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Notes: ***B-STOCK: Item refurbished, repaired and in perfect working order.***


Celebrating the 50th anniversary of this truly iconic synth, the 'modern' take on the classic Buchla Music Easel doesn't mess with a winning formula, paring the 208C sound source with 218e touch-sensitive keyboard.

Supplier's Notes:
The Buchla Music Easel was one of the first truly portable electronic music instruments. Fifty years ago, in 1973, only a few dozen were made. Unlike many iconic technologies, the influence was not grown through force of scale, but rather the force of the ideas. The Music Easel made available virtually every musical dimension: timbre, melody, rhythm, and time; how these dimensions intersected was no longer the court of acoustics and material, but signals and voltage. The 208 Stored Program Sound Source engendered "a new functional organization [with a] particularly rapid system of patching and program storage via plug-in cards."

Taking cues from the then-recent discipline of cybernetics, the 218 touch plate was for "real-time communication" to help realize the "potential vocabulary" of the Easel, rather than exploiting existing modes of musical virtuosity. The Stored Program Cards ensured rapid repeatability and repertoire on its own terms. The battery terminals made sure the music was as portable as any acoustic instrument. And the name let you know it was designed for art rather than science.

Buchla is ecstatic to revive the Music Easel for its third run in 50 years. Buchla first released the updated 208 Stored Program Sound Source, dubbed the Easel Command, with expanded MIDI and USB capability. Next came the update of the Easel Program Manager - a complete kit for storing and recalling sounds sources, even more rapidly than imagined in 1973. The new 218 Touch Activated Voltage Source provides the optimal input facility, as originally envisioned. It is now all together in a rugged case and the advanced EMBIO module that unifies all the audio and control inputs and outputs for integration with the rest of your musical world.

More than a retro novelty, the Music Easel still speaks to a future we strive for. A technology that invites conversation, not chats, and controls that engage expression, not work. There are many new worlds to explore in this instrument created at the crossroads of the jazz and computer ages. Designed as "an integrated assemblage of functions", rather than a collection of modules, the Music Easel's colour coding, comfortable access to controls, and solid patch connections allow for satisfying sessions of sonic discovery.

The Music Easel is available for pre-order starting June 16 at Buchla.com and your favourite Buchla Dealer. Delivery of the Music Easel (modern) is expected fall 2023.

Stored Program Sound Source Model 208C

The sound source of the Music Easel is the 208C, which includes a complex oscillator and a modulation oscillator (which can also serve as another voice), each with independent switchable waveforms, as well as a noise generator, allowing for rich and intricate sound design. The 208C also features a five-stage sequencer, envelope generator, pulser and modulation source - with switchable triggers - allowing for complex patterns and evolving textures. The dual low pass gate provides dynamic control over the tone and amplitude of the sound, as well as natural-sounding decay and sustain. The 208C has a number of modulation sources, including a random voltage generator, the envelope generator, modulation oscillator, and an envelope detector. These sources can be used to modulate various parameters via the extensive patchfield - creating movement, texture, and complexity. The 208C also includes a mixer section with spring reverb.

Touch Activated Voltage Source Model 218e (v3)

The first design appeared in the 1973 release of the Buchla Music Easel and named for the spacecraft that delivered astronauts to the moon. Providing the familiar piano key layout for this early mobile music machine, the additional controls and capabilities were an interface for exploring uncharted musical territory. With the new version 3, it's been elevated with a new foundation of stable, modern electronics with incredible sensitivity and accuracy - the lightest touch will produce triggers and control voltages. The adjustable sensor has the dynamic range and durability to handle your playing. The new texture not only improves the sensing, but provides a satisfying tactile experience. As always, pressure is an expressive output, adding an extra dimension to the control. MIDI outputs velocity and polyphony, as well as channel pressure, making the 218e a uniquely expressive controller. The 218e includes portamento and an arpeggiator, which can be driven by external inputs and are allowed to interact with the automated notes to make patterns more complex. Additional controls allow you to blend different patterns and randomness to easily change from the expected to the surprising. The classic preset voltage knobs offer several possible ways to shift your sounds into new territory. Not only can the knobs be used for quick access to voltages for your patch, they can control arpeggiation modes and octave shifting. Pads output pulses for additional control. The 218e also gives you a unique interface to playing your existing MIDI gear and soft synths. Each touch outputs note name, channel pressure, and velocity for every note, along with sustain controls from a pedal. Polyphonic MIDI mode lets you play chords. The touchstrip can act as a pitch bend control, or as a mod wheel for additional expressive control. Easily configured using the front panel controls, you can send notes and controls on any MIDI channel.

