Eurorack Reference

Mutable Instruments / mutable-instruments/rings

Rings

Rings is a resonator that transforms an external, unpitched excitation audio signal into a full-bodied pitched sound, using modal, sympathetic string, or inharmonic string synthesis techniques. [32]

Specifications

HP
14
Depth
—
+12V
120 mA
−12V
5 mA
+5V
—
Last verified
2026-05-02

Capabilities

  • Physical Modeling physical-modeling
    Implements modal synthesis, sympathetic string, and non-linear/inharmonic string (extended Karplus-Strong) resonator models. [32]
  • Polyphony polyphony
    Supports monophonic, duophonic, and quadriphonic operation via a front-panel button. [32]

Jacks (6)

Inputs (4)

NameSignalVoltageDescription
IN audio — Audio input for the excitation signal. Modular levels are expected. Normalized to a pulse/burst generator that reacts to note changes on the V/OCT input. [32]
Resonator parameters CV inputs cv — Resonator parameters CV inputs. The FREQUENCY CV input is normalized to a 1/12 V voltage, allowing its attenuverter to be used as a fine frequency control when no patch cable is inserted. [32]
STRUM trigger — Strumming trigger input for polyphonic operation. Freezes the currently playing voice and starts a note on the next voice. Normalized to a step detector on the V/OCT input and a transient detector on the IN input. [32]
V/OCT cv — V/oct CV input that controls the main frequency of the resonator. [32]

Outputs (2)

NameSignalVoltageDescription
EVEN audio — Even audio output. In monophonic mode carries even-numbered partials (modal) or dephased component due to pickup placement (string). In polyphonic mode carries even-numbered strings/plates. Must have a cable inserted to split signals from ODD output; otherwise both are mixed together. [32]
ODD audio — Odd audio output. In monophonic mode carries odd-numbered partials (modal) or dephased component due to picking position (string). In polyphonic mode carries odd-numbered strings/plates. When no cable is in the EVEN output, both signals are mixed together here. [32]

Parameters (8)

NameTypeRangeMin FWBehavior
Attenuverters knob — — [32]
Brightness knob — — Adjusts the level of higher harmonics by simultaneous action of a low-pass filter on the exciter signal (closed at 8 o'clock, fully open at 12 o'clock) and the damping filter on the rest of the course. Low values simulate wood or nylon; high values simulate glass or steel. [32]
Coarse frequency knob — — Adjusted by semitone increments, spans 5 octaves. [32]
Damping knob 100ms – 10000ms — Controls the decay time of the sound, from less than 100ms to about 10s. [32]
Excitation position knob — — Controls on which point of the string/surface the excitation is applied. Exciting at the middle causes even harmonics to cancel, producing a hollow sound like a square wave, similar to PWM or phaser comb-filtering. [32]
Harmonic structure knob — — With the modal resonator, controls the frequency ratio between partials (plate, bar, string). With the sympathetic string resonator, controls the set of frequency ratios between all strings (with virtual notches at octaves or fifths). With the modulated/inharmonic string resonator, controls the amount of modulation and detuning of the partials. [32]
Polyphony setting button — — Selects between monophonic, duophonic and quadriphonic operation. Enabling four notes polyphony causes four notes played in sequence to overlap without cutting each other's tails. [32]
Resonator type button — — Selects between modal, sympathetic and string resonators. [32]

Firmware history (0 versions)

No firmware history recorded.

References (2)