#109

@kuorinki @lilskullymane that was a temporary arrangement while I was waiting for a case to accommodate the MARF and my other diy stuff. Anyway, 208+248: is it fun? A lot. Is it overkill? Yes. The MARF has a lot of I/O that the 208 can’t use, and its usage with the 208 only is limited to the most basic features. It’s a bit of a waste. But if you intend to acquire other Buchla modules, then go for it, the MARF is immensely powerful and fun.

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#110

Ok, thanks for the input - sounds a lot like I thought… so need to reconsider if I take this route, can’t really afford financially right now to get MARF plus some additional modules. I do have Portabellabz toolbox+bob so that would perhaps make the MARF little bit more useful with the 208.

1 Like
#111

wow! was never really sold on the 218 but this looks amazing for only 1u (and one of the more reasonably priced buchla modules I’ve seen :sob:). definitely on my list now.

and @kuorinki, the marfs seem to hold their value well so you could always get one to see if it works in your setup and sell it if it ends up being too much.

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#112

Has anyone here built an easel clone? Curious about the level of difficulty for the project, both obtaining parts and the build itself. Doesn’t seem like there are many options for the keyboard. The DOBOZ I see in this thread looks nice and would leave room for some other modules.

#113

I built mine. It’s a long build, but if you are already into synth diy stuff it isn’t terribly difficult. Sourcing some of the parts is where it gets a little tricky.

1 Like
#114

I completed the Serge 73-75 homebuilt so this sounds ok. There were a few obsolete parts but I was able to source them from places like smallbear.

#115

I built one two years ago. Not too bad, just take it card by card. Definitely some hard to find parts, but good workarounds are posted. It’s just a beast financially as well, think pcbs + parts was around $1700 or so. I ended up selling it, and really miss i

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t.

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#116

Couldn’t agree more. I’ve had a BEMI Easel for about nine months now and it’s the only instrument that I play every day. The limitations become a puzzle at times, but there is so much depth and flexibility to it. I added a Portabellabz VCS3 card to it and having that third voice really opens it up exponentially. I’m also a fan of the suitcase synth paradigm, so I hope BUSA returns to that idea.

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#117

Glad to hear that you’re enjoying the VCS3 card. I’ve got a 208r that I recently paired with 218 in a case — kind of a janky easel build — and I’m on the list for a VCS3. Curious if you could point to any tracks or clips in particular that showcase it?

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#118

I started a dedicated savings account just to save up for an Easel. Whenever I sell some gear or get some side work, it goes right in there. Someday…

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#119

You’re on the waitlist with EMS? Or with Portabellabz for his VCS3 card? Either way - awesome!

This is a recent piece that features the VCS3 card. Hard to tell what’s doing what, but I am using all three oscillators in the audio range, so it’s sort of a trio. The 208 sequencer is controlling the VCS3 card.

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#120

Sounds great. I am also looking forward of this:

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#121

Has anyone had any experience with the new 208c? I’ve been considering making the jump into Buchla and can’t for the life of me find full Easels for sale but the 208 command seems like a good way to make the plunge.

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#122

I have a Command Module ordered. I emailed Eric and he said they’ll begin shipping soon. I think there are some 208c modules already out there but I haven’t seen much, yet, from owners. Buchla of course has been affected by the current situation like pretty much everyone else. The 208c/Command is manufactured in San Francisco.

I ordered the Command because it does seem like a good way to start (besides the Euro Red Panel 100 modules, some of which I have).

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#123

I’m considering switching out my 2015 version of the 208 for the 208c. I’m hoping the v/oct tracking is a little more stable but am also interested in the mod osc FM in and the individual osc outs. One thing I’m still trying to find out is confirmation that the gates are still vactrol-based.

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#124

Nice track, thanks for sharing! The VCS3 card sounds great in this setup.

I am on the Portabellaz list and my name actually came up but they’re not shipping overseas for obvious reasons. Hopefully at some point this year?

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#125

I know this is a loaded question, but I’ve often considered selling all of my Euro and getting an Easel. Or maybe now the 208c. Is this bad idea? I really like the idea of a closed system, because I hate the never ending gear quest with Euro, and some if my favorite artists make music on the Easel and I absolutely love the tone. I was thinking since the new 208’s have class compliant usb that it would open up so many options for sending cv from an iPad or the Sensel or something. To my understanding both vco’s now will have 1 v/o inputs as well? I could easily get some nice stuff going with a Keystep and SQ-1 as well. Also, if you are sending cv from the euro world to Buchla, it will work for anything aside from pitch control with a 1/8" to Banana convertor right? Would the new Make Noise 0-Ctrl be a good companion?

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#126

you should definitely get a Synovatron CVGT1, for pitch and pulses, even if I have successfully synched the easel with an euro clock by amplifying the clock in the maths mixer.

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#127

I tried tried tons of verbos, instruo, dannysound, make noise, frap tools etc in search colorful, inspiring additive synthesis. Sold it all and got an easel a month ago. Maybe the honeymoon phase wears off and I start to miss the power of zillions of cool new euro Modules but right now I’m very impressed with how much more enjoyable and improvisational the easel is compared to the verbos system. I think the oscillators sound more vibrant, the wave shapers are more alive, the LPGs are more natural, and patching is more rewarding. Also, if you have very large hands like I do, 4u is a revelation.

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#128

This is kind of what I thought, but I know off the bat I’d miss some things like having a quantizer, modules like Marbles for pattern generation and having a lot of control over envelopes like I do with Maths. But I really want an instrument that I can dedicate to and get good at instead of just buying new modules when I get bored. Do you think having the full Easel with the keyboard is part of the experience or would the 208c do?

1 Like