New Tiptop Audio & Buchla 230t Tips and Tricks

video upload by Todd Barton

"Just a few ideas for patches with the Tiptop Buchla 230t Triple Envelope Follower. Also, checkout Stazma's video on the 230t:"

[The new Tiptop Audio & Buchla 230t announced in May is now out. Check with dealers on the right for availability.]

Tiptop Audio & Buchla 230t Demo

video upload by Stazma

"Today we are going to check out the new module from the Tiptop & Buchla 200t serie: the Triple Envelope Follower Model 230t.

It's a fantastic addition to the 200t echosystem, that will let you control dynamic or timing with external audio such as, microphone, samples, drum pads, electric instruments, field recording or anything in that spirit. It can also be used as an decay envelope in the system or in compression / expansion patches."

TipTop Buchla 230t – Triple Envelope Follower // Interact with your patches!

video upload by Dexba

"The Buchla 230 is here, and while it might not be the shiniest module (I know you're lusting after the tenth granular effect or the twelfth tape-inspired contraption), it's quite a useful and FUN one!
Not only does it stop the modular from being this separated entity, and it gives it back the ability to listen and interact with the real world, but analysing the internal signals can be a productive endeavour too.
In this video, I'll show you some cool patches, and I will introduce the concept of sidechain in the Buchla system, which in this case was used in the most common way we associate with the term, but it can also be a powerful tool to swell reverbs, make multiple voices arise in a sea of notes, and, in general, make more lively patches :)"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Additional 230t posts

242T Programmable Pulser | Buchla 200 Series EP.12 | By Tiptop Audio

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I've been wondering how to approach this episode. If this were a module review, the 242 would not be able to stand up against modern 21st century sequencers. It's basically a 12 step sequencer with three rows of pulses so you can't even do a four on the floor. We need to remember we didn't have those in the late 60's, so let's not worry about that too much.

The classic pin-controlled 242 was custom made for CBS and it didn't carry the Buchla name. CBS (California Broadcast Systems) was licensed to build and distribute the 100 series and it eventually stopped because CBS didn't see a future for electronic instruments. I guess you need to have a long term vision, and CBS clearly had a different one. Regardless, the 242 is extremely rare. Fortunately, the 242T is not. Tiptop abandoned the pins and fancy illuminated buttons in favour of small buttons and a LED matrix. The 242t is a Tiptop first, and a CBS/Buchla later.

The 242 is a retro-futuristic trigger sequencer with some weird outputs. The ABC pulses are extremely short, but the alternating outputs are longer. Then, there's this SAW CV output which is tied to the master clock. There are start/stop and reset inputs and a CV controlled Period which is not unlike a frequency when pushed to audio rate. I tried to ping the 296 Spectral Processor with the ABC outputs, but these are barely audible. If you want to ping a rhythm on the 296, you'll need to use 281 envelopes and patch from there. Using them to ping a 292 vactrol is just wonderful.

Stazma and Todd Barton made excellent video manuals, so I am not going to explain the module in this video. Since nearly every Buchla module is either quad or dual, I used two 242 modules. I had to. Imagine it's the early 70's and it's the Dawn of Synthesis. We have no idea what the future will bring."

Tiptop Buchla Performance

video upload by Todd Barton

"My performance for the Modular World Tiptop Buchla Spotlight this past Sunday. [video below]

One of many amazing performances featuring the range of Tiptop Buchla modules. This performance features all the currently available modules including the external preamp input of the 207t mixer with my shakuhachi. Enjoy!

My Patreon: / synthtodd"

Ep43 - Spotlight: TIPTOP/BUCHLA

video upload by Modular World

"BUCHLA FOR THE PEOPLE!
Gur Milstein (TipTop), is working with Buchla under the consultation of Todd Barton to reissue the legendary 200 system from the early 70's. The best part--the modules are affordable.
I know Don Buchla would be very proud to see the kind of legacy that he has left behind if it means that more people could afford to touch his creations.

Modular World will always stand with stories about people, and the passions that push them to stand out. Gur Milstein (TipTop) told me that working with Don's old schematics to recreate these designs has been the greatest honor of his professional life. Yes.

