Buchla 296e Tutorials & Demos by Todd Barton

Published on Oct 14, 2016 Todd Barton

Playlist:

1. Buchla 296e tutorial 01

"I plan on doing a little series of tutorials on the workings of the Buchla 296e Spectral Processor. This is the first."

2. Buchla 296e tutorial 02

"This is the second episode in my series on the basics of the Buchla 296e Spectral Processor, and focuses on morphing. I am simply going through the 3 page "manual" that you can download at buchla.com go to Support tab and look for 200e User's Guide. I am also posting these on my Buchla Blog of easy access: http://toddbarton.com/category/buchla..."

3. Buchla 296e tutorial 03

"continuing with my little tutorial series on the Buchla 296e Spectral Processor, this time looking at the Split Filter function."

4. Buchla 296e tutorial 04

"Looking at the Comb Filter and some more at the Split Filtering function of the Buchla 296e Spectral Processor."

5. Buchla 296e tutorial 05

"continuing with my Buchla 296e Spectral Processor tutorials, this one on the Spectral Display and the Envelope Followers."

6. Buchla 296e tutorial 06

"continuing the series with Voltage Controlled Bandwidth Filters."

7. Buchla 296e tutorial 07

"Methodically going through all the functions of the Buchla 296e Spectral Processor. this episode on Spectral Transfers. For best audio of the two examples go to:

https://soundcloud.com/user7621213/29...
and
https://soundcloud.com/user7621213/bu..."

8. Buchla 296e tutorial 08

"Episode 8 of my series of basic tutorial on the Buchla 296e. This time I look at Sampled Envelopes."

9. Buchla 296e tutorial 9

"I'm really excited about this tutorial! Having methodically covered the Buchla 296e manual in episodes 1-8, I took a break and explored new territory beyond the manual. This time looking to see if the 296e would feedback on itself. It does! and it is amazing! Enjoy."

SoundCloud demo here: https://soundcloud.com/user7621213/spectral-feedback-sampler

10. Buchla 296e Transfer Test

"This is a test, just scrolling through the Transfer Mode settings on the Buchla 296e Spectral Processor. Better audio here: https://soundcloud.com/user7621213/bu..."

11. Buchla Percussive Lava Lamp

"more research and exploration of the Buhla 296e Spectral Processor. Be sure to hear the better, stereo audio here: https://soundcloud.com/user7621213/bu..."

12. Playing the Buchla 296e

"Using clock divided and processed pulses and CVs to sculpt a little S&H sequence heard right at the beginning of the video. Better audio: soundcloud.com/user7621213/296e-vca-dance"

13. Spectral Transfer Transmissions

"this is based on two static sounds whose shifting timbres are creating spectral arrays. the fast bubbly sounds are being created from specific envelop followers of specific frequencies. better audio: soundcloud.com/user7621213/spectral-transfer-transmissions"

14. Buchla Spectral Krell

"better audio here: soundcloud.com/user7621213/spectral-krell
The 296e is analyzing a low, varying pitched triangle wave and the envelopes outputs are opening and closing VCAs on the 292e. . . the same envelopes are triggering random voltage generators that go to the oscillators."

15. Buchla Spectral Krell ii

"more Spectral Krell, this time just a short teaser. for a much longer audio of same: soundcloud.com/user7621213/spectral-krell-ii"

Buchla Ships Model 257e Multi-Function Control Voltage Processor

"August 8, 2013, Grants Pass, Oregon: Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments (BEMI), the legendary innovator and manufacturer of expressive instruments designed for electronic music performance, today announced the availability of the highly- anticipated 257e Control Voltage Processor. The new module, which combines enhanced elements of the venerable 256e with six channels of voltage-controlled slewing, affords users an array of powerful control functions suitable for use in a wide range of musical and sound-sculpting applications.

256e users will be familiar with the upper section
of the module, which includes dual sets of high-resolution voltage inputs and outputs along with intuitive controls for performing mathematical operations on the voltages as they pass from the input to the output stages. Voltage levels are represented graphically by a grid, with the input and output levels independently settable, along with programmable break points that allow the user to precisely define the voltage level at any given point in the input-to-output signal path.

The lower portion of the module features three channels of dual-input voltage-controllable slew processors. The applications for slew-rate processing are myriad, from real-time dynamic adjustments of envelope segments to programmable vibrato/tremolo onset-delay to portamento. The inclusion of pulse outputs on each channel allows events, such as sequencer start/stop/advance, to be triggered as the skew voltages reach their maximum positive and negative values.

