Exploring the 259tDiscovering the 259t Sound | Tiptop Buchla Patch with 245t, 266t, 281t & 292t

video upload by VoxModula Archives

"In this patch talk, I explore the timbral range of the Tiptop Buchla 259t Complex Oscillator, using the 245t, 266t, 281t, and 292t to build a dynamic, evolving modular voice.

The session is fully improvised and recorded live — a look into the interaction between control voltages, random modulation, and the organic response of the Buchla 200-inspired system.

🎛️ Modules used:
• Tiptop Buchla 259t Complex Oscillator
• Tiptop Buchla 245t Sequential Voltage Source
• Tiptop Buchla 266t Source of Uncertainty
• Tiptop Buchla 281t Quad Function Generator
• Tiptop Buchla 292t Quad Lopass Gate"

Exploring the 259tDiscovering the 259t Sound | Tiptop Buchla Patch with 245t, 266t, 281t & 292t

video upload by VoxModula Archives

"In this patch talk, I explore the timbral range of the Tiptop Buchla 259t Complex Oscillator, using the 245t, 266t, 281t, and 292t to build a dynamic, evolving modular voice.

The session is fully improvised and recorded live — a look into the interaction between control voltages, random modulation, and the organic response of the Buchla 200-inspired system.

🎛️ Modules used:
• Tiptop Buchla 259t Complex Oscillator
• Tiptop Buchla 245t Sequential Voltage Source
• Tiptop Buchla 266t Source of Uncertainty
• Tiptop Buchla 281t Quad Function Generator
• Tiptop Buchla 292t Quad Lopass Gate"

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."

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."

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.

TipTop Buchla System

video upload by Luca Longobardi

"So, essentially my contribution was to introduce repetition into Western music as the main ingredient without any melody over it, without anything just repeated patterns, musical patterns.
(Terry Riley)"

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

early morning Tea & Tones / an ambient Buchla ritual

video upload by Daniel Mana - sound designer & composer

"A slow and gentle morning ritual.
Live ambient modular improvisation using a full TipTop Audio / Buchla 200 system.

In this performance, I prepare and drink tea while weaving textures of sound—no spoken words, just subtitles guiding you through the gestures, patching, and flow.
The everyday act of having a cup of tea becomes part of the composition, blurring the lines between routine and performance, noise and tone, silence and signal.

This is a space to slow down. A meditative patch. A Buchla morning.

Performed live – no overdubs
Genre: Ambient / Experimental / Modular Synth
Gear: TipTop Audio Buchla 200t system - Strymon El Capistan

☕ Bring your own cup and drift with me."

Tiptop Buchla system / Modular synth for breakfast

video upload by Daniel Mana - sound designer & composer

"I woke up with an idea and I decided to film it, I had this kind of format in my had for a while and I decided to give it a try. I am very very curious to know what you guys think about it, please write me some comments, I'd love to hear your feedback."

SUPERBOOTH 25: Tiptop Audio New Modules

video upload by Sound On Sound magazine

"Tiptop Audio return to Superbooth for another year, bringing with them a multitude of new modules and updates that join their ranges of Buchla recreations and 200 Series."

New OCTOLFO, Multipass, & Resonator Eurorack Modules From Tiptop Audio

Also see Buchla & Tiptop Audio 248t and 230t Incoming for new details. As always, check with dealers on the right for availability.

Details on the OCTOLFO, Multipass, & Resonator follow.

OCTOLFO – Eight-Voice Voltage-Controlled LFOs

For all Eurorack users, here comes your mega LFO. And for those of you who have already joined us on our journey into polyphonic patching heaven, this is the one you've been waiting for. The Octolfo consists of eight fully independent LFOs with plenty of controls, lots of waveforms, and the ability to load your own waveshapes. Clock-sync it or let it free-run. Use one-shot cycles of waveforms to create unique envelopes, and reset LFO cycles from your notes. All eight LFOs are available simultaneously on regular jacks and Polytip jacks—both outputs and CV control inputs. CV is mappable to parameters, and the entire setup can be saved as a “preset.” This module brings polyphonic modulation into our new world of polyphonic patching.

