BEMI Easel Aux Card Overview Tutorials

Published on Mar 8, 2017 Todd Barton

"Here is the first batch of tutorials, or maybe best described as a video manual, for the new BEMI Easel Aux Card.

You can download the .pdf manual here: https://buchla.com/downloads/
Enjoy! http://toddbarton.com"

Playlist:
BEMI Easel Aux Card 01 Overview
BEMI Easel Aux Card 02 Audio Oscillator
BEMI Easel Aux Card 03 Mod Oscillator
BEMI Easel Aux Card 04 Tuning
BEMI Easel Aux Card 05 Pulse In
BEMI Easel Aux Card 06 Envelope CV
BEMI Easel Aux Card 07 To Card 1
BEMI Easel Aux Card 08 To Card 2
BEMI Easel Aux Card 09 Mod Osc Tip
BEMI Easel Aux Card 10 Timbre Tip
BEMI Easel Aux Card 11 Krell Card Patch
BEMI Easel Aux Card 12 Tip
BEMI Easel Aux Card 13 Noise Glitch Tip


Buchla Aux Card Experiments and Explorations

Published on Feb 28, 2017 Todd Barton

Playlist:
Buchla Easel Three Oscillators
BEMI Easel Aux Card Simple Patch
BEMI Aux Card Mod Switching

Buchla Easel Card Doubler

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

via this auction

"Original BUCHLA / BEMI 208 EASEL card doubler.

Allows the simultaneous usage of the iProgram card as preset storage / ipad / wifi control and the use of an analog I/O card like the NorthernLightModular cardOC , cardEM or the BUCHAL AUX card.

The card double also provides an I2C terminal for the USB card to allow firmware updates in a shared system.
It also offers mounting holes for it to be installed in the system permanently to prevent the card bus from rocking and to provide strain relief.

cards not included but available upon request"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Program Manager Card for Easel

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

via this auction

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

First pics of one on the site.

You can find demos in previous posts here. "Store your best sonic memories on the EASEL Program Manager Card! The PMC takes full advantage of the program interface, storing up to 48 Easel presets and interfacing with your computer with a class-compliant MIDI connection. The EASEL Program Manager App for Mac and Windows gives you the power to manage banks, create programs, and import and export your presets for sharing.

The program interface’s edge card connector was originally designed to let artists create presets by wiring resistors to a circuit board to fix the positions of the sliders and banana connections. Each preset was its own card. Simply swapping cards in the program interface completely changed the sound. This was valuable, if not outright necessary, to musicians who needed to easily recreate patches for performance and create repertoire. The 2013 “iProgram Card” created a vital link between computer and Easel. Now, in 2022, Buchla USA has refreshed and simplified the design, giving it more memory, embed-ability, and making it easier to use.

While you can still solder up some sounds for all generations of the Easel, the new Program Manager Card provides microcontroller precision and computer convenience. Serving as the digital bridge between your computer’s USB port and the 28 pins of the Program Interface, the PMC gives you instant recall and easy access to 48 unique programs that control almost every parameter and patchpoint on the Easel’s front panel. Repeatability and repertoire are made instantly available."

Todd Barton with Buchla Easel AUX Expander and Easel iProgram Card at NAMM

"The Aux Card offers a noise source that can be variably filtered from full-spectrum White noise down to sub-audio 'Infra-Red' CVs. The auxiliary control oscillator allows the Modulation Oscillator to assume audio duties and can be used as the modulation source for a variety of uses. It can even be modulated itself. An A-440 reference allows quick tuning of your Easel with the flick of a switch."

"The Buchla Music Easel iProgram card is the ultimate accessory to modernize your Music Easel–a flexible replacement for the original resistor-based Program Cards. It makes use of the Program Card slot and enables patch editing, patch/librarian management, and even real-time performance from an iPad via the iProgram Card App. The iProgram Card communicates with the iPad via WiFi*. The iProgram card can store up to 24 presets in local flash memory so that it can be used independently from the iPad application. Two push buttons allow the user to scroll through and load any stored preset."

MATRIXSYNTH T-Shirt not included. :)

I missed going to NAMM this year, but it looks like Todd made sure MATRIXSYNTH was represented! Thank you Todd!

New Model 416 Meta Expander for the BEMI Buchla Music Easel

via guyd2.com

"The Model 416 Meta Expander is a fully-fledged, standalone breakout-box for the BEMI Music Easel, which provides access to all of the Easel- and Program Card's patch points (effectively doubling the Easel's control voltage possibilities), and greatly extends the Easel's capabilities by having several useful modules build in.