Grab your popcorn and have a seat. With 18 performances and two amazing interviews, this is going to be good."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Buchla & Tiptop Audio Introduce the Quad Sample & Hold and Polyphonic Adapter Model 264t

TipTop Buchla 264t – What is a quantizer anyway? video upload by Dexba

"We finally have a quantizer in Buchla form, but that poses some questions: what even is a quantizer?
Why is not called that? And how did they handle polyphony in modular 50 years ago?"

264t Quad Sample & Hold & Polyphonic Adapter module demo - Tiptop & Buchla

video upload by Stazma

"Today we are going to check out the new module from the Tiptop & Buchla 200t serie: the Quad Sample & Hold & Polyphonic Adapter Model 264t!

So we will talk about ART a lot, and even play around with TWO 259t to create four voice polyphonic patches."


264t Poly Patch video upload by Todd Barton

"This patch was first unfolded by Kyle Swisher on his Source of Uncertainty Podcast: https://www.amazon.com/Colour-Ink-Jas..."

Also see Todd Barton's original Buchla 264 experiments: • Buchla 264
You can find his Patreon with additional resources here: / synthtodd

via Tiptop Audio

Message from the Mothership to all 200t users on Planet Earth!

We are thrilled to bring you the Quad Sample & Hold and Polyphonic Adapter Model 264t. The module is now shipping, and pre-orders are open at our dealers. Price: $265. [check with dealers on the right for availability]

Don Buchla designed the original 264 in 1970, but only a few were ever mad,e. This module features high-speed sample & hold circuits that can also switch to track & hold, delivering the exceptional performance you’d expect from a Don Buchla design. To push the boundaries further, Don added a groundbreaking feature: the Polyphonic Adapter. This was a bold vision at a time when polyphony was virtually unheard of, synth pioneer Tom Oberheim wouldn’t introduce the world’s first polyphonic synthesizer, the SEM, until 1975. With the 264t, we’ve taken Don’s polyphonic concept one step closer to full realization. We’ve added ART outputs that can drive multiple oscillators equipped with ART, such as the 259t Complex waveform generator. Plus, we’ve incorporated built-in scales, adding a complete ART quantizer working seamlessly alongside Don’s original analog circuits.

248t Arbitrariness & Tutorial Videos by Todd Barton & Stazma

video upload by Todd Barton

"A deep look at the multifunctionality of each stage. This answers the question, 'What is meant by Arbitrary Function Generator.'
Also , checkout Stazama’s video on the 248t [below]
My Patreon: / synthtodd"

Here comes the MARF - Tiptop Audio 248t Demo Video

video upload by Stazma and Tiptop Audio

"Here we are, the "MARF" aka Multiple Arbitrary Function Generator Model 248 in now in a reality in eurorack: all hail the 248t!

In this video I'm going to show you a bit of everything it can do (it can do a lot) but believe it or not I'm not going to go too deep. I'll try to go a bit deeper in some of the many rabbit hole of this things in future videos."

Tiptop Audio 230t & a Simmons Pad - First Patch [No Talk]

video upload by Stazma

"More infos and affiliate links in the description // Support on Patreon to get samples from this session: / stazma

This was the very first patch I did when I got the 230t from Tiptop. I wanted to check if I could use my Simmons drum pads with it. I also wanted to know how it would behave as an envelope generator using pulses from the 200t system itself so I used the 245t to trigger it and act on a droning 259t.

Then I just played around and that's the result."

Also see New Tiptop Audio & Buchla 230t Tips and Tricks by Todd Barton aka vgermuse.

5 "complex oscillator" tricks with the 258t & 257t - Buchla & Tiptop Audio

video upload by Stazma

"Support on Patreon to get samples from this session: https://www.patreon.com/join/stazma

Since the Buchla and Tiptop modules are in Eurorack format, there is now no separation between audio and control voltages like the 4U Buchla modules. So this let us (ab)use some of those modules to perform tasks they were not supposed to perform.

