Buchla 200e series User Manual

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USER'S GUIDE for the

200e

ELECTRIC MUSIC BOX

by the staff of

Buchla USA

V1.6 10/21/17

2018 by Buchla USA

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Summary of Contents for Buchla 200e series

Page 2 Introduction Welcome to the 200e system. These notes will acquaint you with your Buchla system, followed by individual descriptions of the various modules. Important Safety Precautions Do not disassemble this equipment. Refer all servicing to a qualified service engineer. But if you insist (or if you’re definitely qualified), be sure to follow the next advice.
Page 3 3.5mm mono audio cables for your final output, but they may be too loose. For the best audio connections, use the Tini-Plug audio cables that come with the Buchla system and adapt with a module that adapts from Tini-Jax (such as the 202h or 225h).
Page 4 Color-coding of cables and Banana Jacks: Note that both types of patchcords are color coded to indicate their length-- a handy feature in complex patches. But more importantly, banana receptacles/jacks are color coded to indicate their function: C.V. INPUTS are black and sometimes grey. C.V.
Page 5 Grey knob settings cannot be stored and will always represent the setting you see.
Page 6 Ground reference connection: On every Buchla boat/housing there is a black banana jack (sometimes labeled “gnd”, often near the card slot. When interconnecting/patching between two synthesizer systems, it is important that the ground reference is shared between the systems--including between two Buchla systems.
Page 7 USB MIDI I/O Card (225m): To Enable this facility, hook up the Firmware Card to a Mac computer and use the Buchla Firmware Utility application to reprogram it’s function as a MIDI interface for a 200e or 200h system. In this mode, the USB device name for the Card becomes “225m”.
Page 8 Conclusion and Further Development: We hope that covers a basic introduction to the unique features of the Buchla systems. We are always looking to expand and improve our designs. So keep in touch. For descriptions of individual 200e series modules, read the following pages.
Page 9 Firmware Updating. First, we’ll deal with Managing Presets: How it works: Each 200e series module has a built-in processor that can read that module's knob settings and switch positions. On command from the preset manager this data is stored in the module’s LOCAL memory and associated with a preset number.
Page 10 The first line of the LCD display will contain the current (last recalled) preset number followed by a name (if named). The second line points to a memory location (from 1 to 30). Use the data wheel to select a memory location for your preset---and with the system’s modules remotes enabled--press the store button.
Page 12 Global settings: The first global display controls the setting and clearing of the remote status of ALL the modules in a system. The command is sent when the cursor is in the status field and the data wheel is turned. This is a convenient way to change the system status with a single knob.
Page 13 Make your choice, choose “Copy” or “Exchange” , and turn the data wheel. Backing up your system: By far the simplest procedure to preserve the settings in your systems is to do a full backup of all the parameters in modules and their associated presets Do this by using “Restore from Card”...
Page 15 ID if it has one. If you bought the module as part of a system, these are set at the factory for you, but it can be altered by the user as necessary. Contact Buchla for instructions.
Page 16 >2.5v (e.g., the output of the Euro-to-Buchla CV processor on the 225h with the pot offset set to 5v and banana cable from the blue “out” jack to the white...
Page 17 Description - model 206e Mixer section 110427 A dual function module, the top section is a 6 in by 2 out mixer; the bottom section is the Preset Manager. Mixer The mixer portion features pan controls for each channel. Channels 1 and 6 are voltage controlled, while channels 2 –...
Page 18 Description - model 207e Mixer / Preamplifier 207110427 A dual function module, the top section is a 6 in by 2 out mixer identical to the 206e mixer; the bottom section is a microphone preamplifier, to be described subsequently. The mixer portion features pan controls for each channel. Channels 1 and 6 are voltage controlled, while channels 2 –...
Page 19 Description - model 210e Control Voltage and Signal Router 210071215 This module directs the routing of eight control voltages and eight audio signals. The two sections function independently. Originally conceived of as an aid to store and retrieve patch routings, the 210e evolved into a module with additional capabilities.
