Downloads & Support Information
Easel, Easel Command, 208C
Modern Easel Case Upgrade How To
Modern Easel EMBIO Manual
208C MIDI Implementation (version 31+, as updated 2024)
Easel 208C MIDI Firmware Download
Easel Command & 208C Quickstart Guide
Easel Command & 208C Quickstart Guide Video Companion
Easel Command MIDI Implementation (pre-2024)
208C Addendum to 208 Manual
208C Frequency Control Flow Chart
Easel Command USB-A Host Module Installation
208C Blank Patch Chart
Easel Manual (legacy)
200e/h Guides
200e User’s Guide
200h User’s Guide
Buchla 200e v30 Upgrade Guide.pdf
5XIO and Legacy MIDI I/O Panel Advanced Use Guide
Basic Module Installation
200e ELECTRIC MUSIC BOX
Occasionally, we make changes in a module’s firmware to fix software bugs or to add new features. The little firmware cards we used to supply with modules have been replaced by a single USB card. With a Macintosh computer running OS10.5 or higher, you can load the USB card from the web, and then transfer the firmware to the module.
There are now two versions of the firmware for each module. The old version numbers are between 1 and 29; the new versions are numbered 30 or more. All current modules are shipped with version 30 firmware.
ALL MODULES IN A SYSTEM MUST BE ONE VERSION OR THE OTHER – A MIX CAN RESULT IN IMPROPER OPERATION.
First you’ll need to equip your computer with the smarts to read the USB card. Just click on the “Buchla Firmware Utility” link below to download the appropriate program.
To download a module’s firmware to your computer, click on the relavent firmware link in the table below.
To program the firmware hex file into the USB card, plug the card into your computer and double-click the hex file’s icon in the Finder. The Firmware Utility application will launch and display info about the programming process.
Now plug the USB card into the memory card receptacle on your system and power up the system while holding the Remote Enable button on the target module. The LED on the card will blink rapidly while the firmware is being loaded to the module, then blink slowly when the load is complete. Some modules use alternatives to the Remote Enable button; see the exception list at the end of the next section.
NOTE: these instructions apply only to new systems (delivered after Dec 1, 2011) with all modules running version 30 (or higher) firmware.
DO NOT OPERATE SYSTEMS THAT MIX VERSION 30 FIRMWARE WITH PRE-VERSION 30 FIRMWARE.
(They won’t burst into flame, but they probably won’t operate correctly).
We recommend that when you add new modules to an older system you update all the modules to version 30 firmware.
Product | Description | Version | Date | File | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
LEM218 V3 / 218e V3 | 36.8 | 2/19/24 | Download | 218e-V3_User’s_Guide_v4.8.pdf V. 36.8 - when MIDI Clock is active, arpeggiation does not trigger on first key pressed, it waits for the next clock. Version 36 has arpeggiation clock fixes, a pitchbend pitch CV overflow fix, and improved MIDI handling. There is a new a latch function using pads 2&3, expanded the playable range in edit mode (slightly limiting MIDI channels assignment), and other small feature updates including allowing the other 2 pulse outputs and pitchbend to be controlled by MIDI input for a more comprehensive response to it's recorded MIDI output. |
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200e-USB | Firmware Utility | 1.8.9 | 1/29/20 | Download | Updated for macOS 12.x and backward compatible to at least 10.12 (Sierra) Occasionally, we make changes in a module’s firmware to fix software bugs or to add new features. With the Firmware Utility app can load new firmware to the USB Firmware/Utility card, and then transfer the firmware to a 200e module. Additionally you can change the USB Utility Card to function as a bi-directional MIDI interface for a 200e system. MIDI channels 1-4 will be sent to the internal 200e MIDI busses A-D respectively and MIDI beat clock can also be sent to the bus system, or output by the 252e. The 218e can also be used to output MIDI note and velocity data. |
