Anatomy Of An Envelope - Akai MPC User Manual

Anatomy of an Envelope

An envelope creates a variable control signal. It can be used, for instance, to modulate the filter settings
of a sound over a given period of time.
For Drum Programs, the software offers two envelope types comprised of separately controllable
parameters. Click the AD box to check or uncheck it, letting you switch between two envelope types:
AD (checked) or AHDS (unchecked).
For Keygroup Programs, the software offers only AHDS envelopes.
With AHDS envelopes, the following happens when you trigger a
sample:
1. Within the period of time you have defined with the Attack (Atk)
parameter, the sample volume rises to its maximum value.
2. The sample's maximum volume will be maintained during the
Hold phase.
3. During the Decay phase, the sample's volume will gradually drop
to the sustain level.
4. The sample's volume will stay at the sustain level (Sust) until the
pad or key is released.
With AD envelopes, the following happens when you trigger a sample:
1. Within the period of time you have defined with the Attack (Atk)
parameter, the sample volume rises to its maximum value.
2. The sample's maximum volume will be maintained until its Decay
phase, when the sample's volume will gradually drop to zero over
the set duration. Click the Type drop-down menu to select Decay
From Start (the volume will start decreasing immediately after
reaching its maximum level) or Decay From End (the maximum
volume will be maintained for a hold phase until it reaches the
decay phase).
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