Softube Mutronics Mutator

Published on Dec 17, 2014 SoftubeStudios

"Mutronics Mutator creates mind boggling filter sweep effects on any sound source—guitars, vocals, keyboards, drums, etc. The Mutator can clearly be heard on records by artists such as Radiohead, Beck, Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers, Nine Inch Nails, Massive Attack and many more. It is now available as a plug-in for VST, AAX and Audio Units, both on Mac and Windows platforms. More info: www.softube.com"

"Mutronics Mutator was an instant success when it came out in the early 1990's, and had an enormous impact of the sound from that decade. The Mutator can clearly be heard on records by artists such as Radiohead, Beck, Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers, Nine Inch Nails, Massive Attack and many more.

But the Mutator was short lived. Production ceased abruptly when a vital component was discontinued by the component manufacturer. The original has since then only been available at auction sites, often at prices much higher than the original purchase price. Softube has worked closely with Mutronics to ensure that the plug-in captures every delicate detail of the original hardware.

What is the Mutator?
Mutator has an analog voltage controlled filter (VCF) for each of its two channels, which can create synth-like filter sweeps on any sound source that is fed into the unit. The filter can be controlled from a number of sources, for example the envelope follower, which sweeps the filter in proportion to the amplitude of the sound source. In Gate mode, the filter is either on or off, and the filter can also be controlled by the on-board LFOs. These have four waveforms, which create filter sweeps in our out of time with the music.

Another very cool option is to use the external sidechain input, to have an external sound source control the filter movements. For example, insert the Mutator on a pad track and have the filter move in sync with a drum loop. You can also link or unlink the two channels for trippy stereo effects, use the Width control to extend the stereo field and use the Mix knob to blend in the original sound source with the mutated sound.

To further understand what the Mutator does, we recommend that you check out the product video!

In Short

Mind boggling filter effects
Control filter sweeps by the sound source's amplitude, from the LFOs or from an external sound source
Used on many seminal records from the 1990s
Based on technology developed for analog synthesis from the 1960s
Each and every component carefully modeled
Extremely analog behavior of frequencies, phase, distortion, etc"

See the Mutronics channel below for more.

The Mutronics Mutator

Niall on AH put up a shot of the inside of his Mutronics Mutator. I realized I haven't put up a post on the Mutator, so why not. Title link takes you to the Mutator site with samples and more.


"The Mutator is a stereo analogue filter and envelope follower with full control facilities. It contains two independent voltage controlled filters similar to those found in analogue synthesizers, which can be used to treat any external sound source. Each filter can be controlled from its own associated low frequency oscillator (LFO) and/or its own envelope follower section, which extracts the envelope contour of an input signal and applies it to control the cut-off frequency of the filter."

Note that chip in the middle is an SSM2045. I checked Synthech and Sequencer.de to see what other synths might have used the chip. I only found it on Sequencer.de for the Solton SM100 used as a VCA/VCF. If you know what else the chip was used on, feel free to comment. Click here for a full shot of the above.

Update via the comments:
"Someone who was there at the time said...

Little-known fact:
Contrary to the information given by the Mutronics website, the Mutator was conceived, designed, and the first production runs hand-built and tested by a British guy called Nigel Bradbury who started Mutronics with London-based studio-owner Mark Lusardi in the mid 1990s.

With his partner and their new-born daughter remaining in their home-town of Oxford, Nigel worked on the Mutator in London for £50 a week, almost all of which was taken up by the rent for his grimy week-day accommodation and bus transport back home at the weekends. Eventually it became uneconomic and uncomfortable for him to continue spending so much time away from his family, and Nigel parted company with Mutronics with nothing but a second-hand Mutator (previously owned by Duran Duran, no less) to show for his hard work and creativity.

His part in conceiving and creating what is probably the best analog filter unit available remains unmentioned on the Mutronics website and promotional materials, and some people feel he was unfairly treated by his business partners. To this day he refuses to discuss this period of his life.