The Model 416 Meta Expander communicates bi-directionally with the Easel by means of a custom-designed Edge Card and a 60-pin flat ribbon cable.

A quick rundown of the Model 416 Meta Expander's capabilities:

Doubling the Easel's patch panel CV's (pitch, timbre, period, etc), with modulation depth controls. This then allows to modulate these parameters with [at least] two sources simultaneously.

Bringing out extra patch points not accessible on the Easel's patch panel. Full control over the Envelope's Attack, Sustain & Release. Voltage control over the Complex Osc's Waveshape Level. Access to all of the Sequencer's steps, and control over its number of Stages. Access to Random Voltages 3 & 4 (the Easel's patch panel only provides RV's 1 & 2).

Trigger inputs for the Sequencer, Envelope, Pulser & Random, opening up the Easel to external synchronisation.
Full voltage control over most of the Easel's switches.

In addition, the Model 416 Meta Expander offers extra custom-designed modules to vastly expand upon the Easel's features:

Two fast Comparators, with threshold control, for pulse generation, with both 3.5mm & banana inputs, separate outputs (2ms @ 10V), as well as a combined output (A+B). They can drive any triggerable module in the Easel.

A Noise module with White, Pink-ish and Slow-Varying Random outputs. Since White & Pink Noise are simultaneously available at Tini-jax & banana outputs, they can serve as both modulation- and audio sources. Slow Random is available at several patch points across the panel.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Prism Circuits - Spore Easel Expansion Card

video upload by Prism Circuits

"Short demo of the Spore - Easel Card Expander module.

This module is based around a cycling envelope that allows extremely long envelope times to create dramatic effects and movements within the Buchla Easel. This module also features analog noise to create textural gestures to your patches. Noise can be used as CV or audio, both on their own corresponding jack types. Beside the internal functions it also features CV control of the Buchla Easels modulation oscillator and complex oscillator, opening up more complex timbres."

via Prism Circuits

The SPORE is a Buchla Easel expansion card that extends the functionality of the Easel itself.

At its core it is an attack decay envelope that can self-cycle and be pulsed from an external source. This Envelope features full CV control over the Duration of the envelope - positive and negative, a HOLD function that will freeze the envelope at its current level, a WINDOW comparator with CV control over the width of the comparison, and EOC (end of cycle) pulse output and a pulse input to cycle the envelope at its currents slider positions. Also features an onboard cycle switch to be used as an LFO. LFO can go into audio rates.

Also onboard are a few CV parameters of the internal functions of the Easel.

M-OSC SHAPE - CV Input - Modulation Oscillator wave select

M-OSC MOD - CV Input - Modulation Destination switch

C-OSC WAVE - CV Input - Complex Oscillator Timbre select

C-OSC SHAPE - CV Input - CV over Complex Oscillator Wave knob

DECAY CV - CV Input - CV control over internal Envelope Generator Decay

This module also features a fully analog audio Noise Source, including White, Pink & Grain Noise. The Noise Source section also adds the noise sources as CV outputs to control other parameters of the Easel. The AUX Noise can be selected from 1 of the 3 onboard noise waves with the corresponding switch. Audio output can also be selected independently from the CV noise.

Last but not least! The SPORE also features a secondary Random Voltage source that is independent from the Easel's internal source.

The back of the unit features 8 color morphing LED's that adds a nice touch when performing in a low light environment.

Power Consumption
+15V - 105mA
-15V - 10mA

Original Buchla Music Easel iProgram Card

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

via this auction

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

Additional pics of the Original Buchla Music Easel iProgram Card. You can find demos in previous posts here. It made its first appearance on the site in a demo by Todd Barton posted here back in 2014.

"Original Buchla Music Easel iProgram Card - Communicates with the iPad via WiFi - Rare, Iconic Module - No Longer in Production

The Buchla Music Easel iProgram Card unleashes hidden functions of your Music Easel, and on top of that it bridges the gap between your DAW or other digital gear with its control functions and preset management.


NOTE: card has been updated with the latest firmware version: 73. Buchla developed that version on Dec 2022.

Here’s more info from Buchla Support dated April 13, 2023:

'Thanks for letting us know that the website descriptions are out of date.
Version 1.8 of the firmware utility appears to work fine with up to at least MacOS 12.5 (as I've been running).
The description needs to be updated.

Regarding the iProgramCard version. What are you running now? There have been a couple of users who preferred version 60 over version 66. I'm not sure why.

