BAF 2024: MEMS And Associates - Buchla Modules

At NAMM 2024, Sonic State had the opportunity to speak with Mark of MEMS and Associates, a research group that specializes in reverse engineering Buchla synthesizers found in universities across the United States. Mark explains that they have gone coast-to-coast, collecting rare Buchlas and have successfully replicated the David Tudor mixer from Wesleyan University. They also showcase their 132 waveform synthesizer, a 1965 module that offers complex waveforms. Mark shares that they have gained access to these universities simply by asking, and have formed collaborations to continue their work. He also reveals that these remade Buchla modules will soon be available for purchase through the licensed partnership with Analog Haven and Buchla as they aim to democratize access to these instruments.
In addition to the impressive remakes, MEMS and Associates also exhibited the rare 242 Programmable Pulser module, which allows users to program three different rhythmic pulses through a patch matrix. MEMS and Associates' future plans include hosting workshops for students to build their own modules and complete their university systems. This approach not only provides a more hands-on experience but also creates service records for these modules, as Mark mentions the lack of schematics and the need to trace circuits by hand. Mark told us the aim is to preserve and provide accessibility to these historically significant Buchla synthesizers.
modularsynthesis.com/mems/mem...
www.analoguehaven.com/
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[@vincentedwardsdesign]

Thanks Mark and Chip! That’s great news regarding EMS - wonderful to hear you worked out an official agreement with BUSA 🎉

[@vgermuse]

Awesomeness!! So stoked for all you are are doing and offering!! 💥🤩🙇‍♂️

[@tihinter]

wonderful idea to bring these rare modules back to life! please try to do workshops in Europe, too! Large community of interested DIY people here!

[@artisan002]

Good lord. They had to backtrace some of the modules by hand..? Bravo to them both.

[@CatFish107]

Cool to go around and find rare pieces to have a deep dig and tinker. nice work!

[@jilliancondon2001]

Oh hey Mark! Nice work!

[@temporoboto]

great history, thanks!

[@AngrocSound]

OMG that pulser module is too cool! 🤩

[@user-zy8bu5vi8g]

Great Interview!

[@stevem8430]

Fantastic news!

[@Enucentro]

Chip is a man of few words

[@S.r.wilson]

Very cool.

[@d42kn355]

[@jammystraub488]

THOSE GUYS 👍

[@Rectangular_Eye]

❤️🎉❤️

[@Grayfizzle]

Dude on the left has zero interest?

[@Ni5ei]

It's his personal bodyguard

[@spaceman103]

Let the B-brand build them. They are into democratizing music equipment as no other company.

[@zackcolbourne6921]

They're also into harrassing reviewers and making antisemitic jokes.

[@spaceman103]

@@zackcolbourne6921 Whether there were those intentions, stays debatable . It never went to court. Personally I’m not a fan of their marketing strategies and SLAPP suits.

[@zackcolbourne6921]

​@@spaceman103I don't think the intentions of the Kirn Corksniffer are debatable.

[@spaceman103]

@@zackcolbourne6921 Let me make it clear: I wouldn’t have published the drawing. But I don’t know what their initial intentions were.

[@zackcolbourne6921]

​@@spaceman103I wonder if they even knew or if they were just going on instinct.