Buchla 296e Spectral Processor by Softube, Modular add-on plugin interface

Modular Add-On: Buchla 296e Spectral Processor by Softube

Rated 4.5/5 on Plugin Boutique (107 ratings)

Modular Add-On: Buchla 296e Spectral Processor is a Softube Modular expansion that emulates the Buchla 296e, a 16-band spectral filter and vocoder module licensed by Buchla U.S.A.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

The Buchla 296e Spectral Processor brings the hardware module's spectral filtering into Softube's Modular environment. It is officially licensed and endorsed by Buchla U.S.A., and it is an expansion that requires Softube Modular. Its 16 band-pass filters can be used as a programmable graphic EQ, a real-time performance filter, or a spectral transfer vocoder. Each band has its own VCA and envelope follower, so the module can analyze and resynthesize an input's spectrum.

Best for

Spectral vocoding
Programmable graphic EQ
Real-time filter performance
Sound design from noise
Multiband envelope extraction
Playable filter bands

Developer: Softube
Category: Spectral Analysis
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Officially licensed and endorsed by Buchla U.S.A
16 band-pass filters, each with its own VCA and envelope follower
Separate envelope decay times for each band
Programmable graphic EQ with A and B level morphing
Externally controllable freeze function for stored spectra
Multiband envelope extraction from audio inputs
Playable filter bands via MIDI note and velocity
Usable as a vocoder, in two banks of eight, or as 16 bands with two modules

03In depth

Sound and spectral processing

The 296e works as a bank of 16 band-pass filters. Each band has its own VCA on the input and an envelope follower on the output, and the center frequencies are chosen to follow the human ear's discrimination curve.

Softube describes the module as able to perform complex spectral transfer functions. You can morph between two sets of level settings, labeled A and B, and use a freeze function to store the input spectrum as envelope values or A and B levels in the module's memory. The software also includes multiband envelope extraction from audio inputs.

Controls and workflow

Separate envelope decay times can be set for each band, which shapes how quickly each band responds to the input. The bands can be split into two banks of eight, or two instances can be run together for full 16-band operation.

A MIDI feature lets you play the filters directly. Note values map to the fixed filter frequencies, and MIDI velocity controls the amplitude of each band's VCA.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Softube
Type	Plugin
Category	Spectral Analysis
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, RTAS
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What do I need to use the Buchla 296e Spectral Processor?

It is an expansion for Softube Modular, so Softube Modular is required to run it. It also needs a Softube account, an iLok account, and a compatible DAW host.

Which formats and operating systems does it support?

It is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats, and runs on Windows and macOS. It is 64-bit. The developer notes that TDM, VENUE and RTAS are no longer supported and that VST3 is recommended.