Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $113

Budget/Beginner

$149

$350+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Kastle is a mini modular synthesizer with headphone output, 2 in/out ports for interfacing other gear and it runs on just 3 AA batteries. It is DIY friendly and ideal for beginners in modular synthesis, but it will add quite some unique functionality to any modular synthesizer systems. It delivers the fun of modular synthesis at cost and fits into your pocket so you can play it everywhere!

Bastl Instruments

Bastl Instruments

Kastle - pocket sized lo-fi modular synth - Bastl Instruments

Video thumbnail for Kastle - pocket sized lo-fi modular synth - Bastl Instruments by Bastl Instruments

Kastle - pocket sized lo-fi modular synth - Bastl Instruments

Bastl Instruments

Bastl Instruments

Video thumbnail for Kastle Synth - detailed demo - mini modular by Bastl Instruments

Kastle Synth - detailed demo - mini modular

Bastl Instruments

Bastl Instruments

Video thumbnail for Bastl Kastle Synth - Sounddemo / My first week with the micro modularsynth  (Riamiwo StudioVlog 52) by riamiwovideos

Bastl Kastle Synth - Sounddemo / My first week with the micro modularsynth (Riamiwo StudioVlog 52)

riamiwovideos

riamiwovideos

Video thumbnail for Bastl Kastle Lo-fi Tiny Modular Synthesizer by Perfect Circuit

Bastl Kastle Lo-fi Tiny Modular Synthesizer

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Bastl Instruments Kastle Synth.

Features and functionality

  • The Kastle Synth is based on a rungler circuit, known for generating near random pitched values, which aligns with West Coast synthesis techniques.

    Source
  • The Kastle 1.5 can be powered by USB, providing more flexibility in setups compared to earlier models.

    Source
  • Kastle Arp is more melodic, while Kastle 1.5 offers a wider range of timbres and textures, making it more versatile for varied soundscapes.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners suggest using a headphone attenuator cable to manage the Kastle's high output volume effectively.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Bastl Kastle pairs well with Volca Modular due to similar I/O voltages and use of DuPont wires, offering seamless integration for generative synthesis.

    Source
  • Compared to the BitRanger, the Kastle is seen as less versatile, with the BitRanger offering more personality and integration potential in setups.

    Source
  • The Behringer JT4000 Micro is considered as an alternative, but the JT4000M is favored for its MIDI capabilities, which the other lacks.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Integrating a Keystep or SQ-1 sequencer can help control pitch and tempo, allowing for more structured musical compositions.

    Source
  • Using a headphone attenuator effectively reduces the Kastle's overly hot output signal, making it more manageable for various audio interfaces.

    Source

User experience

  • Users frequently experiment with the Kastle, mastering its chaotic nature for evolving breakbeats and glitch sounds.

    Source
  • The Kastle's chaotic nature means every sound is single-use; sampling is recommended to capture unique textures for reproducibility.

    Source
  • Owners of both Kastle 1.5 and Arp find them capable of producing both noisy and ambient soundscapes, but prefer the 1.5 for richer timbral variety.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Kastle has gate and CV inputs, useful for synchronizing with other synths or triggering LFO resets.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Kastle's LFO can drive other modular gear, offering unique waveforms with shuffle-like shapes, enhancing complex modular setups.

    Source
  • Using a Korg NTS-1 with the Kastle 1.5 enhances ambient sounds, especially with its reverb effects.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Bastl Instruments Kastle

soundonsound.com

The Bastl Instruments Kastle Synth is a diminutive yet ambitious modular synth that invites exploration with its trio of synthesis methods. While its pocket-sized design and open-source flexibility are appealing, the tiny patch cords can frustrate, and its lo-fi sound may not suit everyone. It's a quirky, fun gadget for those intrigued by unconventional sound design, though its cramped interface and limited sound palette might deter some.

Bastl Instruments Kastle review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Bastl Instruments Kastle Synth is a charmingly compact and budget-friendly gadget, offering a unique sonic palette for adventurous sound designers. Its digital, semi-modular nature allows for gritty, noisy synthesis, perfect for dissonant drones and quirky percussive patterns. While it lacks the flexibility of larger synths, its creative potential shines through, especially with its looping, syncopated patterns. However, its small size can be fiddly, and it's not the most versatile option out there. Nonetheless, for those seeking an affordable entry into experimental soundscapes, the Kastle is a delightful choice.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
stuartrussell

Semi Modular synth runs on a couple of AA cells

Amazing little semi- modular synth. Expect unexpected results!!

joran_broekhuizen

gr8 little noise maker :D

nooooise makeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andrew Huang uses Bastl Instruments Kastle Synth

Andrew Huang

Singer, Guitarist

First Of October

...
Verified via YouTube

Featured in this July 27, 2017 video. It was used to created the Suture Sound Kastle sample pack.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Bastl Instruments Kastle Synth, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Bastl Instruments Modular Synthesizers

Community setups

Similar