Mutable Instruments — Branches

Manual PDF

Using Mutable Instruments Branches for Complex Percussion and Polyrhythms in Eurorack

The Mutable Instruments Branches is a dual Bernoulli gate—basically a probabilistic trigger router. It's not a voice or an effect, but a gate/trigger utility that introduces randomness or switching logic into rhythmic signal flows. This makes it an incredibly powerful tool for creating dynamic, densely-layered, and ever-evolving percussion or rhythmic sequences, perfect for polyrhythms, odd time signatures, and generative patterns.

Here’s how you can leverage Branches in the quest for hyper-complex rhythmic results:

1. Generating Polyrhythms with Branches

Application:

Feed two different rhythmic triggers (for instance, from a clock divider and a sequencer) into the two INs of Branches (or just one IN, letting the internal normalized routing do the rest).
Use the Probability knob or CV input to alter how incoming triggers are routed — one output could go on to fire a kick, the other a snare, for example.
By modulating probability with an LFO or stepped random voltage, you can dynamically change the polyrhythmic structure over time.

Result:

As triggers are probabilistically switched or split, you achieve unexpected but musical re-distribution of events, ideal for layering contrasting time signatures and evolving rhythmic interplay between percussion elements.

2. Complex Time Signatures & Algorithmic Patterns

Application:

Feed a simple clock or trigger train (say, 16th notes).
Use toggle mode: Now, Branches doesn’t just route the trigger at random, but can “flip-flop” between outputs based on probability. This can create complex, semi-algorithmic pulses and pseudo-random pattern lengths.
Sequence the Probability knob via CV from a sequencer or a stepped random source to change patterning on a per-step basis, injecting controlled chaos into time signatures.

Result:

Shifting between semi-deterministic and random pathing results in phasing, unexpected accents, or shifting downbeats—core ingredients for dense, jazzy, or IDM-like percussion.

3. Hyper-Complex Percussion Patterns

Application:

Daisy-chain both sections: Connect OUT A of section 1 to IN of section 2 for nested coin-flips, creating cascading branching structures akin to probability trees.
Route each output to different percussion modules or samplers (e.g., OUT A to a hi-hat, OUT B to a rimshot, and so on).
Use Latch mode: A hit will keep an output high (+5V) until the next trigger swaps to the other output. This can be used to gate a complex percussion voice, holding it open for irregular durations—excellent for glitchy or stuttering fills.

Result:

This introduces both micro-variation (which drum hits when) and macro-structure (which voices may temporarily dominate the pattern), maximizing rhythmic interest.

4. Creative Modulation/Extensions

Mult the output(s) of Branches into effects, envelopes, or other modulators that shape percussion timbre (filter cutoff, wavefolder CV, etc.) for per-hit variance.
Patch Branches at the end of a clock division chain: Use it to redirect triggers from heavily divided clocks to accent or “ghost” percussive elements, or to generate fills that aren’t on a fixed schedule.

Patch Inspiration Example

- Clock/funky sequencer → Branches IN 1
- Probability CV → Stepped random voltage or a slow LFO
- OUT A → Trigger input of main hi-hat
- OUT B → Trigger input of woodblock
- Branches IN 2 left unpatched (uses internal normalization)
- Use Toggle and Latch modes to evolve the pattern over time
- Mix OUTs through a VCA/waveshaper for extra randomness in texture

TIP:

Pairing Branches with a voltage-addressed switch or sequential switch can further route its probabilistic triggers to even more voices, breaking out of “just two-way” patterning!

For full details and patch examples:
Branches Manual PDF

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