Bastl Instruments Kompas
Three-axis probabilistic trigger pattern explorer
5 HP Eurorack module
Kompas is a three-coordinate probabilistic trigger pattern generator that creates looping 32-step sequences using probability rather than filtering a fixed sequence. Each of its three coordinates (Longitude, Altitude, Latitude) travels through patterns using a different algorithm, giving each output a distinct rhythmic character ranging from stable and predictable to wildly unpredictable.
Features
- Three independent 32-step probabilistic trigger pattern generators
- Each coordinate uses a distinct travelling algorithm (Longitude: safest route, Latitude: most unpredictable, Altitude: related to the other two)
- Global clock input shared across all three coordinates
- Global reset input returns all coordinates to step one
- Three dedicated CV inputs (0-5V) for modulating probability per coordinate with knob acting as offset
- Three 5V trigger outputs, one per coordinate
- Pattern is regenerated and looped each time a coordinate value changes
- Alert LEDs indicate when a new pattern has been generated per coordinate
- Activity LEDs indicate trigger firing per coordinate
- Selectable trigger length: 2ms, 5ms, or 10ms via boot menu (factory default 5ms)
- Arduino-compatible ATMEGA328P hardware, re-programmable via 6-pin FTDI header
- Open-source schematics and code
Controls & Jacks (24)
- Altitude CV Input — CV input to modulate Altitude probability (0-5V). Knob position acts as offset.
- Longitude Trigger Output — Trigger output for Longitude coordinate. Sends 5V trigger when current step is active.
- Latitude Trigger Output 1 — Trigger output for Altitude coordinate. Sends 5V trigger when current step is active.
- Latitude CV Input — CV input to modulate Latitude probability (0-5V). Knob position acts as offset.
- Longitude — Sets the amount of probability for the Longitude coordinate (safest route). Generates new pattern when adjusted. Full clockwise activates al
- Reset Input — Global reset input that returns navigation to the first step for all coordinates.
- Altitude — Sets the amount of probability for the Altitude coordinate (always related to Longitude and Latitude). Full clockwise activates all steps, f
- Clock Input — Global clock input that advances the pointer to the next step and updates coordinate positions.
- Longitude CV Input — CV input to modulate Longitude probability (0-5V). Knob position acts as offset.
- Latitude Trigger Output 2 — Trigger output for Latitude coordinate. Sends 5V trigger when current step is active.
- Alert — Lights up when any coordinate is adjusted, indicating a new pattern has been generated.
- Latitude — Sets the amount of probability for the Latitude coordinate (most unpredictable route). Full clockwise activates all steps, full counter-cloc
- Longitude Activity — Lights up when Longitude trigger output fires.
- Altitude Activity — Lights up when Altitude trigger output fires.
- Boot Menu LED Indicator 1 — Indicates selected trigger length during boot menu configuration.
- Boot Menu LED Indicator 2 — Indicates selected trigger length during boot menu configuration.
- Boot Menu LED Indicator 3 — Indicates selected trigger length during boot menu configuration.
- Latitude Activity — Lights up when Latitude trigger output fires.
- Boot Menu Jumper — Jumper connector (PB0-GND) installed during boot to access trigger length configuration menu.
- Coordinate Alert — Lights up when any coordinate is adjusted, indicating a new pattern has been generated.
- Longitude Boot — Indicates selected trigger length during boot menu configuration.
- Altitude Boot — Indicates selected trigger length during boot menu configuration.
- Latitude Boot — Indicates selected trigger length during boot menu configuration.
- Altitude Trigger Output — Trigger output for Altitude coordinate. Sends 5V trigger when current step is active.
How-To Guides
- Setting Trigger Length via Boot Menu
- Stable Kick Foundation
- Chaotic Percussion Trio
- Generative Melody Gates
- CV-Morphing Patterns
- Reset-Based Performance Fills
- Sparse Ambient Trigger Texture
- Probabilistic Accent Layer
- Interdependent Polyrhythm Exploration
- Probability Burst Generator
Explore the interactive Kompas panel on BleepDex — tap any control to learn what it does.