But also realize that there's a new version of the iProgramCard that we meant to post as well on the website.

iProgramCard Version 73 was created in December of last year. It was also an oversight that it wasn't released on the website. Version 73 works with the new app. It also works with the old iPad app but only over WiFi. The USB connection is broken in terms of sending banks to an iProgramCard with version 73 from the iPad app.

We will post that soon, but in the meantime I can attach you the file directly. Actually I can attach version 60 too.

This attached version 73 software allows the use of the new app with your iProgramCard.
Before downloading and installing, here's what you need to know:
1) The iPad app will no longer send patches via USB connections (though it has virtual control); the iPad app WILL still work/connect and send patches via a WiFi connection.
1a) If you continue to use the iPad app via WiFi, consider for best WiFi patch sending connections to increase the 'Waiting time between messages' to .04. (In 'Settings' of your iPad under Easel208Pad.) This goes for previous versions of Firmware too.
2) There is no translator from the iPad patches to the newly formatted ones in the new app, so it's best to recreate your favorite patches by hand in the new app.
3) You still only get 24 Programs since the memory chip on the iProgramCard only supports that many.'"

CLICK FOR MORE »

TTMC Touch Controlled Card & Tokyo Delay & 291 BUCHLA Easel Card

video upload by Tokyo Tape Music Center

TTMC Touch Controlled Voltage Source Card
TTMC Tokyo Delay MODEL TD-1
TTMC 291 BUCHLA Easel Card

TTMC Tokyo Delay MODEL TD-1 BUCHLA Music Easel Card

video uploads by

Playlist:
TTMC Tokyo Delay MODEL TD-1 BUCHLA Music Easel Card
TTMC Tokyo Delay MODEL TD-1 Delay Time Random
TTMC Tokyo Delay MODEL TD-1 Delay Time , Feedback Random

Tokyo Delay MODEL TD-1 Card
buchla easel command

https://tokyo-tape-music-center.com

TTMC 8step & 5step Sequencer Card

video upload by Tokyo Tape Music Center

"Music Easel expander card

https://tokyo-tape-music-center.com/"

8step & 5step Sequencer Card
8 CV Knobs & 5 CV Knobs

CV OUT A , B (0-10V)

Pulses out (trigger out)

8step Pulses on-off switches

Glide Control Knob

5,6,7step Pulse Out

Reset In (8step & 5step)

Clock Switch (Ext or Easel Pulser)

Depth: 27mm

Note.

The sound will shake when you touch the card.

Do at your own risk.

We are not responsible if the easel breaks.

Attention to the power capacity of the easel.

Easel pulse noise may be added.

イーゼルが壊れても責任はもてません。

写真と仕様が変わる場合もございます。

パネルに傷スレある場合もございます。

Buchla 102 - The Easel Explored by Todd Barton

Todd Barton has a new course up on the Buchla Music Easel over on MacProVideo here. Hop on over for the tutorials.

"The 'NEW', reimagined Buchla Easel is one of the most original and best sounding analog all-in-one synths ever made. See what this amazing instrument can do in this Easel Video Manual created by renowned Buchla expert Todd Barton.

Electronic music instrument pioneer, Don Buchla, created the original Easel in 1973. It was the very first all-in-one, pre-patched West Coast style synth! Fast forward 40 years and now there’s the “NEW” Easel. It retains its core analog roots, but when mated with its iProgram card, companion iPad app and the new 218e keyboard, it becomes one of the best sounding and fun to play instruments out there.

This course by Buchla expert, Todd Barton, explores every aspect of the Easel, from its unique sound generation to its powerful controls, sequencing and programming. In essence, Todd has created the very first Easel Video Manual. Todd is an internationally recognized Buchla expert and performer, and he works very closely with Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments in designing patches and creating product documentation.

If you have an Easel or are thinking about getting one... or even if you're simply interested in modular synthesis, this course is for you! So learn everything about the 208 and the 218e modules, which together comprise the one and only Buchla Easel, in this very in-depth course by Todd Barton."

Portabellabz Synthi Card for Buchla 208

Published on Feb 4, 2019 Todd Barton

"The new EMS Synthi (licensed) Card by http://www.portabellabz.be
be sure to checkout these audio files for best sound http://www.portabellabz.be/SYNTHI_Car...
Great to have this onboard.! Wonderful sounds and timbres. I will be making more videos -- hope you enjoy this teaser."

And via Brian Comnes, spotted on Muffs:

"I'm happy to announce the release of a new Portbellabz card for Music Easel and 208 under EMS Cornwall license.

