Kastle Drum - every feature explained - modular glitch-drummachine

More information and pdf manual can be found here:
bastl-instruments.com/instruments/kastle-drum
Time Stamps
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
06:08 Decay
07:15 Pitch
07:20 DRUM MOD & PITCH MOD
09:05 Making a drum beat
10:35 Dynamic Acceleration Charge Envelope
13:40 Decay Modulation
14:20 Modulating And Tweaking Everything
15:05 Pattern and modulation
15:18 CLK OUT
17:05 LFO OUT
18:50 TEMPO
19:00 TEMPO MOD
20:30 PATTERN
20:40 FEED IN
20:50 “-“ “+” outputs
21:05 FEED IN
23:30 CLK IN
25:10 I/O socket
25:45 synchronising to analog clock
29:00 I/O socket - Left and Right
29:43 NOISES OUTPUT
30:15 Using it in Stereo
31:15 NOISES envelope trigger
32:20 NOISES PITCH MOD trigger
33:20 Stereo Glitch Free Jazz
33:45 Random Stereo Glitch Free Jazz
34:10 Explore, discover and don’t worry
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!
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About Bastl
Bastl Instruments (est. 2013) is an indie company focusing on the development and production of a variety of electronic musical instruments: portable sound boxes, standalone analog synthesizers, granular samplers, studio instruments and utilities, Eurorack modules, and fully featured Eurorack modular synthesizer systems. We are based in Brno, Czech Republic, but our products have gained a worldwide fanbase. The Bastl Instruments gear has received raving reviews, and it has been used by electronic music legends such as Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails or Radiohead. We organize all sorts of projects for both local and global communities, such as parties, concerts, DIY workshops, courses, coffee roasting, record label, and even clothing production.
Learn more at bastl-instruments.com
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Follow us
Instagram: bastlinstruments
Twitter: bastlinstruments
Facebook: github.com/bastl-instruments
Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/bastl-instruments
GitHub: github.com/bastl-instruments

[@trevormalcolm4328]

I don’t think I’ll ever be a “big modular system” person but these small Bastl units really seen fun and immediate.

[@robbalbrecht]

Same here. Going to pair one of these with my Volca Modular!

[@christianbachmann8206]

Every person should own a Kastl arp. Super easy to use, put a filter, reverb and a looper behind that - too much fun. So inspiring, highly recommended

[@truecuckoo]

Such nice grooves man!

[@ruxiwang9571]

looking for your review on this cuckoo!

[@truecuckoo]

@@ruxiwang9571 i don’t have one. I think this video is a really great example though. I don’t think I could do anything better than Václav 😅

[@dallasgannon5717]

I know it is kinda off topic but does anyone know a good place to watch newly released movies online?

[@Unlimitedbreadstick]

Wow. It seems surprisingly flexible. Also I gotta say I LOVE your focus on portability. I can't wait to bring this camping and run off people with accoustic guitars.

[@bastlinstruments]

hey! I know these questions are going to come up so here are some answers :) Kastle is an open source project with all resources obtainable from GitHub. Given that anyone can do anything with the code, we cannot provide any support for user upgrades from Kastle v1.5 - the hardware is compatible though. All information is easy to find online for curious users, but please understand that we do not have the capacity to help you with that process and it certainly ruins your warranty haha. github.com/bastl-instruments/kastle We will not sell panels or upgrade chips. Make it fun DIY project with your friends ) At this point we dont have the capacity to produce DIY kits, but we would like to offer this at some of our DIY workshops when we get to meet IRL.

[@vitaliibastrikov]

I already borrowed minipro. It's so cool, I didn't think I would be interested in kastle as a developer. Thnx Bastl.

[@nidstyles6301]

Is that a engendering of music, or a statement of fact? If you're engendering this, then you're basically politicizing music, which means you're propogandizing personal opinions, and thus making the statement that you're not in the business of making money, or creating excellent instruments.

[@felipesigne901]

@@nidstyles6301 ahah nice try

[@lbauerer]

@@nidstyles6301 lol, I am gonna buy this now just to piss you off.

[@nidstyles6301]

@@lbauerer Good, don't buy 1010's stuff either. Definitely stay away from Prok too.

[@rylanpeery1925]

loved how you were trying not to crack a big ole' grin at that dope experimental rhythm at the end. just ... 'nice, ok...'

[@NumberJuanSpot]

Watching this also helped me understand my Kastle v1.5 better. Big fan of the company, cheers from Houston!

