Buchla 296t Spectral Processor

The legendary Buchla 296 spectral processor, now in eurorack format! Perfect for extreme filtering, gentle EQing, Vocoding, Extracting Envelopes, Stereo Widening, and all sorts of creative effects!

Features transcribed from Buchla Synthesizer User Guide November 16, 1982 written by Daniel J. Schedit and modified for the 296t:

"The Programmable Spectral Processor is an elaborate set of filters with a number of different outputs and special
functions. Perhaps its most obvious function is that of a sixteen band "graphic equalizer". The sixteen bands are labeled in hex
numerals (0 through F) at the top and bottom of the module and the centre frequency of each band is indicated above each slider
attenuator.

Attenuator Outputs

The signal input jacks, in the bottom right, offer the choice of putting a signal into the eight even numbered bands, all sixteen bands,
or the eight odd bands. Note that these are just the even or odd numbered bands on the equalizer and have no correspondence to
even or odd harmonics.) The Attenuator Outputs on the right of the module also offer "even", "odd", or "all" signal outputs. With
a signal patched into the "ALL" signal input and taken out through the "ALL" attenuator output the module functions just as a sixteen
band graphic equalizer. Note on the scale for the attenuators that -3dB is the top range of the sliders and that a slider at the very top
is actually giving -3dB to frequencies in that band. An attenuator at the very bottom will completely cut o any signal in that
frequency band.

The signal output jacks directly above each attenuator offer the signal present within that frequency band at 0dB. These outputs are
not affected by the attenuator's positions. The Comb Filter, outputs offer the signals from either all the “even” or all the "odd"

bands and are also unaffected by the attenuators and are set at 0dB.

Control Voltage Outputs

The control voltage outputs labeled Envelope Outputs are envelope follower outputs for each frequency band. In other words,
the voltage from these outputs represents the amplitude of the signal present within each band. The switch in the upper right selects
"long" “combo” or "short" envelope decay times. These outputs are not affected by the positions of the attenuators.

Programmed Outputs

The Spectral Processor can be voltage controlled in a variety of ways. The results of any control voltage manipulation are
presented to the Programmed Outputs. It is possible to "sweep" through the various frequency bands (much like a bandpass filter
can "sweep" the frequency spectrum) using the left knob on the Program Control section. This knob can be voltage controlled
through the control voltage input labeled Frequency. The knob beside the input is an inverting attenuator the same as others on
the synthesizer. On the right is a Width control knob which determines the widths of the sixteen frequency bands. The labeling
above each attenuator indicates the approximate center frequency of each band. Notice that as the bandwidth gets very narrow
"gaps" appear between each band and then the bands disappear completely and no signal is passed. At the MAX setting each band
is so wide as to encompass the entire frequency spectrum and the Freq control will have no effect. This knob can be voltage
controlled but it has no attenuator on the control voltage. The Local Program Inputs allow individual voltage control of the
signal level in each frequency band. With no control voltage the signal for that band is cut off. As a control voltage increases the
signal is gradually unattenuated.

Spectral Bias

The pair of knobs and switches labeled Programmed Spectral Transfer have a function often associated with a "vocoder"
circuit. The left switch, when up, patches each "even" envelope follower output into its neighboring "odd" control voltage input. In
effect this causes the Spectral Processor to analyze the signal present at the "even" input and to duplicate its frequency
spectrum in the "odd" bands. If the signal presented to the "odd" input has a broad enough frequency spectrum itself the "odd"
Programmed Outputs will match timbres with the "even" signal. The right switch performs the same function going from "odd"
to "even".

If a microphone signal is the signal being analyzed, a harmonically rich signal from an oscillator can be made to duplicate vowel
sounds in speech. (This is known as a "vocoder" patch.) For this to work best the input signal requires special equalization, This is
the purpose of the two knobs next to the switches. When turned to the right they boost the treble range of the "even" and "odd"
input signals respectively. Since they affect both the Attenuator and Programmed Outputs they should be turned down (to the
left) unless setting up' a "vocoder" patch.

Be aware that the Bandwidth and Frequency controls are still in effect when using these switches. For best results in a
"vocoder" patch, Bandwidth should be set to minimum and Frequency set to minimum.

LEDS

The leds are driven from the Envelope Followers and help to indicate when a 10Vpp signal (such as one from the 258t) hit right on
the frequency of a specific band, pushing its envelope follower up to it’s maximum CV value of 10V. When using a “vocoder” patch
the output signal gain might be low, setting the vco right at a center of a band using the LED helps maximize the gain output. These
lights do not indicate distortion or overdrive."