200e-USB | Firmware Utility downgrade. | 1.7.1 | 4/28/17 | Download | Updated to add more recent modules. |
200e-USB | Firmware Utility downgrade | 1.67 | 10/29/15 | Download | Application for macOS 10.5 to 10.14 |
206e | Six Channel Mixer | 30.2 | 1/12/12 | 206Ev302.hex.zip | First public release |
206e/225e | Preset Manager | 32.3 | 1/17/16 | 225Sv323_Primo.hex.zip | Required to recognize latest set of modules including the 252e and h-series modules. NOTE: Before updating from a version prior to 31.3 backup the 225 to a card to retain preset names. If you have a 251e take it out of Remote Enable before backing up! |
207e | Mixer / Microphone Preamp | 30.2 | 1/12/12 | 207Ev302.hex.zip | First public release |
210e | Control and Signal Router | 30.5A | 7/16/24 | 210Ev305A_SSM.hex.zip | CV Resolution improvement with 45x oversampling on existing hardware. Snappier UI response. 30.5 reduced code size to fit below preset memory space |
210e | Control and Signal Router | 30.2 | 1/12/12 | 210Ev302.hex.zip | First public release |
218e | 31.1 | 2/29/20 | 218Ev311.zip | Three sustain pedal related fixes: 1) The 218e now senses the polarity of the sustain pedal on boot up 2) The keyboard re-triggers notes even if the key pressed is already sustained. 3) Pressure is assigned the last key pressed rather than trying to average the pressure over all the sustaining keys. This is particularly useful way to get full pressure values when arpeggiating multiple keys with the sustain pedal. |
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218e | 30.9 | 2/9/19 | 218Ev309.zip | Version 30.9 fixes a scanning bug with key 11 on version 30.8 Version 30.8 Changed MIDI channel input from Omni response to Channel 1 response, saves configuration settings, and adds remote enable and software version reporting |
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223e | Tactile Interface Port | 30.1 | 1/12/12 | 223Mv301.hex_.zip | First public release |
223e | Arpeggiator | 30.2 | 1/12/12 | 223Av302.hex.zip | First public release |
225e | MIDI Decoder | 30.7 | 2/15/24 | 225Ev307_primo.zip | Reduced Pulse outs initial trigger length from 100ms to 2.3ms to work better with transient modes on 208C and 200 reissue modules. |
225h | MIDI & CV interface | 30.1 | 4/21/18 | 225Hv301.zip | Bug fixes to internal bus channel assignment |
225h | MIDI & CV interface | 3.00 | 5/30/17 | 225Hv300b1.hex.zip | First public release of h-series 225h |
226h | CV-MIDI Interface | 30.1 | 12/8/18 | 226Hv301.hex | Fixes a global remote enable response bug |
227e | System Interface | 30.1 | 1/12/12 | 227Ev301.hex.zip | First public release |
230e | Triple Envelope Tracker/Pre amp | 30.3 | 1/12/12 | 230Ev303.hex.zip | First public release |
249e | Dual Arbitrary Function Generator | 30.3 | 3/7/12 | 249Ev303.hex.zip | Sequence changes happen immediately. |
250e | Arbitrary Function Generator | 30.6 | 12/10/15 | 250Ev306b1.zip | |
250e | Arbitrary Function Generator | 30.5 | 1/12/12 | 250Ev305.hex.zip | First public release |
251e | Quad Sequential Voltage Source | 30.7 | 6/16/12 | 251Ev307.hex.zip | More reliable button debouncing. NOTE: Make sure your Preset Manager has been updated to 31.7 or greater BEFORE updating the 251e. |
252e | Buchla Polyphonic Rythm Generator | 30.2 | 12/20/15 | 252Ev302.hex.zip | |
256e | Control Voltage Processor | 30.3 | 5/7/12 | 256Ev303.hex.zip | Fix for knob changing multiple values after preset load. |
257e | Control Voltage Processor | 30.2 | 1/25/18 | 257Ev302.zip | Bug fix to properly recognize the Module ID switch. |