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Just coming back to say thanks, because after 3 years, i still love and use my drum kastle. (I also got the eurorack version) Thanks for designing such a cool little machine. 🙌

[@bastlinstruments]

Thank you for a nice comment and your support ❤️ we hope it will bring you many more hours of joy

[@doomtomb6522]

*Great Product!!!* *Just ordered one-* *PLEASE bring back the Trinity Drum-*

[@golofoellmer2620]

Oh what a wonderful tool, and explained in such a beautiful and clear and humble way, chapeau, monsieur!

[@EleniEliades_]

Have such great times finding sounds & patterns patching with my Bastl Kastle and now you've come out with a Bastl Drum ! Can't wait to hook it up to other electronic sound machines.🐙💡💓

[@raymondweiss2707]

Got one of these recently and it's my favorite drum machine now, been having a blast just sampling the things it comes up with

[@mathematicwaveformrecordings]

Vaschlav, I learned more about this product from this video . thanks. The kastl drum & other kastl products are very glitchy & noisey, but they can be used to get some weird textured lo-fi sounds. Here's another idea: a lo- fi kastl effects unit.

[@v0Xx60]

2 of these with 2 Kastle 1.5s, patched through a Dude would be such a fun portable setup. I know what I'm getting for xmas.

[@dedyka]

llllllll.co/uploads/default/original/3X/3/5/350230298ed802be0f984838805f0111ec007320.jpeg OH IT DOES +SYNAPSIS

[@v0Xx60]

@@dedyka I have a similar setup using a passive belkin splitter instead. Adding a couple of these drum units and maybe a microgranny, all synced up, would be a lot of fun.

[@michaelpage1267]

Ah such an elegant architecture!

[@stephenmandelbaum2027]

@@dedyka What is the splitter for?

[@dedyka]

​@@stephenmandelbaum2027 I/O !! its stereo on god secret weapon: decouple the oscillators, saturate OSC 1 or 2 tripling it up w output, behave your gear using the funk clock/square lfo, modulate expression/pedals, my absolute fav is modulating feedback [re:maker hart s mixer], wet/dry mix, list goes on and on slept on feature right here. gonna go out on a limb and say drum kastle sounds like kastle synth and drum 1.5 whilst've kill it so post, is future

[@sebp400]

surprised at how versatile it is. awesome to layer with drums in techno or house. I thought I wasn't going to like it. I wasn't too big on the other Kastle but this is perfect for extra percussions loops.. Filtered and processed, it's going to sound amazing.

[@Lodit24]

I only watched til the part about the drum mod for now (ca. 9 min), but I already have to say: This is f-ing brilliant! The idea of having a pattern modulate your drum sound and thus creating a seemingly multi-layered drum sound is straight up mind-blowing. Hats off to the Bastl crew, this is really heckin impressive!

[@laons2980]

I was sold from the sticker xD can't wait for it to be in stock again

[@noisetv1863]

It's in stock again, I just ordered mine!

[@chent]

That is awesome! I would love to see how this works with the Kastle synth. I do not own a Kastle synth, but I hope to one day pick one up as they look and sound like pure fun. That sticker is the coolest I have seen in ages!

[@CmdrMic]

Absolutely brilliant!!! I love Bastl products and have several. This looks wonderful! OMG, it is already OUT OF STOCK. I hope you are going to make more soon! Would love to buy one for Christmas! Thanks also for the very interesting and educational video. Wonderful company. Wishing everyone at Bastl good health and Merry Christmas!

[@bastlinstruments]

thank you ! glad to have people like you enabling us to do what we love - and to share that love

[@VincentsVideoVisions]

@@bastlinstruments bring back the softpop

[@bastlinstruments]

@@VincentsVideoVisions working on it

[@VincentsVideoVisions]

@@bastlinstruments I also would like to see a sort of super kastle. I probably wont buy a kastle because I dont like how tiny it is... but if you made one that was basically 2-4 Kastles in one with 3.5mm eurorack compatible jacks and an overall larger and less cramped size, I'd be extremely interested. Any idea on when the soft pop remake is coming out? I am super interested. Love my Thyme too btw.

[@bastlinstruments]

@@VincentsVideoVisions well you are basically describing the softpop. 2020 showed us it is really hard to estimate any release dates. but next year for sure

[@TheTimN8er]

Dang I just got mine in the mail and have been playing around but this really shows how crazy powerful this tiny package is

[@bastlinstruments]

Have fun and thank you for your support!