Nigel currently designs medical electronic equipment in Oxfordshire."

Update: more updates in the comments.

MUTRONICS MUTATOR: THAT 90s FILTER

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the Mutronics Mutator released in 1996.

As discussed in the video, this unit was used by many famous artists, producers and engineers in the late 90s and early 00s across a broad range of styles.

The Mutator is a stereo pair of analogue, resonant low pass filters (SSM 2045s) and voltage controlled amplifiers that are contoured by envelope followers and/or LFOs. In a nutshell, that allows for all sorts of stereo filtering, sweeping and tremolo FX on an open-ended number of audio sources. There is further functionality such as additional attack and release times, external inputs for creating alternate envelopes, external CV ins, LFO linking/inverting, MIDI control and MIDI LFO reset etc. Most (but not all) of this was used at some point in the video.

0:00 Intro Jam
0:59 The Mutronics Mutator
2:04 Demo 1: Borrowed Filters
2:46 Radiohead and More
4:01 Demo 2: Crutator
5:06 Envelope Followers
6:03 Demo 3: Beat Guitar
6:45 Across a mix
7:01 Demo 4: Daft Filtering
8:14 What happened to the Mutator?
9:04 Demo 5: Does It Funk Though?
9:55 How do we get the sound now?
11:10 Summary"

Mutronics Mutator Stereo Filter Analog Vintage Processor SN MU802

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The Mutronics Mutator is the sound used by Daft Punk and many other famous producers. Nigel Bradbury played a big role in developing the Mutator. These were made in limited production (only 1000 units)and were discontinued when a component, the SSM 2045 ICs that gave the Mutator it's unique sound ended production."

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Behringer Teases New Mutronics Mutator Dual Analog Filter Effects Desktop & Eurorack Unit

via Behringer

"A few weeks ago we asked you about your interest in a replica of the legendary Mutator.
Instead of 19” equipment, many customers asked for a more compact desktop and also a Eurorack version.
We would like to hear your opinion before we move forward. Thank you so much:-)"

Apparently only 1000 original Mutators where released. You can find additional info including demos of the Mutronics Mutator in previous posts here.

Mutronics Mutator

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

"Mutronics Mutator - MIDI, CV-Controlled, Analog, Stereo Envelope Follower, Low Pass Filter, Amp.

The Mutator is a stereo analogue filter and envelope follower with full control facilities. It contains two independent voltage controlled filters similar to those found in analogue synthesizers, which can be used to treat any external sound source. Each filter can be controlled from its own associated low frequency oscillator (LFO) and/or its own envelope follower section, which extracts the envelope contour of an input signal and applies it to control the cut-off frequency of the filter.

Each envelope follower can be switched to track either the envelope of the sound that is being treated by the filter, or that of an independent external control signal. This external control signal can be any audio source , eg. a drum sound, a guitar, a synth, a sampler output, or even a microphone. Thus the envelope characteristics of one sound can be superimposed onto the filtering contour of another.

Another switch on the envelope follower selects envelope follow mode or gate mode - in which the circuit detects whether a signal is above a certain threshold level before switching on.

In gate mode, the device can operate much like a dedicated noise gate unit, with the added capabilities of the analogue filter

The LFO's have four different sweep waveforms each and may be switched via a stereo link to produce stereo panning effects."

