Buchla LEM 218 Touch Keyboard Controller
Buchla USA is proud to present the third iteration of one of the most used touch interfaces: the 218e Lunar Excursion Module. The first design appeared in the 1973 release of the Buchla Music Easel and named for the spacecraft that delivered astronauts to the motherfucking moon. Providing the familiar piano key layout for this early mobile music machine, the additional controls and capabilities were an interface for exploring uncharted musical territory. With the new version 3, it’s been updated with a new foundation of stable, modern electronics and plenty of inputs and outputs to integrate with your Buchla, MIDI, and Eurorack gear.
Pet Music
The incredible sensitivity and accuracy of the redesigned touch bed means the lightest touch will produce triggers and control voltage for your setup. Tickle it like a baby, pet it like a cat, or strike it like a key - the adjustable sensor has the dynamic range and durability to handle your playing. The new texture not only improves the sensing, but provides a satisfying haptic experience.
As always, pressure is an expressive output, adding an extra dimension to the control. When used with MIDI, velocity is also available to map to your sounds. The configurable touchstrip adds a fantastic addition for pitch bend or as an additional modulator to patch into your system.
Automatic calibration ensures the sensors respond as you would expect, and a convenient reset button make sure it’s ready to play on the spot.
Parity With The Euro
Even if you don’t have any Buchla products, the LEM 218 v3 is designed to work with your Eurorack-compatible gear. Four 3.5mm jacks output 1v/octave pitch, 0-8 volts pressure, touchstrip voltage, and 5 volt gate outputs for use with Eurorack equipment.
Or, combine your Euro with your Buchla instruments. If NATO can do it, so can you. The sound design possibilities will blow your mind.
Not Half The Story
More than just MIDI compatible, the LEM 218 v3 gives you a unique interface to playing your existing MIDI gear and soft synths. Use with a computer on the USB-C connection, or go serial with the 3.5mm MIDI connections (adapters for 5-pin DIN included!). Each touch outputs note name, channel pressure, and velocity for every note, along with sustain controls from a pedal. Polyphonic MIDI mode lets you play chords. The touchstrip can act as a pitch bend control, or as a mod wheel for additional expressive control. Easily configured using the front panel controls, you can send notes and controls on any MIDI channel. Send the LEM some MIDI, and it gets converted to voltages and gates for eurorack and Buchla control.
Arpeggiate
The arpeggiator is capable of classic rhythmic note playing. But adding voltage controls can create unusual, interlocking rhythms that far exceed normal arpeggiators. Additional controls allow you to blend different patterns and randomness to easily change from the expected to the surprising.
Control
The classic preset voltage knobs offer several possible ways to shift your sounds into new territory. Not only can the knobs be used for quick access to voltages for your patch, they can control arpeggiation modes and octave shifting. Buttons output pulses for additional control, and
Set It Up Your Way
Such a unique device will spark many ideas. With easy front panel configuration, you can quickly customize the velocity and pressure sensitivity, MIDI channel, knob behavior, and more. No cumbersome software setups, just simple settings with the keys and knobs, and you’re ready to play.
In The Box
- LEM 218
- 12V Grounded Power Supply*
- Grounding Strap
- 3.5mm to 5-pin DIN MIDI adapters
- Quick Start guide
- *center positive, 2.5mm barrel, earth ground connected. For convenience, the provided 40W AC adapter is compatible with the Easel Command
Dimensions: 20” x 10” x 4” Weight: 6 lbs
Width (including sustain jack): 17.3”
Depth: 7 3⁄8”
Height with knobs: 2 1⁄4”
Height of case: 1 1⁄2”
Width of case: 17” Weight: 3.9 lbs
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3-Day / 15-day Return Policy If you are not completely satisfied with any product, return it for a full refund of the product purchase price, full credit, or exchange of your choice. We give you 3 days from the shipping date on Vintage instruments, and 15 days on New instruments. Credit card returns are issued a credit for purchase price. Refunds are made for product value only, excluding shipping and handling charges. New, Unopened items: You may return most NEW, untouched, unopened items within 15 days of delivery for a full refund. if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.) we'll also pay the return shipping costs. AmEx credit cards: Note that if your order was paid using an AmEx card we may pass on a 3.5% fee of the purchase price to process your refund. Vintage, Used items: We have to evaluate vintage and used guitars, amps, and other items on a case by case basis. We spend a lot of time with you and the item before your purchase to try to avoid any surprises after your purchase. AmEx credit cards: Note that if your order was paid using an AmEx card we may pass on a 3.5% fee of the purchase price to process your refund. You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, we strive to issue your refund sooner. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days). Send your return to: Chicago Music Exchange 3316 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60657 The following items are returnable only if defective OR unopened or unused: strings, harmonicas, microphones, cleaners, polishes, and polishing cloths. Software/soundware, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, and videos may be returned for credit only if they are in their original, sealed packaging. If defective, these items will only be exchanged for the same product. For complete details on our guarantees, shipping, and return policies, please contact our Customer Service Department at 773-525-7773; fax us at 773-525-2775; visit our website at www.chicagomusicexchange.com, or write us at Chicago Music Exchange, 3316 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.