Easel Both Mode Programming

Published on Oct 8, 2014 Todd Barton

"Here’s a little thought on programming the iProgram Card iPad App while the physical Easel’s Control switch is in “both” mode. Though I am a composer and definitely do not understand the circuitry of either the iCard or Easel that has not stopped me from exploring ways to make “both” mode useable, flexible and expressive. toddbarton.com"

Side note: Todd Barton will be performing with the Buchla Music Easel along with three others in Quadraphonic: Easels in Space Nov. 7 at Schneider Museum of Art.

Some info on the patch via Todd on Muff's:

"Here’s a little thought on programming the iProgram Card iPad App while the physical Easel’s Control switch is in “both” mode. Though I am a composer and definitely do not understand the circuitry of either the iCard or Easel that has not stopped me from exploring ways to make “both” mode useable, flexible and expressive.

I beginning with the most basic patch, i.e. the Basic Setup that comes with the app:



What I discovered is in order to have more options in “both” mode I need to change a few parameters in the app patch, namely taking the Mod Osc to “low” and the Mod switch to f.m.

This is a pretty good rule of thumb – for more options keep the switches and sliders in the app patch in their lowest position. Of course you’ll have to tailor this statement to your aesthetic.

Here are my changes to the above Basic Setup for use in “both” mode:



"I’m guessing the reverse process it possible, that is, taking a complex app patch and simplifying it in “both” mode – exploring what shorting bars, cables, slider positions and switches give you a useful “both” patch and “remote” patch. More on that another day. cheers! Todd"

Buchla Program Manager Easel Card

video upload by Todd Barton

"Exciting news: BuchlaUSA just announced the Program Manager Card for the Easel and they asked me along with other Buchlaphiles to create a set of presets. Here is just one of my presets from my bank of 48. It works with both my BEMI Easel circa 2012 and my Easel Command. Enjoy!

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

Some info on the Upcoming Buchla Modules (100, 200, and Easel)

This one was spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child, on muffs.

Post by Eric Fox of Buchla U.S.A. You can find a recent interview with Eric Fox here.

"Hey everyone!

I appreciate the interest in what it is we’re working on. Although I don’t spend too much time on the forum, with all of the announcements and imminent release of Easel Commands into the wild it is probably a good idea for me to poke my head up once in awhile :)
Let’s see if I can quickly shed some light on a few things:

Easel vs Easel Command- When I refer to a “full” Easel, I am indeed referring to the classic configuration of some form of 208+218+Case. Just like what we did with the 208C, the 218 and case needs to be updated in order to make them better, more consistent, and have the ability to scale production based on demand. We’re actively working on these and hopefully I can make an official announcement with details this summer.

Easel Preset Manager- Joel, Darren, and Charles are now working on this one. Those guys are the masters at this stuff, so I’m gonna hopefully have the official rundown of what all it can do soon. While it will be different physically than iProgram Card, it’s my understanding that the the new UX from a software angle might be able to be an update for the iProgram card. I’ll stop talking now about it since those guys will yell at me for not knowing what I’m talking about. We’ll make a clear announcement about this soon :)

200 and 100 reissues- These full-size recreations are being headed up by Jon Nenson (The Human Comparator) and our own in-house designer, Charles Seeholzer. We were planning on having (5) 200 models to show off at SB. These certainly won’t be the only 200’s we offer... but it’s a little difficult to launch 20+ models all at the same time! We insist on making them as good as they can be. Otherwise, what’s the point? Releasing a handful at a time just makes the most sense so that each model can get the proper attention they deserve. If you don’t see your favorite one in this first run, just know that it will probably not be that far behind. Patience young grasshoppers.

Clones vs Official- To clarify, the point I’m trying to make is in regards to not wanting someone to think poorly of any brand based on the possibility that they are playing with a shitty, poorly built, corner-cutting diy project from god knows where. Please don’t confuse that statement with the fact that I know there absolutely are quality builds out there that do a great job of really capturing the true spirit of the original design. I’m friends with a lot of those who are considered some of the best at doing this and that’s why I choose to partner with them when possible. I know that I have the best resources out of anyone to do this right including involving actual people who were there alongside Don when these were being developed. If Buchla can offer a consistently high-quality official version that comes with full warranty/support and it helps support some of the “Associates” who were there with Don... seems like that’s the right way to do it. No shade being thrown at those using quality built products intended.