Mutronics Mutator Stereo Filter SN 2175058

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction


"Most likely the best stand-alone rack mount stereo (two channel) filter, modulation and envelope follower unit. It has two great resonant filters with cutoff, envelope follower, and an LFO with 4 waveform types that can be linked or inverted. The Mutator is truly a great dance music machine. Run loops, synths, voice or entire mixes through this and filter them in stereo or dual mono. It sounds great!
The two filters are identical and totally independent of each other. The circuitry is analog too. The VCF (filters) have their own envelopes and there is a useful LFO for nice sweeping or pulsing effects. The LFO can also be MIDI synced to your music (it's a little tricky though).
There is a great implementation of MIDI control on the Mutator. Control the filter cutoff from your sequencer by hitting notes on the keyboard. That's it, the notes on your keyboard and the pitch-bend correspond to the different degrees of cutoff. There is no patch memory, but that's ok. The Mutator is a machine that's meant to be grabbed and played with live while either going to tape or live on stage. Filtering music for an effect has become very common these days and the Mutator is among the best machines for achieving this effect. It is THE SOUND used by Daft Punk and has also been used by Fatboy Slim, Future Sound of London, Depeche Mode, and Radiohead."

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Mutronics Mutator

via this auction

"The Mutator is a stereo analogue effects unit based on technology developed for synthesis in the late sixties. Quite unlike your standard reverb, delay, chorus and flange type effects the effects achievable with the Mutator are unique and quite simply defy description.

The Mutator is a stereo analogue filter and envelope follower with full control facilities. It contains two independent voltage controlled filters similar to those found in analogue synthesizers, which can be used to treat any external sound source. Each filter can be controlled from its own associated low frequency oscillator (LFO) and/or its own envelope follower section, which extracts the envelope contour of an input signal and applies it to control the cut-off frequency of the filter.

Each envelope follower can be switched to track either the envelope of the sound that is being treated by the filter, or that of an independent external control signal. This external control signal can be any audio source , eg. a drum sound, a guitar, a synth, a sampler output, or even a microphone. Thus the envelope characteristics of one sound can be superimposed onto the filtering contour of another.

Another switch on the envelope follower selects envelope follow mode or gate mode - in which the circuit detects whether a signal is above a certain threshold level before switching on.

In gate mode, the device can operate much like a dedicated noise gate unit, with the added capabilities of the analogue filter

The LFO's have four different sweep waveforms each and may be switched via a stereo link to produce stereo panning effects."

MUTRONICS Mutator MIDI Stereo analog SSM filter

via this auction, via the forum

"MUTRONICS Mutator Stereo analog FX unit with the very rare SSM filters and original MIDI interface... Gorgeous booming analog Low Pass self-oscillating stereo filter and envelope follower with 4 waveforms LFO. Can be controlled by MIDI or CV (control voltage)."

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Mutronics Mutator SN 322M

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

"Offered for sale is this Mutronics Mutator in perfect working order and immaculate cosmetic condition (see detailed photos below).

Probably the most musical and involving filter unit ever - you know what this sounds like, but until you've played with one you don't realise how great it sounds... Deep, deep subs; Mutron-style envelopes; can turn almost any sound into music; makes a soft synth hard; so much fun to be had...

These are highly sought-after units, getting harder to find - a true future classic.

It is 240V mains powered - buyers in the USA/Canada will require a step-up transformer for this to function with 110v mains power - the UK plug will be removed for shipping to overseas countries with 240v supply unless otherwise requested."

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MUTRONICS MUTATOR SN MU767M with MIDI

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"UP FOR SALE VERY RARE MUTRONICS MUTATOR ANALOG PROCESSOR FOR SOUND DESIGNED. With midi option !!!
MINT CONDITION, Please, check pictures for complete details.

Unit has been used only couple of times. It has been properly stored ever since. No deffects. No missing parts. All accessories included."

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Mutronics Mutator Stereo Analog Filter SN MU922M

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Mutronics Mutator stereo analog filter. These are very rare and hard to find. This one does have midi installed! It is fully functional and in excellent shape. Looks very clean overall, front is in perfect shape. Lightly used in my smoke free home studio. This thing sounds awesome, very fun hands on piece of gear with some incredible filtering for drums, guitar, vocals, bass, synths and entire mixes. It sounds great on anything! The sound used by Daftpunk and others like Radiohead."

