What do you get when you pair dual digital oscillators with a screamy MS-20-style analog filter and a generative sequencer? The Wirehead Instruments Basilisk, that’s what!
Wirehead Instruments Basilisk
Here’s a fun-looking one. Andrew from Wirehead Instruments got in touch to let us know about his new instrument, Basilisk. Here it is in a nutshell in Andrew’s words: “Basilisk is a new hybrid bassline exploration synthesizer with dual digital oscillators driven into an aggressive MS20-style analog filter coupled with a powerful generative sequencer.” Doesn’t that sound delicious?
Digital Meets Analog
The latest instrument from the boutique synth manufacturer, Wirehead Instruments Basilisk is a tabletop bassline beast with both digital and analog components.
On the digital side, we’ve got dual oscillators, each with saw, square and pulse. You can control that pulse manually or via LFO. There’s a neat-sounding de-tune control which Andrew promises is very musical, generating everything from flanging and chorus to fifths and octaves.
As for analog, Wirehead Instruments Basilisk sports an MS-20-style 12dB/Oct multimode filter. That includes either lowpass resonant or highpass non-resonant. There’s also analog filter drive that can do from -20dB to +20dB saturated overdrive. If you’re thinking it might be fun to run an external signal through that filter, you’re in luck, as Basilisk has an external in jack that accepts a wide range of signals, from one to 10 volts. Yay, it’s Eurorack compatible!
There’s also an exponential A/D envelope with shape control plus an LFO with multiple waveforms.
Generative Sequencer
At the heart of Basilisk is the sequencer, which Andrew borrowed from his previous instrument, Freaq FM. Generative, the sequencer offers up to 16 steps with multiple algorithms and it mutates and evolves at a user-defined rate and note density. It also features parameter locks of synth parameters in an Elektron stylee.
There’s no MIDI but you can do sync in or out, 0-5V rising-edge.
Wirehead Instruments Basilisk: Price and Availability
Wirehead Instruments’ Basilisk is set for release on October 8 and will be available from the company homepage as well as selected retailers. It will be available in what looks like through-hole DIY kit form for $240 or pre-assembled for $310.
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