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."

JUST A NOODEL

Published on May 27, 2017 100 Things I Do

"Looking around the studio this week for inspiration I wanted to do something with both the TB-03 and TB-3 in it. While in some ways they cover the same territory (to the anger of a few people that purchased the TB-3 before Roland released the 03) the 3 has a much more diverse sound and effects engine (and a great little step sequencer you can use on other synths).

I used a sample from the Buchla on the OP-1 and the Elektron RYTM just helps keep things together.

To add interest, I had nothing synched to each other, so while the BPM was set to 113 on everything It came down to hitting the start button at the correct time to keep everything moving togeather (the midi lead between the 3 and the RYTM was not set to Sync).

I'm going to take wee break from youtube for a month. I want to get my latest Album finished and I'm just not finding time and energy to get it into a fix mix and master. I might pop up something randomly but the Sunday Videos will be on hold for 4 weeks. Feel free to message me here or on the social platforms if you have any questions between then and now."

208 ToolBox 10 CV Switching

Published on May 22, 2017 Todd Barton

"continuing exploration of Portabellabz' ToolBox and, this time, the BOB (Break Out Box) for the Buchla Music Easel"

All parts here.

Buchla 296e tutorial 9

Published on Nov 4, 2016 Todd Barton

"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."



"Here is a compilation of brief snippets from those feedback experiments."

All parts here.

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 Easel 208 Mega Meta BOB - Cobramatic

Published on Nov 7, 2015 MaXMod -band-

"Easel Mega Meta BOB (Break Out Box) built around the Easel Program Card.
Provides CV input and Random CV switched options to all card controls. Seperate outs for Sequencer Pulse Stages. Pulse, Trigger / Gate inputs to sync Sequencer tempo, random CV timing, Pulser and EG triggers."

Full details on MaXMod

"Here is a full list of the features:

Pulse outs for each Sequencer Stage (with LED) – Banana’s on top and 3.5mm Jacks (mounted on the back)
Sequencer 2-3-4 switch to gain access to 2 step mode
Sequencer No. of steps CV control in (with Attenuator)
Sequencer random No. of steps switch (controllable with the Attenuator)
Sequencer Advance One step button (useful for tuning the steps CV out and having 5 preset voltage sources). Hold down for ‘glitch’ addressing.

Pulse trigger in’s (via banana and 3.5mm jacks) to:
Sequencer,
Envelope Generator,
Pulser
Random CV generator rate
(All Extremely useful for syncing with external gear)

EG:
Attack CV in (with Attenuator) plus Switch to use card random CV source directly
Sustain CV in (with Attenuator) plus Switch to use card random CV source directly
Decay CV in (with Attenuator) plus Switch to use card random CV source directly

Mod Oscillator:
CV in to Wave shape
Switch for Random wave shape
Switch for Random Modulation Mode (FM, AM, none)
Switch for Random Hi/Lo mode – fantastic for creating rubbery random wobbles on baselines

Complex Oscillator:
CV in to Wave shape
Switch for Random Wave shape
CV in to Wave morph (Sine to selected wave shape)
Switch for Random Wave morph

VCA / LPG’s
Switch to Randomise LPG 1 Mode (VCA, Combo, LPG)
Switch to Randomise LPG 2 Mode (VCA, Combo, LPG)
(These patches I have not seen elsewhere but are awesome to use on Sequencer patterns to really add life to them)

Midi Clock-in (with CV controlled Clock divisions and Din Sync Out) - Coming SOON!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Oberheim OB-12 Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Custom Blue Buchla Style Knobs

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

via this auction

"Oberheim ob 12 for sale in fairly good condition complete with manual and a flight case that it has been stored in when not in use. Few marks on ends and small dink on face underneath the high/6k graphic slider - see photo's. Display light flickers every now and again and sometimes goes off but comes back on again when synth next on - new display unit for sale on E-bay -otherwise all working."

An interesting side note is you can see the side panels are grey painted wood. I have an OB-12 and I swear on mine the grey panels feel plastic/synthetic. I obviously don't want to scratch it to check. The undersides have a gap that that make the panels thin enough to dig into your fingers when moving. If you have an OB-12 I'd be curious to know what yours are like.

