The "Easel" Spirit in 3U - A West Coast Eurorack Deep Dive

video upload by Sean Graves

The following is in via Sean Graves, who had the following to say:

"The piece, 'The 'Easel' Spirit in 3U: Rebuilding a Buchla Soul in Eurorack,' documents my five-year journey to replicate the specific workflow and 'soul' of the Buchla Music Easel using a curated Eurorack system."

"This post explores the creative power of 5-step sequencing (the 'migrating downbeat'), the 'origami' of wavefolding via the Verbos Complex Oscillator, and the organic harmonic dampening of vactrol-based Low Pass Gates. It’s a technical yet accessible look at why the West Coast workflow remains the 'holy grail' for performance - based synthesis."

The full write-up follows, with a demonstration of the system in the video above.

The “Easel” Spirit in 3U: Rebuilding a Buchla Soul in Eurorack

The Buchla Music Easel is legendary. It isn’t just a synthesizer. It’s a self-contained performance ecosystem. For many of us, the “Easel” workflow is the holy grail of synthesis. However, instead of chasing original hardware, I’ve spent the past five years rebuilding its specific soul within the Eurorack format. Because everyone deserves a hobby, right?

The Chef vs. The Sculptor
Most East Coast synthesizers work like a sculptor. You start with a massive block of harmonic noise (Sawtooth or Square waves) and carve it away with a filter. The Buchla workflow is different. It’s like being a chef in your own Hell’s Kitchen. You start with basic, “bland” ingredients (sine waves) and spice them up with Frequency Modulation (FM), Amplitude Modulation (AM), your choice, and then fold until the sound sizzles.

My current rig recreates this spirit by focusing on three pillars: Uncertainty, Complex Oscillation, and the iconic Sequential Voltage Source.

Part One: The Modulators (The Brain)
In a true Easel style setup, the Tokyo Tape Music Center 5-Step Sequencer acts as the brain. While most modern sequencers favor 4-8-16-32 steps, the 5-step limitation is actually a creative superpower.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Tip Top Audio Buchla 200 Series

video uploads by Voice From The Machine

"This is a video series breaking down the Tip Top Audio Buchla 200 series of modules. Deep dives, information, patch examples."

Playlist:

1. I went all in on Tiptop Buchla. Was it worth it?

This is the first part of a video series on my new Tip Top Audio Buchla 200 series modular system. Here I describe my decision-making process and my initial impressions along with some of the history that makes this system so interesting.

00:00 Why I chose Buchla
03:20 Advantages of the system
05:13 History of the Buchla 200 series
09:56 Some disadvantages
11:38 Why bother using vintage designs?

2. The Magic of Buchla Oscillators: An Exhaustive Deep Dive on the 258t and the 259t

This is part 2 of my video series on the Tiptop Audio Buchla 200 series system. In this video I focus on the 258t Dual Oscillator and the 259t Programmable Complex Waveform Generator.

00:00 Introduction
01:20 Dual oscillator features
02:58 Dual oscillator 2 FM inputs
04:54 Buchla signal types explained
07:02 259 introduction
08:09 Principle oscillator and harmonics section
11:38 Modulation oscillator
14:58 Modulation bus
18:09 ART inputs
19:31 Example patch 1
24:01 Example patch 2
30:37 Outro

3. The Low Pass Gate: The Beating Heart of Buchla Synthesizers

This video is part of a series I'm creating highlighting modules in Tiptop Audio's line of Buchla 200 reissues. Today's episode features the 292t Quad Lopass Gate as well as a discussion of Low Pass Gates in general.

00:00 Introduction
03:09 Tour of Features
04:51 Timbre and Amplitude
07:15 Buchla Bongos
08:38 Vactrols and Pinging
13:40 Filter Deep Dive
17:05 Getting A Steeper Cutoff and Resonance
20:08 Performance Patch Example and Breakdown

Buchla 259t exploring sounds with explanation

video upload by VoxModula Archives

"The Buchla 259t by Tiptop Audio is my favourite complex Vco, in this video I am exploring its sounds with some explanation. The timbers and all the modulation of this modules are just incredible! Let me know what you think of it in the comments."

