First Buchla module arrived yesterday...

[Arpangel]

It was a milestone moment, my hand was shaking as I took the box from the postman (post lady)
I haven't even unwrapped it yet, didn't have time. It's not new, I bought it secondhand, as I'm going to have to do with future modules. It's a boring utility module, attenuverters, offsets, and a mixer. Next up is going to be a Twisted Waveform Generator, then an Arbitrary Function Generator, then a Random/Filter. That's it, I'm stopping there.
These will compliment my Easel, and make me turn white through lack of sunshine.

[Folderol]

Ha!
The fool thinks he can stop

[Arpangel]

Ha!
The fool thinks he can stop

But this isn't Eurorack, I "have to stop"
This is the trouble and I'm in a mind set of...this is an "expansion boat" for my Easel, not a synth in its own right, as soon as I start to think of it as a separate instrument then it gets out of control. I've got a four space boat, that's a limitation, and it's difficult to take it further once you've committed to this. I could buy a 3 row 15 space, but I'd be comiting myself to around £20,000 just to fill it. That's lunacy, even by my standards.
But this sound is addictive, I'd advise anyone contemplating Eurorack to think long and hard before spending on that format, just three Buchla modules will take you to places Eurorack can never take you. The sound is just beautiful, totally organic and natural if you want it to be. Abstract sounds are its forte, sure, but they aern't just bloops and beeps, the reason why so many abstract sound artists are drawn to the Buchla is that when it's making the most far out sounds they are so beautiful, just to sit there listening to, like being in a natural garden of sound.

[Arpangel]

Buchla case arriving next week.....only two Euro modules left in my basement, my beloved Noise Swash, and an LFO, I may frame the Noise Swash, it's a work of art.

[Martin Walker]

So you've only got a few days left of your normal life, before Buchladom takes over

It's been great knowing you Tony - goodbye and thanks for all the fishy things you've said

Martin

[Arpangel]

So you've only got a few days left of your normal life, before Buchladom takes over

It's been great knowing you Tony - goodbye and thanks for all the fishy things you've said

Martin

I know, I was playing my Easel last night, it's a living thing, just the feel of it. I got a sort of Irish dance reedy type sound that was darting all over the place when I held notes on the keyboard, just move the timbre slider and the whole character changes, that thing works, it's a perfect little all in one box, I'm worried that branching out into modules is going to be a bit of a let down, I've got to make sure I make good choices, and just give the Easel more power.

[Martin Walker]

I'm worried that branching out into modules is going to be a bit of a let down, I've got to make sure I make good choices, and just give the Easel more power.

I feel your concerns - sometimes a gear item just works so well by itself that it can be counter-productive to your performance to add further external features to it.

The very best of luck making your future choices

Martin

[Arpangel]

I'm worried that branching out into modules is going to be a bit of a let down, I've got to make sure I make good choices, and just give the Easel more power.

I feel your concerns - sometimes a gear item just works so well by itself that it can be counter-productive to your performance to add further external features to it.

The very best of luck making your future choices

Martin

Oh gawd, I've done it now. I may need a bigger case to make it a stand alone instrument....

[Arpangel]

Second Buchla module arrives next week, a 259e, I've found a guy selling everything I need, but it's like torture, I can only afford one module, and having to let the others go that I need is terrible.

[Martin Walker]

Patience is a virtue with its own rewards Tony

Martin

[Arpangel]

Patience is a virtue with its own rewards Tony

Martin

I'm trying to do a deal, on a couple of modules, see how it works out.
Buchla isn't like Euro, you can't splurge, you have to think very carefully about each purchase. It's worth it though, came up with a great rhythm track on the Easel yesterday, record button was pushed.

[Arpangel]

Also got my i Program card working yesterday, after two days trying. It's quite archaic, having to "blink" the wi-fi connection. I know all the pitfalls now, if any other members ever get a card. The trouble with a lot of Buchla stuff is that it already assumes a certain knowledge base, I think.

[Martin Walker]

...came up with a great rhythm track on the Easel yesterday, record button was pushed.

