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!

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."

Original Buchla Music Easel iProgram Card

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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.'"

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BEMI BUCHLA EASEL w/ iProgram Card & Extras

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"Early issue Easel. Updated power supply board, power distro board and new 218e touchplate.
Includes iProgram Card, preset cards, BEMI bag with shorting bars and cables and original box."

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BEMI BUCHLA MUSIC EASEL + iProgram card

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"In original packaging with banana cables,jumpers,power supply and the iProgram-card that work with a iPad app to control the synth via wifi and save patch!!!! International bidders are welcome."

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Buchla iprogram card #JHS 1

Published on Apr 13, 2018 musicstory80

Buchla iprogram card & ipad
connect with Wifi.
키보디스트 지현수

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"

Buchla iProgram

Published on Feb 24, 2014 Synthtopia·9 videos

"Buchla introduces the iProgram at the 2014 NAMM Show."

Buchla Music Easel Iprogram card &App testing

Published on Dec 17, 2017 Buchla info

"Buchla Music Easel iprogram,wifi controlled by Ipad App
testing before sale"

This is the dedicated iPad editor for the BEMI Music Easel and does not produce sound on its own. Curious if Arturia will eventually port their Buchla emulation to the iPad.

Some info on the Upcoming Buchla Modules (100, 200, and Easel)

This one was spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child, on muffs.

Post by Eric Fox of Buchla U.S.A. You can find a recent interview with Eric Fox here.

"Hey everyone!

I appreciate the interest in what it is we’re working on. Although I don’t spend too much time on the forum, with all of the announcements and imminent release of Easel Commands into the wild it is probably a good idea for me to poke my head up once in awhile :)
Let’s see if I can quickly shed some light on a few things:

Easel vs Easel Command- When I refer to a “full” Easel, I am indeed referring to the classic configuration of some form of 208+218+Case. Just like what we did with the 208C, the 218 and case needs to be updated in order to make them better, more consistent, and have the ability to scale production based on demand. We’re actively working on these and hopefully I can make an official announcement with details this summer.

Easel Preset Manager- Joel, Darren, and Charles are now working on this one. Those guys are the masters at this stuff, so I’m gonna hopefully have the official rundown of what all it can do soon. While it will be different physically than iProgram Card, it’s my understanding that the the new UX from a software angle might be able to be an update for the iProgram card. I’ll stop talking now about it since those guys will yell at me for not knowing what I’m talking about. We’ll make a clear announcement about this soon :)

200 and 100 reissues- These full-size recreations are being headed up by Jon Nenson (The Human Comparator) and our own in-house designer, Charles Seeholzer. We were planning on having (5) 200 models to show off at SB. These certainly won’t be the only 200’s we offer... but it’s a little difficult to launch 20+ models all at the same time! We insist on making them as good as they can be. Otherwise, what’s the point? Releasing a handful at a time just makes the most sense so that each model can get the proper attention they deserve. If you don’t see your favorite one in this first run, just know that it will probably not be that far behind. Patience young grasshoppers.

Clones vs Official- To clarify, the point I’m trying to make is in regards to not wanting someone to think poorly of any brand based on the possibility that they are playing with a shitty, poorly built, corner-cutting diy project from god knows where. Please don’t confuse that statement with the fact that I know there absolutely are quality builds out there that do a great job of really capturing the true spirit of the original design. I’m friends with a lot of those who are considered some of the best at doing this and that’s why I choose to partner with them when possible. I know that I have the best resources out of anyone to do this right including involving actual people who were there alongside Don when these were being developed. If Buchla can offer a consistently high-quality official version that comes with full warranty/support and it helps support some of the “Associates” who were there with Don... seems like that’s the right way to do it. No shade being thrown at those using quality built products intended.

Who is “Dave”?- All I’ll say is that it is being renamed to “Don’s Barber Shop” as per the request of some of those who were closest with Don.

I hope I didn’t create more questions than answers! If there is a real pressing question you need answered, just hit me up directly and I’ll do my best to answer with the best available info I have and feel free to share my responses with the rest of the class :)

Thanks for your passion. Stay safe+sanitary+sane
-Eric Fox"

Buchla Music Easel iProgram Card Tip No. 3 from Todd Barton & Upcoming Quadraphonic Performance

Published on Nov 29, 2014 Todd Barton

"Just realized even when the iProgram Card for the Buchla Music Easel is in "remote" mode you can still get CVs out of the physical Easel's Inverter out, Envelop Detector out and Mod CV out jacks.
Thus you can synchronize, affect and connect other Buchla modules to your Easel. And you can control, program and save those Easel output settings via the Easel iPad app."

