Basil is a compact, yet flexible, digital stereo delay module built on the Bastl Pizza platform. It offers clean delay, as well as lo-fi flavors, and its Space section opens the doors to exploration far beyond simple delay territory. The Basil delay buffer modulates really well, allowing to recreate most classic time-based effects, such as chorus, flanger, vibrato, pitch shifter, reverb, and stereo widener, among others, and navigate between them with just a few performative gestures.
Go clean, go dirty, go hyper. In stereo!
Basil is ideal for clean effects, ambient washes, glitchy sound design, or distorted drones. With its V/Oct input, fine delay tuning, and filter in the feedback path, it can also be effectively used as part of a Karplus-Strong synthesis voice. Even the feedback amount is compensated with the shortest delay times to maintain constant decay characteristics when changing pitch.
The delay time features stereo spread and fine-tune components, and can be synchronized to the clock via the Sync jack. The Feedback knob has two sides - simple feedback and ping pong mode, where the Left and Right channels cross-feedback.
The frontiers of space and time at your fingertips
The Space section brings a variety of flavors to the table! The Blur function provides two ways to diffuse the delay – either directly or in the feedback path, tilting the Basil delay towards the realm of experimental reverb machines. The feedback Filter offers low-pass and high-pass modes that can make the sound brighter or darker. And finally, Taps are multi-taps with either odd or even spacing, adding density to your delays and reverbs.
The assignable CTRL knob and CV allow you to modulate any of the many parameters (time, stereo, fine, dry/wet, feedback, speed, freeze, lo-fi, blur, filter, and taps) and tailor the Basil delay to your preferred use.
Drone till oblivion
The Speed section allows for longer delay times by running the buffer at half speed or – in the extended range – at quarter and eighth speeds. This approach creates octave jumps, ensuring the delays remain in tune with your material. It is also great for creating drone layers.
Because the sample rate goes very low at lower speeds, Basil brings in a low-pass anti-aliasing filter that removes high frequencies. However, you can also turn the filter off with the LO-FI setting and enjoy some downsampled goodness at lower speeds.
The Freeze function treats the delay buffer as a read-only sample loop that can be layered with the incoming signal. You can sync it and use all the other modifications with it as well.
Indeed, the Basil module is a flexible stereo delay buffer module, offering capabilities of stereo inputs and outputs, delay tuning suitable for Karplus Strong synthesis, synchronization features, and speed adjustments for adequate delay times.
Whether you want to indulge in ambient washes with the Freeze function or experiment with the tonal composition using the Blur and Filter features from the Space section, Basil offers the tools to voyage through the depths of sonic exploration. And with firmware updates through a micro USB, keeping the Basil up-to-date and prepared for every new adventure is smooth and user-friendly.
The Basil Eurorack module from Bastl Instruments delivers limitless dimensions of sound crafting, making it an essential component for your modular set-up. Its comprehensive features cater to an assortment of sonic preferences, whether that may be clean effects, lo-fi flavors, or distorted drones, Basil has something to offer for everyone. Dare, explore, and uncover the riches of sound with amazing versatility and power that the Basil module effortlessly delivers.
Example Usage
Novice-Level Usage Example:
Let's say you're a novice eurorack user and you're looking to add some interesting effects to your music. The Bastl Instruments Basil Eurorack Module is a perfect choice for you. With its compact size and user-friendly interface, it's easy to get started and unleash your creativity.
To begin, let's try creating a simple stereo delay effect. Connect your audio source to the stereo input of the Basil module and connect the stereo output to your speakers or audio interface. Adjust the DRY/WET mix knob to balance the original signal with the delayed signal.
Now, let's dive into the exciting features of the Basil module. Turn the FEEDBACK knob clockwise to increase the number of delay repetitions. You'll notice how the delays start to stack up, creating a mesmerizing effect. Experiment with different feedback amounts to achieve the desired intensity of the effect.
Next, let's explore the SPACE section of the Basil module. Turn the BLUR knob to add diffusion to the delays. This will create a sense of space and depth in your sound. If you want to change the tone of the delays, try adjusting the FILTER knob. Turning it to the left will make the sound darker, while turning it to the right will make it brighter.
