A Powerful Dyad for Aural Exploration
Buchla’s 285e is a two-fold force of modular mastery. The top segment is a frequency shifter, with dual-output “up” and “down” ports that are simultaneously operable. Frequency shifts can be performed with an externally applied or internal reference signal, which you can freely toggle between; internal reference frequencies have the option of being voltage-controlled through a range of 1Hz to 1 kHz. As with the top portion, the bottom half’s balanced modulator requires a reference source that can be internal or external. The timbre values can be voltage controlled, just like the internal reference. Additionally, the ring mod features a second output that allows panning between modulated and dry frequencies, adding an additional layer of possibility. Built on separate but powerful sections, Sweetwater’s synth gurus agree that the 285e is a must-have for audio texture exploration.
Buchla: the crossroads of sonic excellence and game-changing technology
The name Buchla is synonymous with some of the most compelling, convention-breaking technology to emerge in the musical spheres of the mid-20th-century’s electronic awakening. A pioneer of electronic music and instrument design, Don Buchla founded his namesake company in the 1960s, following the success of a modular electronic music system that was commissioned by composers on a Rockefeller Foundation grant. For the next 50 years, Don lived on the bleeding edge of electronic music synthesis. He incorporated uncommon coding languages, touch- and pressure-sensitive surfaces, and spatial location modulation, eventually innovating for the likes of Oberheim, CBS, Zeta Music, E-Mu Systems, and Moog. Meanwhile, he also dedicated himself to make good on MIDI’s promise of the 1980s to be more than just a piano keyboard controller. By the 2000s, Don introduced his magnum opus with the 200e, a love letter to a half century of unparalleled innovation in modular and analog synthesis. Today, Buchla U.S.A. works diligently to uphold Don’s rich legacy and provide his classic designs alongside new iterations of products that are “designed to introduce the unique world of Buchla synthesis to a whole new generation of electronic music makers.”
Buchla 285e Frequency Shifter/Balanced Modulator Module Features:
- Upward and downward frequency shifts can be freely panned between with simultaneous use for a range of sonic textures
- Voltage-controlled timbre, internal signals, and frequency balance allow diverse integration within any Buchla system
- Ring modulation delivers rich harmonic soundscapes
- Momentary switch conveniently toggles between internal and external reference signals
- Settings and presets can be stored and recalled for later use*
*Note: Presets can only be stored and recalled with the use of the 225e or 206e Preset Manager. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer.
