Exploring Mutable Instruments' Plaits: The Digital Macro-Oscillator

Mutable Instruments' Plaits is a versatile digital macro-oscillator module for Eurorack, designed for ease of use and a wide sonic palette. It's the spiritual successor to the beloved Braids module, with improved interface and functionality.

Plaits features 16 synthesis models, grouped into categories: Virtual Analog, Waveshaping, FM, Grain, Harmonic, and Noise. Each model offers unique sounds, from classic waveforms to complex textures, accessible via the model selection knob.

Three dedicated knobs—Timbre, Harmonics, and Morph—provide real-time manipulation of the sound, affecting parameters specific to the selected synthesis model. This hands-on approach lets you sculpt sounds intuitively.

Plaits includes an internal low-frequency oscillator (LFO) and an envelope generator, which can modulate various parameters without additional patching. This internal modulation can be a gateway to dynamic and evolving patches.

The module responds to trigger inputs for percussive sounds and has a 1V/oct input for pitch tracking. Explore Plaits as a melodic voice or a complex percussion module by playing with these inputs.

Each synthesis model offers a secondary output through the Aux jack, providing an alternative version or a complementary element of the sound, like sub-oscillators or synchronized modulations, greatly enhancing layering possibilities.

Plaits allows you to dive into deeper settings like pitch range calibration and response curves. Holding the model selection button while powering up provides access to these hidden features, expanding the module's flexibility.