Electric Music Box Input/Output (EMBIO)

Maintaining the spirit, sound, and process from the original, the new Music Easel adds a variety of new features. Buchla's latest renditions of the Stored Program Sound Source and Touch Activated Voltage Source are tied together with the Electric Music Box Input/Output (EMBIO) module. This of course provides MIDI out (mini jack and USB) and CV out from the 218, MIDI in to the 208, and the audio out from the 208C. Additional creative control comes from the Audio Mixer, for integration with other Buchla modules and systems, and the CV conditioners and controls. The slew control can turn your sequencer into a wavy modulator, or soften up a square LFO. The attenuator and crossfader gives you the opportunity to find new levels and combinations of voltages from existing ones. The pulse converter offers new rhythms to trigger. And a simple LFO provides another valuable modulator when you just can't quite let yourself flip that Mod Osc switch from "high" to "low."

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Dent on the side, product in perfect working order***


Like a greatest hits of recent Analogue Solutions synths, the Ample combines sound elements from the Fusebox with jack patch points, a patch pin matrix, plus sequencer and CV touch pads from the Generator, creating something new and unique.

Supplier's Notes:
Ample combines the best elements of several of Analogue Solutions' recent products.

The sound elements of Fusebox
Jack patch points of Concussor Eurorack
Patch pin matrix of Vostok
Echo from Dr Strangelove
Sequencer and CV touch pads of Generator

It shares all this yet still has its own sound!

Ample can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be

This synth has been given a large and diverse number of controls, that along side the patch sockets, will give even the best and experienced synthesist endless possibilities.

This synth presents the controls in a user friendly and familiar synth layout that, together with this manual and other resources, enable even the new guy to get great sounds.

Synth - Percussion - Audio Processor

Ample is a compact analogue synthesizer. Analogue - as in really analogue. Aside from the MIDI chip (which has to be digital), everything else is totally analogue using real transistors and op-amps. There are no CPU stabilised and quantised circuits, no DCOs, no digital LFOs and no digital EGs, as found on other so called analogue synths. The circuitry is based on designs dating back to the mid-1970s. So Ample has a genuine old sound.

Circuits included

3x Analogue Oscillators

There are three analogue VCOs - each providing a wealth of features and modulation choices. VCO3 can easily be utilised as a LFO.

2x Analogue Low Frequency Oscillator

LFO2(/Sync) has a triangle wave output. VCO3 can be used as an LFO and has Saw, Triangle and Square wave modulation signals.

Analogue Filter

Ample uses a four pole 24bB per octave low pass filter.

Analogue Amplifier

The VCA can be set to THRU so it is always 'open'. This allows Ample to be used as an effects processor.

2x Analogue Envelopes

There are two EGs - each having full control over ATTACK, DECAY, SUSTAIN, and RELEASE.

Modulation

Great thought has been placed into modulation route choices, allowing a wide range of sounds to be produced, including percussion and 'modular' sounds further extended by patching with the jack sockets and pin matrix.

MIDI

MIDI is intentionally kept simple - so you can concentrate on making new sounds and making music - not getting tied up with SYSEX programming.

You get the all important control over filter cut-off using MIDI Velocity.

Patchable External CV Control Sockets

Ample has many input and output audio and CV sockets - to allow the synth to be effectively re-wired to make new sounds.

The sockets also enable it to be easily used with Eurorack and other modular systems. They can be patched together.

Sequencer

Ample has a vintage style 16 step sequencer.

Touch Keys

There are 6 touch keys that each output a set voltage. Use this to play the pitch or as modulation signals. A great tool for inspiration!

Pin Matrix

A neat way to patch the synth.

Echo

Nice lo-fi echo / delay.

Notes: Euphoric sound with digital clarity and analogue richness from Rupert Neve Designs transformer

The euphonia produces a euphoric sound with the clarity of digital and the richness of analogue that's never been heard from a DJ mixer before.

