stages

Mutable Instruments Stages

6-stage segment generator for envelopes, LFOs, and sequences

14 HP Eurorack module

Stages by Mutable Instruments is a modular segment generator where six identical stages can be freely configured and chained to create complex envelopes, LFOs, step sequences, or any combination thereof. Each stage has a gate input, a CV input for time/level, a slider, and a button to set its type. Stages connected by patch cables automatically chain together, so two stages become an AD envelope, three become an ASR, and six can form a complex multi-stage contour. Unconnected stages operate independently, allowing a single module to simultaneously run multiple envelopes and LFOs. The looping behavior enables stages to function as clocked or free-running LFOs.

Features

  • 6 chainable segments
  • Each segment independently configurable as ramp, hold, or step
  • Segments chain via gate patching for complex envelopes
  • Looping for LFO behavior
  • CV control over time and level per segment
  • Gate input per segment
  • Polyphonic mode via alternate firmware

Controls & Jacks (48)

  • Type 6— Selects segment type for Segment 6. Same behavior as Type 1.
  • Level 5— Sets the target voltage level for Segment 5. Same behavior as Level 1.
  • Type 5— Selects segment type for Segment 5. Same behavior as Type 1.
  • Gate In 5— Gate/trigger input for Segment 5. Same behavior as Gate In 1.
  • Gate In 1— Gate/trigger input for Segment 1. Rising edge starts ramp, gate high sustains hold. Patching here breaks the chain from previous segments.
  • Gate In 2— Gate/trigger input for Segment 2. Same behavior as Gate In 1.
  • Type 4— Selects segment type for Segment 4. Same behavior as Type 1.
  • Gate In 3— Gate/trigger input for Segment 3. Same behavior as Gate In 1.
  • Out 1— CV output for Segment 1. Outputs the current voltage level of the segment (0-8V).
  • Level 2— Sets the target voltage level for Segment 2. Same behavior as Level 1.
  • Gate In 4— Gate/trigger input for Segment 4. Same behavior as Gate In 1.
  • Type 3— Selects segment type for Segment 3. Same behavior as Type 1.
  • Out 2— CV output for Segment 2.
  • Shape 1— Controls the curve shape of Segment 1. In ramp mode: logarithmic (CCW) to exponential (CW). In hold mode: adjusts time. In step mode: sets q
  • Segment 2— Shows segment type and output level for Segment 2.
  • Shape 2— Controls the curve shape of Segment 2. Same behavior as Shape 1.
  • Shape 4— Controls the curve shape of Segment 4. Same behavior as Shape 1.
  • Type 2— Selects segment type for Segment 2. Same behavior as Type 1.
  • Gate In 6— Gate/trigger input for Segment 6. Same behavior as Gate In 1.
  • CV In 2— CV modulation input for Segment 2.
  • Out 3— CV output for Segment 3.
  • Level 3— Sets the target voltage level for Segment 3. Same behavior as Level 1.
  • Shape 3— Controls the curve shape of Segment 3. Same behavior as Shape 1.
  • Out 4— CV output for Segment 4.
  • Segment 3— Shows segment type and output level for Segment 3.
  • CV In 5— CV modulation input for Segment 5.
  • CV In 4— CV modulation input for Segment 4.
  • Out 6— CV output for Segment 6.
  • Shape 5— Controls the curve shape of Segment 5. Same behavior as Shape 1.
  • Level 4— Sets the target voltage level for Segment 4. Same behavior as Level 1.
  • Segment 6— Shows segment type and output level for Segment 6.
  • CV In 6— CV modulation input for Segment 6.
  • Shape 6— Controls the curve shape of Segment 6. Same behavior as Shape 1.
  • Out 5— CV output for Segment 5.
  • CV In 1— CV modulation input for Segment 1. Modulates the Shape parameter via external voltage.
  • Type 1— Selects segment type for Segment 1. Press to cycle: green (ramp/envelope), yellow (hold/sustain), red (step/sequencer). Long-press for loopi
  • CV In 3— CV modulation input for Segment 3.
  • Level 6— Sets the target voltage level for Segment 6. Same behavior as Level 1.
  • Segment 4— Shows segment type and output level for Segment 4.
  • Segment 5— Shows segment type and output level for Segment 5.
  • Level 1— Sets the target voltage level for Segment 1. In ramp mode: peak level. In hold mode: sustain level. In step mode: step voltage. 0-8V range.
  • Segment 1— Shows segment type by color (green=ramp, yellow=hold, red=step) and brightness indicates output level.
  • Activity 4— Shows gate/trigger activity on Segment 4.
  • Activity 6— Shows gate/trigger activity on Segment 6.
  • Activity 5— Shows gate/trigger activity on Segment 5.
  • Activity 3— Shows gate/trigger activity on Segment 3.
  • Activity 2— Shows gate/trigger activity on Segment 2.
  • Activity 1— Shows gate/trigger activity on Segment 1's input. Lights when segment is actively processing.

How-To Guides

  • Simple AD Envelope
  • Classic ADSR Envelope
  • 6-Step Sequencer
  • Complex LFO (Ouroboros)
  • Dual Function: AR Envelope + LFO

Explore the interactive Stages panel on BleepDex — tap any control to learn what it does.

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