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Bastl Instruments Kastle Mini Modular Synthesizer (assembled version)
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Monganaut
Monganaut
2365 posts

Edited Nov 04, 2017, 02:21
Bastl Instruments Kastle Mini Modular Synthesizer (assembled version)
Nov 04, 2017, 02:08
Anyone picked one of these babies up, fairly cheap at £70 for assembled version, and you can link it to the Pocket Operator series of of calculator synth/drum machines...looks nifty if you fancy making those Coilesque Time machines kinda drones etc..... (mind you, it's £70 I don't have at the minute, but deffo on the list when I do).

https://www.juno.co.uk/products/bastl-instruments-kastle-mini-modular-synthesizer-assembled/646390-01/?utm_source=feat_email&utm_medium=feat_email_17-10-30&utm_term=feat_email_all_none&utm_content=feat_email_synthesizers&utm_campaign=feat_email_all_studio

you tube demo....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3b9iSbeeoo

And Linked to a couple of Pocket Operators
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaWKnb_zMQA

Few other Kastle demos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egULfDek-M0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8NfhzL6F2M

PO32 Drum Machine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDxlsmZv6sQ

And with PO12 and Monotron Delay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHCjIxmTuBY

Looks like a groovy little box.
Citizensmurf
Citizensmurf
1703 posts

Re: Bastl Instruments Kastle Mini Modular Synthesizer (assembled version)
Nov 04, 2017, 15:18
I bought the DIY kit but haven't built it yet, might do this weekend. I have their rebuilt Microgranny sampler and Dude mixer. They make some amazing synths. The softpop looks mighty tasty too.
Monganaut
Monganaut
2365 posts

Re: Bastl Instruments Kastle Mini Modular Synthesizer (assembled version)
Nov 04, 2017, 21:09
I was amazed at the price of their tech tbh. They look good fun hands on gizmos making actually usable sounds. The only other producer I can think of with decent quality budget gear in mind is Korg.
Saw a few demos of the Softpop, it does indeed look like crazy good fun.

Was the build it yourself kit much cheaper than the already made version?
Citizensmurf
Citizensmurf
1703 posts

Re: Bastl Instruments Kastle Mini Modular Synthesizer (assembled version)
Nov 05, 2017, 17:15
I bought direct from Bastl, it was 13 euros less for DIY. I'm learning how to solder and have another couple kits that I want to build so I thought this would be a good one to learn on. I believe thonk.co.uk also has Bastl stuff for sale.
Monganaut
Monganaut
2365 posts

Re: Bastl Instruments Kastle Mini Modular Synthesizer (assembled version)
Nov 05, 2017, 19:12
Thanks for that, 13euros isn't much of a saving, so will go for the assembled edition (well it'll be on Santa's I would like please list). Plus my soldering skills are pretty aweful, I've had a replacement slider for my SH 101 ADSR looking at me for about 2 years. Don't have the moolah for a professional repair, and balk at frying the motherboard, so sadly it'll probably stay that way for a while yet.
Citizensmurf
Citizensmurf
1703 posts

Re: Bastl Instruments Kastle Mini Modular Synthesizer (assembled version)
Nov 05, 2017, 20:52
It can be tricky, but thru hole soldering isn't too hard. Takes some practice, but so worth it when you can build these things yourself.

I ordered a Korg SQ-1 sequencer to control the Kastle and the Microgranny. I've fallen head first into the world of tabletop synths, and I love it. So much fun to play with.
Monganaut
Monganaut
2365 posts

Edited Nov 06, 2017, 19:00
Re: Bastl Instruments Kastle Mini Modular Synthesizer (assembled version)
Nov 06, 2017, 18:57
Citizensmurf wrote:
I ordered a Korg SQ-1 sequencer to control the Kastle and the Microgranny. I've fallen head first into the world of tabletop synths, and I love it. So much fun to play with.


Wow, that sounds like a blast right there!.
I love the tactile and useable nature of the tabletop stuff, you can litterally get em' out of the box and wibble away till your hearts content, and the price point generally makes them the affordable option. Much as I would love to build a modular, I just dont have, and probably will never have the moolah, so the tabletop gizmos are a godsend as far a budget goes. It makes getting those crazy scarey Cabs-eque tones a lot easier. I also picked up a load of those budget Behringer effects units, they do what I want for a fraction of the price of boutique pedals and the more expensive Boss stuff. Their echo machine pedal is crazy good fun (though for some reason it seems to have been discontinued).
Citizensmurf
Citizensmurf
1703 posts

Re: Bastl Instruments Kastle Mini Modular Synthesizer (assembled version)
Nov 20, 2017, 02:41
I built the Kastle today, was a fairly simple build. I'll have to figure out some good patches, but it's fun just plonking those little pin cables around and seeing what happens. Next project for me is a LXR Drum Machine.
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