To deliver a clearer sound quality that accurately reproduces the expression of the music, the euphonia uses high-quality 32-bit A/D and D/A converters as well as 96kHz/64bit floating point mixing processing operations in the DSP, utilizing the digital signal processing technology AlphaTheta has developed over many years.

All sound coming out of the euphonia passes through a transformer circuit co-designed by AlphaTheta and Rupert Neve Designs, the legendary makers of outstanding analogue audio circuitry and mixing desks revered by artists and sound engineers around the world. This transformer circuit, tuned specifically for the euphonia, adds harmonics to the music and creates a glossy and energetic sound that's smoother for mixing. Low frequencies such as kicks and bass are more stable and punchy, mid frequencies like vocals and instruments have more presence and gloss, and high frequencies such as hi-hats sound silky and natural. The transformer breaks down the barrier between vintage live and modern electric sounds, making mixing easier and surprisingly natural, as if recordings in different styles were originally one piece of music.

Specially developed rotary fader makes you feel one with the music

When you touch the faders on the euphonia, you won't want to let go. To enhance its intuitive mixing experience, the unit is loaded with rotary faders that feature a brand-new carefully developed design to give you the feeling that you and the mixer are one. After extensive testing, the perfect knob sizes were chosen, with an elastomer applied to the outer circumference of each to ensure a comfortable and reliable grip as well as a high level of vibration absorption.

The uniquely developed mechanism for the faders also benefits from optimum weighting. You'll notice a difference in the feel of the knobs when you turn them at different speeds, as a smooth load is applied when you turn a knob slowly for delicate fine-tuning and a limited load level is applied when you turn a knob quickly to instantly reach your intended volume level. And the fader volume curves have been optimized through feedback from numerous DJs, enabling smooth and natural mixing without equalizing, so you can concentrate on volume control. This innovative fader allows for musical expression that will move your audience and enhance your performance.

Energy Visualizer for understanding overall sound at first glance

Get an instant visual grasp of the status of your mix and the balance of track volume levels by glancing at the euphonia's Energy Visualizer. Conventional VU meters only have 1 needle meter, making it difficult for DJs to grasp multiple channel levels at the same time. But the euphonia's uniquely developed Mix Level Meter features a needle meter for each channel so you can visually check the levels for all channels and mix smoothly while keeping the groove going. You can even keep an eye on the balance of the master output by looking at the Spectrum Analyzer, which helps you keep your mixes sounding consistent and smooth, even in a long set, as you "watch" the euphonia's output and adjust it to create your perfect sound.

Next-generation 3Band Master Isolator that transforms sensibility into sound at your will

Highest-quality isolator

The size of the isolator knobs is perfect for rapid turns from centre to maximum or minimum, and the torque load is perfectly balanced for both quick operation and fine sound quality adjustment, with a luxurious feel that's not too light. The cut-off frequency and slope are set to control and highlight the kick, melody, and rhythm bands in a natural yet sharp manner.

Brand-new Boost Send for one-handed effects application

Add one of the built-in Send Effects, or an effect from an external unit, to the sound of any of the master isolator frequency bands.

Specifications

Max. external dimensions (W × D × H): 429.2 × 331.0 × 119.9 mm / 16.90" × 13.03" x 4.72"
Main unit weight: 9.5 kg / 20.94 lbs.
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz (LINE)
S/N Ratio: 107 dB (USB, DIGITAL IN)
88 dB (PHONO)
105 dB (LINE)
79 dB (MIC)
Power requirements: AC 110 V - 240 V, 50 Hz / 60 Hz
Power consumption: 43 W
Accessories: Power cord
Warranty (for some regions)
Quick start guide
Precautions for use

Compatible software:
rekordbox
Serato DJ Pro

Terminals

Inputs:
DIGITAL IN × 4 (coaxial)
LINE × 4 (RCA)
PHONO × 4 (RCA)
MIC x 1 (XLR & 1/4" TRS jack)

Outputs:
MASTER × 1 (XLR)
BOOTH × 1 (1/4" TRS jack)
REC × 1 (RCA)
PHONES × 2 (1/4" stereo phone jack, 3.5 mm stereo mini jack)
USB: USB Type-C × 1

Others:
SEND × 2 (1/4" TS jack)
RETURN × 2 (1/4" TS jack)