MATRIXSYNTH

Buchla Model 259e TWISTED WAVEFORM GENERATOR

From the Buchla 259e page
"Popular demand does work occasionally - we’ve resurrected and renamed the original 259e Complex Waveform Generator. The new 259e is practically identical to the original, and is replete with all of the original digital waveshaping, aliasing noise, and foldover frequencies. However, we’ve added new self-modifying, screeching, snarling responses that reflect weird internal origins. Hence the name “twisted”.

Otherwise similar to the 261e Complex Waveform Generator, with voltage-controlled modulation of pitch, amplitude, and timbre, both hard and soft synchronization, and pitch tracking.

In conjunction with the model 225e MIDI Manager, the 259e's pitches respond to internally routed MIDI messages. Up to four 259's can peacefully co-exist in a single system, each with its private MIDI channel.

As in all 200e series modules, the settings of the 259e's pots and switches can be memorized as a part of a preset configuration. Provided you have a 225e or a 206e in your system.

The accompanying picture is actually a photo of a previous 259e. The new one is not quite identical, but has yet to be photographed. The new twisted version is completely software and hardware compatible with the earlier (complex) version. (Suitable for ages 10 – 28)"

Smule's Songbook Featuring Folk Sounds from Around the World

"On Monday, Smule, creator of the popular iPhone Ocarina application, will release its Ocarina songbook featuring Folk Songs from around the World, written by Debbie Cavalier, the Dean of Continuing Education at Berklee College of Music and award-winning children’s musician with “Debbie and Friends”.

The Ocarina is one of the oldest instruments known to man, dating back 12,000 years. Ocarinas have been made of different materials over the years including wood, clay, bones, metal, plastic, and well, yes….iPhones! Perfect for children or adults with little or no musical background, Smule’s songbook will teach you to play eight different folk songs like Kumbayah or Amazing Grace in no time. You can quickly become an Ocarina master and begin to develop a solid foundation in basic music theory along the way.

The Ocarina literally transforms the iPhone into a real instrument where sound is generated by the notes, gestures and nuance of the individual performer. It allows users to hear live performances from around the world, see exactly where they come from. Because of this, over a million users of all ages, ability and musical background, have practiced and performed their Ocarinas, shared their melodies and been brought one step closer to each other with this worldwide musical network.

On Monday, you can download a free version of the songbook on Smule’s website at www.smule.com"

iPhone App by Smule: Ocarina [Zeldarian]

YouTube via smuleage

You can find Ocarina on iTunes here:

Buchla & Associates

flickr set by Yotsuba&!
(click for more)

Top: Buchla 227e back panel module for 200e
"boat power."

Middle: Buchla 200e Vactrols
"non-isolated vactrols, a couple of many used in the 227e System Interface module."

Bottom: Buchla 200e with new modules freshly installed
"july 2009"