Grayscale has introduced Helix, their latest Eurorack module, and a sort of spiritual successor to the Mutable Instruments Plaits.
The Grayscale Helix is described as an ‘advanced macro oscillator’. It’s essentially a redesign of Plaits, with more hardware and software features.
New features include: pitch quantization, parameter randomization, and an internal modulation bus.
All 24 algorithms from the final Plaits v1.2 firmware are included, and a new algorithm, the Lo-Fi Oscillator, combines a Buchla-inspired waveshaper with bit rate and sample rate reduction, adding intentional aliasing effects and harmonic distortion. The LED matrix displays all 25 algorithms simultaneously, avoiding the need to switch banks.
The pitch quantizer provides 35 scales, covering both familiar musical territory and obscure microtonal experimentation. Parameter randomization allows all DSP parameters to be randomized whenever a trigger is received. The degree of randomization can be limited and biased for each individual parameter, providing results that range from subtle organic variations to glitchy digital chaos.
Dedicated knobs for the LPG/VCA level and envelope decay time open up new creative possibilities by providing direct access to these previously hidden parameters. The envelope time can be externally modulated and the envelope is now accessible as a modulation source through the new ENV (envelope) and EOD (end of decay) outputs.
The modulation bus, accessed through the CTRL input, allows the internal envelope to be replaced by an arbitrary external control signal. The external modulator is routed to all seven CV inputs simultaneously and may be independently shaped for each parameter using the dedicated attenuators. Because the ENV output remains accessible on the front panel, the internal envelope can still be cross-patched to one or more parameters.
Grayscale Helix Advanced Macro Oscillator Intro Video:
Grayscale Helix Audio Demos:
Helix vs Plaits:
| Attribute | Helix | Plaits |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 18 hp | 12 hp |
| DSP Algorithms | 25 | 24 |
| Display | LED Matrix | 8 LEDs |
| Inputs | 10 | 8 |
| Outputs | 4 | 2 |
| Amplitude and Envelope Decay Knobs | Yes | No |
| Envelope Decay CV Input | Yes | No |
| Envelope and EOD Outputs | Yes | No |
| Modulation Bus (CTRL Input) | Yes | No |
| Pitch Quantizer | Yes | No |
| Parameter Randomization | Yes | No |
| +12V current draw | 70 mA | 50 mA |
| -12V current draw | 11 mA | 5 mA |
Pricing and Availability:
The Grayscale Helix is available now for $399 USD.
Oh look, another of his variants that goes against Emilie’s wishes to share all derivatives as open source. And 399? I’ll have some of whatever he’s smoking
agreed. let’s be honest, the software value will always be in Emilie’s code. the rest of use are just making it more useful to folks. sure, charge for hardware and your added value, but continue the open source legacy, nobody is doing rocket science on her code here.
Very cool indeed, although the demo is not very musical or interesting.
No doubt expanding and evolving the Mutable legacy is the way to go. But I hope next iterations of Plaits are a little bit edgier and provide further improvements and control options.
agreed. zero effort begets zero interest. Emilie’s DSP algorithms are a gift that keeps on giving though. really enjoy them on Prologue.
Not really. Plaits has a wide range of tones no doubt, but they’re pretty boring, respond to modulation poorly and generally sound like mid-2000s freeware. Jack of all trades master of none
I’m torn on the flood of Mutable Instruments clones. On the one hand, I guess it’s nice that these discontinued modules live on in some way, but on the other hand, I’d rather see something new and innovative rather tweaks of existing modules.
Well, these modules were discontinued because the person making them decided not to make them any more for personal reasons. Not because they were old, or had not value, or something better was there, or because there was no more room to improve them. They are a very new-ish module still and adding more options is great.
Personally, I don’t have any (clone or original) but have an original Elements, and I hate, hate hate the build in envelope. Would love to have an easy way to replace it as this new version of the module offers.
yeh thats the problem with being a spectator to the game, instead of being a player in the game.. because what are you going to do about it? .. except sit back and watch..
and then complain and critique … or alternately, praise and celebrate … or just sit there in silence… watching and waiting… with the rest of the audience
What a ridiculous thing to be “torn” about
Oh no there are mutable instruments modules everywhere but there are also hundreds of other eurorack manufacturers making thousands of modules I could choose from. Whatever will I do?
yeh, wtf Moog! get outta here!
Super cool. I love that Émilie Gillet’s brilliant work and her IP generosity are still making an impact in the world of electronic music, and how companies like Grayscale (and especially Grayscale) have built on the legacy – doing more than just making clones, but adding real sound and UX enhancements. Previously they released the definitive version of Clouds, with Supercell, and now they’ve done the same thing for Plaits. Well done.
Since MI modules are cc-by-sa-3.0, does anyone know if Greyscale has a gitlab I can check out?