To add even more texture to your delays, let's play around with the TAPS function. Turn the TAPS knob to select odd or even spacing of the delay repetitions. This will add density and complexity to your sound, giving it a unique character.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also use the CTRL knob and CV inputs to modulate various parameters of the Basil module. Connect a modulation source, such as an LFO or an envelope generator, to the CTRL input and experiment with different modulation depths and speeds. This will bring your delays to life with dynamic movement.
Remember to take your time and explore the different possibilities of the Basil module. With its versatile features and intuitive controls, you'll be able to create endless sonic landscapes and discover new dimensions in your music. So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and let the Basil Eurorack module transform your sound.
In this intermediate-level example, we'll explore how to use the Bastl Instruments Basil module to create a chorus effect with adjustable parameters.
- Start by patching the stereo output of your synth or sound source into the stereo input of the Basil module.
- Set the DRY/WET mix knob to blend the dry and delayed signal. Start with a 50/50 balance and adjust to taste.
- Adjust the FEEDBACK knob to control the amount of delayed signal that is fed back into the delay buffer. Experiment with different settings to achieve the desired level of intensity for your chorus effect.
- Use the CTRL knob or CV input to modulate the DELAY time parameter. This will introduce variations in the delay time and create a chorus-like modulation effect. Alternatively, you can manually adjust the DELAY time knob to change the delay time manually.
- Engage the STEREO spread feature to widen the stereo field of the chorus effect. This will add depth and dimension to the sound.
- Experiment with the SPACE section to further shape the character of the chorus effect. Use the BLUR function to diffuse the delay and create a more spacious sound. You can choose to apply the blur inside or outside the feedback loop, depending on the desired effect.
- Consider using the FILTER in the feedback path to shape the tonal characteristics of the chorus. The low-pass and high-pass filter modes can make the sound brighter or darker, allowing for further sonic exploration.
- If desired, you can also use the TAPS function to add density to the chorus effect. The multi-taps with odd or even spacing will create additional echoed repetitions, enriching the overall sound.
- Experiment with different modulation sources, such as an LFO or an envelope, to control the parameters of the Basil module. This will add movement and further variation to your chorus effect.
- As you explore different settings, pay attention to the interaction between the FEEDBACK knob and the ping pong mode. Switching to ping pong mode will introduce cross-feedback between the left and right channels, creating a more complex and immersive chorus effect.
Remember to take your time and experiment with different settings. The Basil module offers a wide range of parameters to explore, allowing you to create unique and expressive chorus effects to enhance your music production or sound design projects.
Further Thoughts
Expert Usage Example:
In this example, let's explore how the Basil Eurorack module can be used to create unique stereo widening effects with its flexible delay capabilities.
Start by patching an audio signal into the stereo inputs of the Basil module, with the left channel normalized to the right. Adjust the DRY/WET mix to blend the original signal with the delayed signal.
Next, engage the SPACE section of the Basil module to add dimension to the delays. Use the BLUR function in the feedback path to diffuse the delayed signal, creating a sense of space and depth. Experiment with different levels of blur to find the desired amount of diffusion.
To further enhance the stereo image, adjust the STEREO spread parameter. This allows you to widen the stereo field by modulating the delay times of the left and right channels independently. Try different spread settings to find the sweet spot for your sound.
Now, introduce modulation to the delay time using the assignable CTRL knob or CV input. With slight modulations, you can add movement and liveliness to the delays. Increase the modulation depth for more pronounced effects.
To push the boundaries even further, explore the multi-TAPS feature. Set the taps to have odd spacing to add density to the delays. This can create intriguing rhythmic patterns and textures within the stereo field.
Lastly, experiment with the feedback parameter to create sustained soundscapes or evolving textures. Use the ping pong mode to introduce cross-feedback between the left and right channels, resulting in bouncing echoes that swirl around the stereo image.
By combining these techniques and adjusting the various parameters, the Basil module unlocks a limitless sonic playground for creating expansive stereo effects. Whether you're designing ambient washes, enhancing soundscapes, or crafting unique stereo widening effects, the Basil Eurorack module is a powerful tool that takes your sound to new dimensions.