Mutable Instruments — Grids

Mutable Instruments Grids Manual (PDF)

Mutable Instruments Grids Cheat Sheet

Overview

Grids is a 3-channel clock-driven trigger generator designed to create and morph rhythmic drum patterns. It interpolates between learned rhythms on a 2D map (X/Y), with adjustable density ("fill") and randomization ("chaos"). 3 outputs are typically for BD (kick), SD (snare), and HH (hi-hat), but can be patched freely.

Panel Controls

Label Control Type Description
A Knob Internal clock rate: 40–240 BPM (fully CCW disables internal clock; expects external clock)
B Button Tap/Reset: Tap twice for tempo, tap once to unlock CLOCK knob. Flashes on beat.
C1 Knob Map X: Selects X-position on rhythm map (CV-controllable 0–5V)
C2 Knob Map Y: Selects Y-position on rhythm map (CV-controllable 0–5V)
D Knob Chaos: Amount of randomization/ghost notes (CV-controllable 0–5V)
E1 Knob Fill 1 Density (BD): Channel 1 density (CV-controllable 0–5V)
E2 Knob Fill 2 Density (SD): Channel 2 density (CV-controllable 0–5V)
E3 Knob Fill 3 Density (HH): Channel 3 density (CV-controllable 0–5V)
3 LEDs Indicate clock resolution, tap/reset, swing, euclidean mode, triggers/gates, and output layout (in options mode)

Input & Output Jack Reference

Jack Type Function Voltage Range
CLOCK Input External clock input; active if INT clock off (A fully CCW). 0–+5V (higher OK)
RESET Input External reset (pattern start) 0–+5V (higher OK)
MAP X CV Input Modulate X position (C1) 0–5V (sum with knob)
MAP Y CV Input Modulate Y position (C2) 0–5V (sum with knob)
CHAOS CV Input Modulate Chaos randomness (D) 0–5V (sum with knob)
FILL 1 CV Input Modulate Fill 1 density (E1) 0–5V (sum with knob)
FILL 2 CV Input Modulate Fill 2 density (E2) 0–5V (sum with knob)
FILL 3 CV Input Modulate Fill 3 density (E3) 0–5V (sum with knob)
TRIG 1 Output Channel 1 trigger (BD) +5V, 1ms default
TRIG 2 Output Channel 2 trigger (SD) +5V, 1ms default
TRIG 3 Output Channel 3 trigger (HH) +5V, 1ms default
ACC 1 Output Channel 1 accent +5V, 1ms pulse
ACC 2 Output Channel 2 accent +5V, 1ms pulse
ACC 3 Output Channel 3 accent +5V, 1ms pulse

Note: Under alternate output configuration, ACC outputs can be set to ACC/CLK/RST (see Options below).

Quick Start

  1. Connect outputs: TRIG 1, 2, 3 to drum modules.
  2. Set clock: Use internal clock (A knob) or patch external clock to CLOCK input (A fully CCW).
  3. Select rhythm: Use C1 (Map X) and C2 (Map Y) to pick a rhythm base.
  4. Set density: Use E1, E2, E3 to control pattern fill for each channel.
  5. Chaos: Turn D knob for probabilistic ghost notes/variation.
  6. Accent: Feed ACC outputs to modules for accents.

Options Menu (hold TAP/Reset button for 0.5s, unplug CV inputs!)

Function Control LEDs On LEDs Off
Clock Resolution E1 4, 8, 24 ppqn (LEDs show selection)
Tap Tempo/Reset Mode E2 Tap sets TEMPO Tap resets pattern
Swing (internal clock only) E3 CHAOS sets Swing CHAOS is randomization
Euclidean Mode C1 Grids pattern generator Euclidean sequencer
Trig/Gate Output C2 Gates (length = clock hi duration) 1ms triggers
Alt ACC Outputs D ACC/CLK/RST ACC1/2/3 (default accent outs)

Power / Installation

Modulation Summary

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