The Buchla 250e: When testing turns into music-making...
3,205 views · Published 4 March 2018 · 2:14 · Indexed 21 October 2026
Channel: AutomaticGainsay · 2018 · Music
As many of you might know, I work for Buchla now. Part of my job is to test modules. As a synthesist and composer, my testing procedure can occasionally take on a shape that is a little more creative than practical (but always effective, of course!). In the midst of testing this 250e, I discovered that my somewhat-random initial knob twists to test the outer ring voltages implied a melody that I liked. So, I tuned it to be a little more specifically to that melody. Then I added a counter melody in the second of the voltage outputs. I created some interesting and complimentary timbres out of what started out as sine waves coming from the 259e and 261e. Once I had created the sequence, I started messing around with Stage Addressing, because it will create new and different musical outcomes from your original creation. Keep in mind that this is a test, and is a bit rough around the edges... but I found that the melody and countermelody stuck with me after the test, and felt like I needed to record it in some way. I figure if a test is musical enough that it gets stuck in my head, I should probably preserve it. I hope you enjoy my first posting of a Buchla product! Support the creation of this video and all of the Automatic Gainsay videos that have helped you by becoming an Automatic Gainsay supporter on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/automaticgainsay
