JonDent - Explorations in Electronics, Electronic Music, Coffee, Sci Fi, Art & Travel (but mostly electronic music)
Showing posts with label Buchla 200e. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buchla 200e. Show all posts
Friday, 15 April 2022
Sunday, 16 January 2022
Clocking the Buchla 252e (with a 225e)
The Buchla 252e has no midi or analog clock input as it was designed to be THE master clock.
The 252e manual says it supports MIDI clock, sync receive and sync transmit.
Transmit is straightforward, but syncing and receiving MIDI from something like a DAW,
needs a module like a 225e.
There may be other modules which could do the same job but I think the 225e module is a great pairing for the 252e. They communicate with each other using i2c.
The 225e has 16 busses, but the last 6are impt in syncing things. These are busses J to P.
These handle controller and clock messages. They are translated into 0-10V CVs
Each controller Bus is divided into 2 groups: (a) or (b).....(two controllers for each of six busses).
Controller output bus P(b) is actually not a controller, but is a dedicated MIDI Clock output.
If Channel is set to “Clock” (after 16 and before 0) a different interface is displayed:
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. The denominator represents a note length.
1: Whole note 8: Eighth note
2: Half note 12: Eighth note triplet
3: Half note triplet 16: Sixteenth note
4: Quarter note 24: Sixteenth note triplet
6: Quarter note triplet 32: Thirty-second note
Src = Sync Receive
So if you wish the 252e to receive and be controlled by external midi clock follow these steps:
1. On the 252e, press and hold the Master BPM knob until the display reads Off.
2. Turn the Master BPM knob on the 252e until it reads Src (Sync receive).
1. On the 252e, press and hold the Master BPM knob until the display reads Off.
2. Turn the Master BPM knob on the 252e until it reads Src (Sync receive).
----------------------------------
If you are trying to clock a larger modular system from the 252e (without a 225e) use Cell1 output.
This will supply a pulse every time the cells return to step 1.
Use a clock multiplier like the Northern Light Modular 2TT.
Set
an output to be a multiple of 2, 4, 8, 16 etc and you have a master
clock while retaining the pulse outs.
You can also use the 256e as a clock multiplier
Buchla Quad voltage processor
You can of course use any of the pulse outputs on the 252e as a clock.
Personally, I just think the 225e is the easiest module to use. It allows you to add a midi clock input
to the 252e, is a perfect and flexible clock multiplier/divider and is a preset manager to boot.
Here, bus P is supplying the clock.
P(b) is your unmodified clock.
P(a) is the clock multiplied by 2.
I'm using abelton as the clock source.
Remember to set it up to transmit midi.
Options/ preferences/ midi
Sunday, 28 November 2021
Sunday, 1 August 2021
Nan Tang - Compilation: Buchla 200e live set @at the moment
...
Nice work Nan
Compilation: Buchla 200e live set @at the moment
by tamiX
Friday, 14 August 2020
Basic 4 panel Buchla setup
A friend of mine is considering entering the Buchla world and asked for some ideas about where to start.
He is considering a basic 4 unit setup.
These are some of my suggestions.
Just personal ideas ... I'm no expert but have had some experience over the last few years.
Of course he could just buy an Easel, which is a great way to begin as it has all the basic modules.
But if you're keen to buy modules, then here goes.
Before Buchla started producing half modules, this was always my preferred basic system.
It has what I feel to be the essential Buchla modules:
1. a VCO ... 261e
2. a envelope generator (EG)...281e
3. a LPG....292e
4. a SOU (source of uncertainity)..... 266e
The 261e VCO could be swapped for another VCO of your choice .... such as a 258, 259e,
or a 100 series such as the 158 or 144.
Basic system 2:
We have added two half modules the 291h & 292h.
These are the EG & LPG.
The SOU hasn't changed but I've added a preset manager module,
the 225e, which allows you to store presets and also adds MIDI to your system.
Basic system 3:
This is essentially system 2 but the 225e has been swapped for two half modules: the 202h (which is a adapter module) and the 225h which is a midi - CV interface.
Basic 4 is an evolution of the basic 3 configuration
We have swapped the 266e (SOU) for a 267e which adds a dual filter, but retains a basic uncertainity module.
Basic 5 drops the 202h (adapter module) and the 225h (midi-CV interface).
In its place we have the 225e midi-CV / preset manager.
If you come from the Euro world, you probably already have MIDI to CV converters
and might be tempted to drop any of the MIDI-CV modules.
But be aware that Buchla uses a different standard to Euro .. 1.2V/ Oct. and 10V gates generally.
