Mutable Instruments Blades User manual

Blades requires a -12V/+12V power supply (2x5 pin connector). The red stripe of the ribbon cable (-12V
side) must be oriented on the same side as the “Red stripe” marking on the board. The module draws
150mA from the -12V rail and 140mA from the +12V rail.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device meets the requirements of the following standards: EN55032, EN55103-2,
EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3, EN62311.
The same set of controls is provided for both filters.
A. Cutoff frequency, from 8 Hz to 18 kHz.
B. Resonance. Goes up to self-oscillation.
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C. Amount of gain and distortion or wavefolding applied to the input signal. A gain of 0dB is achieved
with the knob at 11 o’clock. This knob also acts as an offset control for the DRIVE CV input (3).
D. Response of the drive circuit, continuously variable between round soft-clipping, and a two-stage
wavefolder.
E. Filter input level indicator LED.
F. Filter response. Continuously variable between low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass. When the filter is
self-oscillating, with no input signal, this adjusts the phase of the sine-wave produced by the filter.
G. Filter routing. This knob controls the signal routing (single, parallel or series) between the two filters.
H. Attenuverters for the two filters’ frequency and resonance CV inputs, and for the ROUTING CV input.
I. Filter cutoff coupling. When this button is pressed and illuminated, filter 2’s cutoff frequency is set
relatively to filter 1’s cutoff frequency. For example, when filter 2’s FREQUENCY knob is at 12 o’clock,
both filters share the same cutoff frequency. With the knob past (or before) 12 o’clock, filter 2’s cutoff
frequency will follow filter 1’s, but transposed up (or down).
1. CV inputs for filter mode, cutoff frequency, resonance and filter routing.
2. V/OCT input. Controls the cutoff frequency according to the 1 V/octave scale.
3. Drive CV input. If no patch cable is inserted in this input, a 2V voltage is applied to the drive circuit.
This is why a moderate, but non-null, gain is obtained when the DRIVE knob [C] is fully turned counter-
clockwise.
4. DC-coupled signal input.
5. Individual filter output.
6. Main output. Carries a blend of filter 1 and filter 2’s outputs, depending on the ROUTING knob and CV.
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The ROUTING knob [G] acts as a dual crossfader.
Firstly, it controls which proportion of filter 1 and filter 2’s output is sent to the MAIN output (6): only filter 1
when turned fully CCW, only filter 2 when turned fully CW, and a mix of both filters at 12 o’clock.
Secondly, it also controls which proportion of filter 1’s input and filter 1’s output is sent to filter 2’s input
(provided filter 2’s IN is left unpatched). As a result, the following filter configurations can be obtained:
Single: the MAIN output carries the output of filter 1.
Parallel: the MAIN output carries a mix of filter 1 and filter 2’s outputs, and both filters process the same
signal from filter 1’s input.
Series: the MAIN output carries the output of filter 2, which processes filter 1’s output.
If you patch your own signal source into filter 2’s input, then the ROUTING control simply acts as a
crossfader between filter 1 and 2’s outputs.
Patch filter 2’s output into filter 1’s FREQUENCY CV input and vice-versa for some chaotic effects.
Use filter 1 in self-oscillation as an oscillator (possibly with feedback from its own output to its
FREQUENCY input to bend its waveform). Use filter 2 to wavefold and filter this raw waveform.
When a filter self-oscillates, and thus behaves as a sine oscillator, its phase can be modulated through the
MODE CV input. This allows the synthesis of metallic tones reminiscent of FM. Try modulating MODE
through a VCA, for CV-controlled adjustment of phase-modulation depth.
With the two filters in series, both set to a low-pass response, the module can be used as a voltage-con-
trolled distortion with pre- and post- tone controls.
Set filter 1 to a mild DRIVE, low FREQUENCY and RESO, and choose the high-pass response. The
ROUTING knob now acts as a dry/wet control, for whatever function filter 2 performs.
The intermediate responses between LP and BP, or BP and HP, have a shelving shape. This can turn
Blades into a useful tool for EQ-ing and spectrally coloring signals.
Since Blades’ signal path is DC-coupled you can also use it to process CV signals: use FREQUENCY for
portamento, RESO to add overshoot and wiggles. DRIVE lets you control the signal amplitude or even its
shape.
This product is covered by Mutable Instruments’ warranty, for one year following the date of manufacture.
This warranty covers any defect in the manufacturing of this product. This warranty does not cover any
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damage or malfunction caused by incorrect use - such as, but not limited to, power cables connected
backwards, excessive voltage levels, or exposure to extreme temperature or moisture levels.
The warranty covers replacement or repair, as decided by Mutable Instruments. Please contact our
customer service ([e-mail]) for a return authorization before sending the
module. The cost of sending a module back for servicing is paid for by the customer.
Mutable Instruments encourages modding and hacking, but we will not service modified units or provide
any assistance in the realization of mods.
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