Mutable Instruments Frames Mixer/keyframer Overview The heart of Frames is a 4-channel analog VCA under tight digital control. Through flexible input/output mixing and normalling options, it can be patched to serve the following purposes (among others): 4-channel attenuator/VCA. 4-channel mixer. 4-channel programmable CV source. Quadraphonic signal dispatcher. But what makes Frames truly unique is the way in which channel/CV levels can be controlled, using a technique inspired by computer animation. Frames allows up to 64 configurations of the 4 level knobs to be stored and recalled throughout the course of its big Frame knob. By rotating the knob (or sending a CV to the Frame modulation input and adjusting its amount with the attenuverter), the configurations are morphed into one another. To fine-tune the animation and get varied morphing or sequencing results, the following options are available for each of the 4 channel: Easing curve (stepped, linear, exponential, logarithmic, sine, bouncy) Attenuation response of the level knob, from linear to logarithmic With a bit of patching and imagination, Frames can also be repurposed as a 4-channel sequencer, a multi-stage envelope generator or a trajectory generator for quadraphonic panning… Mutable Instruments modules are packed with features and Frames is no exception: Frames can switch easily to an entirely different mode of operation in which it becomes a wavetable quadrature LFO. 4-channel analog VCA, controlled by a digital interpolation engine. Interpolation engine Up to 64 keyframes, each keyframe storing 4 CV/gains. Per-channel easing curve selection: stepped (no interpolation), linear, accelerating, decelerating, sine, bouncy. Per-channel CV/VCA response selection, from linear to logarithmic. Inputs/Outputs 4 DC-coupled signal inputs. 4 DC-coupled signal outputs. Global signal input, sent to all unconnected inputs. Internal precision +5V/+10V voltage reference, can be connected to all unused inputs to turn them into CV sources. Global mix output, collecting signals from all unconnected outputs. Frame control CV input. Keyframe change trigger output. Technical characteristics CV input impedance: 100k. Audio input impedance: 100k (25k for the global input in some configurations due to normalling). Analog audio path, with low-noise/distortion VCA core (V2164). Fastest modulation rate: 15kHz. Cortex-M3 ARM processor. Open-source hardware and firmware. 18-HP. Easy firmware updates through an audio interface. Current consumption: +12V: 90mA ; -12V: 30mA.