Multipass – Eight-Voice Multimode Filter

Please welcome the second filter in our polyphonic series: the Multipass. This one carefully recreates the rare OB-X filter design (not the later CEM-based OB-Xa), delivering the sound of the ’80s and early techno.

It features extended signal levels on inputs and outputs for an even broader tone range. LP, BP, and HP modes are poly-voltage controlled and simultaneously available per voice through Polytip, and via a mixed output jack. Each filter mode has manual gain control via dedicated faders. Frequency control is polyphonic and can be over-modulated by a mono signal with adjustable scaling. With all its poly mod inputs, this filter goes far beyond its classic roots.

Where and how much?

The first batch is ready, and we expect to begin shipping to shops soon. Price will be in the $500–$600 range.

Resonator

An extended design based on the analog resonator from the 1975 Polymoog synthesizer. This classic beauty works with everything from drums to polyphonic audio, adding lush resonating swirls.

There are three resonators, each with a selectable band. Each has voltage control for every parameter, nine CV inputs in total. Multiple gain stages (master input, resonator gain, and mix output) allow fine control and help manage clipping. Emphasis CV range boundaries prevent runaway self-oscillation. A true-bypass switch makes it easy to compare processed and dry signals—perfect for leaving it patched in and engaging only when needed.

Where and how much?

The first batch is ready, and we expect to start shipping soon. Price will be about $245.

Buchla & Tiptop Audio 248t and 230t Incoming

via Tiptop Audio

Multiple Arbitrary Function Generator Model 248t

Status: TBA
Price: TBA

Update:

248 Boommm!

Yes yes, the MARF is here and alive! At Superbooth, we’re showing the first prototype, and it’s already 80% functional. What a monster. The range of possibilities here is truly outstanding. This thing can literally mutate based on how it’s programmed. It’s wild and often unpredictable. Is it a sequencer? A curve generator? For notes or modulation?

Well, it’s a function generator, an arbitrary one at that, and in practice, it’s more complex than we could’ve imagined.

We were unsure about this module. There’s no fully functional original unit we could test, and all the data comes from Don’s 22-page user manual from 1977, along with insights from Kyle Swisher and Todd Barton, who’ve been investigating this for years. Exciting times!

Where and how much?

Wish us luck—we hope to release it this winter. Pricing is expected to be in the $650–$950 range. As always, we’ll do our best to keep it affordable and give you plenty of time to save up.

Triple Envelope Follower Model 230t

Status: TBA
Price: TBA

Update:

Triple Envelope Follower Model 230t

Here’s another wonderful vintage design: three AC amplitude followers with excellent sensitivity and highly accurate CV reproduction of the incoming signal. Both sensitivity and decay time are adjustable across a wide range. The circuit is so sensitive, it can even produce output from the noise generated by rotating the sensitivity knob—pretty cool.

The pulse output can generate either a transient (trigger) or a sustained gate signal, depending on the switch setting. We’ve been using it extensively in our systems and discovering tons of creative patch ideas. Where and how much?

It’s heading into production, with the first batch expected in July 2025. Pricing will be in the $200+ range.

The Buchla Series - Demos by synthemodulaire

video upload by synthemodulaire

Playlist:

1. [The Buchla Series] #0 introduction

"Here is the introduction to a new series of videos about Buchla synthesizers.
I will try to create comprehensive videos on the Buchla 200 series modules"

2. [The Buchla Series] #1 Differences between eurorack and Buchla

Edit. I forgot to mention that Buchla audio levels are line levels, they don't need to be attenuated to be used with external gears like eurorack. Moreover the CV doesn't use the same standards by default, Buchla uses 1.2 V/Oct tracking and 10V Gates.

3. [The Buchla Series] #2 - Buchla 245 Sequential Voltage Source

In this episode, we will focus on the Buchla 245.

