

Bastl Instruments came together as a community of instrument makers in Brno in 2013, sourcing and producing everything they make locally. You may remember their micro-Granny granular sampler, and you might have seen the recent Kastle pocket-size synthesiser and Klik analogue timing device. But it’s their distinctive wood-fronted Eurorack modules we’ll be looking at here.

Bringing a natural feel to your modular setup, Bastl’s range of devices has been steadily growing over the years, with the collection now numbering over 30 modules including drum generators, triggers and sequencers, effects and loads more, with additions to the line-up expected soon. This month, we’re getting back to our modular ‘roots’ with a few choice Bastl modules.

Tea Kick is a twin T resonant structure (read that as “core of the 808 kick”) – a virtual membrane (drum skin) controlled with tune and resonance knobs. There’s also a WTF input for some audio processing when you’re feeling a little fruity.

For non kick- and tom-like sounds we need noise sources, and the Noise Square gives us plenty of options. There’s white and pink, digital, metallic noises and of course, the absolutely vital cowbell output.

Additional percussion can also be had with the grandPa, which offers control over sample select, sample rate, crush, grain size and more. Skis can take any source and modulate it with a decay envelope and VCA, and ABC helps you mix in stereo or mono.

We can also create rhythms with the fast and intuitive sequencer Knit Rider, and there’s loads of CV generation with the CV Trinity offering envelopes, LFOs, and knob recording and automation. Let’s dive into the tutorial and check it all out.