BEMI Easel Aux Card Overview Tutorials

Published on Mar 8, 2017 Todd Barton

"Here is the first batch of tutorials, or maybe best described as a video manual, for the new BEMI Easel Aux Card.

You can download the .pdf manual here: https://buchla.com/downloads/
Enjoy! http://toddbarton.com"

Playlist:
BEMI Easel Aux Card 01 Overview
BEMI Easel Aux Card 02 Audio Oscillator
BEMI Easel Aux Card 03 Mod Oscillator
BEMI Easel Aux Card 04 Tuning
BEMI Easel Aux Card 05 Pulse In
BEMI Easel Aux Card 06 Envelope CV
BEMI Easel Aux Card 07 To Card 1
BEMI Easel Aux Card 08 To Card 2
BEMI Easel Aux Card 09 Mod Osc Tip
BEMI Easel Aux Card 10 Timbre Tip
BEMI Easel Aux Card 11 Krell Card Patch
BEMI Easel Aux Card 12 Tip
BEMI Easel Aux Card 13 Noise Glitch Tip


Buchla Aux Card Experiments and Explorations

Published on Feb 28, 2017 Todd Barton

Playlist:
Buchla Easel Three Oscillators
BEMI Easel Aux Card Simple Patch
BEMI Aux Card Mod Switching

MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Buchla Booth Pics

This was definitely one of the biggest surprises for me this year at NAMM. The largest problem with any hardware modular system is the inability to save patches. Once you create something, you have to give it up to the ether to move onto the next patch.  The Buchla 200e introduced the ability to store knob settings, but not patched cable points. The card you see pictured on the Music Easel allows you to save both knob settings and patch points. It stores 10 presets. You can then create and save as many patches as you like on a dedicated iPad app and then load any patch you want to the card over wireless. You can watch a video overview by Todd Barton in this post. The technology, minus the software of course, existed with the original Music Easel back in 1973, but then you had to literally solder the patch settings in a card. You can see one of the cards pictured here has "Figure 21 Variation" written on it. That's actually a Buchla patch by Allen Strange who wrote the manual for the original Buchla Music Easel as well as Electronic Music: Systems, Techniques, and Controls.

Buchla Program Manager Card w/ 48 Patch Presets Now Available

video uploads by Buchla

"The Buchla Program Manager is available now! Store your best sonic memories on the Program Manager Card! The PMC takes full advantage of the program interface, storing up to 48 Easel presets and interfacing with your computer with a class-compliant MIDI connection. The Buchla Program Manager App for Mac and Windows gives you the power to manage banks, create programs, and import and export your presets for sharing. Also available is a optional embed kit to install the card into your 208, making it easier to view the screen and keep a lower profile.

Available Now from Dealers and Buchla direct!"

See dealers on the right for availability.

Playlist:
Program Manager Tutorial
Using the Embed Kit to install the Program Manager into the Buchla Easel Command
Buchla Program Manager: Using Both Mode
Buchla Program Manager: Preset Surfer
Buchla Program Manager: App Works In Realtime
Buchla Program Manager Available now!

Original Buchla Music Easel iProgram Card

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

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Additional pics of the Original Buchla Music Easel iProgram Card. You can find demos in previous posts here. It made its first appearance on the site in a demo by Todd Barton posted here back in 2014.

"Original Buchla Music Easel iProgram Card - Communicates with the iPad via WiFi - Rare, Iconic Module - No Longer in Production

The Buchla Music Easel iProgram Card unleashes hidden functions of your Music Easel, and on top of that it bridges the gap between your DAW or other digital gear with its control functions and preset management.


NOTE: card has been updated with the latest firmware version: 73. Buchla developed that version on Dec 2022.

Here’s more info from Buchla Support dated April 13, 2023:

'Thanks for letting us know that the website descriptions are out of date.
Version 1.8 of the firmware utility appears to work fine with up to at least MacOS 12.5 (as I've been running).
The description needs to be updated.

Regarding the iProgramCard version. What are you running now? There have been a couple of users who preferred version 60 over version 66. I'm not sure why.

