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.

264t snippets

video upload by Todd Barton

"Casual experiments with the new Tiptop Audio Buchla 264t Quad S & H.

My Patreon: / synthtodd"

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.

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."

200t texture 6

video upload by Todd Barton

"A little patch with the Tiptop/Buchla modules. Enjoy!

My Patreon: / synthtodd"

242t drm mach unfolded

video upload by Todd Barton

"A brief tutorial on this "drum machine" patch whose core is the Tiptop Buchla 242t Programmable Pulser.

My Patreon: / synthtodd"

Tiptop AutoPlay

video upload by Todd Barton

"A little automatic playing patch with Tiptop Buchla modules.

My Patreon: / synthtodd"

Buchla & Tiptop Audio 259t Now Shipping

video uploads by Todd Barton

Maybe the BUCHLA & TIPTOP AUDIO system can make TECHNO. Let's see it. Modular synthesis- patch notes

video upload by Flat Round Modular Music

"Here I've tried to make a decent drum kit without dedicated module. And extend sequences to more than the limitation of only five steps."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Press release follows:

Here comes the beast, Model 259t, and it's now shipping to shops, priced at $529. Preorders open today through our dealers, and we are excited to start shipping them out. A bit of history about this unit: In 1978, Don Buchla invented the 259 Complex Oscillator, an ambitious project that turned out to be one of the best-sounding and most capable analog oscillators ever created for sound design and music. It became a centerpiece of most 200 systems made, and now it is being added to the 200t Eurorack system as well.

At this point, we want to thank the people who helped us create this module, starting with Kurt Kurasaki, who was kind enough to send us samples from his 70s 259 to compare. He also tested prototypes and provided valuable feedback. Special thanks to Ryan Gaston, who helped ensure that all graphic elements on the panel were checked. And of course, Todd Barton, for providing his valuable feedback.

CLICK FOR MORE »

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 »

Tiptop Buchla LoPass as HiPaas

video upload by Todd Barton

"Food for thought and discussion.

My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/synthtodd"

Tiptop 207t Demo 1

video upload by Todd Barton

"Coming the end of January the Tiptop Audio/Buchla 207t Mixer/Preamp.
This is just a quick demo. Enjoy!"

Melodic Pattern Permutations

video upload by Todd Barton

"This tip also works with the Tiptop Buchla modules. Enjoy!
My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/synthtodd"

Tiptop Buchla Riff

video upload by Todd Barton

"A fun punchy patch.
My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/synthtodd"

296t Kellish

video upload by Todd Barton

"A little Krell patch exploiting the affordances of the Tiptop Audio/Buchla 296t Spectral Processor."

1 minute vocoder tutorial

video upload by Todd Barton

"The Tiptop Audio/Buchla 296t Programmable Spectral Processor makes vicodins easy."

296t 2 minute tutorial

video upload by Todd Barton

"This is the basics of the patch I posted yesterday" [posted here]

Tiptop Buchla Tip

video upload by Todd Barton

"Envelope fun and getting rests in the sequencer with the 257t CV Processor.

My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/synthtodd"

Buchla Model 292 Quad Lo Pass Gates Eurorack Module by Tiptop Audio - Pics & Details

You've likely seen Todd Barton's recent Tiptop Buchla 292t videos. For those curious, the t denotes Tiptop Audio. Buchla clone modules are often referred to their makers by a letter: v for Mark Verbos, r for Roman Filippov of Black Corporation, j for J3RK, and d for Djangosfire. c denoted the original modules, and e new modules, by Don Buchla.

Details on the 292t via Tiptop Audio:

“It will be very interesting to see what can be done when light controls sound”. That probably was Don’s Buchla first thought when he saw the photo resistor. It seems it didn’t take him long to come up with a great idea using that electronic part and in 1970 he had already finished making his first batch of Model 292 Quad Lo Pass Gates. Why Quad? Because one was so awesome so four of them will mega awesomeness and if they can also be used to create quadrature speaker installations then hell yea!

Don really nailed it with the 292 and the way the lo pass gate provides a natural damping envelope to incoming audio is one of the greatest inventions ever made in analog audio.

Fast-forward to the year is 2023, and we are now very excited to recreate the legendary Model 292 again. In 2023 proper Vactrols are very hard to find, so we end up designing the Vactrols ourselves and the 292t uses 8 hand made Vactrols that are tailored specifically for LPG sound.

The first batch of 292t is now shipping to our dealers and pre-orders should open soon. We are very happy about it and as always are looking forward to see what you will do with them.

The user manual is already on the website so you can check it for more information. Our dear friend Todd Barton, who helped beta test the module, has videos on his You Tube channel worth looking as he explains the 292t in detail.

Vactrols will not stay with us for much longer: they are a very old technology that is getting banned in more and more countries due to the content of cadmium in them. So Don’s invention form 1970 needs to be reinvented for this century, and we are already deep into some serious experiments on alternative circuits that will help keep that wonderful sound of the low pass gate alive in the future. We hope to have this version available later this year.

And one last note, this coming May 11-13 Tiptop Audio will exhibit at Superbooth in Berlin. We have some products many of you are waiting for and some things that you never seen before, so stay tuned."

Buchla Tiptop Audio 292t LoPass Gate

video upload by Todd Barton

"A brief overview and some tips and tricks with the new Buchla-Tiptop Audio 292t Quad LoPass Gate. Enjoy!

Tiptop: https://tiptopaudio.com/buchla/
My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/synthtodd"

Tiptop Buchla 245t to Cycle 281t

video upload by Todd Barton

"Using the 245t Sequencer to engage the Cycling input on the 281t then sending that to various parameters on the 258t Dual Oscillator. Basically taking a nondescript sequence and giving is it some dramatic character.

My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/synthtodd"

Tiptop Time

video upload by Todd Barton

"Using most of the Tiptop Buchla modules plus the Tiptop Z-DSP Signal Processor."