follow up to this post.via REwire:
"These are 5 each patch comparisons of my Buchla 259 and 261e. Each is a 320mbps mp3 file about 15 - 30 seconds each. No routing through a filter, just a Plan-B Model 13 Multi-timbral Gate, a vactrol based copy of the 292e.
PIC
Main Osc - Sine Waves, All Knobs at CCW
259_Sine.mp3
261e_Sine.mp3
Main Osc - Sweeping each of just the Timbre Knobs.
259_Timbre_Sweep.mp3
261e_Timbre_Sweep.mp3
Main Osc - Sweeping all three parameters of the Main Osc.
259_Tweaking.mp3
261e_Tweaking.mp3
Assigning the Mod Osc to Amplitude and Pitch of Main Osc. The 261e Mod Osc has no Sawtooth so can't slam like the 259 because the 259 has Vactrols in it's internal VCA, like the 292. I used a tight rectangle on the 261e to get close:
259_Amp_n_Pitch_Mod.mp3
261e_Amp_n_Pitch_Mod.mp3
The Modulation Osc at Pitch Levels. For 259, using switch between Saw, Pulse and Tri.261e has waveshaper between Sine and Rectangle
259_Modulation_Osc.mp3
261e_Modulation_Osc.mp3
My conclusion. They are definitely the same breed and go into similar sonic territory. The 261e has a more functional modulation Osc but no actual sawtooth. The main osc on the 261e can go many more sonic places but can't make a heavy analog sound like 259's meaty sawtooth."
http://www.REwireMusic.com
Update via Javier:
Kurzweil K2000 Buchla Waveshaping
"Hearing those buchla comparison reminded me the waveshaping capabilities of my beloved K2000, so I tried to make a similar sound. I´m not saying it sounds identical or anything like that, but it could be more alike with some more time for fine-tuning. (envs are faster as it plays higher, etc). I did it listening to '259_Timbre_Sweep.mp3', but I think it sounds more like '261e_Timbre_Sweep.mp3'." Links above.
Click this image to get to the WAV.
I breadboarded the 261e waveshaping section. Don designed it from the original 259 schematics.
ReplyDeleteI am sure he finds it funny and strange that people complained about the 259e until it was discontinued and then all of a sudden wanted it.
The 259e uses non-linear waveshaping like the 400 and 700 used, the 261e and 259 use dons wavefolding circuit.. I am glad they both exist... I really prefer the harshness of the 259e myself.
thank you for doing this. more similar than i would of imagined. :)
ReplyDeletehmm, i def like the older of the two...
ReplyDeletesounds totally different to me but does it matter?
ReplyDeleteJust like Gibson, Fender, and Vega have different models of Banjos; Buchla also has made different models. Most players/collectors prefer the older models for one reason another. That said, the better deals can usually be found on newer/not yet collectable instruments that sound different from the originals but just have a character all their own.
ReplyDeletethat almost sounded like a subtle banjo joke. I wish i was that clever.
ReplyDeletewhat's also nice about the 259e in conjunction with the 261e is that the mod oscillators are very different. the 259e has that meaty saw, square, and triangle wave.
ReplyDeleteMeaty Saw, Tri and Squere on the 259e? I thought the 259e was a wavetable osc?
ReplyDeletei was thinking that was a banjo joke for a second as well.
ReplyDelete"Assigning the Mod Osc to Amplitude and Pitch of Main Osc."
rewire, this is available on the 261e? i.e. mod osc can be assigned to modulate all parameters at one the on the 259 (minus phaselocking). i guess the obvious answer is yes, just making sure i understood you.
glad you got the box powered, sorry i was no help,
The 261e mod osc can modulate any combination of Pitch, Timbre, and Amplitude.
ReplyDelete"that almost sounded like a subtle banjo joke."
ReplyDeleteSounds like someone who doesn't have any, or cannot design something better.
Thanks for the comparison.
The "261e Amp and Pitch Mod" file shows the same parameters modded as on the 259 file. Each has available - Timbre, Pitch and Amp from the Mod Osc. My comparison points out mostly that the 259's saw and vactrols have a stronger effect on the main than the 261e's mod osc can do. Bothers me that neither has a CV in for Amp Modulation, I want to sync that.
ReplyDelete"I thought the 259e was a wavetable osc?"
ReplyDeleteThe mod osc on the 259e can be used in the audio range. The mod osc provides those "standard" wave forms. The primary osc is the wavetable lookup device.
He rewire, thanks a bunch! This is really awesome of you.
ReplyDelete