28
Tutorials
Figure 8: Tutorial 2, step 2
Step 3: Add an ADSR
Description
Now that we are able to trigger the sound with the keyboard, we would like to be able to shape the
sound with different types of envelopes. To achieve this we will use an ADSR module (Attack,
Decay, Sustain, Release). This module shapes the amplitude of a note according to the settings you
chose. The Attack is the time it takes for the envelope of a sound to go from zero to its maximum
value. The time it takes for the sound to go from this peak value to the sustain level is referred to
as the Decay. As to the Sustain level, it is held as long as the note is held on the keyboard. And,
finally, the Release time is the time the sound takes to vanish once the note has been released.
Construction
•
Choose an ADSR module from the Envelopes section and place it in the construction area.
•
Delete the wire that connects output 1 of the Keyboard (gate signal) to input 1 of the VCA.
•
Pull a wire from output 1 (gate signal) of the Keyboard and connect it to the input of the
ADSR.
•
Pull a wire from the output of the ADSR and connect it to input 1 of the VCA (input 2
remains connected to the Vlowpass2).
•
The signal to the VCA will now be shaped by the ADSR which is itself triggered by the gate
signal of the Keyboard.
Playing
The ADSR can shape the amplitude in many different ways. This is one of the most important
components in the characterization of a sound. For example, a piano sound has a completely
different envelope than does a violin or a trumpet. They are, of course, very different in timbre too,
but for now let’s concentrate on the envelope. A piano has a very sharp attack, a long decay, no
Summary of Contents for TASSMAN
Page 1: ...USER MANUAL ...