The 257e has a Iist price of $1,450. It is available from select Buchla dealers in the U.S. and Canada, via BEMI distributors in Europe, Japan, and Australia, or directly from Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments (contact sales@buchla.com).

For more information on Buchla products, please visit BEMI at www.buchla.com.

* * * *

About Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments

Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments, LLC, is the new incarnation of Buchla & Associates, the world renowned designer and manufacturer of advanced electronic musical instruments. Company CTO Don Buchla is known as the co-inventor of the analog synthesizer, and has been the creator of highly innovative electronic music tools for over 50 years. www.buchla.com"

Buchla Opens First-Ever European Distribution & Service Center

"April 10, 2013, Musikmesse, Frankfurt, Germany: Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments (BEMI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex4 Distribution GmbH as exclusive European distributor for all BEMI products, including the 200e-series modular synthesizer system and the new Music Easel Electronic Music Box. Effective immediately, all European Buchla fans and customers can turn to Alex4 for everything from full systems to individual modules and parts, as well as for outstanding repair service.

Attendees of this week's Musikmesse Frankfurt show are invited to visit Alex4 on Stand C51 in Hall 5.1 to check out samples from the current BEMI product lineup, including the Skylab 10-panel modular synthesizer, a custom-configured 18-panel 200e system, and the reissue of the revered Music Easel, a portable, performance-oriented instrument with a break-through price point that has put the synth on everyone's "must-have" list.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to have Alex4 stocking and selling all of our products," noted Lewis Chiodo, a BEMI managing partner and the company's director of international sales. "Alex4 and their sister company Schneidersladen have long been the go-to companies for innovative, high-end electronic music products, and we're extremely pleased to now have Buchla instruments so expertly represented in Europe."

Alex4 will also be responsible for providing repair service throughout the continent---a real bonus for Buchla users who, until now, needed to ship modules back to the U.S. for servicing.

For more information, please visit BEMI at www.buchla.com, Alex4 at www.alex4.de, and Schneidersladen at www.schneidersladen.de.

About Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments:

Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments, LLC, is the new incarnation of Buchla & Associates, the world renowned designer and manufacturer of advanced electronic musical instruments. Company CTO Don Buchla is known as the co-inventor of the analog synthesizer, and has been the creator of highly innovative electronic music tools for over 50 years.

About Alex4 Distribution GmbH:

Based in Berlin, Germany, Alex4 is the distribution arm of the long-established synth shop, Schneidersladen. Alex4 specializes in unique analog synthesizers and innovative musical hardware from specialist manufacturers."

Serge Break No-1

Published on Mar 2, 2013 Todd Barton·91 videos

"This is the first in what will be a very ad hoc and sporadic series of Serge Breaks -- looking at different patches and aspects of the mighty Serge Modular Music System. This first one is an attempt to translate my Buchla Break No. 9 patch into Serge-speak. Buchla Break No. 9 is here for comparison: http://youtu.be/2GGmukC0jro"

Looping the Buchla

Published on Nov 12, 2012 by vgermuse

"A friend requested a basic intro to how I personally use a looper pedal with my Buchla. To keep things simple I am just using a Buchla 259e oscillator, a Boss RC-20 Loop Station pedal, and a very cheap videocam mixer.

Also my other youtube videos Buchla Break and Live Buchla Improv Concert are examples of looping the Buchla

More looping"

Buchla Breaking the Mold

One of the achilles heels of digital virtual analog synthesis has always been aliasing. Another has been the precision of digital oscillators and of course stepping. Buchla has always sat on the pinacle of analog modular synthesis. Buchla is considered to be the holy grail along with only handful of others. Buchlas have always been considered to break the mold when it comes to synthesis and design. What I find fascinating and am coming to realize is that the new Buchla 200e just might be breaking another mold. The mold of aliasing and digital oscillators and their negative perception. I posted earlier on Buchla's digital oscillators. I was just reading the Keyboard Magazine Review on the Buchla 200e (title link), and I just read the following:

"Did he say “digital?” Yes, the 259e is a digital oscillator. Analog purists may not be pleased about this. I’m happy to have lots of waveforms at my fingertips, but I found that many of the wavetable combinations produced aliasing. Pure sine waves, which don’t alias, are available among the waveforms, and it was possible to coax some sweet tones out of the 259e, especially at low warp settings and at lower pitches. However, the higher-pitched tones of most of the waveforms alias spectacularly, making them ideal for edgy, glitchy mixes but not desirable for traditional definitions of “beautiful.” According to Buchla, this design was intentional."

