Tiptop AudioBuchla 285t Frequency Shifter

Tiptop Audio Buchla 285t

The Model 285t Frequency Shifter from TipTop Audio's Buchla series is a powerful and unique analog signal processor, combining both analog frequency shifting and ring modulation to create inharmonic shifts and dynamic transformations of any signal. Divided into two sections for frequency shifting and ring modulation, you can use the 285t to process one audio signal using both sections in series, or use each section independently. Perfect for deriving new flavors from vanilla waveshapes or morphing external audio sources into otherworldly timbres, the 285t is a competent signal manipulator sure to bring new sounds to your system.

As opposed to pitch shifting, in which a signal's harmonic content retains intervallic relationships that determine its timbral character, frequency shifting applies a uniform multiplication to a signal's spectra, resulting in inharmonic shifts that alter the timbre of sounds simultaneously with their pitch. Simply patch your signal to the signal input in the top section of the 285t, and find both sum (upward shifts) and difference (downward shifts) outputs at the relevant jacks. The amount of shifting can be controlled by the internal oscillator between zero and one thousand hertz, with an input for using an external oscillator if desired. For even more daring timbres, linear frequency modulation and bipolar CV control are available for the internal oscillator.

In the ring modulation section, the 285t gives you inputs for carrier and modulator signals at the signal and reference inputs. On the left side, a pair of outputs for total ring modulation are available. On the right side, outputs for variable amplitude modulation lets you dial in the amount of modulation from zero to full ring modulation. Naturally, there is also a CV input and attenuverter for this control. With a comprehensive suite of shifting tools at your disposal, the Buchla 285t from TipTop Audio is a classic analog processor that inspires creative patching towards wildly altered timbres.

Buchla 285t Features

• Analog frequency shifter and ring modulator
• Upper section creates inharmonic shifted copies of an input signal by a factor set by the frequency of an internal oscillator
• Sum outputs are upward shifts, Difference outputs are downward shifts
• Reference input replaces internal oscillator with external signal
• Bipolar CV and linear FM control over internal oscillator
• Ring modulation section with variable outputs
• Signal (carrier) and reference (modulator) inputs for ring modulator
• Fully modulated Ring outputs for pure ring modulation
• Variable output with manual and CV control over amplitude modulation depth