Another interesting side note regarding the Buchla style knobs is I believe there were only two Oberheim synths after the original company folded. The Gibson Oberheim OB-Mx co-designed by Don Buchla and the Viscount Oberheim OB-12.

It does look nice with the blue knobs. It reminds me I am going to likely need new knobs for my XTk. The originals are beginning to break down and feel sticky.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Exquisite Dialog

"Here is a fun experiment and dialog between Todd Barton (Buchla 200e) in Oregon and Ryan Gaston (Serge Modular Music System) at CalArts in California.

Over spring break Todd and Ryan engaged in the Surrealist parlor game known as the Exquisite Corpse en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exquisite_corpse

It began with a single minute of composed material on the Buchla of which only the final 10 seconds was sent to Ryan and his Serge. Then Ryan composed a one minute segment and sent along just the last 10 seconds. This process continued until we had a 6 minute piece. Neither of us heard the entire piece until all the segments were finished. What you here hear are all the pieces edited together in the final composition: Exquisite Dialog
Enjoy!
Be sure to check out Ryan's soundcloud:
soundcloud.com/search?q=ryan%20gaston"

Flame 4 Vox P2 gene

Published on Nov 17, 2014 Ebotronix

Flame 4 Vox, Fox P2 gene, Speech Synthesis, Beta Test 18
Buchla System #1
EMS Synthi E hihat noises & break pings
Moog Prodigy subbass, CP251, MP 201
Kenton Pro 2000 4 Voice Polyphonic Mode
Rane SM 26
Rocktron Rack Interface
Yamaha KX 25, MCS 2
Mackie the mixer
FX: Akai MCF 42, Lexicon MPX 100, PCM 90, TC M one XL
Logic Ultrabeat kick & rim, 12/8 time,bpm 230
vid # 1181

droneform break

Published on May 3, 2014 zack dagoba·273 videos

"Buchla 100 track by Benge. Taken from the album Loop Series One. http://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com/album/...

See http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.... for more info"

Industrial Radio Midi Bass Guitar

Beta testing of IR midi bass "imprint" technology

Published on Mar 31, 2014 MIM Men Imitating Machines·12 videos

The two videos in this post make you wonder what things might be like if the guitar was the very first interface for synthesizers in the early days, back when it all began with Moog & Buchla deciding what the interface should be.

"Jarman got to hang out with Steve Chick from Industrial Radio, makers of the midi bass and do some beta testing of the new firmware and midi break out box. This is a cut back version of hours of playing and discussion of all thing midi bass, life, love and the new firmware featuring 'IMPRINT' the next generation of midi bass."

Note Steve Chick is the man that designed the Peavey Paradox analog synth just posted here. There's actually one other post on Industrial Radio here on MATRIXSYNTH from back in 2009.

via Industrial Radio:

"Industrial Radio is the home of the Midi Bass, a bass guitar that combines classic bass design with unbeatable MIDI controller functionality. Each Midi Bass is a finely-crafted electric bass guitar fitted with Industrial Radio's unique FretSense™ midi system which provides incredibly low latency midi tracking on all notes. The Midi Bass is highly playable and allows you to combine your regular basss sound with synth sounds."


In the studio with some novation heritage samples.

Published on Mar 3, 2014

"A little bit of live skweee MiM are working on for the set for their 2014 European Tour. All sounds in the track were made with the classic Novation sample library. The guys use midi drums and midi bass to play electronica live using ableton live. The envelopes of the bass and live visuals are controlled by the kick and snare in real time........so much future."

Birds Won't Get In My Way

Published on Apr 2, 2014 Oxix52·51 videos

"Took a break from work for a little Buchla doodling. The main lead sound is the 261e being FM'd by the mod osc. The location on the 222e controls the fm index. As I slide my finger up, it decreases the index and bends the pitch up. Everything is going through the 277c delay. The 261e is also going through the 297 infinite phase shifter. The R pad is controling a bit of timbre vibrato on the 261e via the 256e and modulemodule lfo."

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!"

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 break tip 251e

Published on Aug 5, 2013 Todd Barton·112 videos

"I'm using contact mics to trigger short independent sequences on the 251e. of course, you could trigger much longer (100 step) sequences. only limited by your imagination. . ."

buchla break tip-attenuation explained

See the update in this post.

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."

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."

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..."

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"