Buchla thread

[Brian Roth]

x2 208 Easels (w/ 218 keyboards)

248 - MARF
207 - Mixer
246 - Sequencer
281- Quad Function Generator
280 - Quad Envelope Generator
257 - CV Processor
x2 258 - Dual Oscillators
259 - Complex Wave Generator
266 - Source of Uncertainty
291 - Dual Filter
292c - Quad Low Pass Gate
292b - Quad Low Pass Gate

I might be missing a module since I'm rattling them off the top of my head. They're fairly easy builds with the exception of the 208's. The 208 is a pretty complex build. They all require a little bit of tweaking but sound great! Buchla is certainly a quirky system but really intuitive and inspiring to use.

The 248 MARF is a REALLY cool module to play around with. I haven't even scratched the surface with the possibilities, it's a really deep module. The low pass gates are also really unique sounding as well.

I also built a TTSH (ARP 2600 clone with a smaller panel) and am currently building a 'full size' ARP 2600. Fun stuff!

Here I go down a new rabbit hole for me.

This one looks interesting:



Bri

 

[Brian Roth]

@fallout

Am I correct that the Buchla oscillators use Volts/Hertz control as opposed to Moog Volts/Octave? Just curious as I delve into this. (No particular reason for asking. I am NOT a musician but enjoy learning new stuff!)

Bri

 

[fallout]

I've only built clones but they're all calibrated in Volts/Octave. The thing that different is that Buchla is typically 1.2V/Oct where Moog is 1V/Oct. Buchla can be setup for 1V/Oct, 1.2V/Oct and 2V/Oct.

The 296 module that you linked is one of the last modules on my list of Buchla modules to build. It looks like a lot of fun. It's also one of the more complex 'Buchla builds along with the 208.

Here's a cool run down of the 296.



and here's another video that uses the 296 (upper left) heavily and the 248 MARF (lower right) modules.



This page is the bible for Buchla DIY.

https://modularsynthesis.com/roman/buchla.htm
https://modularsynthesis.com/mems/mems.htm
..and schematics for a bunch of the classic modules. Buchla schematics are pretty wild to look at. The schematics links for the 100 and 200 series are on the left of the page.

http://www.fluxmonkey.com/historicBuchla/BuchlaIndex.htm

 

[fallout]

Finally got around to putting together a case for my 200 build. It took about a year to put all the modules together. It's a lot of fun to play around with it.

 

[L´Andratté]

The 296 is the most interesting Buchla module, imho! Also the "e" version...
The MEMS guys are hardcore in a great way. I think they even started producing and selling vactrols with original responses of 292s and 294s.
1.2V/oct sounds strange but makes sense if you think 0.1V per semitone-
But I guess all that is nothing new for fallout, judging from his classic system

 

[fallout]

The 296 is a stunner! Oddly enough, it's the last module I built but wish I'd done it sooner. I haven't played with the 296e but from the demos I've heard of it, it sounds awesome. The 248 MARF paired with the 246 sequencer is a lot of fun too. 1.2V/Oct is kinda strange, I agree. Most if not all the modules can be setup for 1V/Oct with a few resistor changes. I left mine at 1.2V and use converters if I use other gear with it.

The MEMS stuff is great. I have a few of their modules and the quality is excellent. They made an announcement about a year ago about making their modules more widely available but that hasn't happened yet. I got my hands on a few of their vactrols and for the most part they're pretty good!

I also built an Easel a few years back. I've since replaced the homemade 218 with the newest Buchla 218. After putting the Easel together, I got bitten by the 200 bug. The 208 clone was by far the most difficult build in DIY Buchla land.