296T mixed outputs and Selective FM | Buchla/Tiptop 200T Series | Episode 8

I had a second long session with the 296T after my first patch video. This video tries to justify why the 296T could be worth the big footprint so it can be more than 'just a big equalizer'. This always depends on the type of music you'd like to make on a modular, and for many, a multimode filter would be more than enough. The 296T is like a surgical audio tool, doubling as an EQ or filter. In this video, I'll use the brutal Manis Iteritas as a source and use both the attennuated & program outputs to sculpt something new from it. It's a very rich voice with artifacts and noise because of the 6-operator sawtooth algorithms and it does not have many sweetspots outside it's heavy industry character. The 296T is an ideal tool to help you tame it for different applications and sounds, even ambient.
Also, there's true magic in the technique of 'selective FM', where you can use indivdual band outputs to 'FM' your VCO. It's a trick I've learned with the MakeNoise FxDf fixed filter. The 296T can take it to another level.
I wish you a great New Years Eve and I am looking forward seeing you in 2024. Happy patching!

[@daughtersofdivorce6803]

Dammit. This demo confirmed exactly what I want to do with this unit. I have dreams of running polyphonic additive/harmonic patches through this thing.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I am currently working on a compare between the 296T and the Fumana. You may want to sit this one out and watch that compare. But my issue with both of them is they're not stereo. For me, your dream translates to a series of stereo multimode filters and slow functions/lfo's to create those liquid waves of sound. I'd suggest checking out the Tempete Magnetique from Eowave (quad filter).

[@daughtersofdivorce6803]

@@CinematicLaboratory that's a really great point. I was planning on using even/odd channels for Left/Right. I've had great results in VCV so far. But I think having those individual outputs is crucial for getting into the really creative territory with this module.

[@hobboth]

Thank you for all your inspiring and entertaining videos and happy New Year!

[@redwoodword]

Love the sounds! Hate to be a pendant but the 296T is not a 16 band parametric EQ. It's 16 fixed frequency bandpass filters that are somewhat resonant. I only point this out because I've seen people get confused when they are trying to use different flavours of the 296 as an EQ without realising that it's always going to colour the sound you put through it.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Thanks for clearing this up. I guess I was also confused but it explains why I never get the original sound on the attenuated out with all sliders up. The resonance is something that bothers me when I use it. It's less resonant compared to the Fumana which now explains why I like the 296T a bit more. I know it's 16 band pass filters and with my limited knowledge, that's a parametric EQ. From now on, I'll never use that compare again.

[@redwoodword]

@@CinematicLaboratory yes I think the big difference is that if you were designing an EQ you would be trying to make it as transparent as possible (i.e. no colouration of the sound). As I understand it this was never Don Buchla's intention despite the fact that the interface design looks like an EQ. Interesting that the Fumana is more resonant. I think having degree of resonance is really important to the idea of this sort of module. I think without it the individual bands would sound pretty dull and it would be more like an EQ. How much resonance is really the question here.

[@robert-wr6md]

The bit at the end was mad.

[@electricdawn2258]

What @hobboth said. Can't say it any better. 😉 Happy new year!

[@Radar23]

Pinging.. Love this

[@russ254]

pangolins rule! (big fan of manis)

[@planetplex]

I want this so bad! With other fixed filters there’s not as much cv potential and I think that’s a huge thing that sets. This one apart.

[@TheCALMInstitute]

Oh absolutely- the complexity of the CV you can generate from a complex recording is incredible. For instance, you can use it to trigger drum sounds based on a recording of a drum set

[@arpmoog]

Das sum spicy spaghetti! Please consider some vocoder action if you revisit this piece of awesomeness.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I already tried this at the end of the first patch video. It doesn't work very well compared to the Frap Tools Fumana because you'd need two 296T's to transfer all bands. Currently working on a compare with the Fumana while 'vocoding' samples from the Morphagene. Fumana is like having two 296T's in one module and I always try to use the best tool for the job. However, if vocoding is important, I'd recommend checking out the Spectraphon which does a brilliant job at this since it also transfers it to a synthesis engine.

[@arpmoog]

@@CinematicLaboratory Understood. Not a vocoding maven, just thought with all the envelope followers, it would lend itself. Thanks for recommendation and your continued professional video infotainment. I am cogitating on adding Spectraphon to my Make Noise suitcase collection that are ‘Shared’ with very few.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I am now working on a general vocoder video. Interesting tech to explore and 'abuse'.