Basilisk - Analog-Hybrid Generative Bassline Synthesizer

  • Dual Digital Oscillators, Saw & Square/Pulse

  • Analog MS20-style Filter With Overdrive

  • Generative Sequencer with LFO and Parameter Lock Modulation

  • External Audio Input

Basilisk is a bass-line exploration synthesizer, with dual digital oscillators driving into an aggressive MS20-style analog filter all powered by a built-in generative sequencer. 

Whether you need thumping bass-lines, melodic leads, or percussive tribal beats, the Basilisk is ready to lead you down the rabbit hole from the moment you power it on.

The dual oscillators include saw and square/pulse, with manual & LFO control over PWM, detune, pitch envelope & glide.

The analog filter has a fat saturated drive stage with resonance that can go from subtle to squelching & screaming, and includes an external audio input to process instruments from your desktop or Eurorack modular through the filter.

All of this can be modulated by the attack/decay exponential envelope, multi-waveform multi-destination LFO and Elektron-style parameter-locks.

The Basilisk’s brain is a 1-16-step generative sequencer borrowed from the Freaq FM, with multiple algorithms.  Explore deep space, underground caverns and deep jungle or 1980s suburbia!

Oscillators

  • 2 digital oscillators - saw, square & pulse

  • De-tune control that always stays musical, from light flanger to rich chorus, dial it up for fat fifths and octaves

Modulation

  • Attack/Decay envelope with shape control, routable to filter cutoff and/or pitch

  • LFO with multiple waveforms and configurable destination: cutoff, envelope (attack, decay or depth), note length, PWM, detune, octave or sequence length

Filter

  • MS20-style 12dB resonant multi-mode filter

  • Analog filter drive from -20dB to +20dB saturated overdrive

  • Low-pass and non-resonant high-pass mode

  • Digitally-controlled cuttoff modulation

  • External audio input accepting wide range of signals from 1v p-p to 10vp-p

Sequencer

  • Generative sequencer with 1-16 steps

  • Multiple generative algorithms includign scale-notes, runs, scale-arpeggio, call/response

  • Sequence mutates/evolves at user-defined rate & note-density

  • Selectable tonic, octave & scale

  • Tap-tempo control

  • Sync input & output (Korg Volca or Eurorack compatible) with internal clock

  • 16-step parameter-lock recording of synth parameters

Hardware

  • Mono audio output (32KHz 14-bit DAC, 4v p-p)

  • Sync input / output (0-5V rising-edge)

  • Audio Input (1v p-p to 10vp-p)

  • Powered by an Arduino Nano V3!

  • 142m (w) x 100mm (d) x 40mm (h)

  • 9-12V DC or micro USB powered (70mA @ 12VDC)

Inputs & Outputs

Display

Sequencer, Voice & Filter Control

Architecture & Specifications

Specifications

Synthesis Dual digital oscillators with detune & slide
Digital VCA
Analog filter: 12dB 2-pole Sallen-Key, Lowpass/Highpass

Polyphony Monophonic

Sequencer 16 step polymetric sequencer

Modulation Attack/decay envelope for cutoff & pitch
Multi-waveform LFO
Parameter locking per step

I/O Audio out
External Audio In (pre-gain & filter)
Sync in / out
Power 9-12v
USB (power and firmware update)
Eurorack power (with modification)

External Sync Input 3.5mm mono jack
0-5V rising edge sync pulse
1-4 steps per pulse (user configurable)

External Sync Output 3.5mm mono jack
0-5V rising edge sync pulse (15ms)
1 pulse output per 1-4 steps (user configurable)

Signal Output 3.5mm mono jack
Signal output 14-bit 32kHz DAC

Microprocessor Arduino Nano V3 (ATMEGA328P)

Power supply Micro USB
9-12VDC 2.1mm Positive tip
Can be adapted for +12V eurorack power

Display 8 x 8 LED matrix

Power consumption 70mA @ 12VDC

Dimensions 142mm (w) (~28HP) x 100mm (d) x 40mm (h)