Tiptop Audio Buchla has announced that its Model 292t Quad Lopass Gate is now in production with a delayed EU/UK release (vactrol ban).
A highlight of the Superbooth 21 was the announcement of the commercial partnership between Tiptop Audio and Buchla. Two years after the announcement, the first modules are available on the shelves at dealers like Thomann or Perfect Circuit.
Model 266T Source Of Uncertainty was released in November, the module at the top of the list for most musicians. The next module, the Model 292T Quad Lopass Gate is now in production. However, there is a bad news for EU/UK interests.
There is good news for everyone interested in the first modules. According to TipTop Audio Buchla, a new batch of the 258t, 245t, 257t, and 281t is going through the final assembly steps and will be shipped very soon.
The electronic parts shortages haven’t eased yet and we are still experiencing limited supplies. Some of you folks have waited a long time for your order and these coming batches should be able to cover a good number of the back orders placed with the shops.
Tiptop Audio Buchla Model 292t Quad Lopass Gate
Oh yes, another Tiptop Audio Buchla module is on the way. The Model 292t will be available very soon from your favorite Eurorack retailer.
The Model 292t features four independent voltage-controlled amplifiers based on vactrols, a technology consisting of a light-emitting diode and a photoresistor. Each has a signal input and output, a control voltage input that varies the unit’s gain, and an offset adjustment.
A switch selects one of three operating modes: straight gate (VCA), lowpass filter (VCF), or a combination of the two, in which the spectral response varies as the gain is changed.
EU/UK release, Not Yet
There is also bad news. Model 292T will not be available in Europe and UK. This is due to the fact that products with vactrols are not allowed in these countries. More precisely, light-dependent resistors (LDRs), aka vactrols require the use of Cadmium Sulphide that are subsequently prohibited in the EU and UK.
Tiptop Audio tried hard to find a solution, but it just didn’t work out. However, they are optimistic about a modified version tailored for the EU/UK market, which is currently in development. They estimate a release for the end of the year.
Further, Tiptop Audio announced new white (one-color all length) stack cables.
I am happy to hear that the next Buchla Eurorack Module is ready. It’s a shame that the first version module does not make it to the EU. I’m curious whether the adapted version will be equally good.
Tiptop Audio Buchla Model 292 Quad Lopass Gate will be available in March 2023 for $350 USD worldwide except in Europe and UK. The new stack cables will be available in a 5-pack bundle for $30 USD.
More information here: Tiptop Audio
Available at my partner
There are quite a few modules with vactrols available in Europe.
They probably use vactrols that are optimized for the EU/UK market. But not sure