Buchla Easel-K (2015)
An analog desktop synthesizer combining the 208 Sound Source with the 223e Kinesthetic Input Port for expressive touch control
Overview
The Buchla Easel-K is a 2-voice analog synthesizer released in 2015 as an updated configuration of the reissued 1973 Buchla Music Easel. The original had a capacitive touch keyboard. The Easel-K drops the 218 module and puts in the 223e Multi-Dimensional Kinesthetic Input Port, a 27-keypad tactile surface that senses velocity, pressure, and positional movement across 14 keypads. It's a semi-modular desktop system with banana jacks for CV and 1/8-inch jacks for audio. External control comes in over MIDI, USB, or 1V/octave CV. Onboard you get two oscillators, a 24dB 4-pole filter with resonance, an ASD envelope with looping capability, and a built-in spring reverb.
Specifications
| Engine Type | Analog |
| Voices (max) | 2 |
| Oscillators | 2 |
| LFO | 1 |
| Sample & Hold | Triangle |
| Engine Detailed | 2 VCO Pulse, Pulse Variable, Square, Triangle |
| Filter (VCF) | 1 24dB Slope (4-pole), Resonance |
| Envelope (VCA) | 1 Attack, Decay, Looping, Triggered |
| Sequencer Step Keys | 30 |
| Key type | Touch pads (via 223e module) |
| Velocity | Y |
| Aftertouch | Y |
| CV-gate | CV/GATE |
| Produced | 2015 |
| External audio input | 1/8-inch jack |
| Patching | Banana jacks for CV, 1/8-inch jacks for audio |
| Connectivity | MIDI keyboard, USB keyboard, and traditional 1V/octave CV signals can be interfaced |
| Core Components | Combination of the 208 Stored Program Sound Source and the Buchla 223e Kinesthetic Input Port module |
Design
The Easel-K integrates the 208 Stored Program Sound Source with the 223e Multi-Dimensional Kinesthetic Input Port, replacing the original 218 Touch Activated Voltage Source. The 223e features a 3-panel tactile surface with 27 velocity- and pressure-sensitive keypads, 14 of which detect positional movement in one or two dimensions, with pressure sensitivity ranging from light touch to several pounds. The surface can be mounted in a 200e-series cabinet or a 201e-3 Passive Frame. Control data—including location, pressure, impact, and tuned voltages—are output across 30 points on the Tactile Input Port module. The system includes a five-step sequencer, Pulser, ASD envelope, and a random module accessed via patch point. The Filter/Gate uses vactrols, and the unit includes built-in spring reverb. All settings, including keypad programming, can be saved and recalled using the Preset Manager on a 225e or 206e module. The arpeggiator supports multiple patterns, internal/external clocks, and various control features.
Context
The original Buchla Music Easel, released in 1973, was one of the earliest portable analog synthesizers. It was semi-modular and had a capacitive touch keyboard. It represented the West Coast synthesis approach, in contrast to Moog's East Coast topology. The Easel-K improves external connectivity and swaps the touch keyboard for the 223e interface, which addresses the original's limited integration with external gear. All Easel models are based on the 208 Stored Program Sound Source.
Reception & Use
Users describe the Easel-K as having a life of its own, with more depth than its minimal appearance suggests. Its dynamics are praised, and players say they don't miss traditional ADSR or East Coast filter designs. Despite the simple layout, new users are surprised by how complex it sounds.
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