But also realize that there's a new version of the iProgramCard that we meant to post as well on the website.

iProgramCard Version 73 was created in December of last year. It was also an oversight that it wasn't released on the website. Version 73 works with the new app. It also works with the old iPad app but only over WiFi. The USB connection is broken in terms of sending banks to an iProgramCard with version 73 from the iPad app.

We will post that soon, but in the meantime I can attach you the file directly. Actually I can attach version 60 too.

This attached version 73 software allows the use of the new app with your iProgramCard.
Before downloading and installing, here's what you need to know:
1) The iPad app will no longer send patches via USB connections (though it has virtual control); the iPad app WILL still work/connect and send patches via a WiFi connection.
1a) If you continue to use the iPad app via WiFi, consider for best WiFi patch sending connections to increase the 'Waiting time between messages' to .04. (In 'Settings' of your iPad under Easel208Pad.) This goes for previous versions of Firmware too.
2) There is no translator from the iPad patches to the newly formatted ones in the new app, so it's best to recreate your favorite patches by hand in the new app.
3) You still only get 24 Programs since the memory chip on the iProgramCard only supports that many.'"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Buchla 'Suitcase' System + Extras

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Complete portable 10U Buchla modular system in excellent condition. This system is akin to a Buchla Skylab with a bevy of extras: banana & audio cables, 1U boat, USB card, etc.

All in great shape excluding small scratch to paint on lid as shown. All modules should be running up-to-date firmware. No plans to break up the system. Thanks for looking!

Includes following:
(6) Buchla & Associates modules:
266e Source of Uncertainty
291e Triple Morphing Filter
206e Mixer/Preset Manager
230e Triple Envelope Tracker
250e Arbitrary Function Generator/Sequencer
259e Complex Oscillator
(2) BEMI half modules w/ bracket:
281h Dual Function Generator
292h Dual Lowpass Gate
(1) Studio.H Control Signal Router module
(1) EDV-Technik MUC810 Polyphonic Midi Converter module w/ DIY Altoids breakout box
(1) optional 1U boat, plate & PSU for MUC810
(1) Butcher 10U Easel-style case with detachable lid, power cable and extension cord
(1) Low Gain Electronics UTL-1/2 Format Jumbler Utility Box
(1) Buchla USB & Firmware card
(1) Buchla card jack
(2) Pomona patch cable holders (no mic stand included)
(35) banana CV cables 8"-36"
(4) shorting bars
(14) Tini-jax audio cables 8"-48"
(18) Tiptop stackable 1/8" cables
(2) Tini-Jax to 1/4" cable
(3) Buchla boxes (206e, 292h, 250e)
Assorted extra Rogan and Selco knobs"

CLICK FOR MORE »

The PPG 1003 "Sonic Carrier" - World's First Programmable Synth?

via Wolfgang Palm on Facebook
Be sure to see the video below.

"This was the first programmable synthesizer (1977)."

Programmable as in patch memory. The 1003 was a programmable monophonic synth with two oscillators, digitally controlled keyboard, and it was duophonic.

But was it the first?

Excerpts via Part 4 of the PPG Story:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Todd Barton with Buchla Easel AUX Expander and Easel iProgram Card at NAMM

"The Aux Card offers a noise source that can be variably filtered from full-spectrum White noise down to sub-audio 'Infra-Red' CVs. The auxiliary control oscillator allows the Modulation Oscillator to assume audio duties and can be used as the modulation source for a variety of uses. It can even be modulated itself. An A-440 reference allows quick tuning of your Easel with the flick of a switch."

"The Buchla Music Easel iProgram card is the ultimate accessory to modernize your Music Easel–a flexible replacement for the original resistor-based Program Cards. It makes use of the Program Card slot and enables patch editing, patch/librarian management, and even real-time performance from an iPad via the iProgram Card App. The iProgram Card communicates with the iPad via WiFi*. The iProgram card can store up to 24 presets in local flash memory so that it can be used independently from the iPad application. Two push buttons allow the user to scroll through and load any stored preset."

