How does the ARP 2600's Prancing Raindrops patch combine ring modulation, Sample & Hold, oscillator cross-modulation and internally triggered envelopes to generate a continuously changing sequence without playing the keyboard?

The ARP 2600 Patch Book contains a… read more

What Happens When You Modulate Envelope Attack, Decay and Release Times?

Some envelope generators provide CV inputs for individual stages such as attack, decay, sustain and release.

These inputs open the door to a completely different… read more

Why Are Envelope Modulations Usually Subtle Instead of Dramatic?

Many synthesizer parameters can move freely in either direction.

Time-related parameters behave differently.

The chapter's discussion of envelopes reveals a… read more

How Do Attack, Decay and Release Modulations Affect Envelopes?

Envelopes are commonly viewed as modulation sources.

They can also become modulation targets.

This distinction is important because envelope parameters… read more

How Can ADSRs Create Smooth Transitions Between Voices?

Simple voice switching often creates abrupt transitions.

Many musical situations benefit from smoother changes.

One effective solution is to combine ADSRs with VCAs.