Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $435

High-end/Boutique

$149

$350+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Dive into the heart of sound design with the Mutable Instruments Beads, a granular texture synthesizer that redefines real-time audio manipulation. As the successor to the iconic Clouds module, Beads doesn't just follow in its footsteps—it carves out its own path. Whether you're looking to warp time with delay and reverb, shift pitches to uncharted territories, or craft rhythms that defy conventional beats, Beads serves as both a chameleon and a maestro in your modular symphony. It's not just an effect unit; it's a source of inspiration that invites you to explore the boundaries of sound.

Key Features:

  • Granular texture synthesis for cutting-edge sound manipulation
  • Serves as a delay, reverb, and pitch-shifting unit
  • Can alter rhythms and beats, adding a unique twist to your music
  • Functions as an independent sound source within your setup

Product specs

Brand Mutable Instruments
Model Beads
Finish Silver
Year 2021 - 2025
Made In France
Categories Eurorack Modules and Cases, Synth Modules
Horizontal Pitch 14HP
Modular Synth Format Eurorack
Synth Module Function MIDI, Quantizer

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Mutable Instruments Beads module?

The Mutable Instruments Beads is a granular texture synthesizer designed for real-time audio manipulation, allowing users to create complex soundscapes from incoming audio signals.

How does Beads differ from its predecessor, Clouds?

Beads offers improved audio quality, more processing power, and additional features like automatic gain control and a built-in reverb, making it a more versatile and user-friendly module compared to Clouds.

What are the power requirements for Mutable Instruments Beads?

The Mutable Instruments Beads requires a standard Eurorack power supply, consuming 100mA on the +12V rail and 30mA on the -12V rail.

Can Beads be used in a polyphonic setup?

While Beads is primarily a monophonic module, it can process stereo input, which allows for rich, layered textures that can complement a polyphonic setup.

Is Mutable Instruments Beads suitable for live performances?

Yes, Beads is well-suited for live performances due to its real-time granular processing capabilities and intuitive interface, allowing performers to create dynamic soundscapes on the fly.

DivKid

DivKid

Mutable Instruments Beads ‘texture synthesiser’ // ULTIMATE GUIDE to Clouds v2!

Video thumbnail for Mutable Instruments Beads ‘texture synthesiser’ // ULTIMATE GUIDE to Clouds v2! by DivKid

Mutable Instruments Beads ‘texture synthesiser’ // ULTIMATE GUIDE to Clouds v2!

DivKid

DivKid

Video thumbnail for 5 Ways to Use Beads From Mutable Instruments by Reverb

5 Ways to Use Beads From Mutable Instruments

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Mutable Instruments Beads: First Look by Patchwerks

Mutable Instruments Beads: First Look

Patchwerks

Patchwerks

Video thumbnail for Mutable Instruments Beads - Eurorack Granular Processor + More by Perfect Circuit

Mutable Instruments Beads - Eurorack Granular Processor + More

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for Mutable Instruments Beads overview and patch book by Derrick Evans

Mutable Instruments Beads overview and patch book

Derrick Evans

Derrick Evans

Video thumbnail for MUTABLE INSTRUMENTS BEADS FIRST LOOK by Blush Response

MUTABLE INSTRUMENTS BEADS FIRST LOOK

Blush Response

Blush Response

Video thumbnail for Mutable Instruments Beads - First Look (Tutorial, Demo & Jam) by Juno Studio

Mutable Instruments Beads - First Look (Tutorial, Demo & Jam)

Juno Studio

Juno Studio

Video thumbnail for Mutable Instruments Beads | Grainmakers Playlist by Cinematic Laboratory

Mutable Instruments Beads | Grainmakers Playlist

Cinematic Laboratory

Cinematic Laboratory

Video thumbnail for STOP HATING on Mutable Instruments Beads 😭 by Domi Fotaro

STOP HATING on Mutable Instruments Beads 😭

Domi Fotaro

Domi Fotaro

Reviews

PROS

  • Masterclass in multifunctional design.

  • Intuitive, easily learnt control interface.

  • Comprehensive manual enhances usability.

