NEWS  Musical Instruments  November 23, 2023  Reading time: ~1 minute)

Max (RS editor)

Tiptop Audio has unveiled the Model 296t Programable Spectral Processor, a Euro format reincarnation of Don Buchla's groundbreaking 1978 mega module.

Originally introduced in the vibrant era of the 1970s, the Model 296 was a rarity, with only a handful ever produced. Tiptop Audio marvels at the extraordinary feat of crafting such a complex module during a time when electronic schematics were drawn by hand with pencils. The module boasts 48 filters, likely hand-calculated, showcasing the ingenuity of its era.

Don Buchla, a trailblazer in audio electronics, saw the 296 as more than just an equalizer. In a statement, Tiptop Audio highlights Buchla's visionary approach to sound exploration in the 70s. The Model 296 encapsulates a 16-band analog modular spectral processor, a cross-band vocoder, and an extensive array of patch points—an embodiment of Buchla's avant-garde ideas for his synthesizer system.

The release of the Model 296t pays homage to a peculiar and florid period of musical experimentation, blending vintage charm with contemporary Euro format design. The Model 296t is poised to become a sought-after tool for those looking to infuse their music with the spirit of Don Buchla's groundbreaking sonic exploration. It's currently available for shipping for $699 at Tiptop Audio. 

IMAGES BY TIPTOP AUDIO