Tiptop Audio Buchla Model 248t and Model 230t: Behold the MARF!
4,4 / 5,0 | 
[08 May 2025] New Tiptop Audio Buchla modules for Superbooth 25: Besides the Triple Envelope Follower Model 230t, Tiptop Audio shows a prototype of the impressive Multiple Arbitrary Function Generator Model 248t – the legendary “MARF”!
All about the Tiptop Audio Buchla Eurorack 200 Series
Tiptop Audio Buchla Multiple Arbitrary Function Generator Model 248t
After bringing back most of the 200 series in Eurorack format, Tiptop Audio has now set its eyes on the mighty Multiple Arbitrary Function Generator Model 248t. Dubbed the “holy grail of West Coast synthesis”, this module is a function generator with 2 x 16 programmable output voltages and time intervals. It can be a curve generator, sequencer, and pretty much anything you want it to be.
According to Tiptop Audio, developing the Model 248t proved to be a difficult task, as they couldn’t get their hands on a functioning original unit. So they went by Don Buchla’s 22-page manual from 1977, along with insights from Kyle Swisher and Todd Barton. The prototype is now about 80% finished.
If everything goes according to plan, the Tiptop Audio Buchla Model 248t should be available sometime next winter. The projected price is $650-950.
Tiptop Audio Buchla Triple Envelope Follower Model 230t
The Model 230t is much further along and should be ready by July 2025. This module offers three AC amplitude followers that precisely track the input signals and convert their amplitudes into CV. In addition to six CV outputs, there are three pulse outputs that supply gate or trigger signals.
The Model 230t will be available soon for about $200+.
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Tiptop Audio Buchla Models: Model 264t Now Out!
[28 March 2025 / Adam Douglas] Releases of Tiptop Audio new Buchla models continue with Buchla 264t, a Quad Sample & Hold and Polyphonic Adapter Model that also quantizes.
Tiptop Audio Buchla 264t
Last month we told you about some Tiptop Audio new Buchla models in the 200 Eurorack reissue series. One of them was the Model 264t, the Quad Sample and Hold / Polyphonic Adapter. It’s finally out and boy, is it interesting.
Long before Tom Oberheim ever had the idea to do a polyphonic synthesizer (his Four Voice is often credited as the first poly in shops), Don Buchla was exploring doing polyphony in his own way. The original Model 264t came out in 1970 and featured the Polyphonic Adapter. The new version adds to this with ART outputs plus a quantizer section.
Tiptop Audio Buchla Model 264t is available now from Thomann*.
Tiptop Audio New Buchla Models: 242t and 292t Now Available, 264t Coming Soon
[5 February 2025 / Adam Douglas] 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
Tiptop Audio Buchla Model 207t Mixer/Preamp
[25 January 2024 / Robin Vincent] The Buchla modules keep coming; this time, it’s the classic Model 207t Mixer/Preamplifier that can mix modular and bring in line and guitar signals.
Model 207t
The Buchla 207t is straightforward and good-looking. It has six inputs along the bottom, a stereo output and two mono monitor outputs. It has another stereo input called Expansion In which, very handily, you can plug the output of another 207t to give yourself a 12-channel mixer.
The Preamp section offers a 1/4″ microphone input with a gain knob. You can switch between 55dB and 70dB amplifier range that should cover most microphones and enable you to bring it up to Eurorack levels. You could also plug in an electric guitar or line-level source or match it up with the 296t filter bank for some vocoder action. To tun it through the mixer, you just have to patch the preamp output to any of the six inputs.
Routing and control
Above the inputs are two rows of switches. The yellow ones send the channel to the monitor outputs; the blue ones send it to the main signal output. The sliders are attenuators for the signal output; it has no effect on the monitor outputs.
Along the top is a row of four knobs which control the panning of channels B through the E. Channels A and F are special. Channel A is panned all the way to the left and has a CV input that can move it further right, depending on the amount of voltage you pump in there. Channel F does the exact opposite. It’s a nifty way to add some movement.
The Model 207t is open for preorders at $245.
Tiptop Audio Buchla 296t Spectral Processor: Available for order!
[23 November 2023 / Stefan Wyeth] It’s time to make some space in your Eurorack case, because the Buchla & Tiptop Audio 296t Spectral Processor is now available for order.
