2022/12/12 凌晨3:32 Mutable Instruments | Tides

Tides User manual

ABOUT TIDES
Flow: a voltage goes up.

Ebb: a voltage goes back down to its initial level.

All the functions performed by Tides are variations on this theme. Make ebb and flow cyclic and you have
an LFO or VCO. Do it just once in reaction to a trigger and you have an attack/decay or
attack(/sustain)/release envelope.

INSTALLATION
Tides requires a -12V/+12V power supply (2x5 pin connector). The red stripe of the ribbon cable (-12V
side) must be oriented on the same side as the “Red stripe” marking on the module and on your power
distribution board. The module draws 50mA from the +12V rail, and 20mA from the -12V rail.

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.

FRONT PANEL

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Controls

A. Frequency range. Selects the central value of the FREQUENCY knob: 1⁄8 Hz (movements), 2 Hz
(rhythms and modulations), or 130.8 Hz (audible tones).

B. Output mode. Selects the relationship between the four signals generated on Tides’ four outputs.
Refer to the next section for more details.

C. Ramp mode.

One-shot unipolar AD envelope generation.

Cyclic bipolar oscillations.

One-shot unipolar AR envelope generation.

D. Frequency. Spans a range of ±4 octaves around the central value set by the frequency range button
[A]. The direction of this knob is reversed compared to the rate control you would find on classic envelope
generators: when the one-shot AD or AR mode is selected, turn clockwise for faster envelopes, and
counter-clockwise for slower envelopes.

E. Shape of the ascending and descending segments.

F. Ratio between the durations of the ascending and descending segments. Classic envelope generators
have separate attack and decay controls. With Tides, one first adjusts how fast the whole envelope will
complete (with FREQUENCY), then adjusts how much of this time is spent on the decay or release
relatively to the attack (with SLOPE).

G. Waveshape transformation. From 12 o’clock to 7 o’clock (counter-clockwise), a 2-pole low-pass filter

is applied to smooth the edges of the waveform. From 12 o’clock to 5 o’clock (clockwise), a wavefolder
adds kinks and bumps along the slope.

H. Output polarization and shifting. Depending on the output mode selected by [B], this knob either
adjusts the amplitude and polarity of the first output (LED B off), or the shift in amplitude/time/frequency
between each of the four outputs (LED B lit).

I. Attenuverters for the CV inputs.

Inputs and outputs

1. CV inputs for Slope, Frequency, Smoothness, Shape and Shift. Two inputs affect the frequency: the
frequency modulation CV input, which applies exponential FM with an amount set by the attenuverter, and
V/OCT, which follows the Volt/octave scale.

2. Trigger/Gate input. In AD mode, a trigger will reset the envelope to 0V and initiate an attack/decay
cycle. No matter how short the trigger is, the attack/decay cycle will always complete.

In cyclic mode, a trigger will reset the oscillator so that it starts a new ascending phase.

In AR mode, the rising edge of the gate will cause the envelope to raise to +8V from its current value, and
the falling edge of the gate will cause the envelope to fall to 0V from its current value – the same way an
ADSR envelope with a null decay time and a 100% sustain level would behave.

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3. Clock input for tempo or frequency-locked operation. When this input is patched, the FREQUENCY
knob controls the ratio between the frequency of the signal sent to this input, and the frequency of the
signals generated by Tides.

4. Outputs. Refer to the next section.

OUTPUT MODES
(LED OFF) Different shapes

In this mode, the four outputs produce four different waveshapes taken throughout Tides’ signal
processing chain. SHIFT/LEVEL acts as an attenuverter on the main signal.

Different amplitudes

In this mode, the SHIFT/LEVEL knob selects to which output the signal is sent, with smooth crossfading
between adjacent outputs. It is thus possible to route Tides’ signal to different destinations.

Different times

In this mode, the SHIFT/LEVEL knob shifts in time the apex of the waveform. This effect is achieved by
applying a different SLOPE setting to each output (in AD or AR mode), or by applying a phase shift
between each output (in cyclic mode).

Different frequencies

In this mode, the SHIFT/LEVEL knob adjusts the frequency ratio between each output. At 12 o’clock, all
outputs are locked to the same frequency. Turn clockwise, and outputs 2, 3, 4 will have an increasing
frequency. Turn counter-clockwise and outputs 2, 3, 4 will have a decreasing frequency.

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At low frequencies, this generates poly-rhythmic LFOs: try using a low SLOPE to generate signals whose
edges are sharp enough to trigger other modules.

At audio frequencies, this creates just intonation chords.