Page 20 The “main” output corresponds to the pitch of the key. At the Buchla standard of 1.2v/per octave, that means that the pitch C will be 0v,1.2v, 2.4v, 4.8v or 6.0v depending on the octave being played. (Notice how conveniently that relates the MIDI “C”...
Page 21 Next is the PRESET VOLTAGE SOURCE Only one “preset voltage source” can be selected at a time as indicated by the LEDs. The knob above each pad sets the output CV from 0-10v. The corresponding voltage will appear at the blue “output” banana when that knob/source is selected.
Page 22 Additional 218e settings: Configuration mode* To enter configuration mode, hold the first two preset pads until they both flash twice. (The 4 preset pad LED 4 will start flashing.) Assigning Internal MIDI bus output (with Preset knob 1): In this configuration mode, the illumination of the four preset pads indicates the internal MIDI bus assignment.
Page 23 Description - model 222e Kinesthetic Input Port 222100729 The 222 Kinesthetic Input Port senses a performer’s gestures and transforms them into control voltages for subsequent control of 200e systems. Two classes of gesture are sensed – one is the touch of a surface, and the other is the position of the hands in space.
Page 24 programmed that appears at the blue jacks. Alternatively, the blue jacks may present location – turn the data knob to the extreme left to access location. The bottom row of jacks provides access to Location, Pressure, or Impact from individual keys. Each output can respond to a single key with Location, Pressure, or Impact.
Page 25 Spatial sensor 222/2 Start by charging up the rings by plugging them into the provided USB wall chargers. The rings will glow red to show they are charging. To power them on, unplug them from the charger and use the switch on the side. Fasten the rings to your fingers with the Velcro straps, adjusting them as needed for comfort.
Page 26 Description - model 223e Tactile Input Port 223110128 1/4 The 223 Tactile Input Port is a mutation of the 222e Kinesthetic Input Port; it drops the ring sensors in favor of a simple arpeggiation function. We’ll deal first with the tactile surface and its outputs; then with the arpeggiation. Tactile Surface The tactile surface consists of 27 individual keys, each containing an LED for...
Page 27 223110128 2/4 A control voltage varying between 0 and 9.99 volts will appear at the violet outputs (the decimal point is not displayed). Cursor into this field to change the programmed voltage. The next field allows a second voltage to be programmed that appears at the blue jacks.
Page 28 a) quarter note e) sixteenth note b) quarter note triplet f) sixteenth note triplet c) eighth note g) thirty-second note d) eighth note triplet h) thirty-second note triplet Each range corresponds with a light on the LED ring around the tempo knob.
Page 29 The first three patterns order the selected notes and then play them, ascending, descending, or both, depending on the pattern. The Random pattern employs a pseudo-random number generator, and the Spiral pattern plays notes in a semi-regular pattern, usually playing each note once, before the first is repeated.
Page 30 The 225e MIDI decoder translates incoming MIDI messages into analog voltages and pulses. These control signals appear on three kinds of "busses" for subsequent distribution to 200e series modules. Busses A to D are routed internally to 200e series modules that respond directly to MIDI messages.
Page 31 Poly/Mono: (note on) If Mono is selected in this field, then new note messages will cut off the previous notes and new pulses or notes will be generated out the assigned bus. This is the default and best if you have a limited number of oscillators or want to assign each oscillator to a specific MIDI channel.
Page 32 Assigning the internal bus. Up to four 259e or 261e Complex Oscillators can be assigned to the four internal MIDI busses A – D. Plus each of the four sections of one 292e Quad Dynamics Manager and one 281e Quad Function Generator can be assigned these A - D busses if their module ID is set to A.
Page 34 Clock: If Channel is set to “Clock” (after 16 and before 0) a different interface is displayed: Bus:J Chan:Clock Div: 1/4 : 3/8 The Div fields allow the 225e to generate 10 volt pulses based on rhythmic divisions of an incoming MIDI clock. The numerator represents a count; valid values are 1-8.
Page 35 Model 227e System Interface This module performs various signal manipulations, prior to sending them to an external sound system. There are a total of 8 line level signal inputs. Four are primary inputs, and can be individually located in 2 dimensional space under voltage control. The remaining four appear as a separate four channel mixer with a single output;...