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Mutronics Mutator SN MU859m

via this auction

"For sale here is a Mutronics Mutator with Midi. This is a rare vintage analog rack processor, going up in value all the time. This is my favorite stereo analog filter. It sounds amazing and warm. Less than 1000 of these are out there, and they don't show up for sale too often. Used by Radiohead, Daft Punk, Leftfield and more. A classic for techno, house and electronic music. Includes original manual..."

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Mutronics Mutator Stereo Analog Filter SN 96-8-145

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

"Rare Mutronics Mutator stereo analog filter. This unit is fully functional and in excellent cosmetic shape. It operates at 240v but a power transformer is included to use at 110v. Great if you are in the UK/Europe or a 240V country but you will have zero problems using it in the USA. Less than 1000 of these classic units made, used by Daft Punk, Radiohead and more. Awesome stereo analog filter for drums, vocals, guitar, synths, or entire tracks. Includes original manual, transformer and power cable..."

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Mutronics Limited Mutator

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Rare and amazing Mutronics Mutator with MIDI and CV. Equipped with original vintage SSM 2045 filter chips, as used in the E-mu Emulator II. You know that this is the most sought after analog filter with modulation and envelope follower, as used by Daft Punk, Radiohead, Massive Attack, Depeche Mode, Dust Brothers and so many more.. This unit is excellent condition, super clean and just been professionally serviced with new psu electrolytic capacitors and new waveform selector rotary switches (not cheap). There's just one very minor racking mark in the top right corner (as you can see in the photos)"

Update: the synth used for the above demo is a Minimoog loop.

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Mutronics Mutator Rare Vintage Synth Stereo Analog Filter LFO SN 289M with Midi

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"There are only 1000 of these made, and this one is the rare version with midi. This unit has 120v and 240v switching built in and easy to switch between the two depending on your country's power needs. It's fully functional and sounds amazing! The Mutator is famous for being used by Daft Punk and Radiohead among others. Smooth warm filters aggressive sharp resonance, this sounds great for everything, drums, bass, synthesizers, vocals, entire tracks. Cosmetically it's in great shape, with some minor signs of use. Be sure to check out the pictures to make sure you like it. Don't miss out on this classic filter!"

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Mutronics Mutator w/ MIDI SN MU952M

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"There are only 1000 of these made, and this one is the rare version with midi. This unit has 120v and 240v switching built in and easy to switch between the two depending on your country's power needs (I have not seen too many of these with this features). The sound is amazing. The Mutator is famous for being used by Daft Punk and Radiohead among others. Smooth buttery warm filters with aggressive sharp resonance, this sounds great for everything, drums, bass, synthesizers, vocals, entire tracks. Don't miss out on this classic filter!"

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Mutronics Mutator

This one is listed on MATRIXSYNTH-P with more pics.

Unrealistic Vibrating Particles

Published on Sep 14, 2015 GoldbabySamples

Some nice synth spotting towards the end of this one.

"Sample pack available now: http://www.goldbaby.co.nz/uvp.html Watch at 720p or higher for better audio quality."

"Some of the gear used:

Synths: Wave PPG, SH-101, Juno-6, Prophet-6, Pro-2, Bass Station2, PERfourMER Mk2, Leipzig-S, MG-1, Vintage MS20, Shruthi-1, Analog Dub Siren, Reaktor and more...

Effects: Eventide H3500, Strymon TimeLine, BigSky, Mobius, Mutronics Mutator, UBK Fatso, Reaktor, Analog Damage plug-ins, Valhalla plug-ins and more..."

MKS-80 processed by Mutine1 VST

CoolColJ · MKS-80 processed by Mutine1 VST

"Just trying this free VST out on my Roland MKS-80 rev 5.
Mutine is apparently modelled on a Mutronics Mutator
http://mokafix.chez-alice.fr/vst/Mutine_gb.html

Even though it only has 2 filters and 2 LFOs, it sounds quite a bit like the vactrol triple resonator on the old Korg PS 3100"