Mutable Instruments Stages User Manual

Mutable Instruments | Stages

Stages 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 module and on your power
distribution board. The module draws 80mA from the +12V rail, and 20mA 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.

Use the 3-pin cables provided with the modules to daisy-chain up to six modules together. Make sure your
Eurorack system is powered off whenever you connect or disconnect units from the chain. Once several
adjacent modules are linked, they behave collectively like a single Stages module which would have a
larger number of segments.

Whether Stages behaves like six independent decay envelopes, or a single 6-segment envelope
generator, or something in-between, depends on which of its GATE inputs are patched.

Inserting a jack in a GATE input marks the beginning of a group of segments. All unpatched segments at
its right become part of this group. The first output of a group generates the envelope signal itself. The
following outputs generate segment activity signals – ramps going from 8V to 0V whenever the
corresponding segment is active.

In the illustration below, GATE inputs 1 and 5 are patched. The module behaves as:

A 4-segment envelope generator, configured by segments 1 to 4, generating its envelope signal on output

1, and segment activity signals on outputs 2, 3, and 4.

An independent 2-segment envelope generator, configured by segments 5 and 6, generating the envelope

signal on output 5, and an end-of-attack signal on output 6.

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Mutable Instruments | Stages

What happens if only GATE input 5 is patched? Segments 5 and 6 act as a 2-segment envelope
generator; and segments 1, 2, 3 and 4 are four independent free-running generators. Even if these four
independent generators do not receive gates or triggers, looping can be enabled for them, turning them,
for example, into four LFOs.

A few more examples:

No GATE input is patched: Segments 1 to 6 are all independent, free running segments.
GATE inputs 1, 3 and 5 are patched: Three independent 2-segment envelopes.
GATE inputs 1, 5 and 6 are patched: One 4-segment envelope and two single-segment envelopes.
All GATE inputs are patched: Six independent single-segment envelopes.

When building a patch, patch from right to left. For example, starting from a blank page, if you need an AD
envelope, patch your gate signal into the GATE input of segment 5 – leaving you segments 1 to 4 for
LFOs, utility functions… or other envelopes.

Self-patching is rewarding with Stages! For example, configure segment 1 as an independent, free
running LFO to modulate other segments.

It is sometimes handy to use “dummy” patch cables (or just a jack with no cable attached to it). For
example, if you have created a 6-segment envelope spanning segments 1 to 6, and if you want to change
its shape to a classic 4-segment ADSR, patch a dummy cable into input 5 to “detach” segments 5 and 6
from the chain starting at segment 1.

The illustration below shows the signals produced on outputs 1 to 4, assuming the module is used as a
4-segment ADSR (segments 5 and 6 are used for other duties).

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Mutable Instruments | Stages

Press the button [B] to modify the action performed by a segment.

The output smoothly ramps from one voltage to another, then the next segment is activated. The
ramping time is controlled by the slider [C] and the CV input [1]. The shape of the curve is controlled by
the potentiometer [A], from accelerating, through uniform, to decelerating.

The following illustration shows how these shapes can be combined for an AD envelope:

The output glides to the target voltage, stays at this voltage until a trigger is received, and then the next
segment is activated. Just like a step in a sequence! The voltage (from 0V to 8V) is controlled by the slider

[C] and the CV input [1]. The glide amount is set by the potentiometer [A].

The output stays at the same voltage for an adjustable duration, then the next segment is activated.
The voltage (from 0V to 8V) is controlled by the slider [C] and the CV input [1]. The duration of the
segment is set by the potentiometer [A].

To make a segment loop on itself, hold the button [B] for one second. The LED now blinks to indicate the
loop.

To create a loop spanning several segments within the same group, simultaneously press the button [B] of

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