DISC Mutable Instruments Streams Module (12HP)

Full Description

Flexible Multi-Pupose EXCITE Input

The Mutable Instruments Streams features a unique, versatile input called EXCITE. This unique input design can perform a multitude of functions, giving the module and extreme amount of flexibility. From envelope generation to sidechaining compression, the EXCITE input enables the Streams to perform an incredible array of functions. Below are a few examples of how this powerful input design can be used to its full potential.

• EXCITE As An Envelope Generator: The unique EXCUTE input on the Mutable Instruments Streams module is able to work as a trigger input. This causes the Streams to trigger an internal AR (Attack-Release) or AD (Attack-Decay) envelope that is routed to the gain and filter cutoff. This routing is a variable amount, and can be used for shaping noise sources or oscillator into rich, full sounds.
• EXCITE's Vactrol Curve Generator: Using a digitally created model of a resistive opto-isolator, controlling filter cutoff and gain of the Stream's EXCITE input is responsive and enables these properties to be controlled easily. The digital design is what enables this, it gives the opportunity to modify the "physical" properties of the vactrol response to be optimized for processing CVs, or for triggers.
• Use EXCITE As A Sidechain: The EXCITE input on the Mutable Instruments Streams can be used as a sidechain. The signal on the EXCITE input is used as a sidechain to limit the gain of the input signal. This works in the same way as a regular sidechain compressor would. With no signal on the EXCITE input, the module will operate like a compressor/limiter.

Controls & I/Os

• Channel Envelope Shape: Controls the overall attack and decay characteristics of your selected function.
• Channel Modulation Amount: Adjusts the amount of brightness (the cutoff frequency) modulation applied to the signal, as well as amplitude modulation.
• Channel Amplitude Modulation CV: Works as an attentuator for the LEVEL CV input, which is routed directly to the amplitude control port of the VCFA.
• Channel Function Selector: Displays the current function of a channel. Can be pressed once to display this, and pressed again to cycle through the four selectable functions.
• Channel Amplitude Response Curve: Adjusts the response of the VCA from exponential to linear.
• Metering Button: Shows bargraphs by pressing the button. Can be pressed again to select which signal is to be monitored.
• EXCITE Input: Audio or CV input, compatible with both. Multi-purpose control port, with the function dependent on the selected mode.
• Signal Input: Audio or CV input, compatible with both. With no jack inserted, a +8V signal is internally routed to the VCFA, allowing the module to be used for CV generation such as generating an AD envelope or for envelope following.
• Level Input: Directly wired to the amplitude control section of the VCFA. This allows the channel to be used as a VCA in the most simple way. This signal is attenuated by the LEVEL MOD knob. When no jack is inserted in this input, a +5V signal is internally generated. The LEVEL MOD knob will then work like an offset control.

Mode Selection & Different Modes

• Envelope Mode: The amplitude and brightness are controlled by an internal envelope generator. The envelope is triggered by sending a trigger pulse to the EXCITE input, whilst properties of the trigger pulse are taken into account to bring variations to the envelope shape. In this mode, the SHAPE knob controls the envelope shape, and the MOD knob controls how the brightness is affected by the envelope.
• Vactrol Mode: This mode emulated the response of a resistive opto-isolator (vactrol). In this mode, the SHAPE knob controls the slowness of the vactrol, and the MOD knob controls how much the brightness follows the amplitude change to further dampen the sound.
• Follower Mode: The signal on the EXCITE input is analyzed to extract its amplitude envelope, and its spectral centroid. The spectral centroid is a number than indicates how bright a sound is. The spectral centroid will be low for dark sounds, and high for bright sounds. In this mode, the SHAPE knob controls the reaction time of the envelope follower, and the MOD knob controls how much the brightness follows the EXCITE audio signal.
• Compressor Mode: Operating as a dynamics compression, this mode requires the channel VCA response curve to be set to exponential (full counter-clockwise position), otherwise the linear VCA won't be able to create the extreme gains required for compression. The LEVEL MOD knob also has to be set to its minimal position. In this mode, the EXCITE input works as a sidechan, when a signal is detected through the input, its level determines the amount of gain reduction applied to IN. If nothing is plugged into the EXCITE input, then the module will work like a regular compressor on the IN signal. The attack and release times are 0.2ms and 150ms respectively. In this mode, the MOD knob works to adjust the compression ratio. At 12 o clock, no compression is applied, but from 12 o clock by turning the knob counter-clockwise, the ratio will progressively increase until a ratio of 25:1 is achieved, but without applying any make-up gain. Turning the knob clockwise from 12 o clock will progressively increase the compression ratio, and apply a matching amount of make-up gain.
• Siamese Twins Mode: By holding channel 1 and 2's function selection buttons simultaneously, you are able to link the two channels together. This will be signified by the two channel LEDs alternately blinking. The two channels will operate in the same mode, and will share the same attack/release time, which can now be independently controlled. The attack time is set my channel 1's SHAPE knob, and the decay/release time can be set by channel 2's SHAPE knob. Using this function in Compressor mode gives you complete control over all parameters: Channel 1 SHAPE adjusts attack time, Channel 2 SHAPE adjusts release time, Channel 1 MOD adjusts threshold, and Channel 2 MOD adjusts ratio and make-up.

Features

• Analog signal path
• All inputs DC-coupled
• 12-bit, 31kHz EXCITE signal acquisition (for metering and following)
• 16-bit, 31kHz control voltage generation

Specifications

Inputs/outputs

• Multi-purpose EXCITE input.
• DC-coupled Audio/CV input (normalized to +5V constant voltage).
• VCA gain CV (normalized to +8V constant voltage).
• Output

Controls (per channel)

• Digital control mode selection
• Response time / compression threshold
• Modulation amount / compression ratio and makeup gain
• VCA gain CV input attenuator
• VCA exponential to linear response curve

Technical characteristics

• Analog signal path
• All inputs DC-coupled
• 12-bit, 31kHz EXCITE signal acquisition (for metering and following)
• 16-bit, 31kHz control voltage generation
• Cortex-M3 ARM processor
• Open-source hardware and firmware
• 12-HP
• Easy firmware updates through an audio interface
• Current consumption: +12V: 100mA ; -12V: 30mA