Embedded Files
AS 259
Updated on 11 June 2025. Built it in v5.0 and includes performative enhancements. See notes below. Enjoy!
Here is something new - I like the sound, and complexity of Don Buchla's various musical instruments. The Buchla 259 Complex Programmable Oscillator is no exception. After looking at some different documentation, various YouTube videos and the module's faceplate I went ahead and made my own version as a Bitwig Studio preset. My approach was to capture as much of the timbral variation and control as possible. You can complete the programmable portion through Bitwig's extensive routing and modulation options.
Recommended usage:
Start with the preset as shown above.
Adjust the Mod level and activate one, or more of the modes (Phse (Phase Mod), Timbre Mod, AM Mod, or FM Mod). Try the Mod Freq to adjust the modulation rate. With the Lo/Hi button disengaged the frequency range runs between 0.275 Hz and 64 Hz, when engaged the range is 27.5 Hz and 7.5 kHz. The Mod Fine control can be used to add or subtract fine adjustments that go slightly above 64 Hz.
Try the different FM Modes - (Phse & Lock) - Phse toggles between Phase FM and Frequency FM. Lock toggles hard synch on and off and this has marked influence on the FM of the Modulation Oscillator and it's subsequent effects on FM Modulation of the Primary Oscillator. If you activate the 4x button the range of FM is quadrupled for even more sharp and metallic characteristics.
Sweep through the different Mod Wave options and with the Blend button engaged the waveforms will morph from ramp to square and then triangle. With Blend disengaged the waves will change abruptly.
Keytracking can be enabled for either oscillator. Mod Fine and Osc Fine offer fine tuning control of the oscillators.
Timbre Out is the equivalent of Final Out on the 259. You can mix a variety of sound sources by adjusting the various other outs - Mod Out (Modulation Oscillator), Osc Out (Primary Oscillator), and Square Out.
Octave will adjust the Square Wave octave.
Symmetry will blend between even and odd harmonics from the Primary Oscillator. Timbre will adjust the wave folding of the Timbre Out.
There is some built-in random modulation of the various controls using the Random Bitwig Modulator. The Random macro control adjusts the overall influence of the Random modulator.
Experiment!
You are encouraged to add additional modulation sources to control the controls. This is the "programmable" part. You have near infinite freedom to explore the wealth of modulation opportunities which Bitwig has to offer.
I added a series of Average (slew) FX devices to smooth out the controller input MIDI signals from by BCF2000 (I dislike the hard transitions across 127 steps) so there is a ~250ms slew. You can adjust this to be higher or lower if you wish in the FX Grid. For me this increases the performative characteristics of this device and makes it more "natural" and "analog" feeling.
Is it the same as an actual Buchla 259 Complex Programmable Oscillator? No. I explored a lot available content to better understand what the original does and tried to emulate it faithfully (with the primary exception of the blended modulation option (thanks Oiko on the Bitwig Discord for this suggestion). Is it fun and does it make strange sounds? Yes! Maybe you'll enjoy it too - grab a copy from the link below. Also a big thank you to Omri Cohen for his FM and LPG techniques which have been applied to this preset.
Warning: can produce frequencies and volumes which may damage hearing, audio gear and speaker coils. Be kind to your ears and gear.
If you'd like to 'buy me a coffee' for my efforts, you can send it via PayPal to chris@ambientspace.com Thanks!
Please email me at chris@ambientspace.com if you have any questions or find that this is doing something unexpected.
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