Discover “West Coast” Synthesis with KBplugs 200 C
The 200 C plugin from KBplugs is an exciting journey into the world of so-called “West Coast” synthesis, inspired by the legendary Buchla 200 modular systems. Instead of strictly emulating specific instruments, the 200 C offers a unique opportunity to experience the philosophy of sound creation that differs from the more common “East Coast” synthesis. This is a space for experimentation with complex timbres, modulation, and the generation of unpredictable soundscapes.
Architecture and Modules
At the heart of the 200 C lies a set of virtual modules, similar to those found in Buchla 200 systems. These modules have been carefully selected to provide the user with a wide range of sound design and modular routing capabilities.
- 3 x Dual Oscillators in the style of the 258 module: Provide rich sound sources with the possibility of frequency modulation (FM).
- 2 x Quad Envelope Generators: Flexible tools for shaping the dynamics of sound, from fast percussive to slow ambient transitions.
- 2 x Quad LoPass/VCAs: Versatile modules that combine filtering and amplitude control functions.
- Dual Bandpass VCF: A specialized filter for isolating or amplifying specific frequency ranges.
- Dual random voltage source: Adds an element of unpredictability and liveliness to your patches.
- Dual Ring Modulator: Ideal for creating metallic, ringing, and other experimental timbres.
- Dual CV Processor: A module for processing and modifying control voltage.
- Dual CV Adder: Allows you to combine several control voltage sources.
- 6 channel mixer: For mixing signals from different modules.
Unique features and philosophy
Special attention should be paid to the keyboard control module, which is based on the functionality of the 221 Kinesthetic Input Port. Its unique “2D Voltage Source” function is a virtual joystick that generates four different control voltages depending on the direction of movement (up, down, left, right from the center). This opens up new ways for expressive real-time modulation.
Thanks to the presence of six oscillators with FM inputs and eight envelope generators and eight VCAs, the 200 C plugin can easily be configured as a full-fledged six-operator FM synthesizer. This makes it a powerful tool not only for “West Coast”, but also for classic FM synthesis.
Signal and control voltage routing is done in a convenient way – via drop-down lists for each input. This simplifies the patching process, making it intuitive even for beginners in modular synthesis, while maintaining the depth of possibilities.
KBplugs 200 C is not an attempt to create a perfect copy of the original Buchla instruments, but rather an invitation to explore their sound creation philosophy. This is a tool that stimulates experimentation, the search for unexpected sounds, and going beyond the usual methods of synthesis. If you want to expand your sonic horizons and immerse yourself in the world of “West Coast”, 200 C will be a great addition to your VST instrument collection.
