Mutator
The Mutator by Mutronics is a stereo analog filter and envelope follower with
full control facilities. It contains two independent voltage-controlled
filters, similar to those found in analog 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. The envelope follower essentially controls the filter and/or volume
based on the amplitude of the incoming (internal) sound source or an external
sound source fed into the unit’s sidechain. The Mutator has two channels, and
the upper row of buttons control the left channel, while the second row
controls the right channel. It is possible to synchronize the LFO of the left
to the right channel, as well as to the DAW host’s song tempo. The Mutator
also features extended controls, including tempo syncing to the DAW host and a
mix button that allows the user to blend the original sound with the mutated
sound.
The front panel controls for the Mutator are identical for both channels, with
the exception of the Link switch, which is detailed below. The envelope
follower section includes controls for Env Source, Sensitivity, Attack,
Release, and Env/Gate, while the LFO section includes controls for Rate,
Waveform, LFO Depth, Link Normal/Invert, VCA/Both/VCF, Env Sweep, Cut Off
Frequency, Resonance, and VCA In/Out. The output section consists of controls
for Tempo Sync, Width, Dry/Wet Mix, and Volume.
The Mutator plug-in version by Softube faithfully replicates the features and
details of the original hardware version, with modern additions such as tempo
syncing to the DAW host, automation, and a mix button that allows users to
blend in the original sound source with the mutated sound and adjust the mix
ratio.
The Mutator is a versatile tool that can create filter sweep effects on any
sound source, and it has been used by artists such as Radiohead, U2, Nine Inch
Nails, Depeche Mode, Chemical Brothers, and Daft Punk. It is a highly regarded
but short-lived analog filter that has made a comeback in plug-in form,
offering all the benefits of the original hardware with modern enhancements.