Introduction

k2 is a version of the kastle2, the latest desktop-device from Bastl Instruments especially tailored to the AE Modular format.

This module is a considerable step-up from the original Kastle devices (still available from us!), with massively expanded sonic capabilities.

Existing firmware from the various Bastl webapps (FX-Wizard, Wavebard, and Alchemist) can be directly loaded into k2, and the open-source codebase allows you to even use the k2 as a platform for your own sonic experiments.

This is an update to the first batch, and has the following improvements:

• Front panel now has LFO waveshape printed;
• 'shift' and 'bank' buttons are improved — now have a positive 'click';
• LEDs have better colour rendition and are fully compatible with older versions of the Bastl firmwares;
• Front panel for lyb-lǽca (FX Wizard) now exists and will be supplied if that firmware is selected. Both panels can be supplied as an extra-cost option

Whilst the small amount of high-frequency noise on the output (produced by the LEDs) has been reduced since v1.0, it is still not totally absent when the output volume is CRANKED. I have not found this to be audible once sounds are being produced!

Overview

• Module format: triple-width, full height;
• Power consumption: ~100mA

k2 is the realization of the open-source kastle2 platform from Bastl Instruments, reconfigured for integration into the AE Modular ecosystem.

It is a complex module which drastically changes its behaviour depending on the code which is running on its processor (at the time of writing, there are three kastle2 variants: FX Wizard, Wave Bard, and Alchemist, all of which are directly supported by k2).

Of course, being wonkystuff®, we've renamed the three variants to add a bit of local colour (Old English!):

• seolfor-smiþ (Alchemist)
• gleó-man (Wave Bard)
• lyb-lǽca (FX Wizard)

As with the original Kastle modules, functionality splits into two main areas; LFO and sound generation.

LFO

The LFO is actually split into two parts, the well-known 'rungler' based CV generation, now extended with the ability to generate user-definable patterns of gate pulses, and the traditional square/triangle LFO.

These two parts are controlled independently: Gates and rungler are driven from a tempo control (also externally syncable), whilst the Tri/Square can be free-running or synced to the tempo.

Sound Generation

The sound generation is where things get interesting!

seolfor-smiþ

seolfor-smiþ is a flexible synth voice with 5 different synthesis algorithms (Filter, FM, Supersaw, Hypersine, and Glitchnoise). Although this firmware is not (yet?) open-source, k2 can be programmed using Bastl's online tool.

In comparison to the original Kastle series, this feels like a solid hybrid of the ARP and original Kastle.

• editor: alchemist-laboratory
• Full operational details: pdf from Bastl Instruments

gleó-man

gleó-man is a configurable sample-playback & manipulation machine. Using Bastl's online tool users can select different soundpacks, or can construct their own up to 89 seconds (mono) split across several banks of samples.

In comparison to the original Kastle series, this feels like a huge upgrade of the Drum variant!

• editor: wave-bard-sample-loader
• Full operational details: pdf from Bastl Instruments

lyb-lǽca

lyb-lǽca has no comparison with the original series as it is a patchable effects unit! The firmware contains 9 FX modes, variants of delay, amplitude and pitch-shifting effects, which can be modulated in subtle or extreme ways, depending on your inclination…

• editor: fx-wizard-chamber
• Full operational details: pdf from Bastl Instruments

Unfortunately it is not possible to link product stock levels with those from the regular wonkystuff shop, so there might be times when items are not currently in stock. In these cases I will contact you to update the expected shipping times (which will need to include the manufacturing time of course).

We aim to get thiings shipped out as quickly as possible; please feel free to contact me if you think things are taking too long!