BASTL INSTRUMENTS / KASTLE 2 WAVE BARD

The Kastle 2 Wave Bard is an experimental, patchable stereo sample player designed to help you discover new rhythms and sounds through modulation and modularity.

An experimental, patchable stereo sample player.

Samples are organized into banks and can be freely selected and sequenced using knobs, CV from the built-in pattern generator, or an LFO.
Use the LENGTH knob and Wave Bard’s unique reverse envelope to play sounds in reverse.
Play melodic samples on quantized scales and add color to your sound with the built-in filter, delay, or chorus/flanger effects.
Use the web-based app to load not only your own samples, but also rhythms and scales!

DETAILS
Perfect portability.
The Kastle 2 Wave Bard is a compact, portable instrument powered by three AA batteries or USB-C.
Play wherever and whenever inspiration strikes.

It’s perfect for jamming with other portable gear. You can sync via the sync in/out ports, mix in external signals through the audio input, or run them through the built-in effects!

Modulate everything!
All major parameters can be modulated and sequenced using the incredibly powerful CV and GATE pattern generator.

Use the built-in LFO to freely create everything from groovy beats to wild, off-the-wall rhythms.
The LFO supports sync, reset, and free speed!

SPECIFICATIONS
Features
8 samples per bank
6 factory banks preloaded (up to 9 banks in the editor)
User samples can be loaded via a web-based app
Sample limit: 89 seconds in mono, 44 seconds in stereo (at 44 kHz) *Combinations are possible
Longer samples are possible by lowering the sample rate
44kHz/16-bit stereo audio processing
PITCH knob with ±2 octaves (4 octaves total)
- PITCH MOD for pitch modulation (with attenuator)
- NOTE input: Scale-selectable quantized pitch updated on trigger
- FREE input: Non-quantized continuous pitch modulation
- User-defined scale settings available via web app
- BANK + PITCH MOD: Change quantized scale
- BANK + SAMPLE MOD: Adjust root note
- BANK + LFO MOD: Fine-tuning
- BANK + PITCH: Octave change and preview

Use the SAMPLE knob to select one sample from a bank of 8
- Press the SHIFT button to trigger the selected sample
- Trigger playback via the TRIGGER input
- SAMPLE MOD input (with attenuation / 2 modes)
- PLAY: Direct trigger via CV
- CUE: Specify a sample via CV and trigger playback
BANK input with attenuation for switching sample banks via CV
LENGTH envelope knob
- Turn clockwise to adjust decay (decay time)
- Turn counterclockwise to reverse the sample playback and add an attack
- Samples are not retriggered during the attack
- LENGTH MOD input with attenuator
- LENGTH MOD is updated only when triggered
- Envelope output is patchable (ENV output available)
Stereo delay or chorus/flanger effect
Resonant filter with low-pass/high-pass mode switch
LFO with triangle and pulse wave outputs, reset input, and modulation with attenuator; supports synchronized or free-running operation
Tempo generator with tap tempo, divider, and external clock input
Pattern generator with GATE and CV outputs, patch-programmable, and tempo-synchronizable
The GATE generator features built-in rhythm patterns programmable by the user via a web app
Stereo input with up to +12 dB of input gain (supports signals up to 6 Vpp)
Input signals can be mixed into the output or routed through the built-in effects
Stereo output capable of driving headphones up to 250 Ω
Analog sync input
Analog sync output
Modular I/O connection using the right channel of the sync jack
USB MIDI input (clock, note, CC, pitch bend)
USB MIDI output (can be used as a MIDI controller/sequencer: clock, notes, CC, pitch bend)
Includes 10 micro patch cables
USB-C (for firmware updates and power supply)
Powered by 3 AA batteries (compatible with both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries)
Power consumption: approx. 100–150 mA (approx. 15–18 hours of use with 3 AA batteries)