Mutable Instruments Plaits is an oscillator module for modular synthesizers in Eurorack format. However, the module is no ordinary oscillator, but a voltage-controlled, monophonic, digital multi-function sound source. If you wanted to recreate Plait's tones with an analog modular system, you would need oscillators, filters, VCA's and ring modulators...
Proven features further improved
Just like its predecessor (Braids) Plaits offers direct screw access to a huge sound palette, which is realized by various synthesizer techniques. Compared to its predecessor, the interface has been further improved and compressed to the bare essentials:
No more display
No hidden system settings
No long list of redundant synthesis parameters
Synth voice and drum module
Thanks to additional CV inputs and the use of three timbre shaping parameters per model, Plaits can be used as THE SYNTHESIZER MODUL SCHLECHTHIN. The module is easy and intuitive to use as a stand-alone synth voice or percussion source. The integrated low-pass gate allows the module to be used without VCF or VCA and the internal envelope is directly normalized to some CV inputs, so sound quality was in the foreground during development, just like anti-aliasing and CV interpolation, resulting in a lively, clean sound.
Mutable Instruments Plaits at a glance:
Eight synthesis models for melodic sounds:
A pair of infinitely variable waveforms (virtual analog)
Variable triangle oscillator followed and edited by a waveshaper and wavefolder
Two-operator FM with infinitely variable feedback path
Two independently controllable formants modulated by variable waveforms (VOSIM, Pulsar, Grainlet, Casio CZ-style filter sweeps)
Additive oscillator with 24 harmonic spectra
Wavetable oscillator with four banks, each with 8x8 waveforms, with or without interpolation
Chord Generator, with different divisions (down string, organ emulation or wavetables)
A selection of formant synthesis algorithms (spoken sounds, formant filters, SAM, LPC) with control over the sounds and formant shifting. Several banks with lutes or word segments are available
Eight synthesis models for noise and percussion sounds:
Granular sawtooth or sine oscillator with variable grain density, resolution and frequency randomization
Clocked noise with filter post-processing
Eight noise layers passing through a resonator or all-pass filter
Extended Karplus Strong (aka Rings' red mode), with white or dark noise
Modal Resonator (aka Rings' green mode), with excitation of knocking noises or dark noise
Emulation of an analog kick drum (two models)
Emulation of an analog snare drum (two models)
Emulation of an analogue HiHat cymbal (two models)
Amazing new extremely powerful and affordable macro-oscillator by Mutable Instruments. Probably one of the most versatile eurorack oscillators on the market today. It's more than just an oscillator it's an entire synth voice, capable of blending in between different synthesis and percussion modes all under the control of CV! Simply amazing!
Theres not much I can say that hasn't already been said about plaits. Now I have hands on it's already become one of the best most versatile modules I have. If you haven't got one you're missing out!
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