Page 36 Pot control of location: The left location pots (labeled “rate”) acts as a pan knob. The left location pots have an effective range of from 30% to 70% of their travel. The right location pot (labeled “ampl”) acts to bring control the amount to the front (A-B) or the rear (C-D).
Page 37 Model 230e Triple Envelope Tracker 230101013 This module is in two sections. The top section tracks the dynamics of applied signals, and the bottom section amplifies small signals from an external instrument or microphone. The two sections are normally connected internally (“normalled”), but if desired, they can be used independently.
Page 38 Model 249e Dual Arbitrary Function Generator ( OBSOLETE The 249e consists of two multi-segment function generators drawing from separate data bases, each with its own clocking and addressing resources. Data base editing Organized as two 24 stage circular sequencers, each stage stores the values of two control voltages, two pulses, a time value, and some logic functions.
Page 39 SCREEN 1 M u l t i T i m e P u l s e e x t A * 3 0 . 0 0 s e c SCREEN 2 M u l t i T i m e S U S T N T e m p o 2 0 0 * 1 / 1 6 Tempo is expressed in beats per minute, where 1 beat = a quarter note.
Page 40 249/2 Pulses are programmed by toggling the pulse keys. A stage that generates a pulse has an illuminated LED when addressed. Stops are programmed and displayed in the same fashion. A programmed stop stops the sequence before a jump programmed in that stage is executed. "loop"...
Page 41 Output Sections Programmed voltages appear at the green or blue banana jacks; their levels are indicated by adjacent LED’s. Programmed pulses appear on pulse outputs 1 and 2; an all pulse output occurs for every stage transition. Time scaling is voltage controllable over a 4:1 range. Sequencers can be started or stopped with pulses or switch closures.
Page 42 250e Arbitrary Function Generator The 250e is a 16 stage function generator. Each stage stores two control voltages, which are set with an array of 16 potentiometers. Time values are adjusted with a parallel array of smaller potentiometers, and can serve as a third control voltage.
Page 43: External Inputs
EXTERNAL INPUTS: Voltages and times may be derived from external control voltage inputs on a stage by stage basis. Controls for this trick reside in the lower left section. While in the edit mode, select the desired stage number and switch on the time and/or voltage LED’s with the associated switches.
Page 44 Start / Adv input the stage will pause (sustain). When the gate goes low the stage will continue to run based on its time value. Enable Mode – This mode is indicated when the “enbl” LED is on. This is the opposite of the Sustain mode;...
Page 45 251e Quad Sequential Voltage Source 251110905 Four independent sequencers, each with a pulse output and control voltage output for each of 99 stages. A separate editing section provides for setting each parameter for a selected sequence; the sequence may proceed while editing a particular stage, or the edit section can track the sequencer, displaying parameters in real time, but disabling edit procedures.
Page 46 b A - “stop” pulses decrement (back) the stage number; “start” pulses Advance it. J A - on receipt of a “stop” pulse, the stage number Jumps to the next stage number that contains a “loop begin”; otherwise it jumps to stage 00.
Page 47 Editing the Stages of a Sequence 251/2 In the “STAGE EDIT” section, we set the parameters for individual stages. First is the interval, entered as a note value from 1/64 to a whole note (1/1). If desired push the button until the 1.5 LED is lit and the displayed note will be dotted (interval multiplied by 1.5).
Page 48 An additional complexity is the looping of begin points; if a number is inserted in a stage designated as a begin point, then the begin will be honored for that number of loops. When the number is reached, the sequence will jump back to the next loop point, resetting the loop counter to its original value.
Page 49 Description - model 252e Polyphonic Rhythm Generator 252151029 The 252e sequences pulse patterns and CV values stored in the cells of eleven concentric rings. Ring cells resemble the stages of more conventional sequencers, but the architecture of the 252e allows for interesting and unusual possibilities not previously available. Four pulse outputs and six CV outputs can be assigned freely amongst the cells.
Page 50 Basic Cell Editing: Pulses Press the “edit” button to begin editing cell data. In cell edit mode the “edit” LED will be illuminated and a white blinking edit cursor will appear on the ring display. The edit cursor can be moved around the current ring using the “cell”...
Page 51 CV value. A fine tune mode is available by pressing the encoder down; press again to return to coarse CV edit mode. (Note: Typical Buchla oscillators are based on a1.2v per octave range, so .1v would equals a half-step.) Up to six CV outputs (each with different values) can be assigned to any one cell.