Plus the CV and audio section are separated.
CV uses banana & Audio use Tiny jacks.
Basic 6
If you have got this covered then swapping the 225e for a 206e would be a great choice.
You have added a mixer & retained the preset manager.
I hope these ideas help you make a good decision.
Cheers J
He is considering a basic 4 unit setup.
These are some of my suggestions.
Just personal ideas ... I'm no expert but have had some experience over the last few years.
Of course he could just buy an Easel, which is a great way to begin as it has all the basic modules.
But if you're keen to buy modules, then here goes.
Before Buchla started producing half modules, this was always my preferred basic system.
It has what I feel to be the essential Buchla modules:
1. a VCO ... 261e
2. a envelope generator (EG)...281e
3. a LPG....292e
4. a SOU (source of uncertainity)..... 266e
The 261e VCO could be swapped for another VCO of your choice .... such as a 258, 259e,
or a 100 series such as the 158 or 144.
Basic system 2:
We have added two half modules the 291h & 292h.
These are the EG & LPG.
The SOU hasn't changed but I've added a preset manager module,
the 225e, which allows you to store presets and also adds MIDI to your system.
Basic system 3:
Basic 4 is an evolution of the basic 3 configuration
Basic 5 drops the 202h (adapter module) and the 225h (midi-CV interface).
In its place we have the 225e midi-CV / preset manager.
If you come from the Euro world, you probably already have MIDI to CV converters
and might be tempted to drop any of the MIDI-CV modules.
But be aware that Buchla uses a different standard to Euro .. 1.2V/ Oct. and 10V gates generally.
Plus the CV and audio section are separated.
CV uses banana & Audio use Tiny jacks.
Basic 6
If you have got this covered then swapping the 225e for a 206e would be a great choice.
You have added a mixer & retained the preset manager.
I hope these ideas help you make a good decision.
Cheers J
Saturday, 1 August 2020
Radio Music - build pics
Some build pics of the radio music module by Music Thing Modular
These aren't official and I'm in no way affiliated with Music Thing M.
These are just my notes to help trouble shoot, should I run into any probs.
As you can see, I purchased this as a kit from Thonk.
When I first built this, initially it didn't work as I hadn't installed the firmware correctly.
But it's actually a really easy module to build, and I recommend it for a beginner.
There are 2 PCBs
I usually start with the lowest profile components first.
When soldering the jacks, button etc, use the faceplate to align everything correctly.
These are headers to connect the two PCBs
It uses a teensy 3.1 0r 3.2
Installing LEDs
You can solder the teensy directly to the pcb, however, using headers makes it easy to remove & test the teensy, away from the module.
The physical build is done.
Next install some audio files to a SD card (32GB).
FAT 16 or 32 is OK
The file structure is this:
16 folders numbered 0 to 15.
They can contain RAW and WAV files (up to 48 in each folder)
No more than 330 files in total.
download this: Empty SD Card File Format
I use audacity
Audacity - (Windows, Mac, Linux) - http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Format: Mono, 44100
Encoding: "Signed 16-bit PCM"
Github details
https://github.com/TomWhitwell/RadioMusic/wiki/SD-Card%3A-Format-%26-File-Structure
Firmware
This is where I initially made a mistake.
You can either install the firmware onto the teensy with it plugged into the module
or seperate from the module.
On the underside of the module you need to cut between the two gold tabs when you finally plug the teensy in.
However, don't do this if you plan to first install the firmware with the teensy unplugged.
It's easiest to do it this way.
Once you cut between the tabs, then you will have to make all future firmware updates/ changes
with the teensy connected to the module, and the module receiving power from your modular synth.
Actually installing the firmware is easy.
You can download the software here:
https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/loader_win10.html
The program is just a simple excutable file
teensy.exe
Go to:
File ---> Open Hex file
The file is:
Radio_Music_2017.2.hex
Go to
Operation, then Program
Links
+ Firmware
+ Teensy
+ PJRC
+ Music Thing
This is a Buchla 272e
I've added this pic as it's probably the inspiration for the Radio Music module.
Don was so forward thinking.
Imagine sampling a radio and using it in a live performance.
As you have probably worked out, the Radio Thing module isn't a radio. But it instead can use radio samples.
The 272e is actually a radio
These aren't official and I'm in no way affiliated with Music Thing M.
These are just my notes to help trouble shoot, should I run into any probs.
As you can see, I purchased this as a kit from Thonk.
When I first built this, initially it didn't work as I hadn't installed the firmware correctly.
