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Average Price: $349

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$149

$350+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Shakmat Bard Quartet". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your creative potential with the Shakmat Bard Quartet, a programmable 4-channel quantizer that elevates your modular synthesizer setup to new heights. Designed for musicians who crave precision and versatility, this Eurorack module offers a robust array of features to fine-tune your sonic exploration. With an impressive 80 programmable scales per channel, you can delve into intricate harmonic structures and discover new musical landscapes.

The Bard Quartet is not just about quantity; it's about the quality of control. Eight different scales or harmonies are directly accessible, providing instant adaptability in live performances or studio sessions. The programmable micro tuning functionality further enhances your ability to craft unique soundscapes, making it an indispensable tool for both experimental and traditional music creators.

Its arpeggiator, complete with five playing modes, ensures that rhythm and melody work in harmony. With octave transposition capabilities spanning +/- 3 octaves and multiple tuning options including V/Oct, Hz/V, and 1.2 V/Oct, your music can resonate across a wide range of frequencies with incredible depth and clarity. Each channel offers individual CV inputs and outputs, giving you the freedom to layer and manipulate sounds like never before.

The module's compact design, consuming just 60 mA (+12 V) and 10 mA (-12 V), makes it an efficient yet powerful addition to your setup. Whether you're performing live or crafting your next masterpiece in the studio, the Shakmat Bard Quartet is your gateway to modular synthesis mastery.

Key Features:

  • Programmable 4-channel quantizer
  • 80 programmable scales per channel
  • Direct access to 8 different scales/harmonies via knobs and CV input
  • Programmable micro tuning functionality
  • Arpeggiator with 5 playing modes
  • Octave transposition (+/- 3 octaves)
  • Tuning options: V/Oct, Hz/V, 1.2 V/Oct
  • CV input/output per channel
  • CV input for transposition
  • Gate input and trigger output
  • Current consumption: 60 mA (+12 V) / 10 mA (-12 V)
  • Width: 10 TE
  • Depth: 29 mm

Product specs

Available since December 2021
Switch Modul No
CV-Editor/VC-Processor Yes
Tools No
Width 10 TE / HP

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Shakmat Bard Quartet in a modular synthesizer setup?

The Shakmat Bard Quartet is a four-channel quantizer designed to convert continuous voltages into musical notes, ensuring your modular synth sequences are in tune and harmonically pleasing.

Does the Shakmat Bard Quartet support CV input for real-time modulation?

Yes, the Shakmat Bard Quartet features CV inputs, allowing for real-time modulation and dynamic control over pitch quantization.

How much space does the Shakmat Bard Quartet occupy in a Eurorack setup?

The Shakmat Bard Quartet occupies 10 HP in a Eurorack modular synthesizer setup, making it a compact addition to your system.

Can the Shakmat Bard Quartet be used with other sequencers in a modular setup?

Yes, the Shakmat Bard Quartet is compatible with various sequencers, allowing you to integrate it seamlessly into your existing modular setup for enhanced musical expression.

Shakmat

Shakmat

Shakmat Bard Quartet: Demo

Video thumbnail for Shakmat Bard Quartet: Demo by Shakmat

Shakmat Bard Quartet: Demo

Shakmat

Shakmat

Video thumbnail for Using Quantizers Part 1 with Bard Quartet by Turbo Tambourine

Using Quantizers Part 1 with Bard Quartet

Turbo Tambourine

Turbo Tambourine

Video thumbnail for Melody in Eurorack Using Arpeggios and Quantizers – So Good! – Quantizers Part 2 with Bard Quartet by Turbo Tambourine

Melody in Eurorack Using Arpeggios and Quantizers – So Good! – Quantizers Part 2 with Bard Quartet

Turbo Tambourine

Turbo Tambourine

Video thumbnail for Shakmat Bard Quartet - Firmware 1.1 by Shakmat

Shakmat Bard Quartet - Firmware 1.1

Shakmat

Shakmat

Video thumbnail for Bard Quartet transposing and rotating harmonies by Shakmat

Bard Quartet transposing and rotating harmonies

Shakmat

Shakmat

Video thumbnail for Shakmat - Bard Quartet shift register mode explained by Shakmat

Shakmat - Bard Quartet shift register mode explained

Shakmat

Shakmat

Video thumbnail for Shakmat Bard Quartet Quantizer by Imagined World

Shakmat Bard Quartet Quantizer

Imagined World

Imagined World

Video thumbnail for Build chords easily in Eurorack with Shakmat's Bard Quartet by Perceptes

Build chords easily in Eurorack with Shakmat's Bard Quartet

Perceptes

Perceptes

Video thumbnail for Polymetric plucks sequencing with Bard Quartet and Knight's Gallop by Shakmat

Polymetric plucks sequencing with Bard Quartet and Knight's Gallop

Shakmat

Shakmat

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shakmat Bard Quartet.

Features and functionality

  • The Bard Quartet's harmony knob allows musical transitions by setting different chords or scales for each harmony setting, enhancing song sections without altering sequences.

    Source
  • The Bard Quartet offers four independent quantizer channels, each capable of different scales, harmonies, and transpositions, providing extensive creative control.

    Source
  • The Bard Quartet requires an offset signal to change harmony settings via CV, with approximately 0.4 to 0.5 volts needed to move between steps.

    Source
  • With the BQ expander, users can trigger each channel's quantization output separately, enhancing control over complex patches.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the A-149-4, the Bard Quartet is a pure quantizer with extensive scale and harmony settings, while the A-149-4 is a random voltage generator.

    Source
  • The Instruo Harmonaig and Bard Quartet both control four oscillators, but Harmonaig uses one main CV input for chord quantization, whereas the Bard operates four separate quantizers.

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  • With the BQ expander, the Bard Quartet can offer MIDI input and extra gate/trig I/O per channel, making it more competitive with the Tubbutec uTune's MIDI capabilities.

    Source
  • Intellijel Scales is noted to be more space-efficient than the Bard Quartet, with some users choosing it due to limited rack space.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find the Bard Quartet overwhelming due to its complexity, though it's praised for being well-designed and intuitive once learned.

    Source
  • Some owners find the Bard Quartet's default keyboard notes drop an octave unexpectedly after F#, requiring manual adjustment for each channel in new patches.

    Source
  • The Bard Quartet's button combinations can be unintuitive for some users, leading to frequent manual consultations, especially if not used in every patch.

    Source
  • Some owners love the Bard Quartet for its ability to transform a single melody into multiple chord progressions with CV control over the harmony knob.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The firmware update process for the Bard Quartet can be complicated, requiring delicate connections to the circuit board unless you have the revised hardware with soldered pins.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Bard Quartet does not support Scala files for alternative tuning systems but does allow manual microtuning adjustments for each of the 12 steps.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Bard Quartet is frequently used as a shift register, showcasing its versatility in modular setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Shakmat Modular Bard Quartet, A Programmable Quad Quantizer With Lots Of Musical Finesse

synthanatomy.com

Shakmat's Bard Quartet is a standout modular quantizer, offering impressive programmability and musical depth. Its built-in keyboard and harmony function make it a breeze to create complex arrangements, while the non-volatile memory for storing configurations adds convenience. However, the extensive features may overwhelm beginners, and the lack of detailed documentation could pose a challenge. Overall, this module shines in versatility and creative potential, making it a worthy addition for experienced Eurorack users looking to elevate their sonic landscape.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andrew Huang uses Shakmat Bard Quartet

Andrew Huang

Singer, Guitarist

First Of October

...
Verified via YouTube

can be seen at the start of the video

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 Shakmat Bard Quartet, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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