Mutable Instruments Warps User Manual

Mutable Instruments | Warps

Evolved from the oscillator mixing section of Mutable Instruments’ desktop hybrid synths, Warps is
designed to blend and combine two audio signals. A variety of cross-modulation methods - some of them
emulating classic analog circuits, some of them purely digital - are provided by the module. With Warps,
the cross-modulated sound can be sculpted with control voltages along 4 dimensions: by controlling the
amplitude and distorting the input signals, by smoothly scanning through the collection of modulation
algorithms, and by adjusting a timbre parameter controlling the brightness/harshness of the modulated
signal.

Most cross-modulation algorithms provided in Warps make the distinction between a carrier signal and a
modulator signal: the carrier signal will be filtered or modulated to acquire some of the characteristics of
the modulator signal. However, some other algorithms emulate symmetrical circuits and do not make such
a distinction (the underlying mathematical operation is commutative).

Since many classic cross-modulation effects work best when the carrier is a simple waveform - for
example, a sine wave for ring-modulation or a buzzing waveform simulating glottal pulses for vocoding ­Warps includes a digital oscillator offering a handful of classic waveforms. This internal oscillator tracks
V/Oct and will replace the carrier audio input - freeing up one oscillator in your system for other duties!

Warps is designed for Eurorack synthesizer systems and occupies 10 HP of space. It requires a -12V /
+12V supply (2x5 connector), consuming 5mA from the -12V rail and 110mA from the +12V rail. The red

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Mutable Instruments | Warps

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.

A. Modulation algorithm. This knob selects which signal processing operation is performed on the carrier

and modulator. The algorithms are described in further details in the next section.

B. Modulation timbre. This knob controls the intensity of the high harmonics created by cross-modulation

- or provides another dimension of tone control for some algorithms.

C. Internal oscillator state. This button enables the internal oscillator and selects its waveform. The color

of the LED depends on the oscillator waveform - when the LED is off, the internal oscillator is disabled and
an external signal is used as a carrier.

D. External carrier amplitude or internal oscillator frequency. When an external carrier is used (that is

to say, when the internal oscillator is switched off), this knob controls the amplitude of the carrier, or the
amount of amplitude modulation from the channel 1 LEVEL CV input. When the internal oscillator is
active, this knob controls its frequency.

E. Modulator amplitude. This knob controls the amplitude of the modulator, or the amount of amplitude

modulation from the channel 2 LEVEL CV input. Note that gains above 1.0 can be applied, for a warm
overdrive effect!

1. External carrier amplitude or internal oscillator frequency CV input. When the internal oscillator is

switched off, this CV input controls the gain of the carrier input. When the internal oscillator is enabled, it

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