Ikarie is a uniquely sculpted, flexible stereo or dual peak filter module. It can continuously transition between lowpass and highpass filtering with a single knob. It also includes an envelope follower for the incoming audio signal, which is useful when you want to increase your sound's internal animation.

Two parallel filter cores can be modulated in sync for stereo work, set apart for unique stereo effects (with either mono or stereo signal as the base), or chained together to create a 24 dB filter.

Using only the mono output of the filter, Ikarie acts as a dual peak filter, evoking formant-type sounds and rich, at-will piercing, throaty resonance. The Beyond output provides the spectral difference of the two filters, effectively turning the unit into a so-called twin peak filter.

Add an internal VCA, CV control over panning and resonance, optional input overdrive, and you can explore a vast universe of sound design possibilities, from liquidy through pinged percussive to lush and eerie. All in a very compact form factor, with plenty of space for precision and creativity.

This module is the result of a collaboration between Václav Peloušek of Bastl Instruments and Peter Edwards of Casperelectronics. While Edwards' obsessive attention to detail gave this filter a uniquely balanced resonance and envelope response, Peloušek’s expertise delivered a one-hand user experience filter with a distinctive control scheme in a minimal footprint.

The module's name alludes to the 1963 Czech sci-fi movie Ikarie XB-1 (released as Voyage to the End of the Universe in the US), and the film served as the module's inspiration in many ways. Long before Solaris, 2001: A Space Odyssey, or Star Wars, Ikarie focused on space exploration and paved the way for many to come. With its early electronic sound design and musical experimentation led by Zdeněk Liška, immersive cinematography, and impressive production level, it remains one of the most original and exciting film titles in the science fiction genre. Bastl & Casper's Ikarie proudly carries the flag of this cinematic world.

Features

• two parallel filter cores (left and right)
• based on 12dB/oct state variable filter topology
• unique lowpass/highpass switching control scheme
• well-balanced voltage-controlled resonance circuit
• envelope follower with 3 decay settings
• input gain up to 5 times
• stereo modulation - either panning or filter detuning
• flexible patch-programmable topology
• beyond output for difference spectrums (twin peak filter)
• modulation attenuverter
• v/oct input with scaling trimmer accessible from the front panel
• output stereo VCA

Tutorials

ENGLISH

• Ikarie Walkthrough - Every Feature Explained
• Ikarie - Patch Tips
• Bastle X Casper : Ikarie quick demo/review
• Bastl Ikarie Filter Demo
• Bastl Instruments Ikarie Stereo Analog Filter Patch #1 A Complex Oscillator Dream
• EURORACK spontaneous filter comparison: Mannequins SISTERS vs BASTL Ikarie

FRENCH

• Ikarie - Bastl x Casper - Eurorack Filter: Instructional video, French + CC

Technical details

• power consumption: +12V: 100mA, -12V: 95mA
• 8HP
• 35mm
• PTC and fuse protected 10 pin power connector

Downloads

• user manual pdf