But it's actually a really easy module to build, and I recommend it for a beginner.
There are 2 PCBs
These are headers to connect the two PCBs
It uses a teensy 3.1 0r 3.2
Installing LEDs
You can solder the teensy directly to the pcb, however, using headers makes it easy to remove & test the teensy, away from the module.
The physical build is done.
Next install some audio files to a SD card (32GB).
FAT 16 or 32 is OK
The file structure is this:
They can contain RAW and WAV files (up to 48 in each folder)
No more than 330 files in total.
download this: Empty SD Card File Format
I use audacity
Audacity - (Windows, Mac, Linux) - http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Format: Mono, 44100
Encoding: "Signed 16-bit PCM"
Github details
https://github.com/TomWhitwell/RadioMusic/wiki/SD-Card%3A-Format-%26-File-Structure
Firmware
This is where I initially made a mistake.
You can either install the firmware onto the teensy with it plugged into the module
or seperate from the module.
On the underside of the module you need to cut between the two gold tabs when you finally plug the teensy in.
It's easiest to do it this way.
Once you cut between the tabs, then you will have to make all future firmware updates/ changes
with the teensy connected to the module, and the module receiving power from your modular synth.
Actually installing the firmware is easy.
You can download the software here:
https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/loader_win10.html
The program is just a simple excutable file
teensy.exe
Go to:
File ---> Open Hex file
The file is:
Radio_Music_2017.2.hex
Go to
Operation, then Program
Links
+ Firmware
+ Teensy
+ PJRC
+ Music Thing
This is a Buchla 272e
I've added this pic as it's probably the inspiration for the Radio Music module.
Don was so forward thinking.
Imagine sampling a radio and using it in a live performance.
As you have probably worked out, the Radio Thing module isn't a radio. But it instead can use radio samples.
The 272e is actually a radio
In fact, there are 4 stereo radios.
Tuning is voltage controlable.
Each radio has a ASR envelope generator and a Sample & Hold.
Also google John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen for more info.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more Euro DIY builds click here:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2017/12/diy-index.html
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ecludian sequencers
In electronic music, you may come across Ecludian Rhythms.
They mostly are associated with patterns and beats.
They were only discovered in 2005 by the Canadian mathematian Godfried Toussaint.
His Book, "The Geometry of Musical Rhythm" discusses this in detail.
And this paper from McGill Uni, Montreal is a good read too.
In practical terms, ecludian sequencers are thus usually trigger sequencers (not melodic).
Patterns are derived from algorithms which come down to us from Euclid's Elements.
Eulcid was a Greek Mathematician who lived in Alexandria in 300BC.
In Ancient Greek, the word Elements is Στοιχεῖα Stoicheia.
This is a name of a very cool trigger sequencer (Eurorack)
The algorithms compute the greatest common divider of 2 numbers.
Ie, the highest number by which both can be divided.
GCD - Greatest Common Dividers.
For example, the gcd of 8 and 12 is 4
They are interesting as they illustrate a close relationship between Maths & Music.
In a earlier post I discussed the mathematical idea of Lowest Common Multiples (LCM) and how one can also use them in music.
Euclidean Rhythms have the property that their onset patterns and numbers are distributed as evenly as possible.
This idea of distributing numbers evenly is found in many world music patterns from Cuba to Africa.
Ecludian rhythms are calculated from two numbers a larger value & a smaller value.
Larger = length of pattern
Smaller = the number of beats... these need to be distributed evenly across the pattern.
(A third consideration when making a pattern is the offset & rotation of the beats)
Examples: (where x=beat and 0=rest)
2,8 = x000x000
2,5 = x0x00 (Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 & Brubeck’s Take Five)
3,4 = x0xx (Trinidad)
5, 16 = x000x00x00x00x00
5, 8 = x0xx0xx0 (common Cuban cinquillo rhythm)
Here is a variation of the 5, 8 = 0x0xx0xx (Spanish Tango?)
5,16 = 00x00x00x00x00x0 (Brazillian Bosanova)
7,12 = x0xx0x0xx0x0 (West African)
4,9 = x0x0x0x00 (Turkish)
9,16 = x0xx0x0x0xx0x0x0 (central Africa)
If you overlay rhythms of different lengths you can create polyrhythms
By rotating and offsetting the beats and rests you can create new patterns.
Though the Standard use for a Euclidean sequencer is to trigger beats and melodies you can use them to
trigger an envelope. If you then run the envelope through a quantiser you can create melodic sequences.
The Στοιχεῖα Stoicheia. module also has a companion tonic module which can create melodies from gates.