So, if the Buchla does it...

Buchla Break X

Published on Mar 15, 2013 Todd Barton·98 videos

"This Buchla Break focuses on a live 2 module improv using Buchla 259e and 292e plus Boss Loopstation and Eventide Space. You can just the audio portion taken directly from this video (so not great quality) here: http://soundcloud.com/user7621213/buc..."

Buchla Break No. 5

Published on Dec 14, 2012 by Todd Barton

"Every Friday at 9 a.m. PST at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/buchlabot (that stream has better video quality but has commercials) I'm going to try and do a 10-15 improv or patchplay and continue the discussion later at the Buchla, EMS & Serge forum at muffwiggler.com. A slightly higher resolution video is available and archived at the above ustream url
cheers, Todd"

Buchla Break

Buchla 'Suitcase' System + Extras

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Complete portable 10U Buchla modular system in excellent condition. This system is akin to a Buchla Skylab with a bevy of extras: banana & audio cables, 1U boat, USB card, etc.

All in great shape excluding small scratch to paint on lid as shown. All modules should be running up-to-date firmware. No plans to break up the system. Thanks for looking!

Includes following:
(6) Buchla & Associates modules:
266e Source of Uncertainty
291e Triple Morphing Filter
206e Mixer/Preset Manager
230e Triple Envelope Tracker
250e Arbitrary Function Generator/Sequencer
259e Complex Oscillator
(2) BEMI half modules w/ bracket:
281h Dual Function Generator
292h Dual Lowpass Gate
(1) Studio.H Control Signal Router module
(1) EDV-Technik MUC810 Polyphonic Midi Converter module w/ DIY Altoids breakout box
(1) optional 1U boat, plate & PSU for MUC810
(1) Butcher 10U Easel-style case with detachable lid, power cable and extension cord
(1) Low Gain Electronics UTL-1/2 Format Jumbler Utility Box
(1) Buchla USB & Firmware card
(1) Buchla card jack
(2) Pomona patch cable holders (no mic stand included)
(35) banana CV cables 8"-36"
(4) shorting bars
(14) Tini-jax audio cables 8"-48"
(18) Tiptop stackable 1/8" cables
(2) Tini-Jax to 1/4" cable
(3) Buchla boxes (206e, 292h, 250e)
Assorted extra Rogan and Selco knobs"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Buchla Break-7 improv

Published on Dec 28, 2012 Todd Barton·71 videos

"This is the final Buchla Break of 2012, a free improv. I'll be back sometime in 2013 with more: tba. Thanks for checking in these past couple of months. Have a wonderful and creative New Year!"

259e wavetables

Published on Dec 21, 2012 by Todd Barton

"This is a brief look at the 259e wavetables to make up for a poor camera angle on Buchla Break No. 6. Watch this video first then go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/buchlabot
to see Buchla Break no. 6"

Buchla Format Kilpatrick 4816 Pattern Generator

via this auction
"Buchla-format CV and MIDI Pattern Generator

Building on the success of the K4815 Pattern Generator originally designed for Eurorack, the K4816 offers Buchla users this amazing module with a design optimised for this high-end format. The K4816 Pattern Generator by Kilpatrick Audio packs incredible power into a single space module. The K4816 can produce notes and varying control voltages for a wide range of musical and experimental sound applications. Its unique approach to music creation is sure to have you finding new melodies and rhythms never heard before. Unlike a step sequencer, where the player picks each note in a sequence, the K4816 creates sequences by combining a scale, a visual pattern (as shown on the display) and a sequence playback motion to determine the rhythms and notes that are actually played. Other parameters can adjust the note and sequence length, as well as the transposition, direction of playback, and so on.

In addition to features found on the original K4815 Pattern Generator, the K4816 adds new CV inputs: Pattern Type, Motion Start and Motion Length. These allow unprecedented real-time control over the playback position and currently enabled spaces on the grid. The Offset In allows for easy mixing of an external voltage with the CV output for FM and other effects. And the clock Start, Continue and Stop jacks provide pulse inputs for controlling the clock and resetting playback position. You can even control the internal high-stability clock generator via analog pulses or MIDI.

