Mutable Instruments Beads ‘texture synthesiser’ // ULTIMATE GUIDE to Clouds v2!

Welcome to my ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BEADS a Eurorack module from Mutable Instruments. In this video I’ll be taking you through all the settings and controls with technical run downs, raw sounds and LOTS of musical patches and applications. I always aim to pack demos full of ideas and use cases both technically and musically so I hope you enjoy the video and learn a few things.
My Beads Patch Cookbook outlining every patch in this video in detail is exclusively available for Patreon supporters. Head to / divkid to get a copy.
Beads is the follow up to the discontinued Clouds module from Mutable Instruments. It’s labelled as a ‘texture synthesiser’ and it’s core function is real time granular synthesis. It can also be a delay, media emulator (tape), beat slicer, pitch shifter and it has a built in reverb. When you’re not processing external sounds or frozen sounds you’ve locked into the audio buffer it will load wavetables giving you a bonus wavetable oscillator that still goes through the granular processing and reverb. Compared to Clouds it’s far higher quality, has more features, better control layout with no menus and less button press/hold functions.
Info, manual etc - bit.ly/mutablebeads
THINGS TO CHECK OUT FROM THE VIDEO
Info on granular synthesis - bit.ly/granularsynthesis
Thoreau’s cabin - bit.ly/thoreauscabin
Rotating Pitch Shifters - bit.ly/rotatingpitch
Karplus Strong Synthesis - bit.ly/standford-karplus
Music concrète - bit.ly/musicconrete
OTHER MUTABLE INSTRUMENTS DEMOS
Blades • Mutable Instruments BL...
Ripples • Mutable Instruments Ri...
Stages • Mutable Instruments - ...
Marbles • Mutable Instruments - ...
Plaits • Mutable Instruments - ...
Ears • Mutable Music Things -...
Rings • Mutable Instruments - ...
Warps • Mutable Instruments - ...
Clouds • Mutable Instruments - ...
Elements • Mutable Instruments - ...
Streams • Mutable Instruments - ...
Shelves • Mutable Instruments - ...
Peaks • Mutable Instruments - ...
Branches • Mutable Instruments - ...
TIMING INDEX // SECTIONS
00:00 Hello and patch previews
02:21 Verbal and graphical run down of Beads and how granular synthesis works
05:41 My Beads Patch Cookbook PDF
06:07 Patch Break - Rings into Beads & VERB BLISS
DENSITY & SEEDING GRAINS OF AUDIO
06:32 Latched density - auto grain creation
08:31 Clocked density - dividers and probability
09:33 Gated & Triggered density & turning Beads into a voice
10:55 Patch Break - Fuzzy bass guitar with scattered granular animations
ATTENURANDOMISER
11:24 Internal modulations
12:44 Random modulation as the key to granular synthesis sounds
13:08 External modulations
14:42 Patch Break - Particles of the speech in 12 bit ‘classic Clouds’ mode
15:01 Parameters snapshot for each grain + polyphonic chordal washes
16:03 Patch Break - modulated dry/wet for fading octave particles
16:22 Sound design tip - Synthesising debris from basic impacts
17:12 Patch break - Lo Fi Modular Beats to relax and study to
17:40 Quality settings and their media emulations (hi fi, lo fi, tape emulation)
18:33 Reverb - it’s sound and quality changes
20:04 Sound design tip for cinematic evolving drones
21:21 Patch Break - Ambient guitar with pitch shifting trails
21:47 Making one VCO sound massive with granular top line melodies
23:13 WHAT A BONUS! - WAVETABLE OSCILLATOR!!!
24:45 Patch Break - a pitched down poem about Clouds
DELAY MODE
25:05 How to get into delay mode
25:36 Standard delays
26:47 Multi-tap delays
27:21 Clocked delays
28:23 Quality settings & media emulating delays (tape)
29:17 Rotating head based pitch shifting & internal modulation of delays
29:47 Grungy lo fi ambient machine! Multi-tap saturated tape delays
30:28 Quick & dirty Karplus Strong Synthesis for plucked strings
31:33 Chorus & vibrato
32:39 Comb filter & flanger
33:29 Beat Slicer - think beat repeat, glitch, buffer stutters
35:13 Patch break - swelling grains from wavetables
35:37 Shimmer FX - granular echoes & shimmer verb
37:22 Patch break - Music concrète style sonic collages
37:43 How to time stretch with Beads
39:00 Patch Break - Beads as a multi-FX unit for external gear
39:19 Pitch shifting - quick tips for smooth settings
40:03 Patch break - Scattered percussion and glitch beat
40:25 Assignable CV input for feedback, reverb and mix
41:55 Patch break - guitar wow and flutter with UBER CHARACTER!
42:29 Gain adjustments
43:18 Bask in Beads by itself
** THIS VIDEO IS SPONSORED BY MUTABLE INSTRUMENTS ** they have funded the creation of this demo video. Any question, just ask.
Join the amazing growing community on Discord by supporting at / divkid
MERCH MERCH MERCH! T shirts, jumpers and more at bit.ly/divkidmerch
Subscribe for more DivKid videos: bit.ly/DivKidYTSub
divkidvideo.com
/ divkidvideo
/ divkid

