Rick: "correction the new 261e Osc uses digital sine generation with pure analogue waveshaping.. where as the 259e uses digital generation and waveshaping in the form of "non-linear digital waveshaping"... read about this process..no other manufacturer offers this. FYI the Buchla 500, 300, 400 and 700 all used digital Oscillators with analogue output stages as is done in the 200e.. this is nothing new for Don.. it dates back to the early 70's instruments. in most cases the ear cant precieve the difference between an analogue or digitally generated sine tone...mine can't anyway."
Orth: "Well, after reading the FAQ, maybe we should just say that the Buchla is beyond traditional definitions of analog v digital. I mean jeez, that monster is something else at that point. a/d/a/d/a/d/a/d/a/d/a "
There's been some interesting discussion on the Buchla 200e on AH, including it's high price tag. You can pick and chose modules, but the listed systems start at $9300 and go on up to $27,400. See for yourself. What I actually found most interesting is that the system is a digital and anlog hybrid with fully digital oscillators. Buchlas are considered to be the holy grail in the synthesizer world along with just a few select others. Their sound and flexibility are considered to be worth it's high price. What's interesting to me is that one of the most common arguments you hear in the analog vs. digital debate is how analog sounds warmer and somehow better than digital. Some even argue that DCOs, digitally controlled oscillators, aren't truly analog and do not sound as good as their counterpart VCOs, voltage controlled oscillators. Yet Buchla went with digital. It's interesting when you consider the quality and pricetag of a Buchla. The title link takes you to the 200e faq which explains why.
correction the new 261e Osc uses digital sine generation with pure analogue waveshaping.. where as the 259e uses digital generation and waveshaping in the form of "non-linear digital waveshaping"... read about this process..no other manufacturer offers this. FYI the Buchla 500, 300, 400 and 700 all used digital Oscillators with analogue output stages as is done in the 200e.. this is nothing new for Don.. it dates back to the early 70's instruments. in most cases the ear cant precieve the difference between an analogue or digitally generated sine tone...mine can't anyway.
ReplyDeleteanalogue VS digital doesnt ( or shouldnt) really make a difference to whether one likes the features and sound of an instrument.. Buchlas are more engineered towards user interactivity and feedback as this is Dons forte.. they also happen to sound wonderful and unique due to dons interest in exploring new and interesting sound generation and processing capabilities... pricey -yes.. overpriced - Hell no.
Sound on Sound are doing a two part review of the 200e, starting in December issue. Should be interesting reading.
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