Portatron Preset Pack: Experimental West Coast

Immerse yourself in the spirit of modular synthesis with Experimental West Coast, a Portapack for the Portatron Tape Synthesizer. Built entirely from recordings of 4 legendary modular synthesizer systems, this pack delivers an expansive range of sounds to inspire your creative journey. From shimmering textures and atmospheric drones to glitchy sequences and ambient soundscapes, Experimental West Coast offers the perfect toolkit for experimental producers and sound designers.

The sounds have been carefully sampled from a variety of modular systems; the big 1970’s Buchla 200 system at Elektronmusikstudion EMS in Stockholm, their small 1970’s Buchla 200 system as well as their 1960’s Buchla 100 system replica. Complimented by additional recordings from a brand new Buchla/TipTop Audio 200t system and the modern Buchla Music Easel (208c+LEM218v3).

Buchla modular synthesizers, conceived by electronic music pioneer Don Buchla in the 1960s and 1970s, are renowned for their innovative design and distinctive approach to sound synthesis. Unlike traditional synthesizers that emulate acoustic instruments, Buchla systems prioritize experimental sound creation, offering musicians and sound designers a unique sonic palette.

BUCHLA 100 
Buchla 100 Series (1960s): As one of the earliest modular synthesizers, the 100 Series introduced groundbreaking concepts in electronic music. Its modules, such as voltage-controlled oscillators and sequencers, allowed for unprecedented control over sound parameters. Due to limited production, original 100 Series systems are exceedingly rare and highly coveted by collectors and musicians.


BUCHLA 200
Buchla 200 Series (1970s): Building upon the 100 Series, the 200 Series, often referred to as the "Electric Music Box," expanded the modular framework with enhanced functionality and versatility. Modules like the Quad Function Generator (Model 281) and the Source of Uncertainty (Model 266) became staples in the realm of electronic music, offering complex modulation capabilities and introducing elements of randomness into compositions. The 200 Series is celebrated for its rich, organic sound and remains a benchmark in modular synthesis.

BUCHLA Music Easel
Buchla Easel (208c + LEM218v3): The Buchla Music Easel, introduced in the early 1970s, is a self-contained, portable synthesizer that epitomizes Buchla's philosophy of modular design combined with performance-oriented interfaces. The modern incarnation, featuring the 208c sound module paired with the LEM218v3 touch-activated keyboard, offers musicians expressive control and a vast sonic territory to explore.

BUCHLA 200t
Buchla 200t (Tiptop Audio): In collaboration with Buchla, Tiptop Audio has reimagined select 200 Series modules in the Eurorack format, making these classic designs more accessible to contemporary musicians. The 200t series retains the distinctive sonic characteristics of the original modules, bridging the gap between vintage design and current technological standards.
Each of these systems embodies Buchla's commitment to innovation, providing unique tools for sonic exploration and continuing to inspire musicians and sound designers worldwide.

• Captures the essence of modular synthesis with rich, recorded textures
• A diverse sonic palette for creating immersive soundscapes and experimental tracks
• Perfect for exploring ambient, glitch, and avant-garde sound design

Features

• 80 cassettes
• 330 samples
• 1.33 GB of total content