This card expands the Music Easel or 208 with original EMS Synthi A and VCS3 circuits : an oscillator that produces simultaneous square and triangle waveshapes with wide range and features useful modifications (synchronization, shape CV, hi/lo range) and a noise generator with variable colour, together with my acclaimed Random Voltage Generator modification module that expands many original EMS Synthi A, AKS and VCS3, unlike the 208's one, it's true random.
The inputs and outputs voltages are adapted to match the ones used in the 208.


It will be available in late February / early March, pre-built (€460 + shipping, Rogans and rear edge connector in option) or as a DIY PCB set (€130 shipped) like the 208 ToolBox.

The prices include a commission for Robin Wood at EMS, that is the same for each pre-built unit or PCB set sold.

It works with 208p, 208r (not rev1) and BEMI / Buchla USA Easels. The tracking can be set to 1V/oct, 1.2V/oct or 2V/oct (or other, but who wants that ? :lol: ).

A very few privileged persons were lucky enough to already test a prototype and enjoyed it. Thanks to them for keeping the secret.

Hopefully a demo video of the great Todd Barton should pop up soon, thanks in advance Todd.

In the meantime, here are some (very basic) demo of the card with my own 208.
All sounds are coming from the card except the CO modulation track (208's CO modulated by the card). A 218r was used to demonstrate tracking. It's a bit high in the lowest notes but this is fixed.

http://www.portabellabz.be/SYNTHI_Card_demos_mp3.zip

[b]Oscillator[/b]
- 100% analogue discrete components
- square and triangle outputs, blue bananas are full range outputs for modulation, red knobs are outputs to the mixer
- wide range from very slow LFO to ultrasonic, switchable hi/lo range with fine tuning
- tracking good on about 5 octaves via the 208's keyboard CV in
- variable frequency CV input with attenuverter via black banana
- variable shape CV input with attenuator via black banana
- variable sync input with attenuator via black banana

[b]Noise[/b]
- 100% analogue discrete components
- white banana is full range output for modulation
- red knob is output to the mixer
- variable colour

[b]Mixer[/b]
- tinijax out to feed the 208's preamp
- banana out for mixed modulation

[b]Random voltage generator[/b]
- available on the white banana - a mini slide switch behind the panel selects noise or random, this affects the white banana only, the noise is still available in the mixer when random is used
- clock input via the 208's inverter "to card" socket
- noise colour changes the random voltage

Bill Sequeira kindly did this nice overview. Thank you Bill.
The pictured card is a prototype, the production one will look very similar.

[img]http://www.portabellabz.be/images/PortabellabzSynthiCard.jpeg[/img]

Thanks for your interest and more soon."

Buchla Music Easel Suitcase Modular Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"Manufacturer Description:
This legendary and sought-after Buchla synthesizer from the 200 series will be produced again after 40 years. There are some minor changes here and there but in general it´s pretty much the same as the original. No MIDI inside but you get a really well-thought out semi-modular instrument with great sound and lots of possibilities due to well-arranged patch points. The small sequencer and the touch keyboard with integrated arpeggiatior invite to play the instrument directly and to interact with it.

Technical Details

At the first glance the Easel looks confusing because of the too many switches, faders and many sockests without legending but in the end everything makes sense and it's laid out very logically. The colors of sockets mostly match the function blocks of the Easel (purple = keyboard pressure, yellow = pulser, white = random, orange = envelope, blue = sequencer). The black sockets are CV inputs that are located always left of the according parameter. The sockets at the top of the unit have legending and are self-explaining. The position of most banana sockets below the faders has been chosen for the use of shorting bridges instead of patch cords which enhances clarity of your patch.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Spatial and Sonic Gestures Using the Buchla Music Easel iProgram Card

via Todd Barton: "I'm really stoked about this new use of the iCard in tandem with the 206e/227e to bounce different sounds around in space!

Here’s my little study in Spatial & Sonic Gestures using the Buchla Music Easel/iProgram Card and Skylab with the 227e System Interface.

By programming the 227e with the 206e Preset Manager I was able to create separate patches for separate speakers in a quadraphonic array. Using the Last and Next buttons on the to 206e I can scroll through various speaker configurations.

I created 6 patches and saved them to the iProgram Card. Using the Down and Up buttons the iProgram Card instantly scrolls through these patches. By simultaneously pressing the buttons on both the 206e and iCard I can precisely control speaker placement and swirl speed. Or I can create a wide variety of patch changes and speaker changes.

The recording is from the headphone output of the 227e and thus captures all four speakers. My wish was to be able to do an actual 'concrete' style piece in real time. So . . . this is in real time with just an Easel/iCard and a Skylab with a 259e/281e/292e. The effect for the majority of the piece are the Easel’s spring reverb. Near the end I kick in an Eventide Space pedal."