[@MathHammer]

I am so glad that I bought the Bitranger and SoftPop before they were discontinued (why oh why?). I also have a uGranny, a Kastl 1.5 and a Thyme. I will get one of these, too. I made a tiny synth rig using a pedal board case lid 🙂

[@MichaelArestad]

Same! I only have the softpop and bitranger so far, but I have a great fondness for these unruly sound machines.

[@BrianKupferschmid]

Already ordered one. Can’t wait to get it.

[@bitegoatie]

Thanks for doing what you do at Bastl - such a cool company, with another fun product. These demos are always inspiring.

[@adrianmccombe625]

Finally received mine today. A lot smaller than I originally thought. Looking forward to getting dug in. Great vid. 👍

[@bastlinstruments]

I you you will get a lot of fun from our small little box :) Patrik

[@adrianmccombe625]

@@bastlinstruments thanks it''s a great machine. Still getting to grips with it. I've got a clock running out from a keystep pro and fed into an MPC, that's all working so getting there. Much appreciated for replying 👍

[@bastlinstruments]

@@adrianmccombe625 No prob! Im doing exactly the same thing with my Kastle!

[@adrianmccombe625]

@@bastlinstrumentsbrilliant. Let me ask you something. It's an MPC live 2 I have and I'm not sure how to get the clock out from that. Like I said previously I use the keystep as it has direct clock out. Just curious to see if you have found a way. Again great product the Kastl Drum. I like the way you get almost a different sound everytime. Also the pitch controller sounds like a filter cutoff. I had it screeching the other day and it was brilliant.

[@bastlinstruments]

@@adrianmccombe625 this video will help you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3uchKSOrsSEeas

[@Sk8erMorris]

bastl instrument innovation and casper electronics is just wonderful. You guyz inspire me !

[@stonedapesociety5628]

Ehi Bastl really love your job as always! This and Microgranny are awesomes!! What will be the next Kastle? Big thanks

[@tedpedersen123]

This little box is so much fun! You guys are awesome! Huge fan of your instruments and design philosophy! Keep up the great work!!! ✌️🎹🎶

[@skyranchstudio6360]

Very informative video, I'm sure I'll be back often once mine arrives..

[@TRaddcliff]

the "nothing can break" feature is GREAT!

[@Stadsjaap]

This is so rad... time to get a companion for my Kastle.

[@Cadesworth]

Got the Bastl Kastl a year ago. One of the knobs is wobbly, and I'm trying to fix it, but I when I do I can't wait to play it together with this little thing!

[@CmdrMic]

This video is so valuable. I have watched it several times... It's great! And, I would love to see a new vid from Bastl on how to properly use TWO B DRUMS TOGETHER. Also a vid using the Drum with the Kastle or two Kastles together. If you do a two drum vid, I bet it will immediately increase sales on the Drum, as people who have just one, will buy another! Try it. Prove me wrong!😁👍😎❤

[@bastlinstruments]

Haha good point. Maybe it is a good video idea for some of the creators we have in our Discord server. You can join here discord.gg/C4RXRjgYJ6

[@AndrDIYmusic]

Cool project!!! I built this kastleDrum. Thank you for sharing. 🙏🙏🙏

[@nickygrillet786]

I just found out about your mad synths and they are mind blowing

[@bastlinstruments]

We are happy we have another happy tweaker!

[@AABattery]

Ordered!

[@HazeAnderson]

Dude we need new AA Battery jams! 😅👍

[@burnercomented]

Much respect for doing this in English

[@mrcwalker33]

Congratulations, looks super cool!

[@j.wilcox3547]

Love this little thing. Can't wait to get one.

[@HazeAnderson]

I hope you make more! 😅👍

[@HazeAnderson]

oh you did ... and I got mine! 😅👍

[@hardgainer7396]

Wohoo! This is like old Kastle on steroids, 10 levels up. Need one

[@ready2fly44]

Yesss finally..... now give us one more that has some weird space effects for both plzzzz

[@tonysharp1615]

Thank you so much. Excellent demonstration.

[@BTB88]

Just got my Ikarie, and I looks like I'm getting another Bastl product soon. Looks awesome!

[@dawgboybinley6128]

Great video. Thanks for this, I've learned a lot. One thing though, You mentioned that you can have a pocket operator control the DRUM where the DRUM is the slave to the PO's clock. I have not been able to do this. it seems that the PO's clock signal is not strong enough. (at least wtih the PO-12 rhythm).

[@CmdrMic]

This is a wonderful and very helpful video for beginners with the marvelous Bastl Drum. Thank you. I would also like to kindly suggest that you perhaps consider making another video, combining the Bastl Drum with your fantastic Micro Granny 1.5, either directly or via your cool Dude Mixer. I think such a video would be also very interesting, fun, and expose newcomers to your other fine products. Kindest regards & thanks.

