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Filter Envelope
Modal 008R envelopes have true exponential slopes on all curves. All envelope parameters
are ‘voltage controlled’ allowing dynamic modulation of the curves and levels by any of the
internal modulation sources.
The deep modulation capabilities of the envelopes allow multiple sources to modulate the
curves by unique and independent amounts and even recursive modulation.
These factors combine to allow a depth of programming and modulation only before
experienced in modular synthesisers.
Modal 008R provides a dedicated 5-stage DADSR contour generator for the filter, whose
parameters can be controlled in the VCF-EG front panel section. This envelope modulates the
filter cutoff frequency, if a value different from zero is set for the filter Amount parameter. This
envelope can also be used as a modulation source.
1. Delay:
This parameter controls the time passing from the moment you press a key (i.e.
‘MIDI Note On’ message) until the envelope actually starts its initial phase (i.e. the Attack).
During this Delay time the envelope stays totally closed.
2. Attack:
This parameter controls the time passing from when the Delay phase is over until
the envelope reaches its maximum value. If Delay is 0, then Attack is equal to the time
passing from the moment you press a key until the envelope reaches its maximum value.
3. Decay:
This parameter controls the time passing for the envelope to drop from its
maximum value to a sustain level (see below).
4. Sustain:
This parameter controls the level of the sustain phase of the envelope while
keeping the key pressed: this value is reached immediately after the Decay phase, until
the note is released. For a quick filter sweep, put Sustain to 0 and a short Decay time.
5. Release:
This parameter controls the time passing from the moment you leave a key (i.e.
‘MIDI Note Off’ message) until the envelope reaches 0 value.
6. Amount:
This parameter controls the amount of envelope modulation applied to the VCF
Cutoff frequency. Note that this parameter can also have negative sign.
TIP: use a high negative EG value combined with a long Release on the Envelopes, in
order to get some nice ‘filter-opening’ effects when releasing the keys.
7. Assign:
The VCF envelope can be effectively used as a modulation source: by holding
down Assign button you can assign this envelope to any modulation destination
by simply turning the related knob on the front panel. Please note that every single
destination can have a unique modulation amount. Please refer to the Modulation section
for a more detailed description.