Triple Sequential Voltage Source - Buchla 208 / Buchla Easel Aux Card

video upload by Roland Klinkenberg

Buchla rhythm - Buchla 208 / Buchla Easel Aux Card

"My new card, the Triple Sequential Voltage Source. I wanted to make something similar to the Buchla system 100 model 123. It's basically three 8 step sequencers with variable step length and slew.

Step length control can be linked (like on the model 123) and un-linked (each sequencer can have a different length setting).

Price will be 460 euro ext VAT (if applicable). For more info and availability, mail me at rklinkenberg(at) gmail(dot) com stating 'Triple Sequential Voltage Source' in the description."
And a video from Todd Barton:


Triple SVS for Easel video upload by Todd Barton

"This is a very cool card for the Buchla Music Easel by Roland Klinkenberg. More info over on ModWiggler.com
https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopi... Enjoy!

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

Model 416 Meta Expander V2

Model 416 Meta Expander V2 from gd2 on Vimeo.
Some Meta Patches on the new Model 416 Meta Expander.

With a surprise ending...

via http://guyd2.com/416/

"The Model 416 Meta Expander is a fully-fledged, standalone breakout box for the BEMI/BUSA Music Easel, which provides access to all of the Easel- and Program Card's patch points (effectively doubling the Easel's control voltage possibilities), and greatly extends the Easel's capabilities with useful, built-in modules.

Version 2 is available as either a "full option" build into its own boat, or as a "panel only" version which can be build into exisiting 4U Buchla boats- or cabinets.

The Model 416 Meta Expander communicates bi-directionally with the Easel by means of a custom-designed Edge Card and a 60-pin flat ribbon cable assembly.

A first prototype of a breakout box was developed in early 2014, right after BEMI's new Easel became available. Several iterations and a 2nd Easel later, I developed a one-off Twin Expander -- aptly named the Model 844 Expander (note the willful 208x4 error). After getting quite a few requests from fellow Weaselers, and realizing that it might be a better idea to limit a commercial version of the Expander to a one-Easel configuration, I designed the Model 416 Meta Expander V1, and brought it to market at the end of 2017. This was a one-run-only, build to order project. The last one left July 2018.

Since then I've gotten some more requests, so in August 2019 I decided to design a new version. Rebuilt from the ground-up and adding new features, it took more than half a year to finish. And then -- ready to be released on the 1st of March 2020 -- something weird happened to the planet...

Nevertheless, it's now August 2020, and Version 2 is here.

Read on..." click through for additional details.

Pre-Orders on Muffs

"Two versions are available :

- Standalone, with Buchla-compatible 4U boat (by SaModular) and custom support stand (by CoverUp).
€1800 (euros), all in. (*)

- Panel, which is meant to be build into existing Buchla-compatible cabinets or boats.
€1650 (euros), all in. (*)"

Buchla Music Easel+Aux Card Exp

Published on Dec 18, 2017 Buchla info

"Buchla Music Easel and Aux Card Expander interaction"

Buchla Music Easel+Aux Card n.2

Published on Dec 18, 2017 Buchla info

"Easel interaction with Aux Card Expander"

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 »

TTMC 291 BUCHLA Easel Card & nagra

video upload by Tokyo Tape Music Center


video upload by

via TTMC

Voltage Controlled Filter MODEL 291 Card

Depth: 27mm

写真と仕様が変わる場合もございます。

パネルに傷スレある場合もございます。

CV in 0v to +15v

Attention to the power capacity of the easel.

The sound will shake when you touch the card.

Easel pulse noise may be added.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Buchla Polyphonic Rhythm Generator & Buchla Music Easel Expansion Card Overviews

Published on Feb 2, 2015 Synthtopia

"At the 2015 NAMM Show, Buchla introduced the Polyphonic Rhythm Generator, possibly the most powerful hardware sequencer ever created."

Buchla Music Easel Expansion Card

Published on Feb 2, 2015

"At the 2015 NAMM Show, Buchla introduced the Music Easel AUX Expander.

The Aux Card offers a noise source that can be variably filtered from full-spectrum White noise down to sub-audio “Infra-Red” CVs. The auxiliary control oscillator allows the Modulation Oscillator to assume audio duties and can be used as the modulation source for a variety of uses. It can even be modulated itself. An A-440 reference allows quick tuning of your Easel with the flick of a switch."

And the LEM Systems:

Buchla LEM Systems