257e | Control Voltage Processor | 30.1 | 1/12/12 | 257Ev301.hex.zip | First public release |
259e | Complex Waveform Generator | 30.8 | 5/7/12 | 259Ev308.hex.zip | Fix slew on pitch CV. |
260e | Duophonic Pitch Class Generator | 30.1 | 1/12/12 | 260Ev301.hex.zip | First public release |
261e | Complex Waveform Generator | 30.2 | 1/12/12 | 261Ev302.hex.zip | First public release |
266e | Source of Uncertainty | 30.1 | 1/12/12 | 266Ev301.hex.zip | First public release |
267e | Uncertainty Source / Dual Filter | 30.1 | 1/12/12 | 267Ev301.hex.zip | First public release |
272e | Polyphonic Tuner | 31.0 | 10/1/18 | 272Ev310b1.zip | With version 31.0, slots are permanently assigned upon scanning. But the frequency at the time of the preset save (even if not a saved slot) will be restored initially when the preset is called up. (With 30.8, changing stations by hand will remain saved but are not assigned globally.) |
272e | Polyphonic Tuner | 30.8 | 12/29/11 | 272Ev308.hex.zip | Some users prefer the flexibility of version 30.8, while others prefer the stations globally assigned radio frequencies of version 30.9 |
281e | Quad Function Generator | 30.2 | 1/12/12 | 281Ev302.hex.zip | First public release |
281h | Dual Function Generator | 30.2h | 3/31/16 | 281Ev302_is_h.hex.zip | Same as 281e code but ensure h-series 281 uses internal bus A&B |
285e | Frequency Shifter | 30.2 | 1/12/12 | 285Fv302.hex.zip | First public release |
285e | Balanced Modulator | 30.2 | 1/12/12 | 285Bv302.hex.zip | First public release |
291e | Triple Morphing Filter | 30.1 | 1/12/12 | 291Ev301.hex_.zip | First public release |
292e | Quad Dynamics Manager | 30.4 | 11/2/14 | 292Ev304.hex.zip | Bug fixes |
292h | Dual Dynamics Manager | 30.4 | 4/25/19 | 292Ev304h.hex.zip | Fixes issue where crackle in channel A could heard when turning knob B |
296e | Spectral Processor | 30.3 | 4/11/16 | 296Ev303.hex.zip |
Accessories Guides & Firmware
Program Manager Firmware v17 (scroll to the bottom of this page to find the Buchla firmware utility software for the Mac if you need it.)
Program Manager Firmware Update Video
Program Manager Guide
Meta-programming [Retro Program Cards] in the modern age
Buchla iProgram Card Manual (legacy)
iProgramCard Firmware update Video
218e(legacy), Firmware Card, & Card Doubler Guide
Easel Aux Card Manual(legacy)
Polyglot Guide(legacy)
More firmware in the table below.
Program Manager users:
Firmware version 17 fixes a problem of pitch/frequency drift in local modes while the card is installed”
5/2023 iPad “Easel208Pad” app users:
This app is no longer supported or developed, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. The app is working again iOS15. We recommend not using IOS 14. Please either upgrade to iOS15 or stay with iOS13. iOS15 fixed what was broken in iOS14. Our tests indicated that the iProgramCard app works to up to IOS 14.1, but no other versions of iOS14. iProgramCard users should also consider updating the iProgramCard Firmware to take advantage of the new desktop app.
iPad “Easel208Pad” app compatibility and incompatibility with the new iProgramCard firmware and Program Manager:
The iPad app does work for remote control of the Program Manager over USB including using the keyboard on the app. If using the Program Manager with the iPad app please note that there are known issues with consistent downloading banks from the iPad app. Not all the presets will download unless you are using WiFi on the iProgramCard. Increasing the “Waiting time between messages” helps a little bit so you can still download most of the Programs over USB, but not all. Without a setting for wait time between Program downloads the timing is a little off. But since we don’t support the iPad app anymore, a future iOS update from Apple may leave you in the lurch. We recommend moving towards using the new desktop app for the Program Manager.
