Modular Monday: Mutable Instruments Braids vs. Plaits is a Fight We All Win

Braids and Plaits are both digital macro Eurorack oscillators from Mutable Instruments. They're both excellent, but what makes them different? Let's find out.
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Here are some differences I missed!
* Plaits shares no hardware or software with Braids!
* Floating-point DSP code written from scratch or inherited from Elements, Warps and Rings.
* Band-limited synthesis used almost everywhere, producing aliasing-free results at the base sample rate of 48kHz (Braids ran at 96kHz and used naive oversampling).
* High-quality Sigma-Delta ADC for CV acquisition, approaching a resolution of 16-bit (12-bit for Braids).
* ADC reads are interpolated in software to eliminate zipper noise.
* DC-coupled audio output, extending the range of the module to very low frequencies (Braids could not reach LFO ranges).
* Lean hardware design: less HP, mA and €
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[@fakshen1973]

20 minutes of listening to the same one measure sequence played continuously. It was like having a malfunctioning ice cream van parked outside your house for half an hour.

[@turbochargedfilms]

You say that like it's a bad thing :p

[@ph0enixr]

@@turbochargedfilms I'm with you, but my partner is on Ronin1973's side. Shouts out to headphones for saving my marriage :)

[@zaloo]

for SCIENCE! (but yeah maybe a modulation or two after the 4th bar :)

[@HousePlant_Ambient]

Haha, I just imagine an 8-Bit game of this 😅

[@willdahbe]

yeah that sequence was fucking terrible.

[@mentallyunsownd]

Brides and Pilates both seem like incredibly versatile modules! You're creating a modular lust in me that must be sated outside of VCV Rack someday. Thanks for the great video.

[@OscillatorSink]

Thank you for creating the video I specifically requested. This is a level of service I expect you to uphold going forward.

[@miss.antidote]

So which one takes your fancy?

[@OscillatorSink]

@@miss.antidote I feel like I'm Team Plaits. But Brad is also valid.

[@BURG]

Go Brad!

[@phantom_spaceman]

Emilie's designs really manage to walk the line of having really deep functionality while still being amazingly usable in performance.

[@EVILJAMARR]

I have both units and will be buried with them.

[@jodo985]

😂😂😂😂

[@fallprecauxionsmusic]

attaboy!!

[@BackspinZX]

So apparently the answer to the "Plaits vs. Braids" question is "yes."

[@OscillatorSink]

The real winners in this battle are the blips and/or bloops.

[@BackspinZX]

As they should be

[@dimensionalbleedthrough2040]

That's what I was thinking. Now I feel like I need to buy both. But, that is the curse of Red Means Recording videos for me. Jeremy makes everything look so good that, instead of finding reasons not to buy gear; I only come away with reasons to buy. Too bad that talent like his isn't for sale (even though I wouldn't be able to afford it)

[@keegantripp2299]

Modular Monday gives me something to look forwards too on Monday. Keep it up Jeremy!

[@RedMeansRecording]

Here are some differences I missed! * Plaits shares no hardware or software with Braids! * Floating-point DSP code written from scratch or inherited from Elements, Warps and Rings. * Band-limited synthesis used almost everywhere, producing aliasing-free results at the base sample rate of 48kHz (Braids ran at 96kHz and used naive oversampling). * High-quality Sigma-Delta ADC for CV acquisition, approaching a resolution of 16-bit (12-bit for Braids). * ADC reads are interpolated in software to eliminate zipper noise. * DC-coupled audio output, extending the range of the module to very low frequencies (Braids could not reach LFO ranges). * Lean hardware design: less HP, mA and € Subscribe to my ambient channel for nothing but... uh... ambient: kzbin.info/door/G44gzf6Iumy18XEZXT2odA

[@KibweBrathwaite]

Cotdamnit!! Why the fuck did I watch this? All this time I thought Plaits was a proper upgrade and never gave a gander at Braids but... it's not better... it's actually just different. Now I'm torn. I'll never get this rack built FFS. Thanks Jeremy. Just fvcking thanks. Lol. Honestly never realised Plaits had the internal envelope. Saves me some $$ & HPs

[@adamchisum2150]

This melody has been playing in my head since the last time I watched this video 2 years ago. Sometimes when people ask me questions I involuntarily answer them with this melody.

[@jodo985]

It’s a little maddening

[@jonaseggen2230]

Thanks, needed that. Great to see some demoing of older or classic modules

[@ChuckLeone]

Thanks for posting this, it really helped me understand the differences between the 2 modules.

[@TheMachinesWon]

Thanks for making this video, i just got both of these modules and am new to eurorack. i've been serial watching these to help learn more about them. great resource!

[@seanspartan2023]

I like the fact that Braids has a display and the overall design. Thank you for showing some hidden features. After Later Audio is one of my favorite companies for micro module clones along with Tall Dog.

