Bilbao, Spain
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In stock in 7 daysNew closed box, with 2 years warrantyIf you are in Eastern Europe please check shipping prices before buy The Buchla Easel Command Module is a complete, standalone Buchla workflow based on the iconic Music Easel: a synthesizer designed for experimental synthesis and exploratory sound design. Originally part of the Buchla 200 Series, the 208 Store Program Sound Source formed the basis of the original Music Easel, and is responsible for the hallmark sounds of artists like Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Charles Cohen, Todd Barton, and others. Now, the Easel Command combines the newly-revised 208C with a desktop enclosure and provides users plenty of options for interfacing, from MIDI and USB connectivity to Eurorack-compatible CV and Gate inputs.This instrument encapsulates many of the tools and the spirit of what is now often called "West Coast" synthesis. So while you can definitely think of it as being an experimental subtractive monosynth, its power lies in its potential for deviating from many now-standard synthesis concepts. Its slider-based user interface and color-coded banana jacks make it look unlike any other instrument out there—which, frankly, it is.The Easel Command's semi-modular audio path contains two oscillators, two lowpass gates, a signal mixer, and a real, analog spring reverb. Of course, the heart of the instrument is the Complex Oscillator—a sound source which has come to define entire styles of music. This oscillator features continuously variable waveshape (from sine to spike wave, sine to square, or sine to triangle), as well as a wavefolder for the sine shape, simply labeled "timbre," which is perfect for creating growling, complex, harmonically rich tones. And while the Modulation Oscillator can function as a perfectly respectable second sound source, it also features the built-in potential to modulate one of three internal signal destinations: the Complex Oscillator's pitch (for FM), amplitude (for AM), or alternatively, it can be used to ring modulate external signals. With continuously variable modulation amount, a wide modulation frequency range, and switchable saw/square/triangle operation, this makes for a remarkably flexible set of sonic opportunities. Combined with each oscillator's dedicated signal outputs and FM input for the modulation oscillator, these modules are the core of the 208.From the oscillator section, sound travels into the Dual Lo Pass Gate, an original Buchla circuit that combines the behavior of a typical filter and VCA. Using vactrols in the signal path, LPGs have a famously plucky, bouncy dynamic response—providing the "organic" dynamic behavior often associated with Buchla synthesizers. Each gate has normalled connections to its input, but these connections can be defeated by using external signal inputs. From the LPG section, the sound travel to the final mixer section, including spring reverb and separate level controls for the headphone and main signal outputs.Of course, the audio signal path is only part of what makes this instrument special. Don Buchla's design philosophy more often than not settled on relatively simple sound sources/processors, instead placing emphasis on complex means of modulation—and this is where the Easel Command truly shines. With a five-step Sequential Voltage Source, quad random voltage source, looping AR/AHD envelope generator, and unique Pulser circuit (in addition to the Modulation Oscillator), the 208C contains a host of complex, non-traditional control sources that make it easy to craft intensely personal and interactive modulation schemes. This makes the Easel great for everything from animated leads and bass lines all the way to generative, self-playing patches. By using the included banana patch cables and shorting bars with the color-coded patch bay, you'll quickly start sculpting lively sounds with tons of internal motion—after all, this instrument has kept musicians creatively captivated for decades.The Program Interface allows for the creation of presets 1973 style, using external expansion cards "programmed" by soldering resistors to mimic the behavior of the panel sliders, knobs, and switches. Simply follow along with Allen Strange's cult classic manual Programming and Meta-Programming in the Electro-Organism and learn how to solder resistors to save your patches. Or, stay tuned for updates from Buchla, who plan to implement digital patch storage with an optional expansion in the future.MIDI input(USB B/DIN) standard on Easel Command, optional on 208.2 - 1/4" Audio outputs (Easel Command only)1 - 3.5mm 1v/oct input (mixed to keyboard input) (Easel Command only)1 - 3.5mm Gate input (turned into Buchla keyboard pulse with sustain) (Easel Command only)MIDI A (USB Host) optional expansion port.Five additional audio connections to get independent inputs and outputs from the oscillators and the gates, plus an FM input to the modulation oscillator.Five additional banana CV connections to control knobs and faders and ability to send pulses independently to different inputs.If no aux input is present, analog white noise is generated (using the 266 circuit).A more logical layout of of the top row.A power/control mode LED indicator.Pulser now has a dedicated single pulse switch and mode distinctionThe modulation oscillator section is now green, so that each main section has its own color.The listed oscillator frequencies are more accurate and the scaled fader input range is trimmable from the old range to 1.2v/oct.You can trim the new modulation oscillator and envelope generator inputs to work with the typical input ranges you desire.You can trim the oscillators to your desired volts per octave range for both the keyboard and the fader inputs.You can also reduce the gain on the gate 1 input if you have an unusually hot, non-Buchla input.One single circuit board allows it to be modular case friendly and easier to service; the 208c module can fit into a 200e case.Switches and jumpers for those who want to use the new banana inputs —those for the modulation oscillator and sustain— to control the sequencer stages instead.Standard headers for the program card connector that allow us to develop future iProgramCard-like preset control from inside the unit.New connectors allow our plug-in MIDI interface and provides an optional stereo digital fx option (coming as an optional add-on in the future)Actual stereo. The 208 was always a mono synth, but if you plug in a stereo digital fx (coming as an optional add-on in the future), you’ll get stereo outputs on the MIX OUT and headphones. A new power connector for more cable length and case flexibility and removability and one that’s already compatible with the more recent revisions of the Easel power board.
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