Bastl Instruments Aikido Eurorack Quad VCA & Mixer

Bastl Instruments Aikido is a flexible quad VCA mixer that goes far beyond basic amplitude control. With a thoughtful design that incorporates sidechain compression, envelope following, and spectral detection, Aikido transforms the standard utility VCA into a creative mixing and modulation hub.

Each of the four VCA channels features a level fader with up to 6dB of gain, a CV input with its own attenuator, and a clickless mute switch with LED status indicator. All signal paths are DC-coupled, making Aikido suitable for both audio and CV processing. The mix output is AC-coupled, optimised for clean summing of audio signals.

Where Aikido gets particularly interesting is in its dual envelope follower system:

• Sidechain Envelope Follower: Normalled to the input of channel A, with an external input override. This generates an envelope that is then normalled to the CV inputs of the remaining channels, making sidechain compression or expansion quick and patch-efficient. A switch allows toggling between fast and slow response times.

• Spectral Follower: Monitors the output of channel D and analyses the signal's spectral content (Lows / Mids / Highs, selectable via switch). This enables dynamic modulation based on specific frequency ranges—great for shaping modulation or animating filter cutoffs in sync with your mix content.

Rear jumpers let you choose pre- or post-mute behaviour for the VCA outputs, giving further control over how each channel behaves in performance or automation contexts.

Aikido also features cascaded mix inputs/outputs, letting you chain two Aikidos into a unified 8-channel mixer, or integrate with the Bastl Buddy stereo mixer for even more expansive modular mixing workflows.

Whether used as a central mixer, modulation router, or creative sidechaining tool, Aikido delivers musical control in a highly compact format.

Key Features

• Quad VCA mixer with flexible routing and modulation

• Clickless mute switches with LED indicators

• Individual level faders with +6dB boost

• CV inputs per channel with dedicated attenuators

• DC-coupled inputs and outputs (Mix out is AC-coupled)

• Sidechain envelope follower (normalled to Ch. A) with switchable response

• Spectral envelope follower monitoring Ch. D, with L/M/H band focus

• Rear jumper for pre- or post-mute direct output routing

• Cascade inputs/outputs allow chaining two Aikidos to create 8-channel mixers

• Chainable with Bastl Buddy for extended stereo output and routing

• Compact form factor ideal for central utility mixing

• HP: 10