[@umbralupis1974]

Thank you for the excellent start to the after work wind down!

[@enigmasounds]

Love Plaits so much I have 2 in my rack! and thanks for the VCA info.

[@JimmyLem]

Great video. Thank you! I have owned Plaits, Plaid, Pleats or Playt for over a year and want to learn it. Now those 9-10 notes are running through my head non-stop.

[@ludotex]

Never getting rid of my braids. Best looking module too. These green digit leds

[@fallprecauxionsmusic]

this is a really great comparison/contrast(ison?)/breakdown of each of these sweet machines. thanks, jeremy!! long live brad the platypus....

[@DivKid]

Brad with his on board Tim. Lovely stuff.

[@0VRLNDR]

Great breakdown, had been wondering if Bradz was worth my attention. The brilliant Plotz, and Mutable Instruments' lovingly making their code open-source is one of the reasons I love the Arturia Microfreak so much.

[@chupathingy5862]

Thanks for the heads up about the braids clones. Gonna get one of those for my first rack.

[@pongtrometer]

BUCK AND PLATO are great....this tutorial has helped me using them in VCV RACK, always learning new stuff with modular world even virtually. nice one, sending s/h LFO into plaits harmonics is awesome, then have another random LFO sweep through MODEL like a looney wavetable radio dial.

[@moving_gates7757]

I thank you deeply for the cut of your jib! You have become my favorite creator whom actually informs me on any/every module and topic. I look forward to seeing demos when i own said unit. Thank yoh , thank you. As a newb you have helped me immensely. ^(^

[@DBPawlan]

one very important feature of Plaits which (I believe) you missed is the pitch range control by holding down the right button and adjusting the harmonics control. Goes all th way from single octave to multiple octaves and even LFO frequencies. Great video though!

[@DavidDeLuge]

Great video... Again! They both sound pretty sick, to be fair. I don't think anyone would be unhappy with either of them.

[@robertsyrett1992]

Braids is still quite an excellent module. I thought I could part with it after I got Plaits, but definitely happy I got both. Mutable Instruments is amazing and we are just blessed that the owner is cool with letting third parties making the micro versions that beginners can afford.

[@makipri]

The micro version is also great for my modular eurorack theremin as there is very little space in the panel.

[@EZBOT_]

These are some excellent choice modules here. Quadrax and Telharmonic too! Personal favorites showing face. Plus the Roland 531 is like the most underrated mixer/output module in town. Excellent video.

[@jamessusbilla]

awesome. thank *YOU* i'm a newbie and i have actually been buying from After Later Audio due to price and quality. so far got their Monsoon, nanoRings, and soon their Antumbra Knit (plaits). thanks for all that you do. =)

[@cccrow3348]

RMR is really out here living my modular dreams huh... :)

[@octaverecorder]

super interesting this video! thank you!

[@GeorgeLocke]

Plaits' string mode is a great exciter for Rings. (As are many of the percussive modes.)

[@ManCalledMif]

Thanks for the great intro to these

[@danbocook]

Thank you for this! I've been torn on which one of these to get because I only have room for one! But of course...maybe I just need to start a secondary case! Haha!

[@stevel1731]

Thank you for dealing with that naming issue right away. Plaits is now Persephone in my rig to avoid anyone arguing with my choice of pronunciation.

[@ph0enixr]

So many great modular companies in the PNW. After Later is fantastic, as are Mordax, Harvestman/IME, Schleppi Engineering, and I think Intellijel recently moved to Vancouver, BC. I'm probably forgetting some. Didn't realize you were from around here. Hello from Hamsterdam, The City of Subdued Excitement!

[@realLonelyTylenol]

Thanks for the clap sample straight at the beginning 🤣🤣🤣

[@NICUofficial]

They are both so awesome. Braids was an early love because of VCV rack that turned out to be just as good in real life. Then Plaits seems like the upgrade, until I used it and felt like Braids was actually better, until I fell in love with Plaits too without intending it They're just both so good sounding and such variety of sweet spots and so capable in both small and large systems

[@makipri]

The level input in Plaits and the FM synthesis were the main reasons for me to acquire it as a thereminist! I had waited for years to get FM synthesis on a theremin so I started to work on a Eurorack theremin. And Plaits works very good for that purpose.

[@neruocomp]

Every pronunciation here is valid

[@Splants]

It's about hair

[@XxVaderxX]

00:17 Cortana: i found this on the web Jeremy: SHUT UP! Cortana: T_T

[@2mbst1]

YES! So excited for this. Going to grab some snacks. really been looking forward to this comparison for a while. I had both modules, currently only left with a 6hp Plaits but still considering replacing it with Brad.

