The Buchla Easel Command 208C in 29 minutes

The Buchla Easel Command 208C, as this analogue modular synthesiser is called, appeared in 2020, as the third variant of the original Music Easel. It was released by Don Buchla in 1973 as a performance synthesiser, with a touch-key keyboard and in a case. In this video you will get an overview of what this synthesizer can do, and of course we have created an extensive sound demo for you.

We use microphones, headphones, lighting and recording equipment from these companies:

00:00 - Intro
00:06 - Gearjunkies leader
00:12 - The Buchla Easel Command 208C
01:14 - Looks, in- and outputs
02:17 - The layout of the Easel
03:28 - Additive synthesis.
05:46 - 2nd oscillator
08:05 - No filter section
09:46 - Modulation
13:11 - Marker 10
14:24 - Demo sound 1
15:50 - Demo sound 2
16:50 - Demo sound 3
17:55 - Demo sound 4
19:59 - Demo sound 5
22:17 - Does the Easel have presets? Yes it does!
23:34 - Program manager software
27:51 - Conclusion
28:51 - Outro

[LocaliLLocano]

I just got my easel this week too. I’m in love with it

[denzilstudios]

The Buchla Easel has the proclivity to sound like squeaking duck, but once you get beyond that a whole universe opens up.

[spdycar]

I kept debating, keep or sell? Then I added the program manager and the 218 and love it! The 218 touch keyboard made a huge difference for me. Buchla challenges me and I like that.

[nsbdnow]

I sure wish I could save this video in a playlist. I'm totally being tempted to preorder the "modern" sound easel coming out fall 2023.

[no_talking]

Can you use midi to control the parameters in the program manager?

[xfloodcasual]

How is this possible (computer control) if the sliders on the easel are analog? It seems there must be a digital chip inside that the sliders and pots are connected to, which means it's not a pure analog synth. Curious.