MATRIX VCF & Voltage Control - Creating presets with fixed voltages

video upload by AJH Synth Official

"Here I'm using Pressure Points to select different sounds/settings on the Matrix VCF - this filter has full CV control of all functions, including the selection of all 16 different filter types (Mode). Because the Matrix has such a huge range of filter sounds, it is very useful to be able to recall them instantly using a fixed-voltage controller or sequencer.
I'm also feeding it 2 VCOs and noise initially, but later replacing the raw sawtooth waves with the same saw processed by the WAVE SWARM - this is a sawtooth animator, creating 12 additional faux saws from 1 or 2 incoming oscillators to create a fat 'super saw' effect.

Video & Performance by @DreamsOfWires

The AJH SYNTH Eurorack modular range consists of high-end modules, all hand-made in the UK, most of which are based on classic, vintage designs, authentically recreating the circuitry of much sought-after analogue instruments and technologies of the past, whilst greatly expanding them, and bringing them to modern Eurorack levels of convenience, limitless flexibility, and reliability.

Official website page: https://ajhsynth.com

CLICK FOR MORE »

TTA/Buchla 248t MARF Testing

video upload by peff

"Testing the TipTop Audio / Buchla 248t module. The 248t has eurorack level CV/Pulse outputs as well as the ART serial data outputs to drive modules that will receive ART note data. This configuration has a TTA 259t controlled by the ART signals and the Buchla 208c Easel Command controlled by CV/Gate (v/oct scaling).

The module is pretty massive - 72hp."

TipTop Buchla 200t

video upload by Oxix52

"I sold off my 200e system about 3 years ago. I recently put together a TipTop Audio 200t system. It's been pretty fun. This is a short play with the 259t as the only audio source. I used one non-Buchla module--the Intellijel Springy 2. It's mono output is being sent to the 296t to make it stereo."

Buchla Modular Patch Explained | Live Sound Exploration

video upload by VoxModula Archives

"A short patch talk exploring a live Buchla modular setup.
In this video, I build and explain the patch in real time, focusing on signal flow, modulation choices, and timbral shaping within the Buchla system.

The session is improvised and recorded in one take, combining sound exploration with live explanation.

🎛️ System used
• Buchla modular system (Tiptop Audio)
• Oscillators, envelopes, LPGs, modulation & utilities

🎧 What’s covered
• Live patch explanation
• Signal flow and modulation strategies
• Buchla sound shaping techniques
• Improvised modular performance

—
👉 Follow VoxModula for Buchla modular patches, sound design, and experimental synth explorations.
#Buchla #TiptopAudio #ModularSynth #PatchTalk #ModularPatch #SynthExplained #VoxModula"

Tiptop Audio Resonator (sound.report)

video upload by Heiner Kruse - The Green Man(TGM) - sound.report

Timestamps:
00:00-02:12 Intro & Upper band
02:12-04:24 other bands
04:24-05:05 Not Self Resonating
05:05-08:29 Modulation

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!!!!"

Exploring a Full Buchla System | Tiptop Audio Modular Improvisation

video upload by VoxModula Archives

"An 11-minute improvised modular performance using a full Tiptop Audio Buchla system.

This session explores evolving textures, modulation paths, and dynamic interactions across the entire system. The patch is built for flow and transformation rather than fixed structure, allowing the sound to develop organically over time.

🎛️ System used
• Tiptop Audio Buchla modular system (full setup)
• Oscillators, envelopes, LPGs, random & sequencing modules

🎧 What’s inside
• Long-form modular improvisation
• Organic modulation and evolving textures
• Dynamic use of the Buchla signal path
• Recorded live in one take"

Buchla Tiptop Audio 258t + 259t FM Patch | Percussive / Wooden Textures

video upload by VoxModula Archives

"A non-spoken modular patch performance focused on FM percussive and wooden-like textures, created using the Buchla TipTop Audio 258t and 259t oscillators.

In this session, frequency modulation is used to shape short, transient-rich sounds that resemble struck wood and organic percussive elements.
The patch is fully improvised and recorded live, no post-processing.

