Casper Bastl Softpop SP2, an organic-sounding analog experimental synth that musically bridges the gap between melody and noise.
With the Softpop SP2, Bastl Instruments has one of the most experimental semi-modular synths currently available on the market. Small but packed with playful features. Bastl has just released firmware 1.3, which adds new handy features to the synth.
Firmware 1.3 introduces a new direct step editing workflow, making the sequencer more accessible and easier to use. You can now record GATEs directly and preview pitch while editing.
Alongside this, the Bastl Softpop SP2 firmware 1.3 brings tighter sync and smoother MIDI response for better stability with external clocks and MIDI input.
They also killed a few bugs, improved filtering on CV inputs, and added neat workflow features like autosaving triggered pitch mode and better handling of RESET signals.
I’m glad to see that Softpop SP2 continues to receive updates. To me, the sequencer seemed a bit difficult to use in the initial firmware versions. This is a very welcome update.
The new Bastl Instruments Softpop SP2 1.3 firmware is a free download for existing users. If updating from the analog VCO version firmware (units manufactured pre-09/2022), this update requires switching to the DIGITAL oscillator via the onboard jumper before installing the new firmware. All update files and a full upgrade manual are in the Downloads section.
Softpop SP2 is available now for 599€.
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Update from August 2, 2024
The Bastl Softopop SP2 has been on the market for over two years. Now, there is a special edition of this experimental semi-modular Synthesizer, created in collaboration between the Bastl founders Václav Peloušek and Ondřej Merta
It was inspired by the inventors’ concurrent dreams of heatwaves.
Casper Bastl Softpop SP2 Heat Wave Edition
The synth is identical to the regular version in terms of features; however, its appearance is shiny and different.
The Heat Wave Edition features custom 3D printed knobs that glow in the dark, designed by Václav. The knobs resemble plastic melted by heat. Ondřej created a unique hand-made art print for it.
Like the regular SP2, it also ships with a free license of Bitwig Studio 8-Track.
It’s available now for 608,40€ on the Bastl Instruments website.
Casper Bastl Softpop SP2 Digital OSC – Update from October 3, 2022
The Bastl Instruments SP2 is a semi-modular analog Synthesizer in terms of its engine, but voice management and other features are digitally controlled. Now, a new firmware is out that is exciting.
The developers have successfully incorporated a digital oscillator that can serve as an alternative to the analog one. Like the analog one, this can be sent through the rest of the analog architecture of the Softpop SP2.
It includes eight digital waveforms with detuning and wave shaping options. With this, Bastl massively expands the sound spectrum of his small analog experimental synthesizer in new directions.
Besides the new digital oscillator goodness, Bastl Instruments also updated the Softop SP2 with more clever features. The new firmware brings envelope gate probability, a fine-tune fader mode, pitch tracking to the CV output, and more.
Furthermore, the MIDI implementation underwent a major update. MIDI notes now trigger the envelope, transposition, and MIDI clock. Plus, you have tons of MIDI CC control possibilities.
A lovely update that makes the synth more versatile and flexible.
The new firmware for the Bastl Instruments Softpop SP2 is free of charge for existing customers.
Article from January 5, 2022
Shortly before Christmas, I reported on a trailer for a new Synthesizer release from Bastl Instruments and Casper Electronics, a collaboration that often resulted in unique music products. More precisely, they announced the successor to the Softpop, a portable synthesizer with a very organic sound.
It is best known for its smooth transitions from soft bubbling sounds to aggressive noisescapes. Today, the Casper Bastl Softpop SP2 was unveiled.
Softpop is the culmination of a near decade-long creative partnership between Casper Electronics and Bastl Instruments and brings together the strengths and quirky design stylings of lead engineers Peter Edwards and Václav Peloušek. We feel it’s our best work to date and a product of pure passion for innovative synthesis, music-making, and experimentation.
Casper Bastl Softpop2
The Casper Bastl Softpop2 is a completely new development in and outside. More sliders, a big Eurorack-compatible patch bay, a sequencer, and more. The core of the Softpop2 is a mixture of unique analog, semi-modular synthesis (triangle-core oscillator with PWM, pingable filter with POP cross-modulation…) and advanced, unusual digital control.
Like the original Softpop, the concept and interplay with the controls are inspired by the iconic Benjolin, designed by Dutch synth genius Rob Hordijk. At each point, the small, experimental Synthesizer was drilled out and expanded. The difference in how you can interact with the engine is particularly big. The patch matrix with 37 points now has Eurorack sockets and no longer uses mini cables, for example.
In addition to MIDI, you can now play the Softpop2 with a creative, feature-rich sequencer. It is powered by 8-step loops of notes, gates, and slides, also known as patterns (8 per bank), that can be played and chained in any order.
You can make them more musical using eight scales of user-definable quantization, eight playback modes, and eight performance FX. You can independently chain and loop them. There is also a scale chaining option with which you can build chord progressions.
Drones & Effects Processor
Softpop SP2 is not only suitable for melodic content. There is a switch for the VCA that turns it into a drone Synthesizer. Thanks to the external audio inputs, you can also use it as a crazy effects processor. Here, the audio signal goes through the filter, VCA, and overdrive, which gives your sound a crunchy, dirty timbre. With the sequencer and envelope follower, you can add movement to your processed signals as well.
The results ranged from stepped modulation, auto-wah style effects, modulated overdrive, resonant or feedback distortion, and more. Eurorack compatibility, analog sync, and MIDI connectivity make the SP2 a mighty collaborator when combined with other instruments.
Further, Bastl Instruments and Casper Electronics attached great importance to mobility. USB power makes Softpop SP2 ideal for mobile setups. You don’t have to download a manual to learn the most important key combinations. They are simple and clever shown directly on enclosure
Patching
One of the highlights of the Softpop2 is the intelligently designed circuit that promotes creative patching. This allows you to move very smoothly between melody and noise content. It can easily create rich basslines, angelic chord progressions, and distorted beats.
But its circuit also gives you plenty of room for everything between resonating feedback effects, organic bleep and blops, water droplets, and more. As you know it from Softpop 1 but in a richer, deeper way.
Softpop has always been a very experimental, unique Synthesizer. An instrument that showed analog synthesis from a completely, unusual side. I am happy to see that Casper Bastl is continuing the concept by making it more playable and sonically rich.
Casper Bastl Softpop SP2 is available now for pre-order for 561,50€ (incl. tax) / $599 USD. Shipping starts in February 2022.
More information here: Bastl Instruments
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