EXTERNAL CLOCKING
Patch a clock or a clean and pure oscillator signal to Tides’ CLOCK input (3), and Tides will follow the
frequency of this clock/oscillator, multiplied by a ratio set by the FREQUENCY knob [D]. A ratio of 1:1 is
used when this knob is at 12 o’clock.

If the trigger input (2) is left unpatched, an AD or AR envelope will be generated at each tick of the clock,
and the oscillations will be in phase with the clock. Remember that the FREQUENCY knob multiplies or
divides the clock!

It is also possible to patch both the CLOCK (3) and TRIG (2) inputs. In this case, Tides needs to receive a
trigger on the trigger input to generate an envelope, but adjusts the envelope duration so that it matches
the external clock rate.

Tempo-synchronized LFOs, generation of just-intonation chords or overtones, and clock

division/multiplication/phase-shifting are all possible with this feature.

AUDIO RATE OPERATION

Because we do not perceive the trajectory of a 1 Hz LFO the same way we hear the waveform of a 100
Hz oscillator, Tides adapts its behavior when the frequency range selector [A] is set to the audio range
setting:

The SHAPE control [E] offers a different palette of waveshapes – chosen so that there is a more striking
timbral difference between them.
The SLOPE control [F] uses a linear scale (instead of exponential) for smooth pulse-width modulation
effects.
In order to prevent aliasing, the range of the SHAPE [E] and SMOOTHNESS [G] knobs is narrowed down
when high frequency tones are generated.
When using the frequency multiplication/division output mode, a different set of frequency ratios is chosen for
each output, corresponding to musical intervals.
A different algorithm favoring pitch accuracy and lack of jitter is used to track the CLOCK (3) input. This
algorithm makes the assumption that a periodic waveform is present on the clock input, and does not offer
any guarantee that the phase of Tides’ signal will match the phase of the external clock.

Conversely, if the frequency range selector [A] is set to the lower or intermediate frequency setting, Tides
accurately locks onto the phase of the clock and can follow irregular (but repetitive) rhythmic pattern or
clocks with shuffle/swing.

ADVANCED TOPICS
Calibration procedure
The module is factory-calibrated using precision voltage sources. Follow this procedure only if
you want to compensate for inaccuracies in your CV sources.

To calibrate the unit:

1. Disconnect all CV inputs.

2. Connect the note CV output of a well-calibrated keyboard interface or MIDI-CV converter to the V/OCT input.
Leave all the other CV inputs unpatched.
3. Press both buttons [A] and [B] simultaneously. The first LED slowly blinks in orange.
4. Send a voltage of 1.000V to the V/OCT input.
5. Press any button. The second LED blinks in orange.
6. Send a voltage of 3.000V to the V/OCT input.
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7. Press any button.

Firmware update procedure

If you think your module is behaving strangely, updating the firmware is certainly not the right
thing to do. Contact us instead!

Unplug all CV inputs/outputs from the module. Connect the output of your audio interface/sound card to
the SLOPE CV input (1). Set the SLOPE knob [F] to an intermediate position. Power on your modular
system with the frequency range selection button [A] pressed.

Make sure that no additional sound (such as email notification sounds, background music etc.) from your
computer will be played during the procedure. Make sure that your speakers/monitors are not connected
to your audio interface - the noises emitted during the procedure are aggressive and can harm your
hearing. On non-studio audio equipment (for example the line output from a desktop computer), you might
have to turn up the gain to the maximum.

When you are all set, play the firmware update file into the module. While the module receives data, the
frequency range LED will act as vu-meter (lit in orange when the signal level is optimal). Try adjusting the
SLOPE knob to adjust gain. When the end of the audio file is reached, the module automatically restarts -
if it is not the case, please retry the procedure from the beginning.

In case the signal level is inadequate, all LEDs will blink in red. Press the button [A] and retry with a
higher gain. If this does not help, please retry the procedure from another computer/audio interface, and
make sure that no piece of equipment or software effect (equalizer, automatic gain control, FX processor)
is inserted in the signal chain.

WARRANTY
This product is covered by Mutable Instruments’ warranty, for one year following the date of manufacture.
This warranty covers any defect in the manufacturing of this product. This warranty does not cover any
damage or malfunction caused by incorrect use - such as, but not limited to, power cables connected
backwards, excessive voltage levels, or exposure to extreme temperature or moisture levels.

The warranty covers replacement or repair, as decided by Mutable Instruments. Please contact our
customer service ([email protected]) for a return authorization before sending the
module. The cost of sending a module back for servicing is paid for by the customer.

Mutable Instruments encourages modding and hacking, but we will not service modified units or provide
any assistance in the realization of mods.

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