List of my Fav Ecludian Sequencers
+ Buchla 252e
The Euclidian Library.
There is a built in Euclidian pattern library... to help generate rhythmic patterns.
To generate pulse patterns using the Euclidian algorithm, select a ring using the “beats/cycl”
encoder, and press the “RHYTHM SELECT” button so that the Euclidian LED lights up.
Any pulse data in the selected ring will be erased and replaced by the Euclidian solution
rendered in red pulses (however, other pulses can be added).
Turn the “pattern #” encoder to generate each of the Euclidian pulse patterns for the number of
beats in the selected ring. The number of pulses in the current solution will be shown on the
segmented display to the left of the encoder.
To exit Euclidian mode, press the “RHYTHM SELECT” button, or turn the “beats/cycl” encoder
to select a different ring.
+ Pittsburgh Modular Game System
+ Στοιχεῖα Stoicheia.
+ Klasmata - single channel of stocheia but with cv control.
+ ALM Pamelas Workout
+ Pulsar - Qu-Bit Electronix
+ MI - Grids & Yarns
+ Euclidean Circles v2 from Vladimir Pantelic Musikelektronik (6 tracks)
+ Addac heuristic
+ Snazzy Ardcore
+ 2HP Euclid
Links
+ LCMs - combining two Korg SQ-10s
+ LCM Vs GCD
+ Steve Reich - Clapping Music (Scrolling)
They mostly are associated with patterns and beats.
His Book, "The Geometry of Musical Rhythm" discusses this in detail.
And this paper from McGill Uni, Montreal is a good read too.
In practical terms, ecludian sequencers are thus usually trigger sequencers (not melodic).
Patterns are derived from algorithms which come down to us from Euclid's Elements.
In Ancient Greek, the word Elements is Στοιχεῖα Stoicheia.
This is a name of a very cool trigger sequencer (Eurorack)
The algorithms compute the greatest common divider of 2 numbers.
Ie, the highest number by which both can be divided.
GCD - Greatest Common Dividers.
For example, the gcd of 8 and 12 is 4
They are interesting as they illustrate a close relationship between Maths & Music.
In a earlier post I discussed the mathematical idea of Lowest Common Multiples (LCM) and how one can also use them in music.
Euclidean Rhythms have the property that their onset patterns and numbers are distributed as evenly as possible.
This idea of distributing numbers evenly is found in many world music patterns from Cuba to Africa.
Ecludian rhythms are calculated from two numbers a larger value & a smaller value.
Larger = length of pattern
Smaller = the number of beats... these need to be distributed evenly across the pattern.
(A third consideration when making a pattern is the offset & rotation of the beats)
Examples: (where x=beat and 0=rest)
2,8 = x000x000
2,5 = x0x00 (Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 & Brubeck’s Take Five)
3,4 = x0xx (Trinidad)
5, 16 = x000x00x00x00x00
5, 8 = x0xx0xx0 (common Cuban cinquillo rhythm)
Here is a variation of the 5, 8 = 0x0xx0xx (Spanish Tango?)
5,16 = 00x00x00x00x00x0 (Brazillian Bosanova)
7,12 = x0xx0x0xx0x0 (West African)
4,9 = x0x0x0x00 (Turkish)
9,16 = x0xx0x0x0xx0x0x0 (central Africa)
If you overlay rhythms of different lengths you can create polyrhythms
By rotating and offsetting the beats and rests you can create new patterns.
Though the Standard use for a Euclidean sequencer is to trigger beats and melodies you can use them to
trigger an envelope. If you then run the envelope through a quantiser you can create melodic sequences.
The Στοιχεῖα Stoicheia. module also has a companion tonic module which can create melodies from gates.
List of my Fav Ecludian Sequencers
+ Buchla 252e
The Euclidian Library.
There is a built in Euclidian pattern library... to help generate rhythmic patterns.
To generate pulse patterns using the Euclidian algorithm, select a ring using the “beats/cycl”
encoder, and press the “RHYTHM SELECT” button so that the Euclidian LED lights up.
Any pulse data in the selected ring will be erased and replaced by the Euclidian solution
rendered in red pulses (however, other pulses can be added).
Turn the “pattern #” encoder to generate each of the Euclidian pulse patterns for the number of
beats in the selected ring. The number of pulses in the current solution will be shown on the
segmented display to the left of the encoder.
To exit Euclidian mode, press the “RHYTHM SELECT” button, or turn the “beats/cycl” encoder
to select a different ring.