Page 52 Because traditional sequencers tend to operate with an assumed concept of a “note”, it’s important to emphasize here that there is no inherent relationship between pulses and CVs in the 252e. They can be assigned or not as you like. Cells can have pulses but no CVs, or CVs but no pulses.
Page 53 Advanced Editing: Copying and pasting ranges To select a range of cells for copying, press and hold the “cell” encoder while turning it. After copying a range of selected cells, the paste operation will differ depending on whether you turned the “cell” knob clockwise or anti-clockwise when you selected the range: the pasted data will appear either forward from the current cursor, or backwards from it.
Page 54 Clock Assignment Clock assignments can be programmed using CVs and pulses. The CV input next to the “assign” knob selects the ring, and a pulse at the pulse input next to the “assign” button starts the assignment. Note that the assignment is not fixed when the button is pressed (or pulse received), so if you turn the knob or change the CV before cell 1 is reached on the ring currently assigned to the clock, a different ring will be assigned than the one that was originally selected.
Page 55 Quad Control Voltage Processor model 256e 25609030 This module offers various sorts of control voltage processing, including selection, multiplication, addition, scaling, inversion, and non-linear transformation. Its four sections are identical and independent. A description of section A follows, and is applicable to sections B, C, and D. The leftmost knob selects between two input voltages, A1 and A2 .
Page 56 Sorry that the algebra looks so messy for such a basically simple process. Perhaps a couple of pictorial examples will clarify things for the non- mathematically inclined. The first example is complete transparency – the 256 does nothing to the applied voltage, and the output is a replica of the input: Next we take the product of two applied voltages, and invert the result: Now add a break point, such that the output stays at a constant 2 volts until...
Page 57 Here we use a voltage to control the proportions of two inputs that are applied to the transform matrix. The output starts at 8 volts, for an applied input of 0 volts, has a negative peak of 0 volts when the input reaches 2 volts, and then goes to 10 volts as the input reaches 10 volts: Note that the low resolution display provides a rough but useful indication of the transfer function.
Page 58 Control Voltage Processor model 257e The 257e is a control voltage processor similar to the 256e module but unto a world of its own. As its name says this is a CV processor. The A and B section function similarly to 256e but that is where the similarities end.
Page 59 Model 259e Twisted Waveform Generator 259091109 The 259e consists of two separate oscillators. One, the modulation oscillator, serves primarily to modulate the second, called the principal oscillator. The Modulation Oscillator The modulation oscillator has two ranges, one in the audio region of 27 to 7040 Hz;...
Page 60 Storing knob settings is also made possible when the module is remote enabled. As in all 200e series modules, the settings of pots and switches can be locally stored and subsequently recalled by the preset manager such as models 225e or 206e.
Page 61 Model 260e Barber Pole Module 26005010 Now just what is a "barber pole" module? A barber pole, used in a bygone era to identify haircutting saloons, is a spiral (resembles a candy cane) that slowly turns around a vertical axis. The actual movement is rotational and horizontal; the perceived movement is vertical, but illusory.
Page 62 Model 261e Complex Waveform Generator 261090804 The 261e consists of two separate oscillators. One, the modulation oscillator, serves primarily to modulate the second, called the principal oscillator. We’ll discuss the two oscillators separately. Modulation Oscillator The modulation oscillator has two ranges, one in the audio range of 27 to 7040 Hz;...
Page 63 225e’s fine tuning field for the bus that’s driving your oscillator. You need an “An” in that field to enable analog control. As in all 200e series modules, the settings of pots and switches can be locally stored and subsequently recalled by the model 225e or 206e preset manager.
Page 64 Model 266e Source of Uncertainty 266090312 Fluctuating Random Voltages Two independent sections, A and B, generate continuously changing random voltages with voltage controlled “probable rate of change”. Quantized random voltages This has two sections, called C and D, that share the shape and number of states.