🎛️ Modules used
• 258t Oscillator
• 259t Oscillator
• 292t Quad Lowpass Gate
• 245t Sequential Voltage Source
• 266t Source of Uncertainty
• Buchla / Tiptop modular system

🎧 What’s explored
• FM techniques for percussive sound design
• Wooden / organic timbres
• Transient shaping and dynamics
• Live modular performance"

Transformation by Parallel Worlds

"Parallel Worlds - 'Transformation' CD album/Digital Download, Now available in Bandcamp!

CD is limited-edition of 100 copies. its Glass-Mastered.

Digital Download is NAME YOUR PRICE for the first 3 days!

All tracks composed, arranged and produced by Bakis Sirros during 2023-2025.

Thanks to: friends and family, John Sirros, Alessandro Vaccaro, Mamonu, Ingo Zobel, Dimitris Pavlidis, Angelos Ioakimoglou, Andreas Vamvakaris.

Machines used:
Eurorack modular (including modules by Qu-Bit, Synthesis Technology, Make Noise, Verbos, Instruo, Xaoc Devices, Intellijel, Frap Tools, Doepfer, 4ms company, Noise Engineering, ADDAC System, Analogue Solutions, Buchla Tiptop Audio, Befaco, Schlappi Engineering, Neuzeit, Strymon and others)
 Analogue Systems RS-Integrator modular,Korg SQ-64
,Korg Drumlogue
,Korg Wavestate

facebook.com/parallelworldsmusic

Mastered by Lorenzo Montana'

Artwork by LoMo"

Tiptop Audio Introduces the TRIAX8: An Oscillator like no other

video upload by Tiptop Audio

As always, check with dealers on the right for availability and price.

TipTop TRIAX-8 Polyphonic Thru-Zero FM Oscillator - What is TZFM?

video upload by gattobus

"Here's a quick presentation and audio demo of the new TipTop Audio TRIAX8 Polyphonic Eurorack Oscillator.

00:52 - What is THRU-ZERO FM ?
03:45 - XOR Waveform
05:45 - Music Performance

This video is sponsored by TipTop Audio"


"Meet the TRIAX 8 , an oscillator like no other, featuring 16 analog triangle-core oscillators with full note polyphony and patching. The TRIAX8 is a landmark in synthesis technology, combining true polyphonic patching and full note polyphony with the creative and joyful hands-on workflow of a modular synthesizer. Every function has its own knob, and all modulation inputs are ready for patching with patch cables. Beneath this interface lie 16 true analog oscillators, real circuits built from semiconductors, capacitors, and resistors, each one alive, drifting naturally with temperature and with the magnetic and electric fields they generate. This is the sound of analog: full, warm, organic, and never the same twice.

In this demo, we showcase just a glimpse of what the TRIAX8 is capable of, and how easy it is to design sounds through instant patching. We focus mainly on pads and drones, with a touch of arpeggios. A note about video sound quality:
YouTube plays compressed audio, which significantly affects sound quality. Compared to the original recording, the audio will generally sound muddier and harsher in the highs. However, it still provides a good sense of the character and tone of the demoed device.

Patch Overview for this video: For modulation, we used the OCTOLFO to randomly patching LFO signals into the TRIAX 8’s CV inputs. The audio output was routed through the OCTPASS 24 dB low-pass filter and then into the OCTOGAIN. From the OCTOGAIN’s stereo outputs, the sound was sent to the Z-DSP, where some patches feature reverb or delay from the Z-DSP. For control, we played notes from Ableton through the Octopus, or used G-Mode sequencing on the Octopus and NerdSeq."

Check with dealers on the right for availability and price.

Get *more* from your semi-modular synths with this gear

video upload by Oscillator Sink

"Links to companies featured:
https://dfaudio.com.au/
https://www.feed-me-synthesis.co.uk/
https://www.herzlichlabs.com/
https://tiptopaudio.com/stackcable/
https://www.st-modular.de/workmates

Semi-modular synths are great, and even with a sizable eurorack set-up I find myself gravitating to these complete, self-contained instruments more and more, to get the enjoyment of patching without the option paralysis that a full modular synth sometimes inspires.

Nevertheless the big benefit that a full modular set-up gives you is that expandability and flexibility to build out what your setup is capable of by adding or swapping out modules.