In this video I'll use the 257t, that is supposed to handle control voltages, to process audio rate signal only, combined with the 258t Dual VCO, to create some sort of a complex oscillator; or anyway something inspired by the modulation bus of the 259 module."

296t Basics | Buchla & Tiptop Audio Tips & Tricks

video upload by Stazma

Part 2 here

"Hello there!
Back on the 296t with a requested 'basic' overview. I decided to go in two parts, here's the first one, focusing on the audio side of the module, how to use the inputs and many outputs, with some patching exemples.
Have fun!"

00:00 Intro
01:05 Even, odd and All inputs and attenuator outputs
03:24 Comb outputs and using multiple outputs at once
04:51 Programmed output
07:05 Individual band CV control
09:10 Using the individual bands audio out
11:33 End talk and jam

Altar 2 by Ritual Electronics - Demo and Overview

video upload by Stazma

"Today I'll be showing you the Altar 2, a very good sounding and looking analog 18dB/octave state variable discrete filter, made by Ritual Electronics in Marseille, France.

Because of it's look and the fact there's no filter in the Buchla & Tiptop Audio line Ive decided to use it in my 'Buchla Suitcase' for a recent two weeks modular class and everyone liked it there.

Have fun!

00:00 Intro
01:02 Overview
07:29 Talking Filter Patch
09:51 Ping It!
14:07 Drum Machine processing w/ System80 880
19:01 Feedback patching & jam
22:29 End talk"

The Ritual Electronics Altar is a 3-pole 18db/oct state-variable filter with the ability to smoothly crossfade between filter types. The module's resonance has an attenuverter in it's CV input which allows for quick bumps in the resonance that can act as "accents" to liven up your patterns. Additionally the module's input gain can drive the filter core into distortion, and the ability to run two inputs into the filter allows you to push it even harder. This combined with the module's crossfading filter design give Altar multiple options for ever changing, yet still very rich timbres.

ALTAR II FEATURES

3-pole, 18dB/oct state-variable filter for Eurorack modular synthesizers
Redesigned discrete transistor core
Filter type can smoothly fade between Bandpass, Lowpass, and Highpass modes
Input gain stage drives into distortion
CV for filter type blend (Color), filter cutoff frequency, and resonance—each with dedicated attenuverters

It's a drone song w/ Tiptop Audio & Buchla, Strega and Space Echo

video upload by Stazma

"Hey there!
Here is a jam I recorded at the end of 2024. I remember I really had fun recording it (one take and done) and I'm happy to realize i'm still happy listening to it again now so here we go, it's here for you all.
Title is referring to the massive beating sound of all the oscillators ;-)

Have fun!

Gear used:
Tiptop Audio & Buchla big system
RE-150 Space Echo
Make Noise Strega
Verbos Electronics Touchplate Keyboard
Mixed live on a Studer 961 desk."

Buchla & Tiptop Audio 200t Essential System

video upload by Stazma

"Today we are going to check out a selection of three modules from the 200t lines by Tiptop Audio & Buchla that to me are the three essential building block to form a small and portable system:
The 259t, 281t and 292t.

I'm going to explore different setup with these three modules, different ways to control & play them."

Schlappi LowPass Gate | Schlappy Patching with Stazma

video upload by SCHLAPPI ENGINEERING

"Episode 4 for Schlappy Patching!
In this one I'm going to explain to you what a Low Pass Gate is with a little bit of history and show how we can sort of fake one using Schlappi Engineering modules. We'ill talk about the Tiptop Audio & Buchla 292t for reference and we will also use the Make Noise LxD to guide us in our experiments. It's going to be fun!

Support Stazma & get some samples from this session on his Patreon"

Schlappy Patching with Stazma

The Buchla Dub Console? - Tiptop Audio & Buchla 207t Demo

video upload by Stazma

"Today we dive into the audio mixing utility from the 200t line: the 207t Mixer / Preamplifier.
On top of being a very comfortable mixing desk for your eurorack system there is some fun stuff to do with all it's bonus outputs such as dub mixing, feedback exploration, fat saturation with the preamp and more.
We'll explore some of this in the video, check out the time stamps.

Have fun!!!"