The K4816 is also fully MIDI compatible. With a built-in MIDI interface and extensive MIDI implementation, the K4816 can bridge the gap between analog and MIDI control. For instance, clock control pulses generate MIDI clock messages automatically. And the Motion Start, Motion Length and Pattern Type inputs generate MIDI control change messages on the MIDI out jack, and these parameters respond to MIDI too. You can also use a MIDI keyboard to start, stop and transpose the patterns in realtime and reverse the playback direction. In X/Y output mode you can generate control change messages and stepped voltages instead of notes.
Pattern Generation Concept

New ways of creating melodies and control signals help to break new ground in music and sound. The K4816 helps you explore new melodies and rhythms using a unique concept of generating patterns. Unlike random pattern generators or ones based on various mathematical concepts, the K4816 bases its music-making foundation on simple scales, visually-designed patterns, and intellectually-designed motions. These three elements can be controlled by the player in realtime to create an enormous variety of sounds. And it is done in a visual way that is fun to use. Everything happens on the 8x8 LED matrix, which is both a visual indicator and a conceptual view of how the system works internally. Scales, patterns and motions are all mapped to points on the matrix, which show in realtime exactly what is happening.

The K4816 concept can be thought of as three distinct layers:

Scales - Underneath the 8x8 LED matrix are the notes which are assigned to each of the 64 points on the grid. The selected scale can be major or minor, large or small. These are selected with the maj/min and large/small switches. Only four choices might seem like a limitation, but what happens on the other two layers ultimately affects the rhythms and melodies that are produced.
Patterns - Patterns are visually designed icons, symbols and patterns which define which notes will play. They are shown in the background at all times. There are 32 patterns which can be selected with the PATTERN TYPE knob or an external voltage. If a point on the 8x8 LED matrix is lit, the underlying scale note is active. If the playback ball lands on that point, its note will play.
Motions - Motions define how a sequence is played. Each motion defines up to 64 steps in a sequence. Each step can land on any of the points on the 8x8 LED matrix. If a step lands on a point which is lit, a note will play. There are 64 different motions, some sequential and musically-designed, and others more abstract or geometrically-designed. By using MIDI it is possible transpose the scale, and also to start and stop motion playback with note commands, changing the K4816 into a special type of auto-arpeggiator.

The K4816 Pattern Generator is only available for a limited time. Special thanks to Hugh, wizard Buchla user and collaborator who encouraged and helped to make this special module possible.
Features and Specs

Buchla form-factor with 7" height, 1 space (4.25") wide
Musical note, control and clock signals generated using unique methods
64 LED (8x8) multi-brightness grid to show patterns and status
Clock control via internal clock, or external MIDI or analog clock
Clock, Direction, Start, Continue and Stop inputs (10V pulses, or 10V held for Direction)
Motion Start, Motion Length, and Pattern Type CV inputs (0-10V range)
Offset Input actively mixes (analog) with CV/X output for transposition or modulation
CV/GATE or X/Y analog outputs (0V to 10V range)
CV is 1.2V/octave - 8 octave range
GATE supports Buchla-style trigger pulse / sustain waveform for controlling 281e, etc.
Built-in MIDI input supports note, CC and clock control over MIDI
Built-in MIDI output to drive synths and sequencers, and use as a CV to MIDI interface
Comes equipped with a Buchla power cable - requires +15V, -15V and +5V for operation
Designed and made in Canada using high quality parts."

Kilpatrick Audio K4815 Pattern Generator Back in Buchla & Mini 200e System

Note the K4815 on the left.  The mini system pictured features the K4816, 1979 Dao, and a Buchla 267e via Noisebug.

"In-stock now. Ships immediately.

Introductory Price: $950
(through 12/31/18)
2019 Retail Price: $1099

Building on the success of the K4815 Pattern Generator originally designed for Eurorack, the K4816 offers Buchla users this amazing module with a design optimised for this high-end format. The K4816 Pattern Generator by Kilpatrick Audio packs incredible power into a single space module. The K4816 can produce notes and varying control voltages for a wide range of musical and experimental sound applications. Its unique approach to music creation is sure to have you finding new melodies and rhythms never heard before. Unlike a step sequencer, where the player picks each note in a sequence, the K4816 creates sequences by combining a scale, a visual pattern (as shown on the display) and a sequence playback motion to determine the rhythms and notes that are actually played. Other parameters can adjust the note and sequence length, as well as the transposition, direction of playback, and so on.

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Buchla Music Easel Videos by Todd Barton

New Buchla Music Easel Break No. 0
Published on Sep 7, 2013 Todd Barton·114 videos

"just plugged it in. . ."

