plaits

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.

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