- Publisher: Ternär Music Technology
- Product: Flechtwerk Pro
- Release: ARCADiA
- Format: Max for Live Device (.amxd)
- Requirements: Ableton Live 11 or higher
In the history of synthesis, few instruments have achieved the iconic status and widespread adoration of Mutable Instruments’ Plaits. This multifaceted macro-oscillator became a cornerstone of the Eurorack movement, celebrated for its staggering sonic range and brilliant design. Its code is the very heart of beloved hardware like the Arturia Microfreak and has inspired a generation of module designers.
In commemoration of Mutable Instruments’ incredible contribution to music technology, we are proud to present Flechtwerk Pro. This is not merely a clone, but a thoughtful evolution, bringing the legendary sound of Plaits into the Ableton Live ecosystem and expanding its capabilities in ways that were previously impossible.
The Sonic Heart of a Legend
At its core, Flechtwerk Pro gives you the complete sonic engine of the original Plaits module, running the latest firmware for absolute authenticity. You gain access to the 16 unique and powerful synthesis models that made the original a must-have tool for sound design.
Effortlessly sculpt your sound with the three signature macro controls:
- Harmonics: Shapes the spectral content and fundamental frequency structure.
- Timbre: Modifies the brightness, texture, and overtone complexity.
- Morph: Scans through variations in the sound, often transforming its core character entirely.
From gritty virtual analog and phase modulation to physical modeling of strings and drums, wavetables, and piercing speech synthesis, an entire universe of sound design is at your fingertips.
Beyond the Original: The ‘Pro’ Advantage
Flechtwerk Pro takes the revered monophonic voice of the original and transforms it into a fully-featured polysynth and sound design powerhouse, seamlessly integrated into your Ableton workflow.
- 8-Voice Polyphony: The single most requested feature is now a reality. Play lush, evolving pads, complex chord progressions, and rich, layered textures. The ability to play Plaits polyphonically fundamentally changes its nature, turning a classic lead and bass voice into a complete compositional tool.
- Integrated Modulation LFO: Breathe life and movement into your patches without reaching for another device. The built-in LFO features 5 distinct shapes (Sine, Triangle, Saw, Ramp, Random) that can be routed to key parameters, making it effortless to create everything from subtle analog drift to complex, rhythmic modulation.
- Creative Step Sequencer: Go beyond static sounds with the powerful integrated step sequencer. This isn’t just a note sequencer; it’s a modulation engine designed to sequence the selected synthesizer model itself. Create intricate, evolving rhythmic patterns and soundscapes that shift character with every step.
True Modular Flexibility Inside Live
Flechtwerk Pro honors its modular roots by providing flexible routing options to suit any workflow.
For instant gratification and the classic Eurorack experience, use the integrated Low Pass Gate (LPG). This faithfully recreates the snappy, percussive envelopes that are a hallmark of West Coast synthesis and a signature part of the Plaits sound.
For ultimate control, switch to the raw oscillator output. This bypasses the internal LPG, allowing you to pair Flechtwerk Pro with other Max for Live devices like DmmG or DmmG Pro. Build the synth of your dreams with full ADSR envelopes, resonant lowpass, highpass, or bandpass filters, and create your own virtual modular ecosystem right inside of Ableton Live.
Technical Details & Requirements
- Core Engine: Utilizes open-source code by Émilie Gillet, running the latest Plaits firmware 1.2 for authentic sound.
- Platform: Runs on 64-bit Windows and macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon native).
- Host: Requires the latest version of Ableton Live 11.
- Documentation: To explore the incredible depth of the 16 synthesis models, we highly recommend consulting the official Mutable Instruments Plaits manual.
To try it out, you can also download the free, basic monophonic version, Flechtwerk.
Download an Icon, Evolved
This is a rare opportunity to add a truly legendary voice to your sonic arsenal. Experience the magic of Plaits, now enhanced with the power of polyphony and deep modulation. Celebrate the spirit of innovation and add Flechtwerk Pro to your toolkit today.