[@RedMeansRecording]

Ugh FINE I'll get one

[@rayfinkle4086]

@@korbincasen9204 SCAM ALERT

[@ronandominick221]

I guess Im asking randomly but does someone know of a way to get back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb lost the account password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me!

[@ronandominick221]

@Trenton Lyle I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and Im in the hacking process now. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@ronandominick221]

@Trenton Lyle It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much you really help me out!

[@trentonlyle7516]

@Ronan Dominick you are welcome :)

[@drthorpe8602]

DivKid is back! Today is a good day

[@RayMcNamaraMusic]

Jinxed it.

[@petecolombo]

We miss you, DivKid

[@GeorgeLocke]

He's back!

[@Jin-Hu]

Man that must have taken frickin ages to learn, format the video and film it, brilliant!

[@DivKid]

Yeah even much shorter videos on simpler modules take a long time. Happy to doing it though.

[@soundisles]

The inclusion of the guitar demonstrations are so welcome and just gorgeous. Damn.

[@matt-marque]

As much as I love these video reviews, can we all just take a moment to comment on how good Mutable Instrument's manuals are? Crisp, concise, warm. For all their efficiency, I never feel 'hurried along' when reading them. I just appreciate well-written technical documents that manage to convey complicated topics in a conversational way without eliding detail. It's honestly one of the first things I look at when thinking about a new module.

[@jedgould5531]

Underrated. It is difficult to visualize “clouds two” as a voice in itself, not just a multifaceted (*muteable*) processor. The pots also function as selectors. It’s loaded with Easter eggs. She even left bread crum LEDs to show us the way. 🤯 No one knew how to market such an advanced module to a one-module, one-function, world. Looking at this video, which Ben did a good job on, it’s difficult to genuinely comprehend what Èmilie did for her swan song.

[@wariusgaius]

What do you mean with ‘the pots act like selectors’? And what are the Easter eggs?

[@mrcwalker33]

I was hoping for an ultimate guide by you and you delivered. Thx Ben! You gave Em the farewell she deserves with this one

[@RobinRimbaudScanner]

The one we've all been waiting from, that slips from tripped out rhythms, deep bottom bass, music concrète, sci-fi synth voices, trance like pulses, burnt tape, cranky guitar and freaky noises all in glorious stereo! Good things come to those who wait 😀

[@rucasm]

Really?

[@TiminatorFL]

True story.

[@RobinRimbaudScanner]

@@rucasm really what? What an odd response. Many of us have been waiting for this video as you can depend upon DivKid to deliver a video that is balanced, educational, not full of ego, and explores the depths of a module such as Beads.

[@rucasm]

@@RobinRimbaudScanner slow down man...

[@RobinRimbaudScanner]

@@rucasm very hard to interpret what was meant by your comment. Just that writing - 'really?' - immediately comes across as relatively sarcastic and questioning, and we live in an age unfortunately where people frequently write quite mean and nasty things online. So a simple word with a question mark is quite confusing in a response. That's all. I'm calm, but I also like good manners 😀

[@elinch]

it is really a pleasure to watch your videos. Time flies by (German saying). you make the best tutorial videos for me. Thank you so much, Ben!!!!

[@MatheusLeston]

The video review we all have been waiting for the whole week! Thanks, Div.

[@HANGINGOUTWITHAUDIOPHILES]

The demos are getting so dank! You have an album here!! Badass

[@RayMcNamaraMusic]

Miss your videos, mate. Hope you’re doing well.

[@nlego5153]

Emilie, thanks for all your awesome work. I basically hang in here (eurorack world) because of Mutable Instruments.

[@sarmism]

Lovely to see you back Ben! Hope you're well and thanks for an excellent video on this wonderful new module. Have to say I can't wait to delve into your patch cookbook - nice one!

[@LuvWatches]

I feel so lucky to have started getting into eurorack in time to pick up Mutable's swansong. If you were to only have one effect module (and so far I do) this is the one.

[@Nick-kb6jd]

YAAAAAASSS! The most eagerly awaited video for the most eagerly awaited module, arguably.

[@CapRockout]

Yes! Finally the man is here to weigh in. Your videos are consistently some of the best out there. Can't wait for my Beads to arrive Tuesday. Cheers!

