The Buchla Music Easel Program Manager Card is a preset sound control and storage system for the Buchla 208C Easel Command and Music Easel allowing up to 48 presets to be stored inside card as well as transferring presets from your Mac or PC via USB-C connection.

The Buchla Music Easel Program Manager Card takes on Don Buchla’s original program interface cards concept originated in 1973 allowing users to create presets by soldering resistors on program cards, recalling slider position and banana connections. Each allowed the music easel to recall sounds conveniently during a performance.

In 2013, Buchla released the iProgram Card that allowed for the first time to configure the easel on a computer or iPad and send those presets to the card for recall. The new Program Card boasts a refreshed and simplified design with increased memory, improved user experience and offers the possibility of embedding it directly inside the instrument.

The Program Card offers users a powerful and convenient way to create, store and recall presets, removing the need for soldering and offering much more precision thanks to the microcontroller inside. The Program Card acts as a bridge between the USB port on a computer and the 28-pins to provide instant recall and easy access to the 48 unique programmes that control almost every parameter and patchpoint on the Easel's front panel.

The Program Manger requires the Buchla Program Manager software for Mac and PC that not only lets users design presets but also offers additional programming options of the Music Easel’s front panel controls. For example, the Depth control on the software adds a virtual control on each cable to offer gradual or even inverted connections for each patch point, something that would require additional hardware to achieve. 

The Preset Manager Software allows for import and export of presets, ideal for backing all your presets as well as sharing them with other Music Easel owners. As it uses MIDI Sysex data it is even possible to incorporate that data into any software for remote control of the easel and the store programs. 

An optional Embed Kit allows the program card to be installed directly into the easel, replacing the Program Interface connector with the screen and buttons of the Program Card. 

The Program Manager Card is compatible with the 208C. For older generation Music Easels (2013-2017) The Program Manager Card will require a small DIY modification to the card’s connectors or on the Easel itself.