Bastl Instruments — Cinnamon VCF
Download the Bastl Cinnamon Manual (PDF)
Bastl Cinnamon: Creative Modulation & Sound Design Guide
The Bastl Cinnamon is a highly flexible, characterful state-variable filter, offering not only classic filtering but also wild and unique flavors thanks to its Character and Drive options. Here’s how to push it into new sonic territory for distorted percussion, basslines, and haunting pads.
1. Distorted Percussive Sounds
Key Controls
- Drive Switch & Input Level: Massive gain (up to x10 when Drive is ON) offers intense overdrive and saturation.
- Character Switches: Change resonance response for sharper, more aggressive timbres.
Patch Ideas
- Drum Samples In: Send snappy envelopes or drum sounds (claps, snares, short bursts of noise) to the audio input. Crank the Input Level and engage Drive for distortion.
- Resonant Ping: Feed a gate or trigger (with a fast, snappy envelope) to the Cutoff CV. Max the Resonance and self-oscillate for classic “pinged filter” percussion. Engage/flip Character switches for sharper or sawtooth timbres.
- Voltage-Controlled Mayhem: Use envelopes or sequencers in the Right CV (FM) input. Modulate Attenuator for dynamic response; heavily modulated cutoff + Drive yields complex clangs and zaps.
Tip:
Mix outputs (e.g., combine HP + BP out) for complex, punchy hits.
2. Crazy Basslines (Dubstep/Drum & Bass Style)
Key Controls
- V/Oct Input: Use 1V/octave signals to “play” the filter; it self-oscillates as an oscillator with high resonance.
- Character Switches: Drastically change the waveform and harmonic content.
- Drive: Adds rich harmonics and gnarly edge.
Patch Ideas
- Wobble Bass: Patch sequencer or MIDI-to-CV into V/Oct. Use an LFO or envelope for Right CV to modulate cutoff in sync with the beat, creating classic “dubstep wobble” movement.
- Extreme Distortion: High input, Drive ON, and harsh Character switch positions. Modulate Input Level or Character via hand control for live timbral changes.
- Acid/Resonant Bass: Feed a saw wave into audio input; set high resonance just below self-oscillation for classic acid/techno basslines. Flip Character switches for new overtones.
Tip:
Use the band-pass output for more nasal, focused bass; low-pass out for heavier subs.
3. Haunting Atmospheric Pads
Key Controls
- All CV Inputs: Subtle or evolving modulation creates movement.
- Resonance: Medium–high, but not self-oscillating.
- Character Switches: Engaged selectively for spectral shifts.
Patch Ideas
- Layered Inputs: Feed evolving soundscapes (textures or chords) into input. Slowly modulate cutoff via slow LFOs, envelopes, or random voltages into both CV inputs.
- Resonant Drones: Set sustained resonance; modulate cutoff gently via sample & hold or random voltage. Occasionally switch Character states for eerie harmonic changes.
- Self-Oscillating Sinus Bed: Use as sine (or more complex) tone generator with Character switches; mix all three outs (HP, BP, LP) for spatial, phasey atmospheres.
Tip:
Automate Drive or Input Level for dynamic “breathing” pad effects as the timbral intensity swells and recedes.
Bonus Performance Tips
- Live Tweaks: Use the Character switches mid-performance to shift energy and surprise listeners.
- Filtered Feedback: Send an output back into the input (watch levels!) for unpredictable, evolving color.
References
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