[@Dullbedsitblogger]

One of my new years resolutions was to not buy any music gear during 2020. I have just spotted what I am going to get January 1st 2021!

[@wm2922]

Awesome piece of gear, greetings from Poland!!!

[@bastlinstruments]

Ahoj do Polska!

[@QuentinLamerand]

This is fantastic. So clever implementation!

[@danielvlcek4224]

lovely drummer

[@PFZ]

Looks like a lot of fun!

[@OIP_1]

hell yes i love all of this! time to get some attiny85s loaded up

[@kingklabe]

Not sure what it would achieve, but would it be possible to modulate parameters to or from another similar unit like the original Kastle? Asking for a friend.

[@danielpirone8028]

Brilliant!

[@XXXTHEHORNXXX]

Václav this is amazing I am a massive Bastl fan this would have made the perfect stocking filler for a LOT of people ... ! I look forward to grabbing one of these in January, preferably from a UK stockist but won't be the first time I caved and ordered direct from Noise Kitchen. Bravo / Congrats to Bastl this thing clearly rocks XXXTHE HORNXXX

[@siliconbrush]

How did you guys ever overlook the potential of this as a euro-rack module, this would be a perfect poor mans "basimilus iteritas alter".

[@woodlandcritterpunch]

This would be an amazing partner for the plumbutter (or most ciat lonbarde instruments really) cant wait to get one

[@skylogofficial9753]

instant loooove... has to have me one of these..aswell

[@ejim]

Nice! I want to try out. When it back in stock?

[@evilnoisyelectronics5084]

WoW!! Great way to make patterns!! Very smart!! Love it... I guess it can be a great drum "module" in a Lunetta system. Is it 5v logic signal right?

[@mhe123321]

Loovve the "analog is non-binary" sticker -- soo clever

[@ariahrendt6166]

Hi Václav, I don't understand the chapter to connect to ext. gear with clock. In my case I have A-190-3 modul feeded by external sequencer 16th notes. The Gate output connect to I/O input of the Drum Kastle with normal patch cable. Then I have to connect the tiny "I" of Drum Kastle to CLK in. But nothing happens here. No tempo sync here. Where is the issue?

[@precarious333music]

Fun stuff!

[@strelokknoize]

Just ordered one. Can't wait to feed my Octatrack with it.

[@bastlinstruments]

It's a great idea maker. You will love it! I'm using it with Tracker and MPC and it's bonkers! Patrik

[@mishadoumnov]

what a great video!! thank you :)

[@stevensims3342]

Nooooo, I mean yess. Just got some Kastles, will have to wait for these to arrive in the states. o7

[@aki_gong6271]

Pretty impressive work guys, congrats! I would say that this would deffinetlly be a nice replacement for Ricardo Villalobos' beloved Vermona DRM ;) wouldn't it?

[@immersiveworlds]

Amazing and innovative!

[@Fire-Toolz]

thank you!

[@promethiousb1489]

Waiting for mine to arrive,,,sync it,,and slap it through some reverb,,,loads of fun.....

[@LOHTANGCLAN]

Bit of a newbie question - what are you sending to the Kastle Drum I/O with the OP-Z? Is it Gate? or CV?

[@bastlinstruments]

both would work. but gate is good for sync and cv for modulating anything

[@awonak]

I tried to sync a po-32, but it appears they only output a 1v click which wasn't enough to trigger the kastle drum clock reset, so I made the kastle drum the master clock. Any advice on how to use a pocket operator as a master clock?

[@noisetv1863]

@@awonak I ran into that problem too and was frustrated it wouldn't work!

[@defjeff2907]

HELP. This little golden box has hypnotized me. What is the antidote?

[@noisetv1863]

I've looked everywhere but can't find the answer... what are the 8 different drum synthesis styles? (In order on the "drum" knob, please!) Thanks in advance.

[@VincentsVideoVisions]

Can I use the trig out of a roland tr8s to trigger this?

[@bastlinstruments]

yes

[@twitchbook-1]

Excelente math dude

[@48cloudpierre48]

Would be cool if the drum mod could loop the drums back to 1 if the drum knob were set high rather than "run out" of sounds. Or a way to reverse backwards rather than only cycling forward through the sounds. Understand there have to be limits though and this thing already has lot of possibilities.

[@bastlinstruments]

We make fw open-source so it is possible to change basically anything about it.

[@madmac66]

How would you integrate this with eurorack? Are there converting cables?