00:00 Intro
01:19 Module Overview
03:49 Preamp with guitar
04:16 Preamp with 880
06:21 Preamp with Breakbeat
09:59 Monitor as effect send (aka Dub Mixing)
14:26 Audio rate pan (& feedback)
18:40 207t & the Minimix
20:00 End talk

Tiptop Audio & Buchla - Fake Delay & Bouncing Ball

video upload by Stazma

"Hello there!
Today I'll share with you a classic modular synth patch that I really enjoy using, it's also a great exercise to get a feel for how VCA's and envelopes can work together. It's actualy just one of the many ways you can patch this, wich will use any sound source (258t here) with the 281t, 257t and 292t as the main building blocks (you can of course patch this with similar modules). I like it in the Buchla contect as you can play with 292t modes and get different sounds this way.
Anyway, I hope this will be helpful. Have fun."

264t & 242t Chord Machine - Tiptop Audio & Buchla

video upload by Stazma

"From plucky polyphonic arpeggios to BIG chords!

This is an idea I had in my head for some time, combining the 264t Polyphonic Adapter with ART and my two 259t with the 242t to trigger clusters of notes and create strums / arp / chords type sounds.

It worked and here is how!"

QMMG vs 292T vs Sosumi vs Centaur's Gate

video upload by Stazma

"Ok so after talking making the "favorite sounds of the QMMG" video I had some requests about making a shootout between it and the 292t from Tiptop Audio & Buchla.

I decided to indulge AND to add two other recent lpgs to the table with the Sosumi by Nekya Circuits, a small 4hp, knobless, dual LPG inspired by the original Buchla 292; and the Centaur's Gate by Shakmat, that does MUCH more (multi mode filters / VCA, with preset recall) than all others but does have an internal analog vactrol emulation that I wanted to check out alongside the others."

292t as a resonant filter | Buchla & Tiptop Audio Tips & Tricks

video upload by Stazma

"Today let's see how we can turn, "patch program" for the Serge heads around here, the 292t into a resonant filter / lowpass gate.
We'll do it using the 207t and 257t to stay inside the TT / Buchla family but I'll also show it with the Goma Pro from Black Noise and the Aranea matrix mixer by Ritual Electronics."

00:00 Intro
01:01 Patch 1 w/ the 207t preamp and 257t
06:26 Voltage controled resonance
08:05 Patch 2: w/ Goma Pro
12:20 Patch 3 w/ Aranea [Matrix Mixer]

Acid Study #1 w/ "The Rave Case" Featuring a Mystery Prototype Module

video upload by Stazma

"Hey there! I got a Befaco 7U Performance Case recently and decided to turn it into a Rave machine spitting analog acid and drums.

Here is a frist jam with what seems like a very cool setup for this case.
Tiptop Audio 909 modules on the drums.
810 by System80 on the bass.
Algo by RYK on the pad.
All sequenced by Tubbutec Brainstep / Drummertime.
Drum fills with the Particles by Patching Panda
Effect and mixing by a mystery prototype & Befaco Fx Boy & Output Bus.

Have fun!!!!"

Buchla & Tiptop Essential System 200t VOL 2

video upload by Stazma

"Today we are going to check out a selection of four modules from the 200t lines by Tiptop Audio & Buchla that to me are the four essential building block to form a small and portable system: The 258t, 281t, 292t and 266t!

I'm going to explore different setup with these four modules, different ways to control & play them."

Spectral Processors - 296t vs Sputnik vs Fumana vs Bark Filter

video upload by Stazma

"This is a BIG one. I will try to compare the four main big Buchla inspired "Spectral Processor" modules:
The Buchla & Tiptop 296t, the Sputnik Spectral Processor, the Verbos Electronics Bark Filter and the Frap Tools Fumana.
You will see they all sound and behave quite diferently and this is why I guess this video might of some interest.

Have fun!"

00:00 Intro
01:54 What is a spectral processor
05:12 Graphic EQ style patch
09:55 CV control tests
16:28 Sequences
20:07 Audio rate modulation
23:33 Voice vocoding
33:54 Breakbeat vocodoing
37:00 Final shootout and end talk