AMP ENVELOPE
An amplifier is most often used at the final stage of a synth signal chain, to control volume. By modulating the amplifier with an envelope, the sound can be given its basic �shape�. In fact, the �volume shape� is one of the most important factors to how we identify the sound. By setting up a proper volume envelope you can make a sound �soft�, �hard�, �plucked� �static� etc. The Amp Envelope has basic Attack and Decay/Release parameters. ATTACK The ATTACK knob is used to adjust how long it should take for the sound to reach from zero to full amplitude after a key has been pressed. With long Attack settings the sound will gradually �fade in�. ENV VEL If you press SHIFT and turn the ATTACK knob so that the ENV VEL indicator lights up, the amount of Amp Envelope applied will be velocity controlled (i.e. how hard or soft you play). DECAY/RELEASE When the attack phase is over, the envelope drops back to zero level. Use the DECAY knob to set the time this should take. Instead of having a Decay time, you can switch to have a Release time instead (see figures below). When you press a key, the Attack phase proceeds as usual. When the Attack phase is over the envelope remains on the maximum level for as long as you hold down the key. When you release the key, the Release phase starts where the level falls back to zero.
In Attack/Release mode, the signal from the Amp Envelope behaves basically like this
Hold down SHIFT and turn the DECAY knob so that the lower LED in the Env Mode section lights up to select Release time instead of Decay. Hold down SHIFT and turn the ATTACK knob to revert to Decay time. If you hold down SHIFT and turn the knob so that both LED�s light up, you will get a alternative decay mode with a short release.