Page 65 Model 267e Source of Uncertainty with Filters 267190412 The Model 267e combines a noise source, two random voltage sources, and two voltage controlled filters. Noise is dispensed in three flavors. Integrated white noise has a "low" spectral bias (-3 db/octave). Musically "flat" noise has a flat spectrum (constant energy per octave) and is a particularly useful source for subsequent processing.
Page 66 Model 272e Quad Polyphonic Tuner 272110904 Four tuners, all sharing a common data base, which consists of 20 "slots", with each slot assigned to an F.M. station. Slots (and therefore stations) can be selected with control voltages, either sampled or continuous. Begin by making sure you have connection to the antenna.
Page 67 Station selection Stations may be selected with continuous control voltages ("S&H" and "advance" LED's off). With the "slot" LED lit, a tuner's slot# will be displayed and selected with a sensitivity of .5 volts per slot, and the knob can be used to alter the slot number.
Page 68 Model 281e Quad Function Generator 281090825 The 281 has four function generators organized in 2 pairs. The following describes the top pair (A&B), but applies to the bottom pair as well (C&D). The two topmost generators, A and B, normally function independently, but can be paired to operate in a quadrature mode.
Page 69 Remote Enable: The 281e’s settings may be stored and retrieved with the model 225 or the 206e preset manager. To connect or disconnect this module from the central library function or internal bus, push the remote switch. A lighted red LED signifies a connection. In conjunction with the 225e, the 281e can monitor the internal MIDI bus, responding to note on and note off messages as well as controller 64 (sustain) as if they were pulse inputs.
Page 70 Model 285e Frequency Shifter / Balanced Modulator 285090430 The 285e consists of two independent sound processors: a frequency shifter, and a balanced modulator. Frequency shifter Shifts the frequencies of applied signals both up and down using either an internal or external reference source. The voltage controllable internal reference frequency can range between 1 and 1 kHz and can be modulated with an applied signal.
Page 71 Model 291e Triple Morphing Filter 291090919 The 291e consists of three voltage controlled filters which can be operated independently or in parallel. The amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth of each filter may be independently voltage controlled. Each may be modulated with externally applied signals.
Page 72 Morphing A variety of means for progressing through the filter stages is provided. The control voltage input can serve two functions: 1) A voltage applied to the morph input will select a filter stage, with the selected number of stages spread over the 10 volt control range. This mode is enabled with the entry of “control voltage”...
Page 73 - the 292e has velocity inputs, allowing controllers to control note volumes with performance gestures. And its settings can be stored as a part of a 200e series preset. Level: The 292e sports four independent voltage controlled amplifiers. Each has a signal input and output, a control voltage input that varies the unit's gain from -120 to + 3db, an offset adjustment, and a velocity input.
Page 74 296e Spectral Processor 296110930 This is a multifunction 16 channel bandpass filter with separate voltage controlled amplifiers (VCA’s) and envelope followers associated with each channel filter. We’ll discuss several applications forthwith – you’ll undoubtedly come up with more of your own. Split filter: even and odd inputs There are 16 bands of control.
Page 75 Morphing filter Similarly, select the “B levels”, crank the morph control clockwise to illuminate the yellow LED, and adjust the potentiometers to the desired B response. We now have a second response curve stored for the 296e, and we can use the morph control to pan between the two curves.
Page 76 Spectral transfers By analyzing the spectrum of a sound applied to the “odd” input, and applying the spectrum to the signal from the “even” input, we can perform a sort of vocoding. To conserve several patchcords, choose “odd > even” in the “SPEC-TRUM XSFER”...
Page 77 297 Infinite Phase Shifter 297091218 The Infinite Phase Shifter displaces the phase of an applied signal by up to 1800 degrees, depending on frequency and number of stages selected. The phase shifted signal may be combined with the original to create a moderately warped comb filter with complimentary outputs.
Page 78 APPENDIX: A MIDI Hardware connections: With the e-series there is a MIDI I/O panel that comes with your 225e. Please connect the back of the 225e with the MIDI I/O panel with the provided 10-pin cable. But since neither MIDI Out nor USB were implemented on the 225e, it would be sufficient to use the 2pin header connection.

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