User Manual

Envelope generator
The envelope generator (EG) generates a traditional ADSR envelope. The envelope defines how the level
changes with time and is controlled by the Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release parameters. Its function is
to modulate a parameter over time, based on MIDI input or the amplitude of an audio signal (e.g. plug-in
input or external side chain signal) that triggers it.
To add an envelope generator as a modulation source, click the + button in the modulation section
and
click New Envelope Generator.
Initially the EG is shown as a source component button in the interface, showing a graphical
representation of the current settings. For more information on working with source component buttons,
see Modulation
.
Click the source component button once to expand the full EG interface:
The expanded interface contains a large graphical envelope controller with triggering controls on the left.
The trigger input button opens a menu to select which signal is used for triggering the EG: the
main input signal, the signal from the external side-chain input, MIDI note on events, or one of the
band inputs. See also External side
chaining.
An audition button becomes visible when triggering on the external side-chain or a band input.
Click and hold it to temporarily listen to the signal this EG is triggering on.
The threshold knob sets the level of the incoming signal that the EG will trigger on. You should
adjust the threshold depending on the type and amplitude of the incoming signal. The circular level
meter around the threshold knob gives a good indication of what threshold level to use. Note: the
threshold knob is hidden when MIDI input triggering is used.
The range button selects whether the EG produces a signal in the default range between 0 and 1,
or with a range such that the EG outputs 0 while in its sustain phase. In the latter case, the EG will
attack from a negative value to a positive value, and finally release to a negative value. This
"centers" the output value around 0, which can be useful for modulation.
In the envelope controller you can click and drag the dots to customize the envelope shape. The
following parameters are available:
Delay
The time it takes for the attack to start after the key is pressed (or triggered when the input signal
exceeds the threshold).
Attack
The Attack portion of the envelope is the time taken for the amplitude to reach maximum value.
Slow attack is commonly part of sounds called pads. But for percussive sounds the attack time
should be as short as possible.
Decay
After the sound has reached its maximum level, it starts to decay until it reaches a level known as
the Sustain level at a rate set by the Decay time setting.
Sustain
This is the level reached after the decay time. The EG will hold this level as long as a key is pressed
(or as long as the trigger input level is above the threshold). Note that this parameter specifies a
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