MATRIXSYNTH T-Shirt not included. :)

I missed going to NAMM this year, but it looks like Todd made sure MATRIXSYNTH was represented! Thank you Todd!

Easel Both Mode Programming

Published on Oct 8, 2014 Todd Barton

"Here’s a little thought on programming the iProgram Card iPad App while the physical Easel’s Control switch is in “both” mode. Though I am a composer and definitely do not understand the circuitry of either the iCard or Easel that has not stopped me from exploring ways to make “both” mode useable, flexible and expressive. toddbarton.com"

Side note: Todd Barton will be performing with the Buchla Music Easel along with three others in Quadraphonic: Easels in Space Nov. 7 at Schneider Museum of Art.

Some info on the patch via Todd on Muff's:

"Here’s a little thought on programming the iProgram Card iPad App while the physical Easel’s Control switch is in “both” mode. Though I am a composer and definitely do not understand the circuitry of either the iCard or Easel that has not stopped me from exploring ways to make “both” mode useable, flexible and expressive.

I beginning with the most basic patch, i.e. the Basic Setup that comes with the app:



What I discovered is in order to have more options in “both” mode I need to change a few parameters in the app patch, namely taking the Mod Osc to “low” and the Mod switch to f.m.

This is a pretty good rule of thumb – for more options keep the switches and sliders in the app patch in their lowest position. Of course you’ll have to tailor this statement to your aesthetic.

Here are my changes to the above Basic Setup for use in “both” mode:



"I’m guessing the reverse process it possible, that is, taking a complex app patch and simplifying it in “both” mode – exploring what shorting bars, cables, slider positions and switches give you a useful “both” patch and “remote” patch. More on that another day. cheers! Todd"

Custom Buchla Electric Music Box / Music Easel

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Expertly constructed portable Buchla modular system housed in a black metal Halliburton briefcase with tons of extras. Fully tested and fully functional.

-------------

System is composed of the following modules:

Buchla 208r rev2 - STORED PROGRAM SOUND SOURCE. Built with uA726s.

Buchla 258c - DUAL OSCILLATOR MODEL. Built with uA726s.

Eardrill ModuleModule Chassis containing Eardrill VCA, Eardrill ADSR, and Jason Butcher VCBF 291 style Buchla filter, modded with a white noise generator output.

Jason Butcher 2U touch plate controller / Buchla 216 style.

-------------

System is powered by one standard 120VAC US plug and has 2 additional 12V DC output ports to power accessories such as a mini mixer (included), etc., and a banana out grounding port for connecting things such as a Kenton Pro Solo MIDI/CV connector.

Also included are banana patch cables, dual banana patch plugs, miniplug cables, miniplug to 1/4" cables, banana to 1/8" adapters, copy of the original music easel manual, and 1 resistor socket prototyping 208 preset card, 1 breakout 208 preset card with enveloper auto looper circuit, and 3 blank 208 preset cards.

Asking $5575 OBO Philadelphia area. Free shipping to US only."

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Buchla 208, Triple Sequential Voltage Source expander card - Buchla 208 / Buchla Easel Aux Card

video upload by Roland Klinkenberg

"Buchla 208, Triple Sequential Voltage Source expander card, Roland TR-08 and a delay pedal.
Patch description:
Top sequencer - CO pitch
Mid sequencer - MO pitch
Bottom sequencer - MO waveform switch
Random Voltage Source - Decay time
Korg SQ1 serves as a 218 substitute and is used to modulate the basic pitch of both MO and CO."

New Model 416 Meta Expander for the BEMI Buchla Music Easel

via guyd2.com

"The Model 416 Meta Expander is a fully-fledged, standalone breakout-box for the BEMI Music Easel, which provides access to all of the Easel- and Program Card's patch points (effectively doubling the Easel's control voltage possibilities), and greatly extends the Easel's capabilities by having several useful modules build in.

The Model 416 Meta Expander communicates bi-directionally with the Easel by means of a custom-designed Edge Card and a 60-pin flat ribbon cable.