[@RobotalismGames]

Whoua so cool! And this new format with patch break is such a good idea!

[@Koko161081]

Till yesterday, having seen most demos, i was hesitant. Now, i’m ready to be happy and poor again :)

[@DCBMusic]

I've probably seen 6 demos before you putting out yours and you're the first to talk about the Lofi capabilities! Great video as always!

[@FenPunkFantom]

a demonstration as clear, expansive and economical as the module itself - thanks!

[@pimhansen6720]

Great video on an amazing module, but an AWESOME video production as well Ben. Hats off!

[@jupiterrising5918]

Welcome back and thanks for this video! I have been enjoying my Beads.

[@driftnote7982]

Been waiting for this video from divkid! Amazing. Thank u

[@abraille]

Great comprehensive work Ben. You're a proper resource. I'm going to be referring back to this video for some time to come. Not bad on the guitar either mate

[@BrunoWiebelt]

you are a master of educational showcasing moduls in an entertaining and educational manner ... in one way with this video you got the krone of master review er on the internet.... I could really feel that you love this module and time it with your intellect in an artistic way . Thank you!

[@orangethecolour6015]

Yes Ben, this is what we all needed! Loved the Flight of the Conchords reference also :)

[@znolive]

Just bagged one from Jay @ SSounds round 2! This will pair so nicely with my Supercell in my FX rack. Granular heaven. Great video as always Ben - we miss you!

[@PihkaIsMyName]

Oh yesss mine is on its way from Schneidersladen. Thank you for a great video! A lot of new stuff, even for an experienced Clouds user.

[@iamdesertpaul]

Glad you are back.

[@midnightsocean2689]

wew lad. My fave euro-rack channel and my fave module reborn. Fantastic!

[@Charlemagne139]

This is incredible. Thank you so much for putting all this together.

[@chemicalBR0]

good to see you back, hope you're doing well. excellent demo as always

[@McEnroe911]

The only demo that matters 🙌 sounds amazing

[@reheller]

Yeah, great stuff! That’s a dense video for a deep module, good idea to add some patch breaks! I had my very own patch break - googling for “rotary heads pitch shifting” and then studying the amazing HEDRA pedal from MERIS. Might get me one of these before a BEADS due to availability. But you clearly showed this as a MUST HAVE.

[@wajobu]

Thanks for returning--hope you're well.

[@simonmoon3866]

Ben you are at the top of your game here! Awesome vid. Already have Clouds but bought Beads last week before your vid came out so for once I had experimented before seeing you in action - you've nailed it. I find Clouds to be quirky and fun but frustrating at times. MI read my mind - this isn't Clouds II it's another green world!

[@billsoraparu9673]

I keep coming back to this video and I always come away with having learned something new on Beads! Nuggets of nutrients for my knowledge on this Module. Thanks for this video Div Kid!

[@Huffer7]

Top-notch demo/tutorial. Such creative patches.

[@SleepofEons]

And he's baaack! Missed ya Divkid! 😊🙌

[@distorson]

DivKid where are you?

[@wolfdesk]

Really love the woozy Boards of Canada like moments and the using of guitar is really great too. Thanks for this tutorial.

[@catchthehare]

I knew you'd come through. Thanks boss 🙌

[@SmoothSailingMusic]

Ordered mine last night! this video is awesome!

[@mod.3x]

got mine today, im super hyped to dive into it :)

[@edgarm6017]

Really gorgeous video. Looks extra nice 🤩

[@nectariosm]

Good to see you back Ben!

[@dustop3r]

Thanks for this nice in-depth tutorial! It got me immediately inspired to experiment and create something musical with my newly purchased Beads module :D.

[@DivKid]

glad to hear it. Enjoy Beads and your patching.

[@dustop3r]

@@DivKid As always, I ended up somewhere else in my modular :). Inspired by your mention of "feedback bliss & heaven" in the video, I took my Behringer 121 filter and patched its output back to its input and its cv modulation, both passing through LFO controlled VCAs. O...m....g!! Distortion, crackles, sparkles and what not started to come out of the filter. Thank your for all those tips!!!

[@dgp1498]

Yeah nice to see u back!

[@PeanutButterAM]

Still the man! 💪🏽🤘🏽 I was hoping you’d get this one out.

[@Edwardball]

Top draw Ben, the definitive guide as always!

[@anosoumusic]

Stellar video as always, mate!

[@wonkyrobot]

Been looking forward to this! :)

[@knobsstrings]

Love your bass and guitar playing a lot in this awesome demo!

[@konstantine8054]

You obviously meant guitar and dad guitar playing, right?!

[@knobsstrings]

@@konstantine8054 Absolutly! 😚

[@JaseLovesDub]

Hooray for you and your lovely Northern tones :)

[@beatnickaudio]

As usual this is fantastic. Big ups!

