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."

Ancient Passage

video upload by davidryle

"This basis of this project was between the new Synthetic Sound Labs 1655 Geo-Gruvn euclidean sequencer and a few different Low Pass Filter modules. The new SSL 1015 LPG with the cadmium sulfide CdS element, the Mega Ohm Audio CdS VCF/A module and the Cyndustries Quad Low Pass Gates module. The Cyndustries module was enhanced by Phil from Mega Ohm Audio to be much more responsive. A big change and very useful.

The Geo-Gruvn module from SSL is an adaption of the Hagiwo board and was also enhanced to provide a more efficient response all the way to audio rate clocking.

The main orchestration automation module in this piece was with the synthesizers.com Q170 Midi Gates module. The use of eight channels of midi gate streams from Cubase were the way each section were enabled on and off. My hands-on modulation was simplified to allow me to change timbre, filter settings and delay rates with ease.

The center section featured the Dove Mu-Seq D900 sequencer for a pattern which began by me running the sequencer in reverse and recording the track to Cubase, then reversing it back into the mix. I started with the Woven Spirits (MI Plaits) at a higher octave and drew it down until it matched the timbre for the rest of the midsection.

The last part was the dual Matrix run into a pair of quantizer modules in which I timed the pitch voltage outputs with the Geo-Gruvn gate outs. These voices were the Dotcom Q206 and Q206A modules through the Frequency Central X Series Low Pass Filter and an Empress Reverb pedal.

Other delays included the Modcan 73B dual delay with loads of modulation, and the SSL 1310 Digital Delay.

The opening drone is a feedback from the TipTop Audio Z-DSP VC-Digital Signal Processor with the Halls of Valhalla chipset in Plate Reverb mode. This drone also arose in the center section.

A pair of frequency shifter modules (Encore Electronics and Behringer Bode Clone) were used for the Snare and Hi Hats enhancement. The kit drums were the LDB-2E Analog Drums from Delptronics and the TipTop SD808. They were sequenced from the Mutable Instruments Grids module and a pair of Turing Machines and an MI Marbles module."

TipTop Polyphonic Modular + ASM Hydrasynth : "Entangled State" by gattobus

video upload by gattobus

"This track came out of the blue while I was playing and experimenting with TipTop Audio Poly Modular System and my ASM Hydrasynth.

This patch sounds organic and deep, a perfect blend between analog and digital!

I loaded a custom wavetable on TTA Vortex 6 then I set up a classic signal path going through the poly filter (TTA Octopass) and the poly vca (TTA Octogain). Then I added some external modulations coming from Hydrasynth CV outs, which turned out to be the best keyboard controller for this incredible system!

Star of the show is TTA Resonator that adds a very organic and ethereal texture to the entire patch!

These are the modules in my system:

Vortex 6 Oscillator
ATX-1 VCO
Octopass Poly Filter
Octostages Poly Envelope x2
Octogain VCA
Octopus USB/MIDI interface
Octo I/O
Octovert
Resonator
Z-DSP 'ZVRB 80' Card.
Mantis Case (black)"

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."

Tiptop Audio booth tour - SUPERBOOTH 2025

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

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.

Eurorack Modular - Post Rearrangement Test May 6 2025

video upload by John L Rice

"Testing the lid of my briefcase Eurorack synth after recent changes. The following brands and modules are used:

Five12 Vector sequencer
Synth Tech E352 VCO and E440 VCF
Bubblesound VCA4p
Erica Synths Black Octasource LFO
CalSynth uPeaks for EGs (clone of Mutable Instruments Peaks)
Tiptop Audio Z5000 for delay and reverb
Circuit Abbey Unify mixer"

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.

TipTop Polyphonic Modular Synthesizer - Presentation/Tutorial by gattobus

video upload by gattobus

"In this video I'm showing you my new TipTop Audio Modular Synth, that will be a permanent part of my studio setup for my music production and sound creation activity.

Many thanks to TitpTop Audio for the support and for sponsoring this video.


00:00 Intro
01:06 Octopus
02:06 Vortex 6
02:39 PolyTip Cable
03:04 Octopass Poly Filter
03:32 Octogain
03:51 Poly Envelopes
04:55 Polyphonic Modular VS Classic Synth
05:45 Let's Jam!!!

Thanks for watching!"

Polyphony Without Spaghetti: TipTop Audio ART Modular

video upload by HAINBACH

"I love new music technology. When I heard about TipTop Audio's new ART system that allows for polyphonic pitch, gate and velocity information to be transferred via regular patch cables and their own multi-tip USB style cables, I was intrigued. I never thought of Eurorack as being a fun tool for polyphony, as it requires a lot of modules and a spaghetti mess of connections. Can this tech change that?"

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

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"

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.

