Mutable Instruments Peaks User Manual

Mutable Instruments | Peaks

Peaks is a two-channel, general-purpose, trigger processor: it translates incoming triggers or gates into
envelopes, synchronized periodic modulations (LFO and tap-LFO), or drum signals. Peaks can also be
directly “played” thanks to its two trigger buttons. Our goal with this module is to give you many different
ways of modulating your patches in as little space as possible!

Peaks is designed for Eurorack synthesizer systems and occupies 8 HP of space. It requires a -12V /
+12V supply (2x5 connector), consuming 2mA from the -12V rail and 60mA from the +12V rail. The red
stripe of the ribbon cable must be oriented on the same side as the “Red stripe” marking on the printed
circuit board.

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.

Peaks is a multi-function module, but the general rule is that cool things happen whenever a trigger is
received. Its four main functions are:

Envelope generator - the gate/trigger input starts and holds the envelope.
LFO - the gate/trigger input resets the waveform cycle.
LFO with tap-tempo synchronization - the gate/trigger input sets the period of the LFO oscillations. Note

that Peaks can “learn” irregular trigger sequences and lock onto them.

Drum generator - the gate/trigger input triggers the drum sound.

Peaks provides two channels of processing - each of them has a gate/trigger input jack, a gate/trigger
button with an output indication LED, and an audio/CV output. Both channels provide the same function ­the exception being channel 1’s drum generator being a bass drum generator, and channel 2’s drum
generator being a snare drum/hi-hat generator.

Both channels can be “synchronized” (aka twin mode), in that they both share the same front panel

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Mutable Instruments | Peaks

controls - for example in ADSR envelope mode, the first knob will control both channel 1 and channel 2’s
attack time. This can be used not only to create duophonic patches (for which you actually want both
channels to behave similarly), but also to obtain two synchronized outputs of the same LFO waveform with
different phase shifts…

Another way of controlling the module is the split mode in which the potentiometers 1 and 2 control
channel 1’s settings; and the potentiometers 3 and 4 control channel 2’s settings. This mode only gives
access to the 2 most essential parameters of each function (for example attack and decay time for an
envelope) - the other parameters being set to default “neutral” settings.

Finally, if breaking the one knob per function rule is not a taboo for you, an expert mode allows individual
control of channel 1 and 2.

The split button toggles between the twin (LED off) and split (LED on) modes. Hold it for a second to
enter the expert mode. In this mode, the button toggles between channel 1 and 2. Hold it for a second to
get back to normal operation.

The FUNCTION button cycles through the 4 main functions.

The 4 potentiometers modify the settings for the selected function. Please refer to the tables in the next
section.

TRIG 1&2 are channel 1 and 2’s trigger inputs. The trigger threshold is 0.7V. Above each of these inputs is

a switch that can be pressed to generate a trigger signal. The LED built into the switch shows the
variations of the output signal.

Finally, OUT 1&2 are channel 1 and 2’s outputs.

ENV function, twin & expert:

Ch. 1&2 Attack
Ch. 1&2 Decay
Ch. 1&2 Sustain

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