10.6

88Logic Pro Effects
Logic Pro Enveloper
Enveloper is an unusual processor that lets you shape the attack and release phases of a
signal—the signal transients, in other words. This makes it a unique tool that can be used
to achieve results that differ from other dynamics processors. In contrast to a compressor
or expander, Enveloper operates independently of the absolute level of the input signal, but
this works only if the Threshold slider is set to the lowest possible value.
The most important Enveloper parameters are the two Gain sliders, one on each side of the
central display. These govern the Attack and Release levels of each respective phase.
Boosting the attack phase can add snap to a drum sound, or it can amplify the initial pluck
or pick sound of a stringed instrument. Attenuating the attack causes percussive signals to
fade in more softly. You can also mute the attack, making it virtually inaudible. A creative
use for this effect is alteration of the attack transients to mask poor timing of recorded
instrument parts.
Boosting the release phase also accentuates any reverb applied to the affected channel
strip. Conversely, attenuating the release phase makes reverb-drenched tracks sound
drier. This is particularly useful when you are working with drum loops, but it has many
other applications as well.
Enveloper parameters
• Threshold slider and field: Set the threshold level. Signals that exceed the threshold
have their attack and release phase levels altered. In general, set the Threshold to
the minimum value and leave it there. Only when you significantly raise the release
phase level, which also boosts any noise in the original recording, should you raise
the Threshold slider slightly. This limits Enveloper to affecting only the useful part
of the signal.
• (Attack) Gain slider and field: Boost or attenuate the attack phase of the signal. When
the Gain slider is set to the center position—0%—the signal is unaffected.
• Lookahead slider and field: Set the pre-read analysis time for the incoming signal.
The Lookahead slider defines how far into the future of the incoming signal Enveloper
looks, to anticipate upcoming events. You generally do not need to use this feature,
except when processing signals with extremely sensitive transients. If you do raise
the Lookahead value, you may need to adjust the attack time to compensate.
• Display: Shows the attack and release curves applied to the signal.