  • Succeeds and improves upon Clouds with additional features.

  • Offers granular synthesis, wavetable oscillator, randomizer, delay, pitch-shifter, reverb.

  • Highly creative and versatile module for experimental sounds.

CONS

  • Requires time and effort to fully understand and utilize.

  • Necessitates engagement with manual and tutorial videos for optimal use.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mutable Instruments Beads.

Comparisons

  • Beads is a granular synth, while Clouds functions as a granular reverb; Beads offers a "room" reverb compared to Clouds' atmospheric depth.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • For a grain wash effect, set size past 1 o'clock, density past 3 o'clock, and add time randomization.

    Source
  • Beads acts as a karplus strong voice in delay mode, with Time and Density controlling melody and delay time respectively.

    Source
  • In delay mode, the Size attenuverter acts as a filter: CCW for low-pass and CW for high-pass, enhancing its versatility.

    Source
  • Automatic leveling is adjustable, allowing Beads to accommodate different instrument inputs like guitar or microphone levels.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Mixing Beads' output into a big reverb and then feeding it back into the input can enhance spatial depth.

    Source
  • Beads can "clone" oscillators, allowing monophonic oscillators to be played polyphonically by recording and sequencing within Beads.

    Source
  • Beads is noted for time-stretching, using the Freeze function, high Density settings, and clocking Seed at audio rates for refined results.

    Source
  • Beads is appreciated for its ability to be used as a straightforward wavetable oscillator, expanding its application beyond granular synthesis.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find Beads outputs a very hot signal, requiring significant input level adjustments to manage.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Mutable Instruments Beads review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Mutable Instruments' Beads redefines the texture synth experience with its compact design and enhanced functionality. It's a significant improvement over its predecessor, boasting intuitive controls and a logical layout that even beginners can appreciate. The ability to function as both a texture synth and a wavetable voice adds versatility, making it suitable for various musical styles. However, the limitation of modulating feedback, mix, and reverb individually may frustrate some users. Despite this minor setback, Beads delivers rich, character-filled sounds with ample creative potential, solidifying its place in any modular setup.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
rossmotus

One of the most weird but amazing eurorack module

Mutable Instruments Beads is the successor of the great Clouds, with more adding features. I loved the Clouds and its clones (Monsoon in particular) but I love so much the Beads. It's fundamental for me. Granular synthesis tool with wavetable oscillator, randomizer, delay, pitch-shifter, reverb. The most creative, weird, crazy and genial module ever.

pamka86

Just the greatest

One of my favorite modules of all time. For 350$ it's a steal. Buy it while you can

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Richard Devine uses Mutable Instruments Beads

Richard Devine

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

uses in this February 21, 2021 video

See how Jon Deiley uses Mutable Instruments Beads

Jon Deiley

Guitarist, Composer

Northlane

...
Verified via YouTube

This module was also used in the song CLOCKWORK

See how Blush Response uses Mutable Instruments Beads

Blush Response

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Joey Blush Response gives an enthusiastic testing of the Mutable Instruments Beads, considering it as one of its most favourite eurorack module. The Beads is considered as the successor of the discontinued Clouds, even Mutable Instruments too. Clouds was one of the most diffuse eurorack module about granular synthesis and delay/reverb effects and the Beads is a very improved version of the Clouds.

Album Usage

The Mutable Instruments Beads has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Mutable Instruments Beads, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Intellijel Quadrax
Intellijel Quadrax Modular Synthesizers
1
Intellijel Qx
Intellijel Qx Modular Synthesizers
1
Mutable Instruments Clouds
Mutable Instruments Clouds Modular Synthesizers
1
Mutable Instruments Rings
Mutable Instruments Rings Modular Synthesizers
1
Meris Mercury7
Meris Mercury7 Reverb Effects Pedals
1
Strymon BigSky
Strymon BigSky Reverb Effects Pedals
1
Moog Grandmother
Moog Grandmother Synthesizers
1

Community setups

Show yours
kev_durr

kev_durr

Gear IQ 76

More Mutable Instruments Modular Synthesizers

Accessories & Related Items

Similar