00:00 Overview
06:20 Simple sequence
07:40 Random sequence
09:13 Gate sequence
10:49 Analog groove
12:20 Analog preset manager
14:02 One shot mayhem

4. [The Buchla Series] #3 - Buchla 281 Quad Function Generator

In this episode, we will focus on the Buchla 281 (and briefly compare to the Tiptop Audio version features).

00:00 Overview
02:06 Self Cycling Mode
04:08 Trigger Mode
05:00 Gate Mode
05:55 Chaining Functions
08:22 Modulating the Modulator
09:22 Or's
11:45 Quadrature Mode
13:35 Conclusion, a few words about the Tiptop Audio version
14:27 Bonus ! Let's listen to the 281

5. [The Buchla Series] #4 - Buchla 266 Source of Uncertainty

In this episode, we will focus on the Buchla 266, the random generator that inspired so many others (Wogglebug, Noisering, etc.).

00:00 Introduction
01:01 Noise Source
01:43 Fluctuating Random Voltages
03:10 Quantized Random Voltages
08:49 Stored Random Voltages
13:53 Integrator
16:23 Sample and Hold

6. [The Buchla Series] #5 - Buchla 296 Programmable Spectral Processor

In this episode, we will focus on the Buchla 296, Programmable Spectral Processor.

00:00 Introduction
00:41 Manual Mode
04:16 Comb Filter
06:26 Bandpass Filter
10:30 CV Controlled EQ
12:49 Enveloppe Followers
15:15 Vocoder
18:30 Patches Examples

Velocité - full album (Mike Oldfield meets Air & Tame Impala)

video upload by Caught In Joy

"Inspired by the fluid energy of Tangerine Dream, the layered elegance of Mike Oldfield, and the dreamlike pulse of Air and Tame Impala, this album explores the strange intersections of speed and stillness.

Velocité is a deep, cinematic dive into motion, memory, and momentum—an hour-long journey shaped by analog synths, ambient textures, and hypnotic rhythms.

Created live and mixed with obsessive attention to detail, Velocité captures that fleeting feeling of being in transit—somewhere between the past and the future. Best experienced in one uninterrupted listen.

Composed, mixed and mastered by Caught In Joy. Karol Pokojowczyk uses Bitwig, Moog One, Moog Matriarch, Prophet-10, 3x Moog Mavis, TipTop Buchla modules, Make Noise Strega, Strymon Magneto, Arturia V-Collection and an army of guitar pedals. Performed and recorded live on tape with TEAC 80-8.

Timeline:
00:00:00 - 1. Velocité
00:10:16 - 2. Clockwork Pastoral
00:17:11 - 3. Microfilm Memory
00:26:36 - 4. Carbon Copies of You
00:28:12 - 5. Cigarettes and VU Meters
00:36:02 - 6. Beta Tape Ballet
00:44:34 - 7. Elevator to the Ether Pt.1
00:51:29 - 8. Elevator to Ether Pt.2
00:59:09 - 9. Terminal Lounge"

Buchla Tiptop 264T | ART protocol hacking with XAOC Drezno

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"According to Gur from TTA this was unlikely to work, but 'unlikely' is not impossible. The ART protocol is something like analog encoded digital data used to be transferred over regular patch cables. It carries information that can be used to play quantized notes on an ART capable VCO like the 259t (and obviously the ART series from TTA). I tried using XAOC Drezno to convert the ART signal to bits, and then scramble a few before recoding it back to analog. This is just an experiment and it was a bit too much off-topic for episode 14. It would also make the video too long and nobody's watching the end of long videos anymore. It makes me wonder if this could also work on MIDI data, but that's for another day."