Who is “Dave”?- All I’ll say is that it is being renamed to “Don’s Barber Shop” as per the request of some of those who were closest with Don.

I hope I didn’t create more questions than answers! If there is a real pressing question you need answered, just hit me up directly and I’ll do my best to answer with the best available info I have and feel free to share my responses with the rest of the class :)

Thanks for your passion. Stay safe+sanitary+sane
-Eric Fox"

Buchla Music Easel iProgram Card Tip No. 3 from Todd Barton & Upcoming Quadraphonic Performance

Published on Nov 29, 2014 Todd Barton

"Just realized even when the iProgram Card for the Buchla Music Easel is in "remote" mode you can still get CVs out of the physical Easel's Inverter out, Envelop Detector out and Mod CV out jacks.
Thus you can synchronize, affect and connect other Buchla modules to your Easel. And you can control, program and save those Easel output settings via the Easel iPad app."

And the upcoming performance featuring Todd Barton & Bruce Bayard:

"Quadraphonic: Space as Metaphor

Beginning Friday, August 1, Todd Barton and Bruce Bayard, performing as the duet Control Voltage Therapy, presented a series of concerts every First Friday at the Schneider Museum of Art. The concerts were every First Friday, August through December beginning at 11am. This coming Friday will be the final concert in this series. The performances are free and open to the public. Performances begin at 11 a.m."

Black Panel Buchla Music Easel

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

via this auction

"Beautiful Music Easel that I’m only parting with due to the pandemic situation. This Easel is a professionally built Roman clone consisting of a 208r and 218r in very limited black PCBs and an era-appropriate (70s) Halliburton “almost zero” style case in powder coated matte black. The knobs, sliders, and jacks all follow a greyscale color scheme that looks very cool and is (in my opinion) just as easy to navigate as the stock color system.

This Easel has had several upgrades from the original Roman specifications including an infinite sustain mod, boops new card 12 which improves the spring reverb and headphone output, and rewiring the second output directly to the Complex Oscillator for a separate dry out. It is calibrated and tracks over 5 octaves.

Sale includes the Easel, power supply, gooseneck lamp, one blank program card, 10 shorting bars, and several banana cables.

Keep in mind this is a handmade unit and, while in excellent condition, is not cosmetically pristine. The case is nearly 50 years old and has a couple of minor dents, although the powder coating is relatively fresh. It is functionally perfect and one of the best sounding Easels I’ve ever heard. I wish I could hold onto this one, because it really is something special. I’m simply breaking even at this price, so it is relatively firm. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Thanks for looking!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Superbooth 2023: Buchla - Limited Edition Music Easel

video upload by sonicstate

"Nick from Buchla showed us their limited edition 50th Anniversary Music Easel. This special edition includes classic 208 voices and original old-school knobs and meter from the 70s. It comes with a gold keyboard and will be sold with its original Halliburton metal briefcase. The Music Easel has the same patching and control interface as the original, and the new edition even has some added extras like patch points and midi over USB-C.

Nick also demonstrated Buchla's Program Manager Card, which allows users to scroll through and select sounds. The card can be embedded below the surface of the module using the embedding kit offered by Buchla, perfect for those who are always using it and don't want it sticking out, or cards be inserted into the edge connector as usual. The new Music Easel is expected to ship in the fall alongside the special edition, which is available for order in June only.

Special Edition Music Easel Price: 8,000 - 10,000 USD"

Buchla Easel K tip

Published on Oct 4, 2015 Todd Barton

"Since the 223e module can store only one patch(1) I realized that you could actually store 4 different Radio Output Kinesthetic pad configurations. Of course, you would need to re-patch from one Radio Output section to the other but it is possible. You would also need to remember any 208 setting that might change.

Let’s look at this(2):

I’ve programmed Radio 6 for Arpeggiation on A-E and a little modal scale on L-Q.
The L-Q pads are sending Pressure to control Timbre. V pad controls the speed of the Arpeggiator.

