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Don Buchla’s legendary ‘Electric Music Box’ is making a return

Buchla 200 Classic Reissue Series brings back classic module designs after 40 years

Buchla USA day has announced the return of the classic Buchla & Associates 200 Series, The Electric Music Box, originally produced from 1970-1978.

This announcement is distinct from the earlier announcement of the Tiptop Audio + Buchla 200 Series Eurorack Modules. The Euro versions are smaller and mass produced, so they are affordable.

The Buchla 200 Classic Reissue is a set of reissues of the original module designs, similar to the approach taken by Moog with their modular reissues or Sequential with its Prophet 5 reissue, so these modules are full-size, and match the look and functionality of the originals. However, unlike other companies that have done this type of OCD reissue, Buchla is offering affordable alternatives. By doing this, they are addressing the needs of existing owners and purists, and the broader audience of people that may have never used a Buchla module.

The original Buchla 200 series introduced many hallmarks of Buchla instruments, still in use in Buchla’s modern 200e series, including the color-coded patching system and the ability to interface with digital computers. The Buchla 200 Classic Reissue modules will be compatible for installation in modern Buchla cases and can also be patched to 200e modules, so the classic designs and modern ones can complement each other.

The Reissue modules are being created with the help of Roman Filippov of Black Corporation and Joshua Holley of Malekko/Dark Place. Buchla says that these modules “represent the most authentic and accurate recreations of the original Buchla 200 series ever made, approaching the classic circuits with modern build techniques, while remaining faithful to Don Buchla’s original vision at the time.”

This initial wave of 200 Classic Reissue modules includes: Dual Oscillator Model 258, Quad Function Generator Model 281, Quad Lopass Gate Model 292 (rev c), Source of Uncertainty 266, Dual Voltage Processor 257, Triple Envelope Follower Model 230, and Mixer/Preamplifier Model 207. More modules in the series are expected to be announced soon.

The Buchla 200 Classic Reissue modules are available to order now, priced starting at $799. Shipping is expected to start in the second half of March, 2022. The company says that quantities are limited.

Is this now the best iPad for music makers

Apple has released a new version of  it’s iPad Air, its ‘mid-range’ tablet, with the good news being that it now contains an M1 chip.

Originally designed to power various Mac computers, and later transplanted into the iPad Pro, the M1 has now dripped down again, giving the iPad Air a significant performance boost in the process.

The 8-core CPU promises a speed boost of up to 60 percent in comparison to the previous model, while the 8-core GPU is said to deliver twice the graphics grunt.

As such, this should be a supremely powerful music production tablet, and one that significantly narrows the performance gap to the 11-inch iPad Pro while undercutting it on price.

Other enhancements include an Ultra Wide 12MP front camera with Centre Stage functionality (this keeps users in view even if they move around), a faster USB-C port, and 5G compatibility on the cellular models.

In addition, iPad Air has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and is available in space grey, starlight, pink, purple and blue, and it is compatible with the Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio and the Smart Folio covers.

Prices for the new iPad Air start at $599/£569 for the 64GB WiFi model, 256GB WiFi model priced at $749/£719. The 64GB and 256GB WiFi/cellular models priced at $749/£719 and $899/£869 respectively.

Find out more on the Apple website.

Roland’s plugin delivers a “genuine recreation” of the Juno-60 Chorus

Though we have seen many of plugin emulations of the Roland Juno chorus effect used on the company’s early ‘80s polysynths, but right now we are getting a “genuine recreation” from Roland itself.

This is based specifically on the chorus effect found on the Juno-60, which was released in 1982, and retains the original’s look and simplicity. There are three modes, accessible via push buttons, with each one said to have been modelled in “meticulous detail”. Variable analogue noise gives you the full retro experience.

In keeping with the vintage vibe, the Juno-60 Chorus has ‘wooden’ end panels on the interface.

The Juno-60 Chorus runs on PC and Mac in VST/AU/AAX formats and is included in the Ultimate tier of the Roland Cloud subscription service. You can also purchase a Lifetime Key for $99.

Find out more on the Roland website.