buzz (format) :: Battle of the Bits Lyceum

Jeskola Buzz is a freeware modular synth environment designed by Oskari Tammelin that dates back as far as the 90s. It shares some elements in common with trackers as well as automation that will be more familiar to DAW users. The "modular synth" aspect involves routing plugins into one another via virtual cables to produce sound and effects, like VCV Rack, SunVox, or even PureData. However there is also a pattern sequencer that resembles a tracker, similar to SunVox but without the typical tracker effects column.

While Buzz's built-in instrument and effect modules (called "machines") are limited, there is an extensive collection of third-party machines available here
(or through the "Machines" link on the official homepage). Most of these can be downloaded from within Buzz itself (through the "More Machines" tab).

Tools

- Jeskola Buzz
(Windows)

It may be possible to run Buzz in WINE with some setup (see this thread
or via Virtualbox (or similar virtual machine software). If you research this please add more info here on the lyceum!

Restrictions on submit

Submission should be playable in Jeskola Buzz. A submission can use any of the third-party machines available from the official database
. However, use of external VSTs is not allowed (much like other BotB formats where source is submitted).

If your entry uses third-party machines, you may choose to submit .zip instead, containing both your project file and the third-party machines - this is easier for voters and also future-proofs your entry in case those machines were to ever disappear.

Playback (for voting)

Open buzz.exe and hit the play icon near the top left!

See also

- SunVox
- vcv_rack (format)
- pd (format)
- Buzztrax
, a Linux clone that aims to function like Buzz but has no cross-compatibility. (on Ubuntu and all Debian-based distributions it can be installed from the repository, like entering "sudo apt install buzztrax" in the terminal)

C A T E G O R I E S

Battle Formats