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Pricing and availability

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Description

The Winterbloom Castor & Pollux is a unique dual-oscillator module inspired by the classic Roland Juno series, designed for those who seek to explore rich, vintage synth sounds within their modular setups. This versatile module offers a blend of modern convenience and retro charm, capturing the warm, lush tones that defined an era of electronic music. The Castor & Pollux boasts a pair of independent oscillators, each with its own set of controls, allowing for complex sound design and experimentation. Whether you're crafting bass lines, leads, or atmospheric pads, this module delivers with remarkable depth and character.

Castor & Pollux is built for the modern musician who values flexibility without sacrificing sound quality. The highly stable digital oscillators ensure that your tuning remains precise, even under challenging conditions. With a comprehensive set of features including PWM, sync, and a sub-oscillator, you can create everything from classic analog sounds to entirely new textures. Its intuitive layout makes it easy to integrate into any Eurorack system, offering both seasoned synth enthusiasts and newcomers a playground of sonic possibilities.

Key Features:

  • Dual digital oscillators inspired by the Roland Juno series
  • Independent controls for each oscillator
  • Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and oscillator sync capabilities
  • Sub-oscillator for added depth
  • Highly stable tuning for reliable performance
  • Intuitive design suitable for all levels of modular synthesis enthusiasts
  • Compatible with Eurorack modular systems
Red Means Recording

Red Means Recording

Winterbloom Castor and Pollux, a Juno-Inspired Friend

Video thumbnail for Winterbloom Castor and Pollux, a Juno-Inspired Friend by Red Means Recording

Winterbloom Castor and Pollux, a Juno-Inspired Friend

Red Means Recording

Red Means Recording

Video thumbnail for Winterbloom Castor & Pollux // Much more than 2 oscillators by Jorb

Winterbloom Castor & Pollux // Much more than 2 oscillators

Jorb

Jorb

Video thumbnail for Winterbloom Castor & Pollux: a Juno Inspired Oscillator by Sound Isles

Winterbloom Castor & Pollux: a Juno Inspired Oscillator

Sound Isles

Sound Isles

Video thumbnail for Winterbloom Castor & Pollux w/ Friends (Plaits, Peak, Rample, Microcosm, Databender, Behringer 110) by moi mono

Winterbloom Castor & Pollux w/ Friends (Plaits, Peak, Rample, Microcosm, Databender, Behringer 110)

moi mono

moi mono

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Winterbloom Castor & Pollux.

Features and functionality

  • The reworked interface of the Winterbloom Castor & Pollux II features knobs over trim pots, improving accessibility for users with large hands or reduced dexterity.

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  • The updated design includes separate waveform outputs split into a breakout, offering flexibility in rack positioning and potential HP savings if not needed.

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  • The Castor & Pollux module includes two Juno-style digitally-controlled analog oscillators, emphasizing its unique analog sound synthesis capabilities within a digital framework.

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  • The pitch knob's default range is -1 to +1 octave, adjustable via an online settings editor, enhancing tuning flexibility.

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  • The module features RGB LEDs, customizable through open-source firmware, allowing users to set specific colors like purple.

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Build quality

  • The hardware of Castor & Pollux II has been completely redone to reduce manufacturing complexity, resulting in a difference between the V1 and V2 kits.

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  • The module avoids using tantalum capacitors due to their explosive failure mode and conflict mineral status, opting for low ESR aluminum electrolytic capacitors for stability.

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Value and pricing

  • The DIY kit is only $30 cheaper than the assembled version due to the labor-intensive nature of kitting and assembly done in Atlanta, Georgia.

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User experience

  • Some users appreciate the transparency and design philosophy of Winterbloom, noting the thoughtful balance between quality and pricing despite small price increases.

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  • Owners highlight the detailed user guide, which effectively demonstrates the module's functionality, a rarity in the Eurorack community.

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  • Users have reported that tuning both oscillators is straightforward, typically completed in about two minutes due to pitch CV calibrations.

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Other

  • The module is entirely open-source, allowing for full transparency and customization, fostering community engagement and collaboration in design and development.

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Artist usage

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See how Andrew Huang uses Winterbloom Castor & Pollux

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 Winterbloom Castor & Pollux, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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