Mutable Instruments Frames

The heart of Frames is a 4-channel analog VCA under tight digital control. Through flexible input/output mixing and normalling options, it can be patched to serve the following purposes (among others):

• 4-channel attenuator/VCA.
• 4-channel mixer.
• 4-channel programmable CV source.
• Quadraphonic signal dispatcher.

But what makes Frames truly unique is the way in which channel/CV levels can be controlled, using a technique inspired by computer animation. Frames allows up to 64 configurations of the 4 level knobs to be stored and recalled throughout the course of its big Frame knob. By rotating the knob (or sending a CV to the Frame modulation input and adjusting its amount with the attenuverter), the configurations are morphed into one another.

To fine-tune the animation and get varied morphing or sequencing results, the following options are available for each of the 4 channel:

• Easing curve (stepped, linear, exponential, logarithmic, sine, bouncy)
• Attenuation response of the level knob, from linear to logarithmic

With a bit of patching and imagination, Frames can also be repurposed as a 4-channel sequencer, a multi-stage envelope generator or a trajectory generator for quadraphonic panning…

Mutable Instruments modules are packed with features and Frames is no exception: Frames can switch easily to an entirely different mode of operation in which it becomes a wavetable quadrature LFO.

Interpolation engine

• Up to 64 keyframes, each keyframe storing 4 CV/gains.
• Per-channel easing curve selection: stepped (no interpolation), linear, accelerating, decelerating, sine, bouncy.
• Per-channel CV/VCA response selection, from linear to logarithmic.

Inputs/Outputs

• 4 DC-coupled signal inputs.
• 4 DC-coupled signal outputs.
• Global signal input, sent to all unconnected inputs.
• Internal precision +5V/+10V voltage reference, can be connected to all unused inputs to turn them into CV sources.
• Global mix output, collecting signals from all unconnected outputs.
• Frame control CV input.
• Keyframe change trigger output.

Technical characteristics

• CV input impedance: 100k.
• Audio input impedance: 100k (25k for the global input in some configurations due to normalling).
• Analog audio path, with low-noise/distortion VCA core (V2164).
• Fastest modulation rate: 15kHz.
• Cortex-M3 ARM processor.
• Open-source hardware and firmware.
• 18-HP.
• Easy firmware updates through an audio interface.
• Current consumption: +12V: 90mA ; -12V: 30mA.