The Buchla 250e: When testing turns into music-making...

Published on Mar 3, 2018 AutomaticGainsay

"As many of you might know, I work for Buchla now. Part of my job is to test modules. As a synthesist and composer, my testing procedure can occasionally take on a shape that is a little more creative than practical (but always effective, of course!).

In the midst of testing this 250e, I discovered that my somewhat-random initial knob twists to test the outer ring voltages implied a melody that I liked. So, I tuned it to be a little more specifically to that melody. Then I added a counter melody in the second of the voltage outputs. I created some interesting and complimentary timbres out of what started out as sine waves coming from the 259e and 261e.

Once I had created the sequence, I started messing around with Stage Addressing, because it will create new and different musical outcomes from your original creation.

Keep in mind that this is a test, and is a bit rough around the edges... but I found that the melody and countermelody stuck with me after the test, and felt like I needed to record it in some way. I figure if a test is musical enough that it gets stuck in my head, I should probably preserve it.

I hope you enjoy my first posting of a Buchla product!

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