The low pass gates may each be set to your choice of low pass gate (controlling frequency), amplitude (controlling volume) or "both" mode (in which cutoff frequency and amplitude are modulated simultaneously). Finally, there are the vactrol-driven low pass gates, of which the Ease sports two-one for each oscillator. The envelope can be gated by the sequencer, keyboard, or pulser module. The Easel sports a single, unusual envelope featuring an attack portion, sustain lengths, and decay (more accurately, release). Also onboard is the "pulser," a rather simple module capable of periodically or, by pulling a switch, manually activated to produce a pulse useful for triggering other events. The sequencer can be set to follow the keyboard (and thus, the arpeggiator speed), or the pulser. Each step has its own control voltage as well as its ability to trigger a gate. The Easel also offers a rudimentary sequencer that can have 3, 4, or 5 steps. The complex oscillator may also be set to positively or negatively track pitch changes. Additionally, both oscillators can be independently set to track the keyboard or deliver a constant pitch, and the modulation oscillator may also be put into "low" mode as a low frequency oscillator (LFO). Offering square, saw and triangle waves, the Easel offers all you need to starting making noise, particularly the complex oscillator which is capable of modifying the timbre of its triangle wave via wavefolding (a signature sound of Buchla instruments). Featuring two oscillators that can be used independently or combined together to form a "complex" oscillator in which frequency modulation or amplitude modulation can be brought to bear. Armed with a handful of banana jacks, intrepid users can dive into its many features and routing possibilities, of which the Easel is well equipped. The Easel combines the 'best of' aspects of larger, more costly, Buchla systems like the 200e in a single, bite-sized package.Įxperimentation is the order of the day with the Easel, particularly given its semi-modular nature. This is partially due to its uncompromising, unconventional approach to synthesis, rarity, and its not-too-incosiderable price tag. This is certainly an excellent instrument for odd explorations done in real time.īuchla instruments are generally shrouded in mystery and glamor. While the Easel can play in a standard scale with some tuning and fiddling, its forte is the atonal, weird and wonderful. Unlike "traditional" synthesizers built on what has become known as the East Coast (Moog) standard, the Easel is designed for eclectic, unusual creation of original sounds. The reissue BEM Music Easel is a colorful sounding instrument harkening back to the early days of synthesis.