But semi-modular lovers need not feel left out! There are numerous bits of kit out there which can help you get more from your semi-modular synths, expanding their capabilities and sonic palettes.

Transparency notice: The DF Audio Nano-U was kindly provided to me by DF Audio for the purposes of featuring it in some videos and I am permitted to keep it. The Slewp and Slide has been kindly lent to me by Feed Me Synthesis for the purposes of featuring it in this video.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:15 Tiptop Stackcables
04:52 The World of 0HP Utilities
14:15 Herzlich Labs MMI Node
16:55 DF Audio Nano-U
26:07 Feed Me Synthesis Slewp and Slide
38:06 Outro

http://www.oscillatorsink.com"

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!"

VoxModula TipTop Buchla Demos

video uploads by VoxModula Archives

Playlist:

1. Polyrhythmic Motion – TipTop Audio Buchla 245t / 281t

A 4-minute modular improvisation exploring the interaction between The Tiptop Audio Buchla 245t and the 281t — where sequential voltage triggers envelopes, generating evolving polyrhythms and shifting patterns.

Recorded live, no overdubs, no post-processing.

Modules used:
• TipTop Audio Buchla 245t Sequential Voltage Source
• TipTop Audio Buchla 281t Quad Function Generator
• TipTop Audio Buchla 258t Dul Oscillator

Part of VoxModula Archives — a growing collection of modular sound fragments and explorations.

🎧 Best experienced on headphones.

2. Tiptop Buchla + Strymon El Capistan Live Modular Loop Performance / VoxModula #02

A live modular improvisation exploring the Strymon El Capistan as a looping delay.

The sound slowly folds into itself — echoes become layers, layers become memory.

Recorded in one take.
No editing, no overdubs.

3. Exploring FM Synthesis on Tiptop Buchla 258t + 259t | Live Patch Talk

In this video I explore FM synthesis on the Tiptop Buchla 258t and 259t, using the 245t sequencer to modulate pitch and rhythm, and the 266t for random voltages. It’s a li

ve patch talk — I build the sound and explain what happens in real time, fit's my first video like, hopefully you will like it.

Let me know if you would be interested in more videos like this.
If you want the audio files and detailed photos of the patch please reach out and I can send them to you.

🎛️ Modules used:
• Tiptop Buchla 258t Dual Oscillator
• Tiptop Buchla 259t Complex Oscillator
• Tiptop Buchla 245t Sequential Voltage Source
• Tiptop Buchla 266t Source of Uncertainty

🎧 Patch focus: FM synthesis, modulation routing, random CV and sequence interaction.

And two featuring Moog for good measure:

Playlist:

1. Short Ambient Moog Grandmother Performance (40s Demo)

A short ambient performance using the Moog Grandmother, exploring smooth analog tones, slow modulation, and spatial delay textures.

Recorded live in one take — with external effects, Zoom Ms-70 CDR, Grandmother’s raw sound shaped into a soft, floating atmosphere.

🎛️ Gear used:
• Moog Grandmother (analog synth)
• Internal spring reverb & Zoom Ms70 CDR delay

2. VoxModula Archives – The Beginning of an Archive

Hi, this is the first video of VoxModula Archives. VoxModula is an ongoing collection of sonic fragments — recordings where synthesis meets the quiet presence of the surrounding world.

Each piece is an observation of sound as a living material: unstable, imperfect, shaped by voltage and time.

The project does not aim to perform or entertain, but to document the space between intention and accident — where tone becomes memory, and noise becomes evidence of existence.

These works are presented without manipulation or spectacle, as if retrieved from an open archive of moments.

Nothing here is fixed.
Everything breathes.

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."

How to Make & Sequence Modular Synth Drum Sounds With Patterning 3 : Drum Machine

video upload by Olympia Noise Co.

"In this video, Patterning : Drum Machine developer Ben Kamen demonstrates using Patterning 3 as a MIDI sequencer to control a Eurorack modular synthesizer and builds drum and percussive sounds from the ground up. Starting from basic kick and tom patches, learn how to shape hi-hats with noise sources, add punch with pitch envelopes, and introduce melodic variations using MIDI.