[@els1f]

Mutable Instruments is such an amazing company!

[@isolamusic6205]

Many thanks for this great granluar lesson. I was a little lot smarter at the end of your video and ready to watch it again!

[@RubenSainiuc]

At 37:22 I didn't expect at all to hear something in my language (Romanian), so it was quite a pleasant surprise. Thanks!

[@DivKid]

Maybe you can translate, to be honest I don't know what it's saying. Sounds good though :) it's a default sample in the Music Thing Modular Radio Music library.

[@RubenSainiuc]

​@@DivKid I remember replying to this a year ago, but now I see the comment is not here 😁 The recording says just some numbers in Romanian. The numbers are: 4 2 4 8 3 9 9 3 7 9 0 ... 9 2 4 2 1 5 7 ... Now the mystery remains: What does this code unlock? 🤔

[@thelanavishnuorchestra]

I'm going to have to bookmark this for future reference! Thanks

[@gladlawson61]

Best one yet. Clones hit the resale market !!!

[@notsorry]

such a great vid. well done mate

[@ZeroCool_Numbers]

Three months to ship from Perfect Circuit. Seeing this video and all the new things Beads can do is gonna make the wait even worse 😫. Great video as always!

[@RheyneMusic]

Sounds excellent! Thank you for this!

[@LikeMinds_]

I failed yet again! 😝 Woke up to synth-pron of this sexy thing! Further more, the addition of these features worked for me. I have had Clouds by MoMo for just about a year and Beads makes more sense =S KEEP UP THESE AWESOME VIDS! Your Guitar is really sounding killer bud!!

[@Lewp77]

dope video bro ! just ordered mine

[@roberttubb9300]

Great module. Great tutorial. Great dad guitar!

[@Eurikon]

Excellent VidKid! :D

[@pieterkok7486]

Good to see you're back again, Ben. I hope you're well!

[@mymodularjourney]

Excellent demonstration.

[@Efkts]

So awesome!!! Can't wait to get mine :)

[@7177YT]

Hi, does anybody know why @DivKid stopped uploading? Is he ok? Cheers!

[@wm2922]

Awesome work dude

[@jsmcfadyen]

I had a chance to mess with this at the Moog store yesterday. It's an incredibly fun module.

[@mikeleuz]

Nice bass playing! And, oh yeah, is that a Mindphaser I see in the background?! Crossing fingers for a Divkid guide coming for it.

[@hypnoz123]

God I hope so

[@aeropilot4419]

Thank you, new Patreon 🙂👍🏼

[@Jimantronic]

Great video on a great module. Thanks 👍

[@secretcircuit]

What an ingenious module.

[@Marshallangelo]

And this is it folks, the most exciting piece of music hardware this side of the yawning grave.

[@scottcampbell330]

For some reason clouds finally makes sense to me

[@stujay]

Diving in. Thank for this.

[@phloog]

I need a Spherical Wavetable Navigator cookbook! Great video btw

[@dorintube]

man...I wish I'd payed so much attention when I was in school too : )

[@Awkward.93]

thank you so much for this video !

[@torus6083]

Great tutorial. Right, I need one of these!

[@orangenotviolet]

Emillie has a new module out, DivKid does a film on it and in the end you are convinced that this module does everything you wanted it to do plus a load of things you didn't think of......great, I'll rob the bank.

[@jpsynth1411]

Lovely video, thanks!

Nice, as always!

[@buyukberber]

Finally! Thank you!

[@Larry30102]

I'm relatively new to eurorack. I'm a guitarist and this seems to accommodate the guitar well. It bothers me though to spend a chunk of change already, and the guitar results are less than stellar. Then I run across this. Very cool. Guess I'll have to start selling stuff 🤔

[@filo1210]

Yes! The Master is back 😎🙌

[@i_never_asked_for_an_alias]

The 8 bit setting sounds way better then i expected.

[@frantsel5711]

amazing video, thank you so much!

[@DivKid]

thanks for the comment, I appreciate it.

[@davidleemyers7628]

Many thanks for your incredibly helpful videos, the best! This one takes the cake, as does the BEADS itself. Going to be a top seller for sure, got my preorder in!!

[@andrij.demianczuk]

Beads is a dream for Modbap!

[@DivKid]

Yeah I can imagine some really nice FX and colours dancing around a nice sloppy beat. It's very much genre agnostic.

[@klstay]

Your channel should come with a warning label or something on it. I have a $6k build underway now with a bunch of After Later Audio, Synthesis Technology, and Joranalogue because of you.

[@tomb-X]

Great Video. Thx

[@ndf3]

exiting stuff!

[@aboxinthesea]

So good to see you back!