Mutable Instruments Plaits
Macro-oscillator with 16 synthesis models, built-in LPG, and dual outputs
12 HP Eurorack module
Plaits is Mutable Instruments' 16-voice macro-oscillator and the successor to Braids. It packs 16 completely independent synthesis models — from virtual analog and FM to physical modeling, speech synthesis, and analog drum emulation — into 12HP. Three main tone-shaping knobs (Harmonics, Timbre, Morph) take on different roles in each model, giving every engine three dimensions of timbral control. A built-in decay envelope and low-pass gate let Plaits work as a self-contained voice without external VCAs or envelopes. Dual outputs (Out and Aux) provide complementary signals per model. DC-coupled outputs extend operation into LFO territory. All DSP runs at 48kHz in 32-bit floating point with band-limited algorithms for clean, alias-free sound.
Features
- 16 independent synthesis models (8 pitched, 8 noise/percussion)
- Three model-dependent tone knobs: Harmonics, Timbre, Morph
- Built-in decay envelope and low-pass gate (LPG) — self-contained voice
- Dual outputs: Out (main) and Aux (variant/by-product per model)
- Internal envelope normalled to FM/Timbre/Morph CV when jacks unpatched
- CV-selectable model with sample-and-hold on trigger
- DC-coupled outputs for LFO-range operation
- Adjustable LPG response (VCFA to VCA) and decay time
- Adjustable Frequency knob range (full 8-octave or +/- 7 semitones per octave)
- 1V/Oct tracking with 16-bit ADC and software interpolation
- 48kHz 16-bit audio, 32-bit floating-point internal DSP
- Band-limited synthesis for alias-free sound at base sample rate
Controls & Jacks (27)
- Harmonics CV — CV input for the Harmonics parameter. Direct CV control of harmonic content.
- Harmonics — Adjusts harmonic content — meaning varies by model. Controls number of harmonics, FM ratio, wavetable position, grain density, or partial co
- Timbre CV — CV input for the Timbre parameter. Direct CV control without attenuverter.
- Model — CV input for model selection. Voltage selects among the 16 synthesis models. Use MODEL knob as attenuverter.
- Aux — Auxiliary output. Carries a complementary signal — sub-oscillator, noise component, or related waveform depending on the active model.
- Morph — Morphs between synthesis variations within the current model. Blends waveforms, adjusts decay, or crossfades between synthesis parameters.
- FM — Frequency modulation CV input. Use with FM Attenuverter to control modulation depth. Exponential FM.
- Timbre — Primary sound-shaping parameter. Controls pulse width, FM depth, waveshape, spectral tilt, or brightness depending on the active model.
- Morph CV — CV input for the Morph parameter. Use with Morph Attenuverter to scale.
- V/Oct — 1V/octave pitch tracking input. Tracks pitch accurately across the full range for melodic use.
- Trig — Trigger input. Excites physical models, resets oscillator phase, or triggers the internal decay envelope depending on the model.
- MODEL — CV attenuverter for the Model CV input. Allows voltage control of synthesis model selection.
- Out — Main audio output. Carries the primary synthesis output for all models.
- Level — VCA level input. Controls output amplitude via external CV. When unpatched, an internal envelope triggered by the Trig input sets the level.
- Frequency — Main pitch control spanning 8 octaves. Sets the fundamental frequency for all synthesis models.
- FM Attenuverter — Scales the FM CV input. Center = no modulation, CW = positive modulation, CCW = inverted modulation.
- Morph Attenuverter — Scales the Morph CV input. Bipolar — center position is zero modulation.
- Model Button 1 — Selects the synthesis model pair. Each press advances through 8 pairs of models spanning virtual analog, FM, waveshaping, wavetable, granula
- Model LED 1 — Indicates synthesis model pair 1 is active (Virtual analog / Waveshaping).
- Model LED 2 — Indicates synthesis model pair 2 is active (Virtual analog with sub / Triangle with wavefold).
- Model LED 3 — Indicates synthesis model pair 3 is active (Waveshaping / Two-operator FM).
- Model LED 4 — Indicates synthesis model pair 4 is active (Grain clouds / Filtered noise).
- Model Button 2 — Toggles between the two models within the currently selected pair. The first model is generally simpler, the second more complex or textured
- Model LED 5 — Indicates synthesis model pair 5 is active (Granular formant / Harmonic oscillator).
- Model LED 6 — Indicates synthesis model pair 6 is active (Particle noise / Filtered noise).
- Model LED 7 — Indicates synthesis model pair 7 is active (Inharmonic string / Modal resonator).
- Model LED 8 — Indicates synthesis model pair 8 is active (Analog bass drum / Analog snare drum).
How-To Guides
- Self-Contained Plucked Voice
- Evolving Model-Morphing Drone
- Analog Drum Sounds
- Triggered Speech/Word Sequencer
- Supersaw Pad from Granular Cloud
- Physical String Plucks
- Instant Chord Organ
- FM Bell Tones
Explore the interactive Plaits panel on BleepDex — tap any control to learn what it does.
