mutable-instruments/rings

Rings

Mutable Instruments

A resonator module that transforms an external, unpitched excitation audio signal into a full-bodied pitched sound, implementing modal synthesis, sympathetic strings, and extended Karplus-Strong string resonation.247

Visualization oscillator_morph

Capabilities 2

Physical Modelingphysical-modeling
Implements three physical modeling resonator types: modal synthesis, sympathetic strings (comb filters), and extended Karplus-Strong string synthesis.247
Polyphonypolyphony
Supports monophonic, duophonic, and quadriphonic operation. In polyphonic modes, notes played in sequence overlap without cutting tails; to play chords, strum by playing a rapid sequence of notes.247

Jacks 10 — 8 in / 2 out

NameSignalVoltageDescription
Inputs (8)
Audio inputaudioAudio input for the excitation signal. Modular levels expected. Normalized to a pulse/burst generator that reacts to note changes on the V/OCT input.247
BRIGHTNESS CVcvCV input for brightness, modulating spectral content and partial roll-off. Higher values add more high-frequency partials; lower values darken the tone.247
DAMPING CVcvCV input for damping, modulating resonator decay time from short percussive transients to long sustained tones.247
FREQUENCY CVcvCV input for resonator pitch. Normalized to 1/12 V (one semitone) so the paired FREQUENCY attenuverter acts as fine-tune when unpatched. Stacks additively with V/OCT.247
POSITION CVcvCV input for excitation position, modulating where along the virtual resonating body the excitation is applied. Affects which partials receive energy.247
STRUCTURE CVcvCV input for harmonic structure. In modal mode: frequency spacing between partials. In sympathetic-strings mode: inter-string tuning interval. In string mode: dispersion (inharmonicity).247
Strumming trigger inputtriggerTrigger input for polyphonic strumming. Freezes the current voice and starts a note on the next voice. Normalized to a step detector on V/OCT and a transient detector on IN.247
V/oct CV inputcvControls the main frequency of the resonator (1V/octave).247
Outputs (2)
Even audio outputaudioEven audio output. In monophonic mode carries even-numbered partials (modal) or dephased components (string). In polyphonic mode carries even-numbered strings/plates. Must be patched to split signals from ODD output; otherwise both are mixed into ODD.247
Odd audio outputaudioOdd audio output. In monophonic mode carries odd-numbered partials (modal) or dephased components due to picking/pickup position (string). In polyphonic mode carries odd-numbered strings/plates. When no cable in EVEN, both signals are mixed here.247

Parameters 8

NameTypeRangeBehavior
AttenuvertersknobAttenuverters for the CV inputs (FREQUENCY, STRUCTURE, BRIGHTNESS, DAMPING, POSITION).247
BrightnessknobAdjusts the level of higher harmonics via 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 potentiometer course. Low values simulate wood or nylon; high values simulate glass or steel.247
Coarse frequencyknob≤5octave247
Dampingknob≤10000msControls the decay time of the sound, from less than 100ms to about 10s.247
Excitation positionknobControls the point on the string/surface where excitation is applied. At the middle, even harmonics cancel producing a hollow square-wave-like sound. Analogous to PWM on a square oscillator or comb-filtering of a phaser.247
Harmonic structureknobWith the modal resonator, controls the frequency ratio between partials (perceived structure: 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.247
Polyphony settingbuttonSelects between monophonic, duophonic, and quadriphonic operation. Enabling four notes polyphony causes four notes played in sequence to overlap without cutting each other's tails. The module may reduce the number of harmonics to cope with higher polyphony.247
Resonator typebuttonSelects between modal, sympathetic strings, and non-linear/inharmonic string resonators.247

Firmware history 0 versions

No firmware history recorded.

References 2

  1. [247]
    Rings Manual (full)manual
    verified 2026-05-06
  2. [248]
    Rings Quickstart Bookletmanual
    verified 2026-05-06