Bastl Instruments IKARIE, inspired by the 1963 Czech sci-fi movie Ikarie XB-1 is a new analog stereo filter module that takes you on a journey through the space of stereo sounds.
Stereo filter modules were the big topic at the Superbooth 2020 Home Edition. Bastl Instruments also announced a stereo filter with Ikarie in May in collaboration with Casperelectronics. Both developers are known for exciting, well-through out products, often with a more experimental sound approach.
This also applies to the Ikarie which is not a classic stereo filter.
This module results from a collaboration between Václav Peloušek of Bastl Instruments and Peter Edwards of Casperelectronics. While Edwards’ obsessive attention to detail gave this filter a uniquely balanced resonance and envelope response, the expertise of Peloušek delivered a one-hand user experience filter with a distinctive control scheme at a minimal footprint.
The module’s name alludes to the 1963 Czech sci-fi movie Ikarie XB-1 (released as Voyage to the End of the Universe in the US), and the film served as the module’s inspiration in many aspects. Long before Solaris, Space Odyssey 2001, or Star Wars, Ikarie focused on the subject of space exploration, and it paved the way for many to come. With its early electronic sound design and musical experimentation under the lead of Zdeněk Liška, immersive cinematography, and impressive production level, it remains one of the most original and exciting film titles in the science fiction genre. Bastl & Casper’s Ikarie proudly carries the flag of this cinematic world.
Bastl Instruments IKARIE
Ikarie is a flexible analog stereo filter that allows you to continuously morph between lowpass and highpass with a single knob. It also packs in an envelope follower for the incoming audio signal, which comes in handy when you’re looking to increase your sound’s internal animation. Two parallel filters form the core that can be modulated in sync in the stereo field. This makes unique stereo effects possible, with either mono or stereo signal at the base. Alternatively, you can chain them together to one 24db filter.
It has two inputs and outputs (L/R) plus a Beyond output that gives the module the magic touch. The latter outputs the spectral difference of the two filters turning the module in a twin-peak filter using only the mono output. The result is format-types sounds and with rich, throaty resonance. Then, you have an internal VCA, CV control over panning, and resonance. Thanks to the optional overdrive in the input, you can add a harsher character to the filter. From liquidy through pinged percussive to lush and eerie timbres, a lot of different timbres are possible. All in a very compact form factor, with tons of space for precision and creativity.
Features
- two parallel filter cores (left and right)
- based on 12dB/oct state variable filter topology
- unique lowpass/highpass switching control scheme
- well balanced voltage controlled resonance circuit
- envelope follower with 3 decay settings
- input gain up to 5 times
- stereo modulation – either panning of filter detuning
- flexible patch programmable topology
- beyond output for difference spectrums (twin peak filter)
- modulation attenuverter
- v/oct input with scaling trimmer accessible from the front panel
- output stereo VCA
- power consumption: +12V: 100mA, -12V: 95mA
- 8HP
Ikarie Stereo Filter First Look
Bastl Instruments Ikarie stereo filter will be available on November 12th, through noise.kitchen and synth stores worldwide for MSRP 240 EUR without VAT.
More information here: BI
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