[@RedMeansRecording]

brad is legitimately good

[@bedlegs]

I am a Brad and laughed out loud at this 😂

[@RedMeansRecording]

hi brad

[@realLonelyTylenol]

CLASSIC Brad

[@FourTetTrack]

If you want to play with these modules, get VCV Rack, a modular DAW which has all of the mutable instruments modules. Enjoy! And I hope Emilie from Mutable is doing well.

[@brianobush]

love After Later Audio (also biased as I am in Oregon)

[@modularjourney60]

Thank you! I have both-in different cases. I’ve been playing them for six months or so and never learned about the internal quantizer or AD envelope. Why not call the Brat and Plaid?!

[@JohnLRice]

Thanks for the comparison! :-)

[@araguet]

the most important difference there is the telharmonic jajaja, nice video!

[@AndrewPRoberts]

I found Braids for half the price of Plaits, and I was pretty happy about that

[@TheNimasan]

plaits is beside 4ms enssemble absolutely my fav osci. i have the braids 2 of course. but from all the oscillators i heard, those 2 are my fav ones. i bought the 4ms because of your demo. can you tell me one module from mutable, which is not amazing?? because i can't!! every thing this person ( emilie ) touches, turns into gold..... a genius from an other dimension!!

[@VictorSteiner]

They are real bread and plutter modules!

[@lundsweden]

1:41 Number station music!

[@tridenttrikes2900]

WOW i like it Maybe you can explain how you built your eurorack ? THX

[@stephenmerritt8875]

Hot tip: you can also plug a cable halfway into the trig input (meaning don’t push it all the way units it clicks into place) and by some magic you get a random-ish output voltage signal that you can use to ping filters, act as weird cv or trigger other stuff. I promise it won’t break. I use this trick often for extra glitchyness. 🤖

[@RedMeansRecording]

woah

[@ozzy3ml]

This is on Plaits, right? Could not get it to work on my Braids...

[@stephenmerritt8875]

@@ozzy3ml yes on plaits. I don’t have a braids to try it out.

[@FairuzOsman]

Omg I didnt know stephin merritt is into modular! 69 patch cables

[@risro.O]

awesome video for a beginner like me!

[@dosnobres1041]

Rod Meets Reordering

[@turtlemouth]

I just got a Plaits. I had no idea it could do so much. Probably should have read the manual. The melody is now stuck in my head, like an ice cream truck parked in front of the Duggars' house.

[@casadelamusicadekarlsanmar3366]

THANKS FOR THE CLARITY !

[@HousePlant_Ambient]

Not going to lie. I had no idea you can do these sounds with Plaits. It is a bit of a complicated module to get into, but these oscillator sounds are absolutely blowing my fucking mind right now.

[@jamiefullerton]

I'm a Plaid man myself. Can't tell you how many times I forget about the LPG/VCA features of Plaits while patching and then complain about running out of actual VCA's and LPG's. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Make Noise Théodore Monique sitting quietly but looking to get noticed.

[@zanderkagle4508]

Nice! I’ve had both but currently have plaits racked up. FYI I’m sure you already know but the naming scheme is based on hair dues, braids: braided hair, plaits: plaited hair

[@RedMeansRecording]

Yes!

[@milesmacquarrie5851]

Thanks for sticking up for B. I like Brad better. 8hp (mini in my case) module with screen and more modes nah mean

[@walrtbstudios5430]

Plaits was my very first voice and I’ve just picked up a microBraids. I knew Braids from miRack obvs, but I’d never been hands-on with it- and in the brief time I’ve had them both in the rack I’ve decided that I much prefer Braids. No ‘level’ in sadly, but that’s possibly the only way in which it doesn’t win. Wouldn’t be without either of ‘em now…

[@industrialnomad]

You missed the aux output of Plaits, your fav modes from braids are on the aux output of the Granular formant oscillator

[@XiXora]

Aux output on a lot of these videos is missed out. It is a shame really… Best thing to do is explore yourself. :)

[@RedMeansRecording]

Yeah I'm sorry that was a huge oversight on my part.

[@synkrotron]

And now us Disting EX owners have both of those MI modules 🙂

[@nectariosm]

Braids > Plaits for me. Glad I skipped on Plaits as well since some of the most interesting waveforms, where ported to the Minilogue XD, so I got 4 voices of some of the Plaits.

[@emokarlffm]

how do you like quadrax? was thinking about getting one along with the quad vca...

[@RedMeansRecording]

It's decent though burst mode isn't very useful to me. The trigger chaining is interesting. If you're looking for a basic envelope and lfo I think I would go for nano quart instead.

[@morgan0]

hey so i’m really considering getting a plaits in the future, and i’m wondering if the quantization can be disabled. i don’t use 12edo and don’t want modules forcing me into it. i’m sure if i edited the firmware myself i could remove it, but is there like a jumper i could move to easily disable that, even if there’s no knob on the panel?

