Mutable Instruments Peaks

Peaks by Mutable Instruments provides 4 different functions in a small 8-HP package. Their common point? They are all about generating an audio or CV signal in response to a trigger, and are all focused on rhythmic works.

Peaks is a dual-channel module – making it very useful for duophonic patches or for controlling/synthesizing the kick/snare rhythmic backbone of a patch.

Classic ADSR

• Segment durations ranging from 0.2ms to 8s.
• Quartic attack, exponential decay, exponential release.
• Other fancy modes implemented in the code, waiting to be unlocked!

Peaks’ first function is a no-frills ADSR envelope with segment times going from 0.2ms to 8s.

LFO and tap LFO

• 0.03 Hz to 160 Hz.
• 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.

Peaks’ can work as a free-running, resettable LFO, or as a tempo synchronized LFO.

5 waveforms are available, each of them with a shape/morphing parameter: wavefolded sine, variable slope triangle, PWM square, stepped triangle and sampled/interpolated noise.

A unique feature of Peaks is its ability to lock onto irregular sequence of taps: the module can detect the periodicity of the incoming trigger pattern, and adjust the duration of the LFO cycles accordingly.

Drum Generator

• 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.

Peaks can synthesize bass-drum, snare-drum and hi-hat sounds using a digital model of the TR-808 circuits. An alternate drum generation mode synthesizes more aggressive FM-style drum sounds.

Inputs, controls and outputs

• 4 parameter edition pots.
• Channel 1 & 2 trigger inputs.
• Channel 1 & 2 trigger push-buttons.
• Channel 1 & 2 CV/audio output.

Technical characteristics

• 16-bit CV/audio generation with 48kHz sample rate.
• Cortex-M3 ARM processor.
• Open-source hardware and firmware.
• 8-HP.
• Easy firmware updates through an audio interface.
• Current consumption: +12V: 60mA ; -12V: 2mA.