A Coveted Synth Palette Finally Returns
When innovator Don Buchla presented the first Buchla Music Easel model in 1973, the synth world was stunned by its portable size and extensive tonal potential. Decades later, the Music Easel is still regarded as a coveted keyboard classic by casual players and professional composers alike. Sweetwater is proud to offer this Retro Edition of the Buchla Music Easel, a nearly one-to-one re-creation of the original unit jam-packed with stunning modern controls, ripe sound exploration, and gorgeous vintage aesthetics. A new 8-panel system and stored program sound source give the Music Easel enhanced sonic mobility and control. On the front panel, Rogan knobs and the iconic capacitive touch control surface re-create a familiar antique palette with remarkable ease of use. Encased in a classic aluminum, briefcase-style enclosure, Sweetwater synth experts agree: the Buchla Music Easel is a prime choice for instrument collectors and history-bound musicians.
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Inject your mix with a burst of sonic color
The Music Easel's onboard 208C sound source is a serious sonic contender. Equipped with a complex and a modulation oscillator, you can access several independent waveforms for unique layering and exploration. Likewise, the included noise generator, envelope controls, pulser, and modulation source provide a perfect sculpting toolset to turn your wave foundations into massive, evolved tones. The 208C also comes equipped with a 5-step sequencer and random voltage generator, allowing you to exercise the complexity and movement of your creations tenfold. Once you've conjured your preferred sound, the sound source's built-in mixer section and spring reverb are available for fine-tuning adjustments and track-ready voicing. Moreover, the Program Interface allows you to instantly recall and explore presets via the DIY analog Retro Program Cards, or the 48-slot Program Manager Card (not included).
Multidimensional sound control possibilities
Despite its antique-like appearance, the Music Easel's 218e features a massively-updated control scheme equipped for absolute modernity. Full MIDI capability is provided via input and output jacks — perfect for studio integration or live controller utilization. Within its 8-panel system lies a collection of colored knobs and faders for easy-to-spot control of your sound. The front-panel patch jacks are also colored for accurate on-the-go patching situations. Below the faders rests the arpeggiation control, which features speed, octave, and pattern options for perfect bass line, melody, or FX creations. In fact, the 218e’s upgraded connectivity suite lets you connect to both MIDI-capable and Buchla modules simultaneously. Finally, the 218e control surface provides a familiar keyboard layout, complete with 29 capacitive touch keys as well as a ribbon controller, with expertly enhanced velocity, voltage control, and durability for limitless touch-activated performance.
Cloaked in collectible vintage panache
Just as the Music Easel makes for colorful sound options, its vintage-inspired, striking exterior visuals are a sight to be seen. Color-coded knob and fader controls and an old-school view meter give the Music Easel the performance of a modern synth beast with the aesthetics and collectability of a coveted instrument classic. Likewise, it's 29-note, capacitive touch keybed submits to vintage stylings and comfort with pinpoint playing precision; it also provides better key protection for long-term performance use. It's all topped off with an iconic, briefcase-style enclosure, just like its predecessor, ensuring safe travel and storage of your instrument wherever your music excursions lead.
Buchla Music Easel Retro Edition Keyboard Synthesizer Features:
- Retro-edition Buchla Easel vintage-inspired keyboard synthesizer with colorful assets and profound performance
- 208C Sound Source boasts tones of years past with room for modern sonic exploration
- 29-key 218e capacitive touch control surface provides pinpoint playing accuracy and evocative expressivity
- 5-stage sequencer deploys formidable patterns for use with bass lines, arpeggiating melodies, and more
- Complex and modulation oscillator duo serves a bevy of individual waveform options for several sound creation possibilities
- Color-coded controls offer easy line-of-sight and manipulation in any situation
- Onboard envelope generator and modulation source with switchable triggers make way for highly customizable textures
- Dual lowpass gate provides authority over the power of your mix with subtle decay and sustain
- Expansive modulation source and built-in patch field grant near-limitless movement to any conceivable preset
- Convenient MIDI I/O for use with pre-existing hardware and controllers
- Front-panel touch strip control for quick pitch bend and modulation adjustments
- Briefcase-style aluminum enclosure captures the aesthetics of its predecessor with all of the protection you’d expect from a modern case