Next I’ve programmed Radio 7 for pads U-Y with Location controlling Modulation.

I still have two more Radio outs that I could program but have not yet taken the time.

Here’s a very rough video demo:

(1) once you’ve found the patch you want to keep, press the Remote button, thus turning off the red l.e.d—it will be saved on powering down.\

(2) I don’t have an official Easel K but have hooked up my 223e to my Easel’s 218 which give the exact same results."

Buchla Easel K tip 2

Published on Oct 5, 2015 Todd Barton

"Using the 218’s Pulser to clock for the 218 Sequencer and the 223e Arpeggiator you can have 2 synchronized variable step/pitch combinations: 3-5 steps with the 218 and from 1-23 steps with the 223e. Also, the 223e offers many pattern modes: Rising, Falling, Triangle, Random and Spiral."

Buchla Easel K tip 3

Published on Oct 5, 2015

"In contrast to Tip 2, this tip uses the 223e Arpeggiator to clock the 218 Pulser. For a close up photo of the card used here go to:
https://www.hightail.com/download/bXB..."

MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Buchla Booth Pics

This was definitely one of the biggest surprises for me this year at NAMM. The largest problem with any hardware modular system is the inability to save patches. Once you create something, you have to give it up to the ether to move onto the next patch.  The Buchla 200e introduced the ability to store knob settings, but not patched cable points. The card you see pictured on the Music Easel allows you to save both knob settings and patch points. It stores 10 presets. You can then create and save as many patches as you like on a dedicated iPad app and then load any patch you want to the card over wireless. You can watch a video overview by Todd Barton in this post. The technology, minus the software of course, existed with the original Music Easel back in 1973, but then you had to literally solder the patch settings in a card. You can see one of the cards pictured here has "Figure 21 Variation" written on it. That's actually a Buchla patch by Allen Strange who wrote the manual for the original Buchla Music Easel as well as Electronic Music: Systems, Techniques, and Controls.

TTMC Touch Controlled Voltage Source Card

video upload by Tokyo Tape Music Center

via TTMC

Touch Controlled Voltage Source Card

Discrete Transistor Touch Controlled Voltage Source Inspired by Buchla 112,113

The circuit is the same as ttmc112.(little mod),The panel design is 113.

トランジスタだけ使用したTouch Controlです。

CV OUT A , B (about 0-10V)

Pressure (about 0-10V)

Pulses (about 10V)

Depth: 27mm

White panel behind.

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.

TTMC 158 First Tests

Published on Mar 20, 2020 Todd Barton

"The Tokyo Tape Music Center is coming out with a Dual Sine-Sawtooth Generator Card for the Easel based on the Buchla 158, one of my favorite dual oscillators. This opens up whole new sonic and timbral worlds for the Easel. Here are just snippets of patches I created in just the first two hours upon unpacking this prototype. More formal videos will follow. Enjoy!

It will be available (tba) at http://tokyo-tape-music-center.xyz"

Update:

TTMC Dual Sine Saw Card Part 1

Published on Mar 20, 2020 Todd Barton

"A basic overview and demo of the upcoming Dual Sine-Saw Generator 158 Card for the Buchla Music Easel from http://tokyo-tape-music-center.xyz"

Buchla Easel Custom Card Noise VCF and Delay

Published on Nov 20, 2015 djangosfire

"Made a custom Program card for my Music Easel. I used 3x Korg 'Little Bits' modules: Noise, VCF and Delay.

Powered from the card, audio patched into the external signal input of the Easel.

Should be great Sci-fi fun!

Cheers,
- Djangosfire"

Buchla Music Easel Aux Expander Card

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

via this auction

"Buchla USA era Easel Aux Expander card. Original packaging. Works perfect. Noise, filter, extra oscillator all sound fantastic through Aux In. By using internal midi buss the oscillator will track pitch perfect.

The Aux Card offers an auxiliary modulation CV source and noise source in low range and a CV/audio oscillator source in high range that can be mixed with the noise source. The noise source also can be filtered. All these parameters are CV controllable. In low range this auxiliary modulation oscillator allows the 208’s Modulation Oscillator to assume audio duties and can be used as the modulation source for a variety of uses. In the keyboard bus setting, it provides a tuning reference for your 208 or can be controlled with internal bus capable 218e keyboards.