That last phrase changes your reply from interesting to a fist-pumping moment

If only we all had the record button pushed whenever something good came along

Martin

[Drew Stephenson]

If only we all had the record button pushed whenever something good came along

I find the easiest way to avoid this kind of conundrum is to make sure that I never write anything good...

[Arpangel]

...came up with a great rhythm track on the Easel yesterday, record button was pushed.

That last phrase changes your reply from interesting to a fist-pumping moment

If only we all had the record button pushed whenever something good came along

Martin

If I'm at home I'm in my studio, if I'm away I take my Easel with me, the suitcase format is great, and I always have my handy recorder with me, and a Roland Cube amp.
I also have the opposite of red button syndrome, unless I know I'm being recorded I can't really get into playing anything, it's like, what's the point?

[Folderol]

...came up with a great rhythm track on the Easel yesterday, record button was pushed.

That last phrase changes your reply from interesting to a fist-pumping moment

If only we all had the record button pushed whenever something good came along

Martin

This!
So many times

[Arpangel]

This whole Buchla thing is a steep learning curve, It turns out that a module I bought isn't good to use with my system, it can damage things if used in the wrong way, which is difficult to avoid in my case. So money wasted
Buchla and it's clones assume a certain knowledge, and aren't so friendly as Eurorack.
I've learnt my lesson and will be sticking to Buchla E Series modules from now on.

[Folderol]

Sorry to hear that. It's always disappointing when a bit of kit doesn't live up to expectations - disregarding the finances.

[Martin Walker]

Oh poo!!

[Arpangel]

Oh poo!!

Yes, in no uncertain terms. It turns out you can't mix some of older 200 series modules or some clones with the later E series. They put out negative voltages which can be damaging to E modules.
This whole scene is extremely nerdy, and it's just a given that you're some sort of electronics wizard too. My advice to anyone getting into Buchla is always stick to genuine Buchla modules, and cases, and don't stray into the dark world of clones, unless you really do know what you're up to.

[Hugh Robjohns]

This whole scene is extremely nerdy, and it's just a given that you're some sort of electronics wizard too.

Yep... I think that's why they invented all-in-one synths!

On the upside, for every module I/O interface issue, there will be someone making another module that can sort out the interface issue!

So there will be a voltage translation module available somewhere than can convert bipolar control voltages into single-sided ones. You just then need to remember to plug via that converter when patching that module!

But I do agree that it is rather sad and frustrating that there are several different control voltage and gate signal 'standards' to complicate module choice and use so unnecessarily.

H

[Martin Walker]

But I do agree that it is rather sad and frustrating that there are several different control voltage and gate signal 'standards' to complicate module choice and use so unnecessarily.

Especially when a single manufacturer like Buchla releases modules that aren't even compatible with their stablemates

Martin

[Arpangel]

But I do agree that it is rather sad and frustrating that there are several different control voltage and gate signal 'standards' to complicate module choice and use so unnecessarily.

Especially when a single manufacturer like Buchla releases modules that aren't even compatible with their stablemates

Martin

I think it's a matter of no backwards compatibility, if you use all, current, E Series modules you'll be fine. The E series contain a lot of digital electronics, which I think is easily damaged by the earlier analogue modules.
Another problem is the use of "clone" modules, they don't always adhere to Buchla standards, and people buy them because they offer cheaper solutions, but then find out they aern't compatible.........like me!
I bought an extension boat for my Easel, from Samomodular, it's absolutely fine, and a fraction of the cost of a Buchla, but I'm not buying anymore third party modules or clones.
I don't want to have to remember not to do certain things, modular is hugely confusing and time consuming as it is.

[Arpangel]

Had to use Buchla support, and I have to say, it's excellent, got a reply within 24 hours, and they were friendly and very helpful. It's still obviously a nice personal service, not like the email only corporates which take days to reply.

[Martin Walker]

Well that sounds encouraging!

Did they have any solution for your waveform polarity problem though? (they must have been asked this before).

Martin