Unveiled at Superbooth earlier this year along with Tiptop Audio’s ART Modules, 296t Spectral Processor is a massive 52 HP 16-channel filter bank, with versatile routing and control options.
Buchla & Tiptop Audio 296t Spectral Processor
The basic premise of the 296t is that you can take a basic pure tone synth signal – or any sound for that matter – and turn it into a multilayered and textured soundscape where each of the 16 frequency bands can be animated in its own way.
Because of the way it has been designed, there is a multitude of ways to use the 296t in your Eurorack system. For instance, the comb filter outputs, attenuator outputs, programmed outputs, and signal inputs have summed odd and even outputs or inputs.
What’s more, you can change the decay time of the envelope follower outputs with three settings: short, combo, and long. You also have loads of control over the programmed frequency bands, with CV inputs for the frequency and width.
When you combine the soon-to-be-released 207t Mixer/Preamp module with the 296t, you get an incredible analogue vocoder, capable of producing classic retro electronic sounds.
Pricing and availability:
The 296t Spectral Processor is currently available for pre-order from Thomann.
Source of Uncertainty Model 266t: Iconic Buchla module for Eurorack from Tiptop Audio
[29 November 2022 / Robin Vincent] If there’s one Buchla model that encapsulates the west coast paradigm, it’s the superbly named Source of Uncertainty – Model 266t. Tiptop Audio is taking preorders on the Eurorack 200 series remake.
Source of Uncertainty
Even if you’re not familiar with Buchla series modular, those three words will have a familiar ring to them. It’s a module of difference which pulls synthesis and sound design out of the hands of engineers and wanders off down the road with a bunch of musicians for a smoke and maybe something mind-expanding. While it may not seem quite so revolutionary now because we’ve feasted on the features ever since, but in 1976 the Model 266t ignited an explosion of randomness and probability that we still feel today.
So, it’s about randomness, right? Yes, mostly. You’ve got fluctuating random voltages, you’ve got quantised random voltages, and you’ve got stored random voltages. You’ve got a three-colour noise generator, Sample & Hold, and an Integrator to round things off. That should be enough moving, morphing voltage values for even the most out-there probability quirk.
Uncertainly familiar
I find it really interesting how the functions in the module have found their way into our racks via other means. All our S&H circuits, our Turing Machines and also probability-based sequencers owe something to the Source of Uncertainty. The layout has certainly changed a bit from the original, but there is no escaping that vibe of mystery and adventure that is awaiting your patch cables.
The Model 266t is making its way to retailers now for a relatively affordable $299. You can check out the manual online.
TipTop Audio: First two Buchla Eurorack 200 series modules are shipping now
[18 January 2022 / Robin Vincent] Tiptop Audio has announced that the 258t Dual Oscillator and 281t Quad Function Generator are on their way to the shops and available for preorder.
Buchla Eurorack 200 Series
One of the most interesting developments that we saw at last years Superbooth was the collaboration between Buchla and Tiptop Audio on Buchla modules for the Eurorack format. There are a whole lot of “200 Series” modules planned based on Don Buchla’s original modular system.
While we’d all love to see the whole system released at once we’re going to have to make do with a few at a time. The first ones are Dual Oscillator 258t and the Quad Function Generator 281t.
Dual Oscillator 258t
This is literally two independent oscillators stacked vertically in a single module. They are identical except for the waveshaping. In oscillator 1 the waveform can be shaped from sine to saw, in oscillator 2 you go from sine to square. That’s interesting because it’s not trying to be a dual oscillator in terms of doubling up the waveforms for a bit of thickening and detuning. And there’s no sneaky behind-the-scenes normalisation going on – these are two separate oscillators.
Both have 1v/oct inputs, allaying the fears of these being too Buchla to function in a Eurorack setting, and a Processing input that can control pitch scaling/inversion/expansion. An FM input with depth control completes the functionality. Each oscillator also has two outputs.
Quad Function Generator 281t
This is a big and rather imposing fellow. At some basic level, it’s a four-channel envelope generator with triggerable and individually CV controllable Attack and Decay. They can run in three modes; Transient, Sustained and Cyclic. Cycling the function is enabled by applying a Gate to the CV input. In Sustained mode the envelope will stay high as long as there’s a voltage at the input. In Transient mode you get a regular AD response.
