Tiptop Audio New Buchla Models: 242t and 292t Now Available, 264t Coming Soon
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Tiptop Audio new Buchla models 200 series continue with Eurorack versions of the 242t, 264t and the long-awaited Vactrol-less European release of the Quad Lopass Gate Model 292t.
Tiptop Audio New Buchla Models
It’s hard to believe that Tiptop Audio has been recreating 200 series Buchla modules for Eurorack for four years now. To kick off the new year, the company is announcing two new – and very rare! – modules, plus the long-awaited European release of the Quad Lopass Gate Model 292t.
“Don Buchla’s 200 modules are rare,” Tiptop said in a recent email newsletter. “We all know that, but with these … we’re touching the super rare category of the 200 system. To our knowledge, only a handful were ever made.”
Tiptop Audio New Buchla Models: Programmable Pulser Model 242t
The Programmable Pulser Model 242t is very special indeed. Designed by Don in 1970 when Buchla modules were being distributed by CBS Musical Instruments, it introduces Don’s concept of a master clock, the Pulser, and revisits earlier methods of rhythmical generation.
The module is dominated by a matrix. The original used pins like an EMS VCS 3 but Tiptop has opted to replace the pins with an LED array and X/Y knobs. According to the company, “This modern alternative improves long-term reliability and helps keep the module’s cost reasonable.” Interestingly, the matrix has 12 steps, which makes it musically dividable. The upper section features multiple trigger and gate output controls.
Tiptop Audio New Buchla Models: Quad Sample and Hold / Polyphonic Adapter Model 264t
The other Tiptop Audio new Buchla model is Model 264t, the Quad Sample and Hold / Polyphonic Adapter. As the original 1970s catalog explained, this has, “Four independent sample-and-hold circuits, plus a specialized logic circuit for expediently implementing polyphonic patches.”
According to Tiptop, the sample and hold section performs as expected. Additionally, it adds four ART outputs. ART signals allow for polyphonic operation between models (more here). The module also offers user-selected keys and scales, “further enhancing the 264t and Don’s vision for polyphony.”
Tiptop Audio New Buchla Models: European Quad Lopass Gate Model 292t
Americans, you can stop reading now because this news affects Europeans and those in the UK. Traditionally, the Buchla Quad Lopass Gate Model 292t uses Vactrols in its circuit design. Vactrols were recently prohibited in Europe as part of a ban on cadmium. To get around this, Tiptop Audio has re-designed the Model 292t without Vactrols for these markets.
As the name suggests, Model 292t offers four lopass circuits, with switches to change from lopass, gate, and combo modes.
Tiptop Audio New Buchla Models: Price and Availability
Models 242t and 292t are now available at Thomann*. Model 264t is scheduled for a March 2025 release. Suggested prices as below.
- Programmable Pulser Model 242t: $199
- European Quad Lopass Gate Model 292t: $350 (the same as the Vactrol version)
- Quad Sample and Hold / Polyphonic Adapter Model 264t: $260
More Information
- Tiptop Audio & Buchla home page
- All about Tiptop Audio
- All about synthesizers
- All about modular
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