Mutable Instruments / Beads

Beads is a texture synthesizer that performs granular processing of input audio signals in real time and outputs them.

Beads is a texture synthesizer that performs granular processing of input audio signals in real time and outputs them.

Reinventing the classic module
Beads are a reinvention of Mutable Instruments' Clouds.

The concept of the module is similar to Clouds, performing real-time granular processing of the incoming audio signal. The parameters on the panel are arranged in an easy-to-understand way, just like Clouds.

The similarities with Clouds end here. The Beads hardware and software have been redesigned from the ground up to achieve the lofty goals of a more vivid and broader sound palette, more control, greater playability and direct access to exciting new features. increase.

Connecting I'S and T'S
Beads' vastly improved specification allows higher audio quality, longer buffers, better use of sample interpolation and anti-aliasing algorithms, and faster execution of key DSP blocks. Granulation can now open up new sonic realms: formants, wavetables, hard-sync sounds, and crisp noises.

Parameter ranges, knob rotations and response to modulation have all been improved, opening up new possibilities such as reverse playback and percussive envelopes.

control, chaos, character
Controls: To trigger or schedule grains, Beads can split or randomize an external clock or trigger signal, spray bursts of grains in response to gates, V/Oct CV or the frequency of an external oscillator. It has new features such as getting grain rate to track .

Each major parameter of Chaos: Grain has its own Attenu Randomizer. This allows direct CV control of the parameter, CV control of the random spread of this parameter, and internal randomization using some of Marbles' algorithms.

Character: Beads offers four different audio quality settings, including buffer sample rate and bit depth, as well as converter clock, signal path amplitude limiting and saturation, and reverb tone. , also affects additional media emulation effects. From the sound of the earliest digital devices to the sound of dirty cassette tapes, we've got you covered with modes that recreate the hallmarks of the Clouds.

About modes
Beads can act as delays without switching to another mode. Just play endless grain. The DENSITY, TIME and SEED controls are also available to enable various functions such as tap tempo, beat slicing, time stretching and comb filtering with V/Oct tracking rate.

Beads can granularly process wavetables with eight internal banks, even without an audio signal input.

All parameters have dedicated knobs.

Width: 14HP
Depth: 25mm
Current consumption:
+12V : 100mA
-12V : 10mA