Download this drumkit (and 700+ more) inside Patterning 3: Drum Machine :
http://patterning.app

Modules used include:
• Mutable Instruments Yarns (MIDI to CV)
• Intellijel Dixie (Oscillator)
• Tiptop Audio Low Pass Gate (VCA + Filter)
• Intellijel Quadra (Envelope Generator)
• Plonk (Digital Percussion Module)
and more....

If you love modular synth sound design, this one’s for you.

⸻

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 — Introduction: Using Patterning 3 with Modular Synths
00:35 — Oscillator + VCA Basics
00:50 — The Tiptop Low Pass Gate Setup
01:02 — Envelopes and Volume Control (Quadra)
01:12 — Making Drum and Tom Sounds
01:26 — Creating Hi-Hat Sounds with Noise Sources
06:57 — Adding Punch with Pitch Envelopes
07:20 — Shaping Kick Drum Dynamics
07:37 — Experimenting with Attack and Decay
08:04 — Modulating Hi-Hat Envelopes for Variation
09:10 — Exploring Plonk and Cowbell Sounds
10:41 — Randomized Melodies from MIDI Pitch Data
11:38 — Building a Complete Modular Pattern
12:28 — Wrapping Up and Final Jam"

After October - Panharmonium/Metropolix

video upload by davidryle

"The Intellijel Metropolix sequencer making a dual pattern to a pair of Q206 VCO's. The filters were the Dove D502 Multi-Mode VCF and the Corsynth C110 2044 VCF. They go into the Lower West Side Studios (Yusynth) Panning Mixer then into the Rossum Electro-Music Panharmonium Mutating Spectral Resynthesizer.

The Panharmonium splits the signal to two destinations. The main voice is sent to the TipTop Audio Z-DSP with the Halls of Valhalla plate reverb. The FX voice is sent to the Make Noise Soundhack Erbe Verb reverb.

The Bass part is the Q960 sequential Controller into a pair of Q106 VCO's and The Oakley Sound Systems Diode Super Ladder filter. The on to the Synthetic Sound Labs Digital Delay and Tube VCA.

The fluttering noise effect is the Dove Audio WTF Oscillator in noise mode to the Moon Modular 517S in High Pass on to the Modcan 73B Dual Delay and the Echo Fix tape echo/reverb."

Another great vintage goes Eurorack, TTA Resonator Module

video upload by Tiptop Audio

Check with dealer on the right for availability and price.

"With the Resonator , we were able to recreate one of the most legendary resonator designs of all time — and make it affordable. This module recreates the resonator section of the iconic 1975 Polymoog, now enhanced with voltage control over every parameter, selectable frequency ranges for each resonator, multiple gain stages, an emphasis CV with limiter, and a bypass switch. It is strictly analog, with no LEDs or digital circuitry that could contaminate the grounding with hiss, ensuring a pure, clean analog sound — the dreamy, resonating tones at their finest.

Originally designed as an end-of-chain effect for our polyphonic modules, the Resonator also excels with a wide range of audio sources, including samples, drums, and even full mixes. Despite its extensive feature set, the design occupies only 16HP and remains highly affordable.

Check out the Resonator at:
https://tiptopaudio.com/resonator/

A note about video sound quality:
YouTube plays compressed audio, which significantly affects sound quality. Compared to the original recording, the audio will generally sound muddier and harsher in the highs. However, it still provides a good sense of the character and tone of the demoed device.

Patch Overview for this video:
The first few scenes feature a polyphonic sound generated by Triax8 through Octopass , then through Octogain (not shown in the frame), and finally into the Resonator . From the Resonator, the signal goes into the Z5000 Multi-Effect module , with a bit of processing applied via the mix knob. The sound is output in stereo, either directly to an audio recorder or routed through the Z-DSP for extra reverb.

In the final scene, Tiptop Audio drum modules generate hi-hats and snare, which are mixed using the MIX7 module and then sent into the Resonator. The bass drum comes from the Tiptop Audio ONE sample player. Octolfo , the module on the left, provides multiple fully independent LFOs to modulate the many CV inputs available on the Resonator."