Buchla 259t

Description

Programmable Complex Waveform Generator

The Buchla 259t Complex Waveform Generator from TipTop Audio is the long-awaited Eurorack version of the original Complex Oscillator that inspired countless cross-modulatory designs. Built in collaboration with Buchla U.S.A. to ensure its uniquely vast timbral colors are delivered to Eurorack rigs in all their original glory, this potent sound source readily demonstrates the reason for the ubiquity of its imitators. Two rich Buchla oscillators joined in modulatory union under one panel, the 259t provides a comprehensive palette of additive synthesis techniques, effortlessly summoning far-out tones thanks to its selectable self-patched normalizations and sought-after timbral shapers. Now imbued with the power of TipTop’s ART technology to reimagine the autotuning functionality of its progenitor, the 259t has returned to claim its rightful throne of complex oscillation once and for all.

Two pillars of powerful sound generation stand at opposite ends of the 259t’s panel, and form the basis of its acclaimed timbral capabilities. The right side Principal oscillator features three audio outputs for sine wave, square wave, and a widely variable Final output fed by the 259ts timbre and harmonics sections. Conversely, the left side Modulation oscillator features a selectable waveform output with ramp, square, and triangle wave options, alongside a dedicated triangle output and CV output which is unipolar and follows the wave switch setting.

While these oscillators can be used as separate entities, conveniences have been provided for their named implementations. As such, the Principal oscillator runs at audio rates, and the Modulation oscillator features selectable ranges for use as an LFO. Naturally, either can be pushed beyond their normal range via CV. CV inputs for both oscillators include frequency CV with attenuverter, a selectable 1V/oct or ART input, as well as a dedicated FM input with attenuator.

The Timbre/Harmonics and Modulation sections in the 259t provide numerous ways to intermodulate and process the rich analog waveforms offered by its oscillators. Timbre and Harmonics sections offer three waveshaping types, a folder, sawtooth shaper, and M or pseudo-square shaper. The Order control crossfades between these shaper outputs, while Symmetry introduces DC offset to create increasingly asymmetric folding shapes. Timbre controls the depth of this folding effect.

Betwixt the 259t Oscillators, your fingers will find additional opportunities for modulatory wave mangling, in the form of four switches which engage normalized patch points between the two oscillators. Timbre modulates the folder section depth, while pitch and amplitude modulation provide FM and AM control over the Principal oscillator, each of which functions by a factor set with the Mod Index control. Phase lock is the only reversed connection from Principal to Modulator, which eliminates harsh beating effects by locking the controlled oscillator to a subharmonic or frequency of the input signal.

Finally, the 259t’s primary divergence from the original design is implementation of TipTop’s ART platform. ART brings two main benefits to the 259t aside from qualifying it for further experiments with this burgeoning new technology. First, each oscillator can be automatically tuned using an ART capable module like the Octopus ART or ART V/OCT, making melodic usage much faster to achieve. Additionally, it can be controlled by ART signals in place of traditional V/oct CV, enabling polyphonic voice allocation. Inarguably, the original 259 changed the landscape of modular synth design, and its unmistakable sound is now available in TipTop Audio’s 259t with advancements that forge a path for a new generation of synthesis.

Features

• Dual Oscillator with multiple waveshapers: the original Complex Oscillator
• Principal oscillator with sine, square, and final waveshaper outputs
• Modulation oscillator with audio and CV selectable waveshape outputs and dedicated triangle output
• Range control for modulation oscillator enables LFO operation or audio rate
• Principal oscillator runs at audio rate, can be pushed lower with CV
• FM input, frequency CV input with attenuverter, and 1V/oct / ART input for each oscillator
• Harmonics section with multiple waveshapers: wavefolder, ramp, and square shapers
• Order crossfades between shaper outputs
• Symmetry produces DC offset to create asymmetric folding
• Timbre controls depth of waveshaping
• Central modulation section with normalization switches for phase lock, AM, FM, and Timbre control
• ART inputs and gate outputs for each oscillator enables autotuning and polyphonic operation with other ART modules

Specs

• Width: 34hp
• Depth: 25mm
• Current draw: 260mA @ +12V, 105mA @ -12V, 0mA @ 5V
• Eurorack module

Manual: download

Video