Bastl Instruments: Sync Drift and the Art of Modular Space Echo

John Dee demonstrates the power of synchronized LFO modulation, using Bastl’s Neo Trinity to inject life into the patch. Multiple LFO channels—set to random stepped or smooth waveforms—are assigned to modulate parameters across the system. Notably, the LFOs morph the Pizza oscillator’s shape and modulate the Cinnamon filter’s cutoff, while simultaneously controlling the Blur and Speed parameters on the Basil delay. This results in a constantly shifting, organic soundscape that evolves in real time.

The real magic emerges when John tweaks Basil’s delay divisions and speed both manually and via modulation. The delay remains tempo-synced, yet the modulated divisions and speed create a sense of movement and unpredictability. The interplay between hand control and LFO-driven changes means the delay never settles, always offering fresh rhythmic and spatial textures. This hands-on approach is central to the performance, making the Basil module a performative instrument in its own right.

John singles out the Michigan Synthworks MSW810 as a key player for basslines and leads. He notes its reliability and solid sound, particularly for the electro-tinged music at the heart of this performance. The MSW810 receives CV and gate from the 1983, anchoring the patch with a robust low end while also being flexible enough to handle melodic duties. Its straightforward integration into the Bastl ecosystem underscores its effectiveness in a compact modular setup.

The performance thrives on a balance between unpredictability and rhythmic cohesion. John highlights how the Basil delay, when tempo-synced, can be manipulated both manually and via modulation to introduce variation without losing sync. This creates a sense of organic drift—rhythms ebb and flow, but always snap back to the grid, maintaining musicality even as textures shift.

Random modulation from Neo Trinity ensures that no two performances are identical. The system’s unpredictability is embraced, with each run-through offering new surprises as modulation and manual tweaks interact. Despite the chaos, the underlying structure provided by MIDI sequencing and synced delay keeps everything locked together, resulting in a performance that feels both alive and coherent.