And the upcoming performance featuring Todd Barton & Bruce Bayard:

"Quadraphonic: Space as Metaphor

Beginning Friday, August 1, Todd Barton and Bruce Bayard, performing as the duet Control Voltage Therapy, presented a series of concerts every First Friday at the Schneider Museum of Art. The concerts were every First Friday, August through December beginning at 11am. This coming Friday will be the final concert in this series. The performances are free and open to the public. Performances begin at 11 a.m."

Program Manager Card for Easel

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First pics of one on the site.

You can find demos in previous posts here. "Store your best sonic memories on the EASEL 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 EASEL Program Manager App for Mac and Windows gives you the power to manage banks, create programs, and import and export your presets for sharing.

The program interface’s edge card connector was originally designed to let artists create presets by wiring resistors to a circuit board to fix the positions of the sliders and banana connections. Each preset was its own card. Simply swapping cards in the program interface completely changed the sound. This was valuable, if not outright necessary, to musicians who needed to easily recreate patches for performance and create repertoire. The 2013 “iProgram Card” created a vital link between computer and Easel. Now, in 2022, Buchla USA has refreshed and simplified the design, giving it more memory, embed-ability, and making it easier to use.

While you can still solder up some sounds for all generations of the Easel, the new Program Manager Card provides microcontroller precision and computer convenience. Serving as the digital bridge between your computer’s USB port and the 28 pins of the Program Interface, the PMC gives you instant recall and easy access to 48 unique programs that control almost every parameter and patchpoint on the Easel’s front panel. Repeatability and repertoire are made instantly available."

Buchla Music Easel iPad iProgramCard Overview by Todd Barton

Published on Mar 11, 2014 Buchla BEMI·3 videos

"Todd Barton's overview of the Buchla Music Easel iProgram Card."

Note the realtime editing.

Easel iCard Tips and Tricks

Published on Aug 28, 2014 Todd Barton

"Though a low-res-shot-from-the-hip type production, hopefully you’ll be able to glean a few useful nuggets, tips or tricks. Everything here for the newbie to intermediate Easel iProgram Card and App user. Apologies for the poor audio quality the focus is more on information than sound at this point. You can get the app for free here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/buchl..."

Buchla Music Easel w/ iProgram Card

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via this auction, also on Reverb

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BEMI Buchla Music Easel Analog Synth w/ Easel iProgram Card & Original Box

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Happy New Year From MATRIXSYNTH! - A Look Back at 2014

Happy New Year everyone!

I want to start by thanking everyone that comes to MATRIXSYNTH and helps make it what it is - the readers, the supporters, and of course all the sponsors on the right.

THANK YOU and have a GREAT 2015!!!

This site is a labor of love and a ton of work. This site is ultimately meant to be an testament to everything synth in the making. We have over nine years of daily synth history captured here, 119,983 published posts. I can't wait to see what the future brings us in 2015!

That said, here are a few interesting bits from 2014 in the longest post of the year. ;)

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Buchla 102 - The Easel Explored by Todd Barton

Todd Barton has a new course up on the Buchla Music Easel over on MacProVideo here. Hop on over for the tutorials.

"The 'NEW', reimagined Buchla Easel is one of the most original and best sounding analog all-in-one synths ever made. See what this amazing instrument can do in this Easel Video Manual created by renowned Buchla expert Todd Barton.

Electronic music instrument pioneer, Don Buchla, created the original Easel in 1973. It was the very first all-in-one, pre-patched West Coast style synth! Fast forward 40 years and now there’s the “NEW” Easel. It retains its core analog roots, but when mated with its iProgram card, companion iPad app and the new 218e keyboard, it becomes one of the best sounding and fun to play instruments out there.

This course by Buchla expert, Todd Barton, explores every aspect of the Easel, from its unique sound generation to its powerful controls, sequencing and programming. In essence, Todd has created the very first Easel Video Manual. Todd is an internationally recognized Buchla expert and performer, and he works very closely with Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments in designing patches and creating product documentation.

If you have an Easel or are thinking about getting one... or even if you're simply interested in modular synthesis, this course is for you! So learn everything about the 208 and the 218e modules, which together comprise the one and only Buchla Easel, in this very in-depth course by Todd Barton."

Free Buchla Easel Virtual Patchseet

Published on Oct 31, 2016 Todd Barton

"If you have a Buchla Easel you don't need the iProgram Card to download the free Buchla Easel Remote Control app which can then act as a virtual patchsheet. No sound but nice graphic interface and cable and slider GUI."

iTunes: Buchla Easel Remote Control - Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments Pty Ltd

BEMI Buchla Music Easel with iProgram Card

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