Buchla USA has launched a Kickstarter project to fund production of their recently introduced Easel Command 208c Synthesizer.

The Buchla Easel Command is a standalone desktop format, with MIDI and CV control. The 208C module itself is also available for use in a Buchla 200e system.

Buchla’s Joel Davel led the charge to create an updated Music Easel, with more modular flexibility and independence,but with also more connectivity options. Buchla notes that it’s fully analog in its default configuration and provides the unique Buchla experience with greater functionality and at a lower cost.

Here’s what’s new compared to the previous Easel/208:

• MIDI input(USB B/DIN) standard on Easel Command, optional on 208C.
• 2 – 1/4″ Audio outputs (Easel Command only)
• 1 – 3.5mm 1v/oct input (mixed to keyboard input) (Easel Command only)
• 1 – 3.5mm Gate input (turned into Buchla keyboard pulse with sustain) (Easel Command only)
• MIDI A (USB Host) optional expansion port.
• Five additional audio connections to get independent inputs and outputs from the oscillators and the gates, plus an
• FM input to the modulation oscillator.
• Five additional banana CV connections to control knobs and faders and ability to send pulses independently to
• different inputs.
• If no aux input is present, analog white noise is generated (using the 266 circuit).
• A more logical layout of of the top row.
• A power/control mode LED indicator.
• Pulser now has a dedicated single pulse switch and mode distinction
• The modulation oscillator section is now green, so that each main section has its own color.
• The listed oscillator frequencies are more accurate and the scaled fader input range is trimmable from the old range to 1.2v/oct.
• You can trim the new modulation oscillator and envelope generator inputs to work with the typical input ranges you desire.
• You can trim the oscillators to your desired volts per octave range for both the keyboard and the fader inputs.
• You can also reduce the gain on the gate 1 input if you have an unusually hot, non-Buchla input.
• One single circuit board allows it to be modular case friendly and easier to service; the 208c module can fit into a 200e case.
• Switches and jumpers for those who want to use the new banana inputs —those for the modulation oscillator and sustain— to control the sequencer stages instead.
• Standard headers for the program card connector that allow us to develop future iProgramCard-like preset control from inside the unit.
• New connectors allow our plug-in MIDI interface and provides an optional stereo digital fx option (coming as an optional add-on in the future)
• Actual stereo. The 208 was always a mono synth, but if you plug in a stereo digital fx (coming as an optional add-on in the future), you’ll get stereo outputs on the MIX OUT and headphones.
• A new power connector for more cable length and case flexibility and removability and one that’s already compatible with the more recent revisions of the Easel power board.

Buchla has shared a series of demos of the new Easel Command in action:

Pricing and Availability

The 208c module is available to pre-order now for $2,599, and will begin shipping December 2019. Easel Command is available for $2,999, and will begin shipping January 2020.