+ Pittsburgh Modular Game System
+ Στοιχεῖα Stoicheia.
+ Klasmata - single channel of stocheia but with cv control.
+ ALM Pamelas Workout
+ Pulsar - Qu-Bit Electronix
+ MI - Grids & Yarns
+ Euclidean Circles v2 from Vladimir Pantelic Musikelektronik (6 tracks)
+ Addac heuristic
+ Snazzy Ardcore
+ 2HP Euclid
Links
+ LCMs - combining two Korg SQ-10s
+ LCM Vs GCD
+ Steve Reich - Clapping Music (Scrolling)
Sunday, 5 July 2020
Programmers for Microcontrollers
ST-Link/v2
This is designed for the STM8 and STM32 microcontrollers.
It has:
1. single-wire interface module (SWIM)
2. JTAG/serial wire debugging (SWD) interfaces
STM32 applications use the USB full-speed interface to communicate with
the STM32CubeIDE software tool or with integrated development
environments from third-parties.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Silicon Labs
http://www.silabs.com
DEBUGADPTR1-USB 
UDA-32-KIT
The attached 10 pin debug ribbon cable connects the adapter to the
target board and the target device's debug interface signals. Power is
provided to the adaptor from the USB connection to the PC.
This USB debug adapter supports only SiM3xxxx variants of the Silicon Labs 32-bit MCU portfolio and none of the other
devices that can be referred to as “Silicon Labs 32-bit MCUs”, including EFM32, EZR32, and EFR32 devices.
devices that can be referred to as “Silicon Labs 32-bit MCUs”, including EFM32, EZR32, and EFR32 devices.
I used this for updating firmware on my Buchla 225e module
The 32-Bit USB Debug Adapter supports both JTAG and Serial Wire debug interfaces, and the adapter is powered
from the USB connection to the PC. The adapter uses the standard ARM CoreSight 10-pin connector.
from the USB connection to the PC. The adapter uses the standard ARM CoreSight 10-pin connector.
Software Setup using a USB Debug Adapter
The Silicon Laboratories Precision32 IDE along with other software tools are provided for device development and debugging.
The Silicon Laboratories Precision32 IDE along with other software tools are provided for device development and debugging.
The IDE is available for download from the Silicon Laboratories website (www.silabs.com/
mcudownloads)
mcudownloads)
----------------------------------------------------------
OLIMEX
DEvelopment Board
AVR ISP Mk-2
ATAVRISP2 COMPATIBLE PROGRAMMER
AVR® series Programmer (In-Circuit/In-System)
User manual
Tested and working with: AVR Studio 4; AVR Studio 5; Atmel Studio 6; Atmel Studio 7
Tested and working with AVRDUDE and Arduino Ide
Uses Atmel's 2×5 pin ICSP and 2×3 pin PDI and TPI connector layout
can program tinyAVR and megaAVR devices using the ISP Interface, tinyAVR
devices using the TPI interface, and AVR XMEGA devices using the PDI Interface
devices using the TPI interface, and AVR XMEGA devices using the PDI Interface
AVR-ISP-MK2 is a ready-to-use programmer that behaves like Atmel AVRISP mkII. The board is
suitable for programming microcontrollers that, according to their respective datasheets, have ISP,
PDI, or TPI interfaces available for programming
suitable for programming microcontrollers that, according to their respective datasheets, have ISP,
PDI, or TPI interfaces available for programming
Links
+ Microcontroller... What you need to program a MCU
+ AVR Programming -- AVRDude etcMonday, 3 February 2020
Synthstrom Deluge & Buchla 252e
I kinda liked this patch.
This might turn out into a track
tHE Synthstrom Deluge is sending midi clock to the Buchla 252e via a 225e.
The tHREE oscillators are a Buchla 262e, a 158 & a Verbos 258v
mORE of the video here
...............
The 3 pulse outs & the sub-div pulse out of the Buchla 252e are plugged into the four control voltage inputs of a Roman 292c
The 3 CV outs of the Buchla 252e are plugged into a 158, a 261e & a 258v (Pitch inputs)
I've also added a 266r (source of uncertainity)
Here are some pics (my patch notes).
This might turn out into a track
tHE Synthstrom Deluge is sending midi clock to the Buchla 252e via a 225e.
The tHREE oscillators are a Buchla 262e, a 158 & a Verbos 258v
mORE of the video here
...............
The 3 pulse outs & the sub-div pulse out of the Buchla 252e are plugged into the four control voltage inputs of a Roman 292c
I've also added a 266r (source of uncertainity)
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