Mutable Instruments Clouds User Manual

Clouds is a granular audio processor. It creates textures and soundscapes by combining multiple
overlapping, delayed, transposed and enveloped segments of sound taken from an audio recording buffer.
Clouds differs from other granular Eurorack modules in that it focuses on the real-time processing of audio
sources from your modular system itself, rather than the playback of pre-recorded samples from a storage
device. It rewards the freezing, fragmentation and dissolution of the unexpected instant, rather than the
careful planning of what might very well not come.
Clouds is designed for Eurorack synthesizer systems and occupies 18 HP of space. It requires a -12V /
+12V supply (2x5 pin connector), drawing 10mA from the -12V rail and 120mA 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.
Clouds continuously records the incoming audio into a short amount of sample memory. While recording
time can reach up to 8s by reducing the audio quality setting, you ought to feel very guilty every time you
think of this as “tape” - think of it as a space, a room. Using this recorded audio data, the module
synthesizes a sonic texture by playing back short (overlapping) segments of audio (also known as
“grains”) extracted from it.
Clouds allows you to control:
From which part of the buffer the grains are taken.
How long the grains are.
At which speed/pitch the grains are replayed.
How much overlap there is between the grains (density).
Mutable Instruments | Clouds
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Mutable Instruments Clouds Specifications

General

Brand	Mutable Instruments
Model	Clouds
Category	Synthesizer
Language	English

Summary

OVERVIEW

Module Functionality

Describes Clouds as a granular audio processor creating textures from audio buffers.

INSTALLATION

Eurorack Installation Guide

Details physical installation, power requirements, and mounting for Eurorack systems.

ABOUT GRANULAR SYNTHESIS

Granular Synthesis Explained

Explains the concept of granular synthesis and how Clouds uses audio segments.

FRONT PANEL

Control Layout and Functions

Overview of the front panel controls, including buttons, knobs, and LEDs.

Inputs and Outputs

Audio and CV Connectivity

Details the stereo audio inputs/outputs and CV control inputs for modulation.

BLEND PARAMETERS

Blend Parameter Selection

Explains how to select and control the BLEND parameter and its four functions.

ADVANCED TOPICS

Audio Quality Settings

Information on choosing recording quality and its impact on buffer time.

Buffer Management

Instructions for saving, loading, and managing audio buffers.

Usage Tips and Tricks

Practical advice and creative suggestions for using the module effectively.

Calibration and Updates

Calibration Procedure

Guide to calibrating CV inputs for accurate pitch tracking.

Firmware Update Process

Steps for updating the module's firmware using an audio signal.

Alternate Modes

Experimental Modes Overview

Description of alternate operating modes like pitch shifter and spectral processor.

WARRANTY

Product Warranty Information

Details on warranty coverage, limitations, and service contact information.