[@saruman771]

Will there be a DIY-Version available?

[@drugtaker3283]

it is at patch point

[@thomasclarkharris9241]

Just bought mine the volume is very low is this normal thanks

[@kylelee8947]

Can you use this with the teenage engine po 12, be very cool if u could sync them???amazing job explaining n diagrams thank you learned alot

[@kylelee8947]

Got excited didn't get to the the end nice u can connect pos,thanks

[@hipsterscout1]

i Just got mine but it was a different sticker, is there anyway to get the "analog in non binary" sticker on its own?....and if so can i buy like 10?

[@bastlinstruments]

We do not put stickers in any specific order into boxes tbh. We will sell stickers in the future

[@promethiousb1489]

Gotta get one of these.....

[@dinogoldie9716]

Kastle Drum looks/sounds very interesting. From where is this available in the UK?

[@matthewpreston1396]

I’ll be getting some at Matttech Modular next week, presuming they arrive with the uk distributors as planned

[@kostantinosmag2986]

Interesting nice one...

[@liti1554]

Genious!

[@theoneandonlybunman]

Is this product permanently out of stock? I really want one but can't find one anywhere :(

[@drugtaker3283]

you can still buy the kit

[@theoneandonlybunman]

@@drugtaker3283 Really? Where at, could you possibly give me a link? Thank youuu

[@drugtaker3283]

@@theoneandonlybunman i am dumb its the 1.5

[@theoneandonlybunman]

@@drugtaker3283 Hahaha no worries! Thats been confusing me all week too XD

[@danalinder8533]

Cab you patch this to a Volca Module??????

[@jamesbtex58]

What is the "Awesome as F%^k" device that you connected to it?

[@noisetv1863]

Teenage Engineering OP-Z

[@stevecurcuru]

Looking forward to this one... should help me get away from snares on the 2&4

[@uyscuti5376]

gotta ask: is this compatible with other 0-5v synths like AE Modular and the original Kastle?

[@bastlinstruments]

yes of course

[@elyssapalmer2298]

@@bastlinstruments what about eurorack? Will sending more than 5v fry it or will it just get clipped off?

[@scowlsmcjowls2626]

Analog is non binory..? Its also non digital like transhumanism...

[@onkelberra3166]

Fun stuff. But a bit to random for me. Is there a way to skip the random accents?

[@bastlinstruments]

just send clock or trigger to trigger input and it will trigger at constant level. only varying voltage produces those accents

[@nebula0697]

An entry in the minute instruments that don't look and feel like musical instruments and make mostly glitchy sounds category.

[@rubymars_xyz]

how do i get the analog is nonbinary sticker? :)

[@bastlinstruments]

we put stickers at random to our boxes, but if you order anything from noise.kitchen and ask for the sticker in the order comment - that should work i hope )

[@rubymars_xyz]

​@@bastlinstruments Thank you

[@bastlinstruments]

@@rubymars_xyz

[@rubymars_xyz]

@@Gdxgz so funny :) i love how clever darling

[@Stadsjaap]

Wait... will the github implementation run on a Kastle v1?

[@bastlinstruments]

it will work but the noises output will be un-usable and potentionaly damaging to gear connected to it. v1 does not have filtering capacitor on the square oscilator output.

[@s.j.productionstudioakhalk4936]

Is it analog or digital?

[@bastlinstruments]

digital 8-bit

[@milztempelrowski9281]

beautiful. love your print-out. Where did you get that 'awesome' sticker? :O

[@milztempelrowski9281]

@@Gdxgz What a coincidence. Thats where I met your Mama yesterday. Is she always that wasted?

[@milztempelrowski9281]

@@Gdxgz at least she wasnt the impolite dick you turned out to be. Best wishes

[@malcolmbliss777]

Such a game changer for drummers and drum programmers alike. 1) get it to play a beat, 2) play along on a drum kit with many weird cymbal set ups (especially with weird HH and rides). 3) record it all. 4) play it back with your fave delay units. I’m partial to the DOD Rubberneck. ENJOY!

[@HazeAnderson]

DOD Rubberneck is probably the best analog delay on the market!

[@caveofsleepers]

This might pair well with an AE Modular quantizer

[@glitchunicorn]

is it really sold out already?

[@bastlinstruments]

yes... due to covid the supply chain is really slow. restocks in january

[@snörre23]

Sold out or not yet available ?

[@bastlinstruments]

sold out. check your local dealers - there might be still some. otherwise we restock in january. the supply chain allowed us to do just few hundered

[@astraliya]

🔥