iProgramCard
There is an iProgramCard firmware update (v73 or higher) that allows you to use the new Program Manager desktop app on the iProgramCard over USB. The only caveat is that if you will not to be able to use both the iPad app with the new firmware, it cannot consistently download banks from the iPad app over USB. Though it WILL download banks from the iPad app over WiFi. The other issue is that the file formats from the iPad app and the new desktop app are not compatible or easily translated. So you’ll need to either recreate your favorite user patches in the new app or if you want the option to use both apps, simply download full 24 preset banks from the iPad app over WiFi when you need to and send individual patches via the desktop Buchla Program Manager app so you don’t overwrite your work.
Firmware v60 and higher corrects scaling for the sequencer output, corrects scaling for the fader on frequency and pitch CV inputs, and adds a “Both” Mode for new or modified Easels. Downloading zip file includes a folder with all files, answers to questions, and instructions for modifying your Easel. See support video links on this page for videos on how to update the Firmware.
Product | Description | Version | Date | File | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Program Manager | Program Manager | 17 | 5/8/24 | Download | Fixed: Pitch drift. Previous firmware versions resulted in pitch/frequency drift in local modes when card was installed. Video: https://youtu.be/tsv1lILNXuA |
AuxCard | Music Easel Auxiliary Card | 2 | 9/13/17 | Download | First Public Release |
iProgramCard | Active Easel program card | 73 | 12/10/22 | Download | This firmware allows the use of the new Program Manager sotfware with your iProgramCard. Before downloading and installing, here's what you need to know: 1) The iPad app will no longer send patches via USB connections (though it has virtual control); the iPad app WILL still work/connect and send patches via a WiFi connection. 1a) If you continue to use the iPad app via WiFi, consider for best WiFi patch sending connections to increase the "Waiting time between messages" to .04. (In "Settings" of your iPad under Easel208Pad.) This goes for previous versions of Firmware too. 2) There is no translator from the iPad patches to the newly formatted ones in the new app, so it's best to recreate your favorite patches by hand in the new app. 3) You still only get 24 Programs since the memory chip on the iProgramCard only supports that many. |
iProgramCard | Active Easel program card | 66 | 8/18/20 | Download | A folder with all the files needed for the update. Corrects scaling for the sequencer output, corrects scaling for the fader on frequency and pitch CV inputs, and adds a “Both” Mode for new or modified Easels. Version 66 updates: 1) Bug fix of version 60 restores virtual keyboard function of iPad app interface. This sends on bus A and therefore can be used for "keyboard" input on 208C in both & remote mode. For a 218e to respond to the virtual keyboard from the app requires the 218e be remote enabled. See manual. 2) Fixed bug when used in a 208C that could create mode confusion. 3) Recalls last preset on boot up. 4) Both/Local+ mode display update. |
200e-USB | Firmware Utility | 1.8.9 | 1/29/20 | Download | Updated for macOS 12.x and backward compatible to at least 10.12 (Sierra) Occasionally, we make changes in a module’s firmware to fix software bugs or to add new features. With the Firmware Utility app can load new firmware to the USB Firmware/Utility card, and then transfer the firmware to a 200e module. Additionally you can change the USB Utility Card to function as a bi-directional MIDI interface for a 200e system. MIDI channels 1-4 will be sent to the internal 200e MIDI busses A-D respectively and MIDI beat clock can also be sent to the bus system, or output by the 252e. The 218e can also be used to output MIDI note and velocity data. |
200e-USB | Firmware Utility downgrade. | 1.7.1 | 4/28/17 | Download | Updated to add more recent modules. |
200e-USB | Firmware Utility downgrade | 1.67 | 10/29/15 | Download | Application for macOS 10.5 to 10.14 |