Some tools are simple enough that they only really make sense in context. So we’ve gotten word that not only are Bastl Instruments introducing a new sync tool – they’ve also done some clever collaboration to show how it helps you play in time.
Klin is a tiny $49 sync box. It’s really simple — you take line level audio from a sound card, and Klik turns that into clock signals for your (CV-powered) hardware synths. So, when it’s time to sync stuff up, just enter a rhythm track in your DAW of choice, then output that to the Klik. Klik then makes clock/trigger/gate signal (low or high, 0 or 5V).
This works, because there’s an awful lot of gear with those inputs – not only modulars, but increasingly other hardware, too.
You can even just use a headphone out. (macOS’ aggregate device support here is handy). Or you can get creative and use something like an MP3 player.
Or forget that this is supposed to sync at all: “And as a bonus if you run any audio signal thru the KLIK to apply a harsh bitcrushing effect!”
Back to showing this work: our friend Jay Ahern of Denver/Berlin sound works IRRUPT collaborated with Bastl and Bitwig in California this week to demo all this. So we’ve got some images that show you how they’re rigging this up.
Jay tells us, “At NAMM the demo that my team and I put together shows the workflow using the unit with a Microsoft Surface Studio, so the touch screen makes it all fun with the clips and alongside the modular, CV and Gate from Bitwig and Knit Rider sequencer clocked using the Bastl Klik.”
“I’m a Mac user,” he says, “so my personal use for the Bastl unit is as an aggregate device alongside a Duet soundcard for live performance. My soundcard outputs don’t get eaten up with the clock and reset triggers and that is where the Bastl unit is a damn handy little tool.”
We’ve got some pics for you of those rigs – like being in Anaheim, without the pricey hotel room, sort of:
http://www.bastl-instruments.com/instruments/klik/