3/5/25 Metasonix TM-1 SE + Buchla 292r 281 258d 244s + Doboz TSNM + Peavey DDL-3 + CXM 1978

video upload by Cfpp0

"For better or worse, we got into 4U Buchla format when we purchased the ZIMM system from Zerosum Inertia last year. And that purchase perfectly coincided with us liquidating the massive Tokyo Tape Music Center Buchla TTMC 100 eurorack system and TipTop Audio & Buchla 200 Eurorack system we had amassed over the years. One of the modules I missed was the handy 106 mixer. We had one by TTMC and one by Catalyst Audio. So we just got this Ebolatone CP-3 Moog mixer in Buchla format. This video was supposed to be a test of that mixer, but I got sidetracked."

Buchla & Tiptop Audio 292t quad LPG (vactrol-free version) demo

video upload by Signal Sounds

Update: (Reuploaded with improved sound!)

"Tiptop Audio have finally released the long-awaited RoHS-compliant version of their Buchla 292t quad low-pass gate for the UK and EU market. The classic module has been redesigned without vactrols, which are now illegal in these territories - but how does it sound? Spoiler alert: pretty good. Tom puts it through its paces in this demo. Buchla bongos ahoy!"

The 292t is vailable here: https://www.signalsounds.com/tiptop-a...

Two New Synthesizer Evolution Books by Oli Freke

Details follow via the author, Oli Freke:

These two new volumes in my Synth Evolution ‘zine series were launched at last weekend’s SynthEast event in Norwich, UK. They are Volume 3: Modern Classics, and Volume 4: Modular Greats. I’ve moved into the 21st Century with these two! As ever, they feature my signature hand-drawn illustrations and are full of facts, figures and tech-specs:

Volume 3: Modern Classics

Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (and Back) author Oli Freke returns with a new volume in his Synthesizer Evolution A6 zine series. The first two volumes (Vintage Synths and Drum Machines & Samplers) focused on vintage electronic instruments from the 1970s and 1980s. Volume three moves into the 21st century, showcasing a selection of the most interesting, impactful, and—arguably—best synthesizers of the past two decades.

The synths in this book celebrate the vast range of sonic possibilities now available to musicians and producers. From analogue wonders to extraordinary digital creations, from tightly designed monosynths to open-ended polyphonic beasts, each one is more marvellous than the last! Also featuring ‘Desert Island Modular’ choices from Robin Vincent, Steve Davis, Panic Girl and more.

https://velocitypress.uk/product/modern-classics-synths/

Alesis Andromeda A6 on the cover.

Volume 4: Modular Greats

The modular resurgence of the past 25 years has been a wonder to behold. Where musicians were once chained to their DAWs, we are now liberated once again to wire, patch, and modulate in the real world, choosing from a mind-boggling array of options.

Modular Greats celebrates the fusion of art, logic, science, and serendipity in modular synthesis, highlighting some of the best-selling, most creative, and most impactful modules of the 21st century. Featured manufacturers include Make Noise, Mutable Instruments, TipTop Audio, Intellijel, Rossum Electro-Music, Doepfer—and many more!

https://velocitypress.uk/product/modular-greats/

Instruo Cs-L on the cover.

Tiptop Audio Polyphonic Modular System - In The Studio

video upload by Tiptop Audio

"To celebrate the release of the first set of Polyphonic modules, the Vortex6, Octogain, Octostages, Octopus, Octovert, and the Polytip Patch Cables—we invited Simone Miceli to join Piero Fragola in his home studio in Florence, Italy, to compose a song. This piece demonstrates how a violin, vocals, and these new Eurorack modules work together to create music.

Except for the vocals and violin, which were recorded separately, all synth voices were captured in a single take from the system in the video. The leading sound in the track is the Vortex6, with all six voices gliding seamlessly between notes.

In a polyphonic synthesizer, we know that the key building blocks like oscillators, filters, and LFOs are hard-wired under the hood of the synth. In modular poly, we open up all the possibilities that modular synthesis provides--IN POLY!
Welcome to the future."

Check with dealers on the right on availability.

TipTop Audio Polyphonic Modular System - "Calypso's dream" by gattobus

video upload by gattobus

"This song was born playing around with TipTop Audio ART Modular System.
This system is so inspiring! It gives you the flexibility of a modular but at the same time the playability of a classic synth.

It's a dream come true for me.

Special thanks to Gur Milstein for giving me the possibility to play it in advance!

These are the modules in my system:

Vortex 6 Oscillator
ATX-1 VCO
Octopass Poly Filter
Octostages Poly Envelope x2
Octogain VCA
Octopus USB/MIDI interface
Octo I/O
Octovert
Resonator
Z-DSP "Halls of Vallhalla" Card.
Mantis Case (black)"