[@morgan0]

never mind, the extra control on braids would be nice to have, it’s unfortunate that’s there are fewer clones of it to pick from compared to plaits though

[@festuswilliams654]

@@morgan0 There are loads of Braids clones...

[@cpr2323]

Can I get the Rocky Horror Picture Show versions of Braid and Jainet? :)

[@RedMeansRecording]

dammit jainet

[@obakegaku]

Big love to plateau, but I've got 2 Breads and they are my children. 💕🍞

[@bradh82]

I’m happy to hear I’m still valid

[@Pastafield]

Thanks for the video!! Really nice to have a side-by-side comparison, much appreciated. Quick question, since the Plutz's course tuning knob is quanitized, does that mean it's locked in A=440hz? Or is fine tuning to any pitch still possible?

[@RedMeansRecording]

I think you can still fine tune it.

[@Pastafield]

@@RedMeansRecording Thanks for that, seems that the online manual doesn't mention fine tuning, only adjusting the frequency knob's range. Maybe when you limit the freq range to one octave, fine tuning is enabled, but an 8 octave range only allows course tuning? If anyone out there knows for sure, i'd really appreciate a reply

[@Pastafield]

@@RedMeansRecording All good, turns out you can use the FM attenuator to fine tune (while there is no input to the trigger) forum.mutable-instruments.net/t/plaits-fine-tuning/13616/14

[@poplaysgames6540]

"I'm English! Why do you think I have this outrageously inconsistent pronunciation? You silly king!"

[@TooSlowTube]

It's Brad and Silvia, surely.

[@AlfredoEsqueda]

nice vid

[@jamesbtex]

What is the name of that output module in the upper right corner of your rack?

[@jjbing3]

It’s braids (brayds like hair) and plaits (platt like hair). 🤦🏾‍♂️. Thanks for the video

[@ZvookUK]

🤔hmm Breads does sound quite different to Pilates... Yet also pretty similar. Thanks for the vid!

[@jamesabbott1413]

Hey Jeremy, is this a eurorack specific case you're using, or have you adapted something like a Pelican case?

[@festuswilliams654]

Synthrotek make a peli style case- I really enjoyed mine but I'd swerve their power solution.

[@linzenmeyer]

"I found this on the web.." that was FUNNY

[@averagepainter]

Brine and Play are awesome.

[@KattKirsch]

Broads and Pilates, inseparable.

[@cchoge]

Hi Brad!

[@SydChrish]

i really really want to learn more about model switching as you talk about around 17:00 - can you please link me to a video or two explaining this a bit more? i’m specifically curious about the rhythm / groove this creates via the glitching, but i don’t know what to look for. thank you!

[@festuswilliams654]

Turn on META mode, plug in your CV of choice into FM, kick back, sip cocktail..

[@danieltx7066]

I do believe you mean “Pleiades”.

[@Logolth]

What's the mixer module you're using? :)

[@RedMeansRecording]

its the roland 531! great module, especially used.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Plochts seems to have better control from the panel. But i do prefer the sound of Breads. Also, Breads has that ‘Tim’ factor 😂

[@soejrd24978]

I'm building 5 Braids', lotsafun

[@justanotheryoutubechannel3102]

2:38 as an amputee, I've come to the conclusion I DESPISE Plaits and its "2 hands required" interface!

[@RedMeansRecording]

Fair

[@dr.feelicks2051]

Joined the Knit twit club. Yum

[@iFaaNaTiiK]

any link to the case ? looks nice

[@RedMeansRecording]

It's a trogotronic and it's pretty ace

[@cooksoni.a]

Pronouncing the names of these modules is actually very, very simple

[@MrPeep]

Cool little rack, bro! 😃😃😃

[@mikeyfisher]

Can’t till if I like plaid or brad

[@andiniederkind1481]

Everbody likes MI😻

[@FelipeTellez]

Brad + Plat =)

[@KevinPrice]

Tam burrrr

[@constantinflux]

both

[@maxwellwolf9225]

what sequencer are you using?

[@RedMeansRecording]

Noodlebox!

[@maxwellwolf9225]

@@RedMeansRecording Thanks man!

[@okidot]

JFYI - The 'I' is pronounced like a 'Y' in Braids (sounds like brayds), and 'I' in Plaits is silent, and pronounced 'Plats'. Source: I'm not American lol!! :P ;)

[@leftmono1016]

Basically it’s types of hair - braided or plaited.

[@okidot]

@@leftmono1016 Yes, I was talking about the pronunciations though

[@leftmono1016]

@@okidot - yes me too 😀

[@okidot]

@@leftmono1016 well I guess I'm confused

[@leftmono1016]

@@okidot - there’s only one way to pronounce braids as in braided hair and only one way to pronounce plaits as in plaited hair.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Easy choice

[@RedMeansRecording]

which is it gonna be?

[@vieloviei]

both

[@slim5481]

@@LithiumLogica is it not clear already?