All the regular enveloped/functioned voltage comes out of the blue output. The red output pumps out a pulse at the end of the Decay segment which is also the loop point when in Cyclic mode.
You can also pair functions together to generate more complex movements of voltage. The Quadrature function shifts the pair of of function generators by ninety degrees in relation to each other.
I think I’d really like to see a demo video on this one to fully appreciate what it can do, although tutorials and manuals were never the Buchla way – you just have to explore it for yourself.
Available now
Both modules are on their way to the shops and are remarkably priced at $199 for the 258t and $219 for the 281t. Other modules will be along in time and you can check out the webpage for proposed ETAs.
Superbooth 2021: Buchla and Tiptop Audio collaborate on classic 200 series modules
[15 September 2021 / Robin Vincent] Together Buchla and Tiptop Audio are reissuing Don Buchla’s legendary 200 Series modular synthesizer system in Eurorack format.
The 200 series modules are the bedrock of Don Buchla’s work. They are the modules that gave us “The Electric Music Box”. They brought in concepts of probability and uncertainty to sound and processing along with colour coded patching and the touch-plate keyboard. They found their way into the iconic Music Easel and continue to baffle and delight makers of electronic music to this day. They are complex and beautiful where science, engineering and creativity collide. One could say that they are the musical dreams of an electronics engineer on drugs.
This is quite a monumental meeting of formats and so I think it’s best to hear from the people involved.
Eric Fox the CEO and co-owner of Buchla says:
“When the opportunity presented itself to work with such a reputable company as Tiptop Audio to help reimagine the original 200 series in a new form factor, I jumped at the chance. I knew they had the talent and infrastructure to bring eurorack users for the first time ever an official and genuine sense of the classic Buchla experience at a price anyone could afford. Gur’s (Gur Milstein from Tiptop Audio) enthusiasm and passion towards these designs is very infectious and clearly points to a long and creative partnership for years to come.”
Gur Milstein the head designer and CEO of Tiptop Audio states:
“ I’m excited about the collaboration with Buchla. Working with Eric, Joel and the rest of their team gives us additional access to original documents and knowhow that Don shared with his close colleagues who worked with him in the 70s and recent years before he passed away. These designs require a full understanding of the how and why the circuits should work in order to reach that specific sound and workflow. My team and I are excited to bring Don’s work from those early days of
synthesis back to life knowing we are doing it as accurately as it can be done. Our goal is to recreate as much of the original 200 series as possible and have the full line available through our dealer network with the full customer support Tiptop has built for over a decade.”
These are going to be known as the “200t” series and on the website they already have:
- 258t – Dual Oscillator – available Winter 2021 $160-200
- 281t – Quad Function Generator – available Winter 2021 $170-210
- 292t – Quad Lopass Gate – available Spring 2022
- 257t – Dual Voltage Processor – available Spring 2022
- 266t – Source of Uncertainty – available Spring/Summer 2022
- 245t – Sequential Voltage Source – available Winter/Spring 2022
I’ve never had the opportunity to play on a Buchla system and these look complex and a bit scary. I’m unsure as to whether it’s better to build a Buchla-only modular of if they would integrate nicely with the mismatched modules of a regular Eurorack system. They look fantastic and I like the use of Tiptop’s stackable patch cables and the illusion that they might be using banana cables.
You can go and check the current modules out in booth B045 for Buchla and W470 for Tiptop Audio.
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7 responses to “Tiptop Audio Buchla Model 248t and Model 230t: Behold the MARF!”
This is amazing. I have TipTop drum modules and they are excellent. TipTop is a great company with superb customer support. These look excellent! And a good price. Brilliant news.
what’s wrong with banana cables?
they make for a vastly superior experience from what I understand
Thousands of existing Eurorack customers are way more likely to get them with Euro cables. Me among them. One of the reasons I got rid of my Easel was I was tired of two cable collections.
Nothing at all, I was just pointing out that they look like banana cables but are in fact regular Eurorack patch cables.
I got that, it’s really cool to take the banana look. It was more of a rhetorical question asked to “the industry”.
Where do you buy these 3.5mm jacks that look like bananas!?!?!?
https://tiptopaudio.com/stackcable/
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