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Mutable Instruments Plaits Macro Oscillator

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$223.01 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (11)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Mutable Instruments Plaits

5 community setups

6 wishlisted

74 saved

Page last updated Jun 16, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 16, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (20)

$223.01 2 available New

$294.76 6 available Used

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Average Price: $259

Standard/Professional

$149

$350+

Price Tier

In the Modular Synthesizers category, Mutable Instruments Plaits Macro Oscillator is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Dive into the realm of sonic exploration with the Mutable Instruments Plaits Macro Oscillator, a powerhouse in modular synthesis. This successor to the beloved Braids module offers a streamlined interface, eliminating the need for menu diving and putting a wide array of tones at your fingertips. From dual virtual analog oscillators to intricate additive synthesis, the Plaits is designed to fuel your creativity without the clutter. Whether crafting dense textures or sharp leads, this module is a testament to Mutable Instruments' commitment to quality and innovation in sound synthesis.

Key Features:

16 distinct sound modes including FM, wavetable, physical modeling, and noise generation
Redesigned hardware and software for improved performance and ease of use
Integrated Low-pass Gate (LPG) mode for dynamic amplitude and timbre control
CV inputs for all sound shaping parameters for extensive modulation possibilities
Dedicated harmonic oscillator for complex, evolving textures
Simple, intuitive interface for immediate sound sculpting

Product specs

Brand	Mutable Instruments
Model	Plaits
Finish	Silver
Year	2018 - 2025
Made In	France
Categories	Eurorack Modules and Cases, Synth Modules
Horizontal Pitch	12HP
Modular Synth Format	Eurorack
Polyphony	1 Voice
Synth Module Function	Drum and Percussion, Full Voice Synth, Noise Generator, Oscillator

FAQs

What sound synthesis modes are available on the Mutable Instruments Plaits?: The Plaits Macro Oscillator offers 16 synthesis modes, including virtual analog, wavetable, FM, granular, and physical modeling, providing a wide range of sound possibilities for modular synth setups.
Can the Mutable Instruments Plaits be used for percussive sounds?: Yes, Plaits includes dedicated percussive synthesis modes, making it suitable for creating drum and percussion sounds within a modular synth system.
How many HP does the Mutable Instruments Plaits occupy in a Eurorack setup?: The Mutable Instruments Plaits requires 12HP of space in a Eurorack modular synthesizer setup.
Is the Mutable Instruments Plaits suitable for beginners in modular synthesis?: Yes, Plaits is designed with an intuitive interface and versatile sound engine, making it accessible and user-friendly for beginners in modular synthesis.
Does the Mutable Instruments Plaits support polyphony?: The Plaits is a monophonic module, meaning it produces one voice at a time, which is typical for many Eurorack oscillators.

Videos

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Perfect Circuit

Mutable Instruments Plaits Macro-Oscillator Sounds

Perfect Circuit

Mutable Instruments Plaits Listening Session | Gear Review

Under the Big Tree

Mutable Instruments Plaits: A detailed demo and tutorial

CatSynth TV

Macro Oscillator 2 (Plaits) Tutorial

Optoproductions

PLAITS by Mutable Instruments - 16 Modes - Sound Demonstration (NO TALKING) - My First Module

Hal Berkstresser

Reviews

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PROS

Offers a wide array of sonic possibilities across many synthesis types
Compact size packed with functionality
Excellent sound quality throughout its modes
Versatile in creating basses, percussion, leads, and plucks
Contains an LFO mode for additional utility
Unpredictability can lead to creative sound discoveries
Can become significantly more powerful with the right VCA setup

CONS

Scrolling through preset menus can be less intuitive than knob tweaking
Vocoder mode's preset words can be annoying for some users
Some find it finicky and less straightforward to use

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

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Some users prefer the 4ms SWN over Plaits for dedicated waveform morphing and control across multiple voices.
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The Instruo Tš-L and Expert Sleepers Lorelei are considered interesting options for straightforward oscillators with character, without complex features.
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The Klavis Twin Waves is praised for its supersaw mode and internal modulation, making it a versatile alternative to Plaits.
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The hardware version of Plaits is often described as having a softer, less sterile sound compared to the sharper high-end presence of the software version.
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Features and functionality

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In some models, Plaits' Timbre and Color knobs are unipolar; in others, they’re bipolar, requiring users to memorize settings for specific sounds.
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Plaits' percussion modes, especially the grain/dust modeler, are highlighted for their unique character compared to other modes.
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Plaits excels in chord mode, allowing rapid scrolling through chords and inversions without complex patching.
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The hardware Plaits' subtle phaser/flanging effect is attributed to the physical knob positions never being perfectly centered, contributing to its unique sound.
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Use cases and applications

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Plaits is valued for its built-in VCA and LPG, allowing extensive sound design without many supporting modules, making it ideal for small racks.
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Using Plaits as a slow LFO by setting it to the lowest octave offers diverse modulation shapes.
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Turning off mouseover tooltips in VCV Rack and adjusting knobs manually can enhance the liveliness of the software Plaits' sound.
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User experience

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Owners feel Plaits' multi-mode nature can lead to a lack of focus, with it being versatile but not excelling in any single area.
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Switching modes can cause abrupt changes, making Plaits less jam-friendly compared to other modules.
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Owners often find the hardware Plaits to be reminiscent of vintage digital synths like the Nord Lead 2x, noted for their desirable digital sound.
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Mods and upgrades

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The module can be updated to include 8 new algorithms and a customizable web interface for additional versatility.
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Software and compatibility

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The Poly Audible Instruments fork for VCV Rack offers dedicated knobs for LPG settings and supports polyphony, allowing for more complex modulation possibilities.
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The VCV Rack version struggles with precise control over LPG decay and octave settings, which are more straightforward on the hardware.
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