mutable-instruments/blinds

Blinds

Mutable Instruments

4-channel voltage-controlled signal polarizer. Each channel is a four-quadrant multiplier acting as a VCA with through-zero (inverting) capability. Outputs are daisy-chained for mixing.605

Capabilities 7

Attenuatorattenuator
Quad voltage-controlled polarizer — manual gain attenuates (and, being four-quadrant, can invert; also a polarizer/attenuverter).
Cascading Mixercascading-mixer
Each channel output, when unpatched, routes into the next channel's summing node; CH4 carries the four-channel sum.
Four-Quadrant Multiplicationfour-quadrant-multiplication
Each of the four channels is a four-quadrant multiplier; combining audio-rate signals on both IN and MOD inputs achieves ring modulation.605
Mixermixer
Outputs are daisy-chained: when an output is unpatched, its signal is summed into the next channel's output, enabling mixing of up to 4 channels.605
Polarizerpolarizer
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Ring Modulatorring-modulator
With audio-rate signals on both IN and MOD inputs, realizes a pure ring modulator; the main knob controls carrier rejection.605
Voltage-Controlled Amplifiervca
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Jacks 12 (8 in / 4 out)

NameSignalVoltageDescription
Inputs (8)
CH1 INmixed—Signal input, DC-coupled, accepts audio or CV. Normalized to +5V when unpatched.605
CH1 MODmixed—Modulation input, DC-coupled. Accepts CV or audio-rate signals. Used for ring modulation when audio-rate signals appear on both IN and MOD.605
CH2 INmixed—Signal input, DC-coupled, accepts audio or CV. Normalized to +5V when unpatched.605
CH2 MODmixed—Modulation input, DC-coupled. Accepts CV or audio-rate signals. Used for ring modulation when audio-rate signals appear on both IN and MOD.605
CH3 INmixed—Signal input, DC-coupled, accepts audio or CV. Normalized to +5V when unpatched.605
CH3 MODmixed—Modulation input, DC-coupled. Accepts CV or audio-rate signals.605
CH4 INmixed—Signal input, DC-coupled, accepts audio or CV. Normalized to +5V when unpatched.605
CH4 MODmixed—Modulation input, DC-coupled. Accepts CV or audio-rate signals.605
Outputs (4)
CH1 OUTmixed—Signal output. When unpatched, routes this channel's signal to the next channel's summing node.605
CH2 OUTmixed—Signal output. When unpatched, routes this channel's signal to the next channel's summing node.605
CH3 OUTmixed—Signal output. When unpatched, routes this channel's signal to the next channel's summing node.605
CH4 OUTmixed—Signal output. Final mix output when all preceding outputs are unpatched; contains sum of all four channels.605

Parameters 8

NameTypeRangeBehavior
CH1 Modulation Attenuverterknob—Scales the modulation input signal. At 12 o'clock, modulation has no effect. Clockwise/counter-clockwise sets depth and polarity of modulation around the central gain set by the main knob.605
Zones
Negative Modulation (Inverted)
No Modulation
Positive Modulation
  • Negative Modulation (Inverted) -100–0%Counter-clockwise from noon inverts the modulation signal (negative scaling).605
  • No Modulation 0–0%At 12 o'clock the modulation input has no effect on the channel gain.605
  • Positive Modulation 0–100%Clockwise from noon applies modulation in the same direction as the incoming CV signal (positive scaling).605
CH1 Polarity and Gainknob-2 – 2At 12 o'clock (center) the channel is muted. Clockwise amplifies (positive gain); counter-clockwise amplifies with inversion (negative gain). Also controls carrier rejection in ring-mod use; controls offset between -5V and +5V when IN is unpatched.605
Zones
Negative Gain (Inverted)
Muted
Positive Gain
  • Negative Gain (Inverted) -100–0%605
  • Muted 0–0%At 12 o'clock the channel output is muted (zero gain).605
  • Positive Gain 0–100%605
CH2 Modulation Attenuverterknob—Scales the modulation input signal. At 12 o'clock, modulation has no effect.605
CH2 Polarity and Gainknob-2 – 2At 12 o'clock (center) the channel is muted. Clockwise amplifies; counter-clockwise amplifies with inversion.605
CH3 Modulation Attenuverterknob—Scales the modulation input signal. At 12 o'clock, modulation has no effect.605
CH3 Polarity and Gainknob-2 – 2At 12 o'clock (center) the channel is muted. Clockwise amplifies; counter-clockwise amplifies with inversion.605
CH4 Modulation Attenuverterknob—Scales the modulation input signal. At 12 o'clock, modulation has no effect.605
CH4 Polarity and Gainknob-2 – 2At 12 o'clock (center) the channel is muted. Clockwise amplifies; counter-clockwise amplifies with inversion.605

Firmware history 1 version

VersionReleasedNotes
2021.v6—Hardware revision with minor manufacturability improvements, such as dimensions of PCB pads and holes.605

References 2

  1. [605]
    Blinds Manual (full)manual
    source 605 canonical ↗ archived ↗
    ● verified 2026-05-21
  2. [606]
    Mutable Instruments Blinds product pageproduct_page
    source 606 canonical ↗ archived ↗
    ● verified 2026-05-21