A quick rundown of the Model 416 Meta Expander's capabilities:

Doubling the Easel's patch panel CV's (pitch, timbre, period, etc), with modulation depth controls. This then allows to modulate these parameters with [at least] two sources simultaneously.

Bringing out extra patch points not accessible on the Easel's patch panel. Full control over the Envelope's Attack, Sustain & Release. Voltage control over the Complex Osc's Waveshape Level. Access to all of the Sequencer's steps, and control over its number of Stages. Access to Random Voltages 3 & 4 (the Easel's patch panel only provides RV's 1 & 2).

Trigger inputs for the Sequencer, Envelope, Pulser & Random, opening up the Easel to external synchronisation.
Full voltage control over most of the Easel's switches.

In addition, the Model 416 Meta Expander offers extra custom-designed modules to vastly expand upon the Easel's features:

Two fast Comparators, with threshold control, for pulse generation, with both 3.5mm & banana inputs, separate outputs (2ms @ 10V), as well as a combined output (A+B). They can drive any triggerable module in the Easel.

A Noise module with White, Pink-ish and Slow-Varying Random outputs. Since White & Pink Noise are simultaneously available at Tini-jax & banana outputs, they can serve as both modulation- and audio sources. Slow Random is available at several patch points across the panel.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Buchla Music Easel Suitcase Modular Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Manufacturer Description:
This legendary and sought-after Buchla synthesizer from the 200 series will be produced again after 40 years. There are some minor changes here and there but in general it´s pretty much the same as the original. No MIDI inside but you get a really well-thought out semi-modular instrument with great sound and lots of possibilities due to well-arranged patch points. The small sequencer and the touch keyboard with integrated arpeggiatior invite to play the instrument directly and to interact with it.

Technical Details

At the first glance the Easel looks confusing because of the too many switches, faders and many sockests without legending but in the end everything makes sense and it's laid out very logically. The colors of sockets mostly match the function blocks of the Easel (purple = keyboard pressure, yellow = pulser, white = random, orange = envelope, blue = sequencer). The black sockets are CV inputs that are located always left of the according parameter. The sockets at the top of the unit have legending and are self-explaining. The position of most banana sockets below the faders has been chosen for the use of shorting bridges instead of patch cords which enhances clarity of your patch.

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Buchla Easel K tip

Published on Oct 4, 2015 Todd Barton

"Since the 223e module can store only one patch(1) I realized that you could actually store 4 different Radio Output Kinesthetic pad configurations. Of course, you would need to re-patch from one Radio Output section to the other but it is possible. You would also need to remember any 208 setting that might change.

Let’s look at this(2):

I’ve programmed Radio 6 for Arpeggiation on A-E and a little modal scale on L-Q.
The L-Q pads are sending Pressure to control Timbre. V pad controls the speed of the Arpeggiator.

Next I’ve programmed Radio 7 for pads U-Y with Location controlling Modulation.

I still have two more Radio outs that I could program but have not yet taken the time.

Here’s a very rough video demo:

(1) once you’ve found the patch you want to keep, press the Remote button, thus turning off the red l.e.d—it will be saved on powering down.\

(2) I don’t have an official Easel K but have hooked up my 223e to my Easel’s 218 which give the exact same results."

Buchla Easel K tip 2

Published on Oct 5, 2015 Todd Barton

"Using the 218’s Pulser to clock for the 218 Sequencer and the 223e Arpeggiator you can have 2 synchronized variable step/pitch combinations: 3-5 steps with the 218 and from 1-23 steps with the 223e. Also, the 223e offers many pattern modes: Rising, Falling, Triangle, Random and Spiral."

Buchla Easel K tip 3

Published on Oct 5, 2015

"In contrast to Tip 2, this tip uses the 223e Arpeggiator to clock the 218 Pulser. For a close up photo of the card used here go to:
https://www.hightail.com/download/bXB..."

Spatial and Sonic Gestures Using the Buchla Music Easel iProgram Card

via Todd Barton: "I'm really stoked about this new use of the iCard in tandem with the 206e/227e to bounce different sounds around in space!