Buchla Tiptop 264t | Buchla 200 Series | Episode 14 | Quad Sample and Hold / Polyphonic Adaptor

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"The original Buchla 264 is a very rare module, released in the 1970's. So it's important to realize it's a very primitive way of adding polyphony to a modular system. It's not that different from an early analog polysynth, where voice cards were used to activate two or more voices from a keyboard 'switch'. This is another fine example of doing easy things the hardest way possible, so there should be some reward in it. Apart from the polyphonic switching mechanism - you'd need four VCO's, four envelopes and four VCA's to switch between. I'll start with four Plaits, which can trigger their own internal LPG while distributing Marbles CV/GATE between them.

Then I used the Buchla LEM 218 keyboard to try and make chords. It didn't work so well, because the 264T is too slow picking the right voltage for the right key-down event. The 218 already outputs quantized notes in the 12-TET scale, so how hard could it possibly be to 'sample' the voltage from the played key and hold it? On the original Buchla 264, people used a gate lag (with the 281 envelope generator), to sample the voltage first, and trigger the hold with an end of cycle, just a few milliseconds later. Fortutnately, the 264 also has track and hold. In this mode, it can simply track the keys from the 218 keyboard, and hold it on key down. Works like a charm!

Regardless, this old-school analog polyphony is a lot of work and requires either a lot of modules, or specialized quad versions of your basic VCO, VCA and Envelope Generator. However, the module provides lots of cool resources you can use on a simpler setup, and results may be even cooler than trying to create polyphony. For instance, the polyphonic adaptor can double as a clock divider, which is missing from the current Buchla/TTA 200 series. It's super useful to clock a delay or sparse event. When combined with the 242 pulser, you could use a 11-step sequence, and pick every 2nd, 3rd or 4th event, creating all kinds of odd variations without changing the 'pins'.

Then there's ART, which is a new digital protocol for tuning a VCO, and sending quantized note and gate information. This requires an ART capable VCO like the 259T. While it's tempting to use two of those, it's much more fun to just use the principal VCO in ART mode, and use the modulation VCO in standard mode. Your voice will be in tune with other sources, but you'd still be able to create some new textures and leads. Quantized notes will steal some of the Buchla magic, so this is a best of both worlds. So if you're not pursuing polyphony (which isn't unwise), the 264 is a great source for stepped random voltages, divisions and quantized notes. Highly recommended for all you generative music lovers."

Buchla/Tiptop 292T RoHS | Buchla 200 series | Episode 13

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"This week, the 292t quad lo-pass gate finally arrived at the EU and the UK, but without the toxic vactrol components. As you may know, vactrols require the use of cadmium, which is mildly radio active and it should not end up in the environment. The 292t RoHS can safely be disposed when it turns out it ain't no Buchla anymore.

In this video I'll do a quick test using both versions but as always, TipTop Audio did a truly amazing job. It still has the magic of the original 292c, but it's a bit quicker because there's no vactrol memory effect. The bad news is that you can't strike it with a short blip, ping or trigger. The good news is that it sounds as tight as a doornail and when you use envelopes, you will not get the feeling it's not a 292.

Still, it's impossble they will respond in the exact same way. Even the original vactrol 292 would expose tiny differences from unit to unit, where the RoHS version will be consistent. I am a huge fan of LPG's and I always assumed you can't have a decent LPG without vactrols. The excellent Natural Gate from Rabid Elephant already proved me wrong a long time ago, and the 292t RoHS confirms it. There's no need to get yourself an 'original' 292t with an illegal import. The EU/UK version is fine!"

Buchla Zollstock

video upload by Ebotronix

"Buchla 200t TipTop Audio,
242t, 2x 292t, 4x 258t, 2x 281t ,2x 207t, 2x 259t, 257t, 266t, 2x 245t, 296t,
Doepfer R2m , Ribbon Controller,A 126-2, with Expander,
A 110-4, A 156, 2x A 177-2,
Mutable Instruments, 4x Shades,
Grendel Formant Filter
4ms, QPL, Peg, DLD,
Tunefish Modular ,2x Ornament and Crime,Dorian Scale,
WMD Time Warp,
Strymon Big Sky MX
12/ 8 time
10.04.2024
video # 2504"