Update:

Easel Break No. 0-2
Published on Sep 7, 2013

"melodic meanderings"

Easel Break No 0 3
Published on Sep 7, 2013

"the beauty of Buchla . . . lots of CV ins to the Oscillator and tons of "feel good" sliders!"

Djangosfire 121D Buchla Format Joystick Demo

121D demo no. 1

Published on Dec 15, 2012

"A very simple demo using the Djangosfire joysitck module 121D to cross modulate oscillators, vary the attack parameter and bring reverb in and out."

Update:

121D demo no. 2

Published on Dec 15, 2012

"Looking at a question from Buchla Break No. 5: can the OR's settings be modulated? No. But the Attack and Decay settings A and B can be modulated :-) In this case I'm using the Djangosfire 121D joystick module to change the Attack speed on A and B."

Buchla Break no. 4 recap

Published on Dec 3, 2012 by vgermuse
"Every Friday at 9 a.m. PST at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/buchlabot (that stream has better video quality but has commercials) I'm going to try and do a 10-15 improv or patchplay and continue the discussion later at the Buchla, EMS & Serge forum at muffwiggler.com. A slightly higher resolution video is available and archived at the above ustream url
cheers, Todd"

Buchla Break with Todd No. 1

Published on Nov 9, 2012 by vgermuse

"Every Friday at 9 a.m. PST I'm going to try and do a 10-15 improv or patchplay and continue the discussion later at the Buchla, EMS & Serge forum at muffwiggler.com
cheers, Todd"

Buchla 208p Music Easel Sketch "It Never Gets Any Easier"

Published on Aug 6, 2018 Heath Aldrich

"After spending almost 4 hours on the phone trying to figure out why my insurance denied my claim and how to fix it, I needed a Buchla break.

Simple patch, that gets sort of weird, but overall pretty. Sort of like life."

Mycelium Symposium March 2021 - Modular/Virtual Modular Performances, Workshops, and Presentations

video by Omri Cohen

You can find additional resources from Omri Cohen at https://www.patreon.com/omricohen

"So this is the first Mycelium Symposium, an online event dedicated to modular and virtual modular.
Here is a rough timetable of the performances, workshops, and presentations :

This is all in the CET time zone (GMT+1)
18.00 - Performance, Giovanni Gramegna (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcTH...​)
18.16 - Performance, Stellar 53 - Journey to Saturn (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdk2...​)
18.28 - Presentation, VCV Rack Ideas - Ambient Techno Patch in VCV Rack (https://www.youtube.com/vcvrackideas​)
18.40 - Performance, Zen Wires - Welcoming Spring (https://modularzen.com/​)
18.56 - Break
19.06 - Performance, Pyer - right on time (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC74_...​)
19.20 - Performance, Rheyne - Unsettled Evocation (https://www.youtube.com/user/RheyneMusic​)
19.36 - Presentation, Jakub Ciupinski - VCV Rack Hacks (http://www.jakubciupinski.com/​)
19.47 - Performance, Synthikat - Zen Garden (https://www.youtube.com/synthikat​)
19.59 - Workshop, Pyer - Suzanne Ciani’s Buchla Cookbook in VCV Rack (https://www.pyer.be/ciani.html​)
20.15 - Break
20.25 - Workshop, Instruō - Patching the Cš-L in VCV Rack (https://www.instruomodular.com/​)
21.06 - Performance, Deev Bennes - Sublingual (https://www.youtube.com/user/deevje​)
21.23 - Break
21.33 - Workshop, Sarah Belle Reid - Acoustic Instruments and VCV Rack (https://www.patreon.com/sarahbellereid​ / https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/​)
21.49 - Performance, Martin Lueders - La-vie (https://www.youtube.com/user/mlu2006​)
22.07 - Presentation, Hora Music - Deep and Bicephalous (https://www.hora-music.be/​)
22.15 - Performance, BrokenSines - Californium (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjec...​)
22.37 - Presentation - Midilar (https://midilar-controller.webnode.sk/​)
22.52 - Break
23.02 - Workshop, The Klirrfaktor - Why and How to code your first VCV Rack module (http://klirrfactory.com/​)
23.51 - Performance, Omri Cohen - Rain keeps falling"

delusions of the buchlidian fury

Published on Apr 23, 2013

"for better audio of this patch:
http://soundcloud.com/user7621213/del..."



Update: patch explained:

buchla break tip-attenuation
Published on Apr 25, 2013

"A very quick tip on using attenuation via the Buchla 257 to change "orchestration/intrumentation" of a polyrhythmic pattern."