Here’s my little study in Spatial & Sonic Gestures using the Buchla Music Easel/iProgram Card and Skylab with the 227e System Interface.

By programming the 227e with the 206e Preset Manager I was able to create separate patches for separate speakers in a quadraphonic array. Using the Last and Next buttons on the to 206e I can scroll through various speaker configurations.

I created 6 patches and saved them to the iProgram Card. Using the Down and Up buttons the iProgram Card instantly scrolls through these patches. By simultaneously pressing the buttons on both the 206e and iCard I can precisely control speaker placement and swirl speed. Or I can create a wide variety of patch changes and speaker changes.

The recording is from the headphone output of the 227e and thus captures all four speakers. My wish was to be able to do an actual 'concrete' style piece in real time. So . . . this is in real time with just an Easel/iCard and a Skylab with a 259e/281e/292e. The effect for the majority of the piece are the Easel’s spring reverb. Near the end I kick in an Eventide Space pedal."

Superbooth 2023: Buchla - Limited Edition Music Easel

video upload by sonicstate

"Nick from Buchla showed us their limited edition 50th Anniversary Music Easel. This special edition includes classic 208 voices and original old-school knobs and meter from the 70s. It comes with a gold keyboard and will be sold with its original Halliburton metal briefcase. The Music Easel has the same patching and control interface as the original, and the new edition even has some added extras like patch points and midi over USB-C.

Nick also demonstrated Buchla's Program Manager Card, which allows users to scroll through and select sounds. The card can be embedded below the surface of the module using the embedding kit offered by Buchla, perfect for those who are always using it and don't want it sticking out, or cards be inserted into the edge connector as usual. The new Music Easel is expected to ship in the fall alongside the special edition, which is available for order in June only.

Special Edition Music Easel Price: 8,000 - 10,000 USD"

Buchla Easel Card

flickr by PatchArena
(click for more)

full size

"This is used to store presets..."

Bottom shot for perspective. Note the small patch point connectors.

Update: Chad made an interesting point in the comments. "You can also brush your finger across the board while playing for cool little blips of sound as new connections are made between your finger and the board. :)"

Circuit bending a Buchla? A bit blasphemous but this would be one way to do it.

Update: if you haven't already, be sure to see these two videos of Charles Cohen for this technique [thanks to Wavedeform for the reminder in the comments]:
CHARLES COHEN AT THE BUCHLA MUSIC EASEL
Charles Cohen Vs. Chrome Genie - 1/3/09 - Philadelphia

Update via Christian in the comments: "charles told me that alex, the guy who filmed the video asked if such a thing was possiable. charles had a blank card, whetted his fingers and voila. it had never occored to him before. charles uses both this technique and programed cards during performances: such as the one him and i will be giving on 3/4 at the rotunda (in phila). i'm playing the big buchla :)"

Model 416 Meta Expander V2

Model 416 Meta Expander V2 from gd2 on Vimeo.
Some Meta Patches on the new Model 416 Meta Expander.

With a surprise ending...

via http://guyd2.com/416/

"The Model 416 Meta Expander is a fully-fledged, standalone breakout box for the BEMI/BUSA Music Easel, which provides access to all of the Easel- and Program Card's patch points (effectively doubling the Easel's control voltage possibilities), and greatly extends the Easel's capabilities with useful, built-in modules.

Version 2 is available as either a "full option" build into its own boat, or as a "panel only" version which can be build into exisiting 4U Buchla boats- or cabinets.

The Model 416 Meta Expander communicates bi-directionally with the Easel by means of a custom-designed Edge Card and a 60-pin flat ribbon cable assembly.

A first prototype of a breakout box was developed in early 2014, right after BEMI's new Easel became available. Several iterations and a 2nd Easel later, I developed a one-off Twin Expander -- aptly named the Model 844 Expander (note the willful 208x4 error). After getting quite a few requests from fellow Weaselers, and realizing that it might be a better idea to limit a commercial version of the Expander to a one-Easel configuration, I designed the Model 416 Meta Expander V1, and brought it to market at the end of 2017. This was a one-run-only, build to order project. The last one left July 2018.

