Buchla 208 Stored Program Sound Source (early 1970s)
A synthesizer module forming the core sound source of the Buchla Music Easel portable instrument.
Overview
The Buchla 208 Stored Program Sound Source is a synthesizer module designed by Buchla as part of the 200 Series, released in the early 1970s. It serves as the central sound-generating component of the Buchla Music Easel, a portable electronic instrument created by pairing the 208 with the 218 keyboard and controller module. Each system was hand-built to order, reflecting the boutique production approach of the era.
Design
The module is built around a motherboard and 12 plug-in cards, a design choice that simplifies PCB assembly but increases total build time. Total construction time for the unit was approximately 27.5 hours, with 17.5 hours dedicated to assembling the 12 cards and 9.5 hours for the panel and motherboard. Card 1 functions as a five-stage sequencer, Card 2 serves as a random voltage source—later known as the "Source of Uncertainty"—and Card 3 operates as an envelope generator. Modifications to improve performance include replacing resistor R53 on the motherboard with an RC combination to fix sequencer trigger issues and substituting R20 with a 220Ω resistor plus adding 0.1µF decoupling capacitors on IC1, IC4, IC5, and IC6 to reduce envelope generator bleed.
Product Family
The Buchla 208 is the sound source module of the Buchla Music Easel. It is part of the 200 Series, which refined and expanded upon the Buchla concept following the original 100 Series completed in 1966.
Context
Buchla instruments were tools for composers, sound designers, and experimentalists such as Suzanne Ciani, Charles Cohen, Todd Barton, and Alessandro Cortini. The 208, like other Buchla systems, offered unique sonic capabilities that distinguished it from conventional synthesizers, supporting complex composition through modules like the Multiple Arbitrary Function Generator.
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