Attack
Operation Manual
34
Waldorf
Modulation
A modulation influences or changes a sound-shaping component via a modulation
source. Modulation sources include envelopes, LFOs or MIDI messages. The modulati-
on destination is a sound-shaping component such as a filter or a VCA.
Note On / Note Off
This is the most important MIDI message. It determines the pitch and velocity of every
generated note. The time of arrival is simultaneously the start time of the note. Its pitch
is derived from the note number, which lies between 0 and 127. The velocity lies bet-
ween 1 and 127. A value of 0 for velocity is similar to "Note Off".
Panning
Panning is the process of changing the signal's position within the stereo panorama.
Pitch Bend
A MIDI message. Although pitch bend messages are similar in function to control
change messages, they are a distinct type of message. The reason for this distinction is
that the resolution of a pitch bend message is substantially higher than that of a con-
ventional controller message. The ear is exceptionally sensitive to deviations in pitch,
so the higher resolution is used because it relays pitch information more accurately.
Program Change
These are MIDI messages used to switch between sound programs. Program numbers 1
through 128 can be selected via program change messages.
Release
An envelope parameter. The term "release" describes the descent rate of an envelope to
its minimum value after a trigger is terminated. The Release phase begins immediately
after the trigger is terminated, regardless of the envelope's current status. For instance,
the Release phase may be initiated during the Attack phase.
Resonance
Resonance is an important filter parameter. It emphasizes a narrow bandwidth around
the filter cutoff frequency by amplifying these frequencies. This is one of the most po-
pular methods of manipulating sounds. If you substantially increase the resonance, i.e,
to a level where the filter begins self-oscillation, then it will generate a relatively clean
sine waveform.
Sustain
An envelope parameter. The term "sustain" describes the level of an envelope that re-
mains constant after it has run through the Attack and Decay phases. Sustain lasts until
the trigger is terminated.
System Exclusive Data
System exclusive data allow access to the heart of a MIDI device. They enable access
to data and functions that no other MIDI messages are able to address. "Exclusive" in
this context means that these data pertain only to one device type or model. Every de-
Summary of Contents for Attack
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