Since then I've gotten some more requests, so in August 2019 I decided to design a new version. Rebuilt from the ground-up and adding new features, it took more than half a year to finish. And then -- ready to be released on the 1st of March 2020 -- something weird happened to the planet...

Nevertheless, it's now August 2020, and Version 2 is here.

Read on..." click through for additional details.

Pre-Orders on Muffs

"Two versions are available :

- Standalone, with Buchla-compatible 4U boat (by SaModular) and custom support stand (by CoverUp).
€1800 (euros), all in. (*)

- Panel, which is meant to be build into existing Buchla-compatible cabinets or boats.
€1650 (euros), all in. (*)"

Buchla Easel Manual Patch 18

Published on May 9, 2017 Todd Barton

"With this patch I begin Part 2 of my series on Allen Strange's manual for the Buchla Easel. This section is devoted to Meta-Programming, i.e. using the Program Card to store and recall patches."

All parts here.

Jomox Sunsyn

images via this auction

"SERIAL No. 0060
Jomox introduces their first major analog real-time synthesizer. It's a true analog with 8 voices (4- and 6-voice versions available) housed in a classic looking desktop-style case with wood end-cheeks, 40 knobs, 42 buttons and 85 LED's! It's also rack-mountable if you prefer.

The SunSyn features 2 analog oscillators (VCO's) per voice. The waveforms include sawtooth, square and pulse with pulsewidth-modulation. But in addition to these are the new Ramp Controlled Oscillators (RCO's). The RCOs follow the VCO characteristics like modulation, sync, tuning and frequency alterations. The RCO's use digital sounds which come from 4 wavesets, each with 256 waveforms each. In effect, these digital sounds get an analog treatment for nicer, warmer and fatter tones. There are 4 RCO's per voice and wavesets can be added via PCMCIA-card.

The filter section is also a true analog design but with very modern features. It is a 4-pole filter but fully configurable with independent high pass and low pass features available. Create filters that range from the sounds of a Minimoog, to the squelchy 303. Filter settings can be stored in one of two scene memories and real-time Morphing between scenes can be accomplished.

As for modulation, JoMoX has devised a clever Routing System for the SunSyn, turning it into an 8-voice modular! It is used to virtually patch between various modules or parameters. There are up to 4 Routing Elements per voice with 4,096 possible combinations per Routing Element. Modulation paths are configured using the front panel display screens. This modular approach to signal routing is a feature usually found only on the huge, expensive classic Modular synths by ARP, E-mu, Moog and Buchla. Unlike those, however, the SunSyn features complete patch memory (350 patches and 150 multi-patches) and multitimbral MIDI implementation. Most parameters can be controlled by MIDI, and controller/editor templates for most sequencers will be, or already are available. As for output, there are stereo outs, 8 freely routable individual outs and a stereo input to run external audio through the Routing system.

The new SunSyn is a true analog synth built for the wealthy synthesists of today. For total analog control and sounds, check out the SunSyn, especially if you can afford it!

Specifications:
Polyphony - 8 voices (4- and 6- voice models available too)
Oscillators - 2 VCOs per voice; waveforms: saw, square, pulsewidth. 2 RCOs per voice (digital waveforms that follow the analog oscillators)
LFO - 2 per voice; triangle, sawtooth up/down, rectangle and random waveforms
Filter - 4-pole with HP/LP switching for each pole; analog morphing between two filter setups.
Effects - None
Keyboard - None
Memory - 350 Single / 150 Multi / 4 wavesets; 1 PCMCIA card slot for waves and sounds
Control - MIDI
Date Produced - 2000"

Ancient Krell Program Card

Published on Oct 31, 2013

"Just soldered up this little program card for the Buchla Music Easel. For more on the Easel go to: buchla.com"

Not specifically a Halloween patch, but it's orange and there's some spooky sounds in there, so I'm giving it the label. See the Halloween channel link below for more. I'll add a link to the channel in the site links section directly above all posts as well.