Mutable Instruments Peaks Envelope/LFO/Tap LFO/Drum Generator

Full Description

Multiple Functions

The Peaks module is a dual-channel module that can fill a range of roles in your modular rig. It is designed to process triggers and gates, translating them into envelopes, synchronized periodic modulations (LFO and tap LFO), or drum signals. It can also be directly played using the two built-in trigger buttons. The general rule of Peaks is that cool things happen whenever a trigger is received. Below are the functions that the module is capable of:

• Envelope Generator: The gate/trigger input starts and holds the envelope
• LFO: The gate/trigger input resets the waveform cycle
• LFO with Tap-Tempo Synchronization: The gate/trigger input sets the period of the LFO oscillations. Peaks can "learn" irregular trigger sequences and lock onto them
• Drum Generator: The gate/trigger input triggers the drum sound

With two channels of processing onboard the Mutable Instruments Peaks module, these channels can be synchronized (twin mode) so that they both share the same front panel controls. For example, in ADSR envelope mode, the first knob will control both channel 1 and channel 2's attack time. This can be used not only to create unique duophonic patches, but also to obtain two synchronized outputs of the same LFO waveform with different phase shifts. Each channel is equipped with a gate/trigger input jack, a gate/trigger button with an output indication LED, and an audio/CV output. Both channels provide the same function, other than channel 1's drum generator being for a bass drum, whilst channel 2's is a snare/hi-hat generator.

You can also control Peaks using split mode. This makes the 1 and 2 potentiometers control channel 1's settings, whilst the 3 and 4 potentiometers control channel 2's settings. This mode gives you access to the 2 most essential parameters for each function only. For example, for the envelope function, it gives you attack and decay control on that channel. The other parameters will be set to default neutral settings. On top of this, Peaks also features an expert mode, allowing individual control of channel 1 and 2.

Controls & I/Os

• Split Button: Toggles between the twin (LED off) and split (LED on) modes. Holding the button for a second enables expert mode. In this mode, the button toggles between channel 1 and 2. Holding it again for another second will take the module back to normal operation
• Function Button: Used for cycling through the four main functions
• 1 - 4 Potentiometers: Used for controlling and modifying the settings for the selected function. These settings differ depending on the selected function
• TRIG 1 & 2: Channel 1 and 2's trigger inputs. The trigger threshold is 0.7V above each of these inputs is a switch that can be pressed to generate a trigger signal. The LED built into the switch shows the variations of the output signal
• OUT 1 & 2: Channel 1 and 2's outputs

Features

Four In One Module

• ADSR Envelope Generator
  • Segment durations ranging from 0.2ms to 8s
  • Quartic attack, exponential decay, exponential release
• LFO & Tap-Tempo LFO
  • 0.03Hz to 160Hz
  • 5 basic waveforms: Square, Triangle, Sine, Stepped, Random
  • Waveform variations and morphing for each of these: PWM, Slope, Folding/Harmonics, Step Size, Interpolation
  • Phase at reset control
  • Tap LFO can lock onto irregular rhythms
• Drum Synth
  • Channel 1: 808 kick model with extra parameters (tune, punch)
  • Channel 2: 808 snare model with extra parameters (tune, decay)
  • Channel 2: A specific combination of settings transform the snare into a modelled 808 hi-hat
• Control Modes
• Twin: Channel 1 & 2 share the same parameters but can be triggered independently
• Split: Channel 1 is edited by knobs 1 & 2, channel 2 is edited by knobs 3 & 4, with a simplified 2-parameter control scheme
• Expert: Channel 1 & 2 are completely independent

Specifications

• Inputs: 100k impedance, threshold at 0.6V
• 16-bit CV/Audio Generation with 48kHz Sample Rate
• Output Level: 0 to +8V for Envelopes, 10Vpp for LFOs & Drum Signals