Mutable Instruments — Plaits

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How to Use Plaits for Densely Rhythmic & Hyper Complex Percussion

Mutable Instruments Plaits is a digital macro-oscillator that is capable of being a full percussive voice generator in addition to more traditional melodic and textural duties. The following strategies, drawing from the manual, will guide you in building music with dense, complex, and polyrhythmic percussion.

1. Choose the Right Models

Plaits includes several synthesis models well-suited for percussion/complex rhythms:

• Bank 2: Noisy and Percussive Models.
• Drum synthesis models (kick, snare, hihat/cymbals).
• Physical modeling (mini-Rings: string, bar, tube).
• Granular noise, dust, filtered noise.

For percussion, cycle to these models using the model selection buttons. Experiment with the AUX out for alternate timbres.

2. Triggering & Polyrhythm Creation

• TRIG Input:
  Patch distinctly clocked, irregular, or polyrhythmic trigger patterns into the TRIG input.
• Use multiple trigger generators—e.g. Euclidean sequencers, clock dividers/multipliers, or step sequencers running at odd divisions (3, 5, 7, etc).

• Cross-patch clocks from sequencers with different time signatures for polyrhythms.

• LEVEL Input:
  Patch envelope generators, sequencer CVs, or accent patterns to LEVEL. This will simultaneously control amplitude and timbral brightness for each hit—introducing variation and punch.

• TRIG plus unpatched CV Inputs:
  If TIMBRE, MORPH, or FM CVs are left unpatched, the respective attenuverters can set how much internal envelope modulation affects those parameters. Crank these for hyper-punchy, dynamic timbre with each hit.

3. Complex Parameter Modulation

• External CV Modulation:
• Use fast, stepped, or even random/noise CV sources to modulate TIMBRE, MORPH, FM, and HARMONICS.

• Sequencers running at polyrhythmic divisions can be routed separately to each modulation input.

• Model Selection CV Input:
  Sequence (or randomly modulate) the Model Select CV input in time with (or offset from) your main triggers—Plaits will change drum types/pitched/noise elements on the fly. When patched to trigger, the model only changes on trigger, allowing per-step timbre switching.

4. Accentuation & Groove

• Accent/Groove:
  Send an additional trigger/gate or CV to LEVEL on specific rhythmic steps (e.g. every 4th or 7th). This can function as an “accent” and impact both loudness and tonal brightness.

• Decay & Envelope Settings:
  Hold the first button (A) and use:

• MORPH knob: Set the LPG/envelope decay appropriately—short for sharp, punchy hits, longer for reverb-y, overlapping textures.
• TIMBRE knob: Adjust LPG from VCA (sharpest) to VCFA (more rounded/transient).

5. Unusual Voicings and Textures

• Use additive, wavetable, and granular models—tuned to percussive ranges—by keeping frequency low and modulating wave/harmonic spread for metallic, glitch, or Eraserhead-style percussion.

• Bank the module into speech/voice synthesis for chopped, stuttered, or robotic rhythmic elements, modulating CLOCK/trigger to scan phonemes in rhythm.

• Use “modal resonator” and “inharmonic string” models for organic, quasi-acoustic percussive effects by sending very rapid or irregular triggers.

6. Advanced: Firmware & Calibration

• Configure a tight frequency knob range (hold second button; turn HARMONICS) to avoid accidental pitch sweeping that could mess up percussive articulation mid-performance.

• If using as a multi-sound drum voice (model switching via CV/trigger), calibrate Plaits so that 1V/oct CV from a well-calibrated sequencer precisely switches models.

Creative Tips:

• Layer with Other Modules: Use AUX and OUT for stereo/dual timbral layering, or process separately with differing effects for extra complexity.
• Silence as Rhythm: Some models will output silence at certain parameter extremes—sequence these momentary mutes for stutter/shuffle effects.
• Randomize: Use sample & hold, stepped random, or Turing machine sources into model or timbre to maintain unpredictability in your percussion.
• Feedback FM: Use FM modulation from another Plaits or digital source clocked at a related, but offset, rhythm for cross-modulated percussion.

Quick Patch Example

1. Set model to bank 2 “drum” type.
2. Patch three different Euclidean sequencer outputs (e.g., 5-step, 7-step, 11-step) into TRIG, MODEL select CV, and TIMBRE CV.
3. Set LEVEL to a fast S&H sequence.
4. Modulate DECAY and LPG response for desired percussiveness.
5. Use OUT and AUX for two separate percussion voices in your mix.

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