Bastl Instruments Neo Trinity gives you six freely mappable modulation channels programmable via a modulation matrix system.
If you work with modular synthesizers, especially Eurorack, you will quickly notice that you have a lot of modules in the rack. Oscillators, filters, modulators, sequencers, etc. It doesn’t stop with one module per function. More LFOs and envelopes mean more modules.
But there are attempts to simplify this. Check Neo Trinity, the new matrix modulation module from Bastl Instruments. It gives you multiple customizable mod channels in a single 8HP module.
Bastl Instruments Neo Trinity
Neo Trinity is a modern modulation module. It uses the advantages of digital technology and packs a lot of possibilities into a single module without being unintuitive.
Bastl Instruments describes its new baby as a 6-channel compact modulation hub. Neo Trinity offers six independent channels where each can be either an LFO, an envelope generator, or a CV knob recorder.
This allows users to pick out the functions they need and get a personal modulation module. You can assign functions to the module using simple button combinations For each channel, you have a selectable unipolar with 0-5V or a bipolar mode with -5V to +5V. Also, the function offers good flexibility.
The LFO features a wide range of waveshapes with smoothing (saw, triangle, sine, ramp, pulse, random…), a range of 260s – 180hZ, and sync options).
Then the envelope, on the other side, has different shapes (decay, attack, variable, pulse) with time settings up to 8s and the option to get retrigable. An additional slew limiter mode (AHR envelope with gates) is also onboard.
Recordable CV Madness
If the envelopes or LFOs are too boring for you, there is a CV recorder. With this, you can design your own modulation shapes/sequences on the fly. Patch the function to a function like a filter cutoff or waveshaper.
Then, go into the CV mode of Neo Trinity, press the rec button, and turn the rate knob. And you are off to go. You can create sequences from 2 up to 64 steps. All this can also be smoothed and additionally quantized into one of eight scales of 2V or 5V, giving you note sequences. Plus, you can record in gates as well.
There is also a unique trigger generator with an algorithmic fill feature great for polymetric or constantly evolving patches. Don’t forget that the record function is also available for the LFOs and envelopes. This means you can quickly add new complexity to any LFO or envelope.
All these settings can be saved to one of the 6 memory banks made for quick recalls on the fly.
We are in the modular world. Of course, the module also comes with plenty of CV inputs, allowing you to take the whole thing into wild areas. The Meta CV in, for example, controls the main parameter (positive/inverted) and is the hub for other things (amplitude, external trigger…).
First Impression
Bastl Instruments impressively shows how you can modernize modulation in modular. Neo Trinity offers the functional content of more than 6 individual modules in one. And it’s not tiring to use.
The module is particularly exciting for more compact systems, as it offers a lot of functions but at the same time makes space in the rack for other modules. With two Neo Trinity in the rack (12 channels), I think you have tons of modulation flexibility and power.
Bastl Instruments Neo Trinity is available now for 348€/$320.
More information here: Bastl Instruments
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