They’ve also given you more control with more inputs. They’ve added one more pulse input and give you a choice of switchable destinations. We also added switchable control of timbre pot and switches via the “to card” inputs already on your 208. Did you know you could CV control switch settings? Destinations include the timbre wave shape, the Modulation range, gate source, the VCA LPF mode, the Modulation wave shape and Modulation Variation."

Portabellabz ADSR:LPG Card Overview

video upload by Todd Barton

"A brief overview of the upcoming Portabellabz ADSR/LPG card. More info here: https://www.portabellabz.be"


ADSR:LPG to 208c video upload by Todd Barton

"The Portabellabz ADSR/LPG card is working great with both my BEMI Easel from 2013 and the new 208c Easel Command."

You can find additional posts featuring the Portabellabz ADSR:LPG Card here.

Buchla Easel Card

flickr by PatchArena
(click for more)

full size

"This is used to store presets..."

Bottom shot for perspective. Note the small patch point connectors.

Update: Chad made an interesting point in the comments. "You can also brush your finger across the board while playing for cool little blips of sound as new connections are made between your finger and the board. :)"

Circuit bending a Buchla? A bit blasphemous but this would be one way to do it.

Update: if you haven't already, be sure to see these two videos of Charles Cohen for this technique [thanks to Wavedeform for the reminder in the comments]:
CHARLES COHEN AT THE BUCHLA MUSIC EASEL
Charles Cohen Vs. Chrome Genie - 1/3/09 - Philadelphia

Update via Christian in the comments: "charles told me that alex, the guy who filmed the video asked if such a thing was possiable. charles had a blank card, whetted his fingers and voila. it had never occored to him before. charles uses both this technique and programed cards during performances: such as the one him and i will be giving on 3/4 at the rotunda (in phila). i'm playing the big buchla :)"

Djangosfire Easel Card Light Melody Improv

Published on May 7, 2014 djangosfire·189 videos

"Using a photo-resistor on the Easel Program Card ...... allows for sculpting the timbre, pitch and delay feedback levels by waving my hands in the light.

Cheers,
- Adam"

Buchla - Music Easel Aux Card Expander

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

via this auction

"Add additional functions to the already versatile Music Easel via the Program Card connector!
The Aux Card offers an auxiliary modulation CV source and noise source in low range and a CV/audio oscillator source in high range that can be mixed with the noise source. The noise source also can be filtered. All these parameters are CV controllable. In low range this auxiliary modulation oscillator allows the 208’s Modulation Oscillator to assume audio duties and can be used as the modulation source for a variety of uses. In the keyboard bus setting, it provides a tuning reference for your 208 or can be controlled with internal bus capable 218e keyboards.

We’ve also given you more control with more inputs. We’ve added one more pulse input and give you a choice of switchable destinations. We also added switchable control of timbre pot and switches via the “to card” inputs already on your 208. Did you know you could CV control switch settings? Destinations include the timbre wave shape, the Modulation range, gate source, the VCA LPF mode, the Modulation wave shape and Modulation Variation."

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Yamaha CS80 Rackmount Clone In the Works

DECKARD'S DREAM - 8-VOICE ANALOGUE SYNTHESIZER

CLICK FOR MORE »

Free Buchla Easel Virtual Patchseet

Published on Oct 31, 2016 Todd Barton

"If you have a Buchla Easel you don't need the iProgram Card to download the free Buchla Easel Remote Control app which can then act as a virtual patchsheet. No sound but nice graphic interface and cable and slider GUI."

iTunes: Buchla Easel Remote Control - Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments Pty Ltd

Buchla Music Easel Card Also Allows You to Control the Easel via an iPad App

See the update in this post.

Mod expander card - Buchla 208 / Buchla Easel Aux Card

video upload by Roland Klinkenberg

"Signal routing switch is modulated by the 208 5 step sequencer via the Mod Expander Card.
What you hear is an alternation between the MOD oscillator, the Complex oscillator & a noise source...
For more info and availability, mail me at rklinkenberg(at) gmail(dot) com stating 'Mod Expander Card' in the description."