Adsr Envelope - Waldorf Q Keyboard User Manual

ADSR Envelope

Most traditional synthesizers feature ADSR envelopes. These envelopes are made up of four
parameters that determine their response: Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release. The following
picture illustrates the structure of an ADSR envelope:
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The envelope is started by pressing a key. It ascends to its maximum value at the rate determined by
the Attack parameter. It then descends at the rate determined by the Decay value until it reaches the
predetermined Sustain value. It remains at this value until the key is released. The envelope then
descends to zero at the rate determined by the Release parameter.
Attack
Determines the attack rate or amount of time it takes for a signal to go from zero to maximum level.
Decay
Determines the decay rate or amount of time it takes for a signal to reach the Sustain level.
Sustain
Determines the sustain level which is held until a note ends.
Release
Once the note has ended, the release phase begins. During this phase, the envelope fades to zero at
the rate determined by the Release value.
Key pressed
Attack Decay
Picture 39: ADSR Envelope
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Sound Parameters – Envelopes
Key released
Sustain
Release
Waldorf Q User's Manual
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